I rush out of city hall, moments before the roof caves in on itself. As debris and smoke billow out of the front of the building, I am thrown to the ground by a chunk of wood hitting my back. Sprawled out on the ground, I look behind me. City hall, the beacon of Snowfall, is in ruins, slowing burning to a crisp.With an almighty crack, the side of the building gives up and tumbles down, putting a large dent in an adjoining house. I turn my head away from the wreckedge, only to be greeted by an even worse sight. Dead bodies lay strewn around the city, while living ones run amuck, screaming in terror. Men on horses ride about freely, pilliging and killing for their own personal pleasure. The ground is liquid, a mixture of melted snow and seeping blood. I push myself up and run. My city crumbles behind me as I run, but I don't stop. My friends, family, residents are torn to pieces behind me, but I don't stop. As I reach the outer edge of the city, I dare to look behind my back. With one final nod towards Snowfall and the memories I had there, I depart.
I wake up with a small yelp, my clothes drenched in sweat. I put a shaking hand to my face, wet with both sweat and tears. Shaking a little in my bed, I get up and throw off my uncomfortable sleeping garmets, opting instead for something clean and dry.
I walk outside and bask in the morning sun. Trying my best to disperse the same recurring dream of my past, I decide to check up on the twenty other residents. Since that attack, since our flight, I've taken to making sure everyone is here and accounted for.
"Morning Mrs Wallace." I say with a small nod of my head to the frail women tending to her sunflowers at the front of her lawn. "Oh hello, dear!" She says back, with a wave and a smile. "What are you doing up so early? Why, I'm only out here because my back has been killing me, so I can't sleep. Old age and all, I don't wish it on anyone!" I reply back: "Just like the morning air. I try to get up at this time and take a little walk, it really helps the lungs out." Of course I do not divulge my true reason for taking this morning walk.
Everyone in this town copes to what happened to Snowfall differently. We all remember that night, we all have nightmares. But as it's leader, I am guilty of it happening. I can see it in the eyes of my residents. They smile at me, they speak to me, but their eyes decieve them. They blame me for what happens. It is only my promise that it won't happen again that keeps me from going insane.
An hour passes, and my rounds are completed. I make my way to town hall, climbing the three stories of stairs, to the Mayor's office. I unlock the door with the key only I possess, and head over to the window overlooking the town. I am proud of how much it's grown. It's just like Snowfall was, really.
Turning my back to the window, I head over to a calender. I find today's date, and in little letters I write under it:
"Frostguard. 67 days without an accident."
I wake up with a small yelp, my clothes drenched in sweat. I put a shaking hand to my face, wet with both sweat and tears. Shaking a little in my bed, I get up and throw off my uncomfortable sleeping garmets, opting instead for something clean and dry.
I walk outside and bask in the morning sun. Trying my best to disperse the same recurring dream of my past, I decide to check up on the twenty other residents. Since that attack, since our flight, I've taken to making sure everyone is here and accounted for.
"Morning Mrs Wallace." I say with a small nod of my head to the frail women tending to her sunflowers at the front of her lawn. "Oh hello, dear!" She says back, with a wave and a smile. "What are you doing up so early? Why, I'm only out here because my back has been killing me, so I can't sleep. Old age and all, I don't wish it on anyone!" I reply back: "Just like the morning air. I try to get up at this time and take a little walk, it really helps the lungs out." Of course I do not divulge my true reason for taking this morning walk.
Everyone in this town copes to what happened to Snowfall differently. We all remember that night, we all have nightmares. But as it's leader, I am guilty of it happening. I can see it in the eyes of my residents. They smile at me, they speak to me, but their eyes decieve them. They blame me for what happens. It is only my promise that it won't happen again that keeps me from going insane.
An hour passes, and my rounds are completed. I make my way to town hall, climbing the three stories of stairs, to the Mayor's office. I unlock the door with the key only I possess, and head over to the window overlooking the town. I am proud of how much it's grown. It's just like Snowfall was, really.
Turning my back to the window, I head over to a calender. I find today's date, and in little letters I write under it:
"Frostguard. 67 days without an accident."
Thanks to Sploorky for writing this awesome story!
