Flames of Falstryl [Short]
It won't be long until I've been found. They came so quickly... burned the entire village down within mere moments, leaving it in a smoldering ruin as they pillaged whatever remained. I remember the horrible screaming as I scoured for a space to hide within the house, the wailing of women and children as the heartless bastards scourged through the town. I was only able to catch a glimpse of one; they were donned entirely in black clothing, from head to toe, with a sword in hand. A brown tail wavered behind them as they walked along. I retreated farther into the house before I could eye the others.
I can still hear their guffaws and crackling from my hideout as they sadistically slaughtered all those in their way. They could never face true heroes, but who were we? A bunch of farmers, scavengers, and workers; we had no means of defiance. The king's men had departed from the region long ago, his promises of protection now mere whispers in the wind as flames licked the sides of our homes and conquered the town.
My father was out hunting, and my mother was visiting family far North, destined to return in a week's time. I prayed to the Gods that my father would see the destruction upon his return and remain hidden until the murderers left, but he was a man of honor and strength, and would turn into a blind rage. My mother would weep over our loss and cradle me as though I was but a child again.
I winced whenever a scream conjured from outside. My horror quickly turned into resentment. Resentment for the murderers. Resentment for the king and his empty promises. Resentment for myself, as I was no warrior.
A crash emanated from downstairs. My breathing hastened as I diligently listened to numerous footsteps enter my home.
"Hey," I could faintly hear a gruff voice call, "This place hasn't been burned down yet. Ought to get to it before Govvil gets angry again."
"You fuckin' idiot, let's loot it first. Could have some gold or food." A venomous tone replied bitterly.
I could hear them rummaging through the house in search for goods. It won't be long until they find me...
I entertained the thought of confronting them. It would be a quick fight, but at least I would go down knowing I tried. Maybe I could kill one of them before they got me...
I suppressed the idea. I want to see my parents again. I want them to know that I'm alive.
I peered over to the small window of the attic, and a wild idea ignited within my mind.
I waited for them to make their ascent upwards. They had found the ladder to the attic, but the trapdoor was bolted shut.
"Who the hell's up there?" One of them bellowed as they viciously pounded upon the door, "Ya' don't come out, and you'll burn like the rest of 'em."
"Fuck yourself!" I somehow conjured the words. I pivoted on my hooves and galloped towards the window, bracing my shoulder as it connected with the frail glass. It broke easily, and I fell upon the muddied ground. A sharp pain shot through my shoulder, but I choked down my cries as I hoisted myself upwards and bolted across the village. The flames were still alive as they consumed the village, their phantoms of smoke dancing into the obsidian sky as I raced by. My eyes burned from the blazing inferno as tears cascaded down my brown cheeks. Bodies. Bodies everywhere.
One of the bandits were stationed outside a house as his eyes latched onto me. He flailed his arms frantically in an attempt to catch me as I passed, but it was to no avail. He began to call for his comrades.
Soon, I was in an open field. My mind surged with countless, scrambled thoughts as I ran. In the far distance, I could see a thicket of trees which lined the edge of the field. My legs moaned in pain with each step, but I continued. I peered around my shoulder briefly, the ruinous silhouettes of the houses birthed enormous plumes of smoke which must've been visible for miles.
The voices from the village became faint as I entered the dark forest. I was free.