Alien Landscape the aftermath part 2

The screams of those dying echoed chillingly through the swirling mist. causing the survivors to move even closer together. When the screams... more

by Blair Stuart

Title

Alien Landscape the aftermath part 2

Artist

Blair Stuart

Medium

Photograph - Mixed Media

Description

The screams of those dying echoed chillingly through the swirling mist. causing the survivors to move even closer together. When the screams subsided, the only sound heard was the soft whimpering of the children. Children who , in an effort to provide some protection for them, had been guided into a small cave in the cliff face.
Olaf, a mountain of a man and seen by all as the group Leader, looked around but could barely discerne the faces of those that remained. In the stillness he called out, his voice sounding louder than he intended it to, asking everyone, man, woman and child to identify themselves. Within minutes the count was finished and he shuddered inwardly as a mere dozen adults and eight children had answered his behest.

From that quick count it was obvious that their ranks had been significantly diminished, for unless there were other survivors still in hiding, the death toll from the last attacks had claimed 30 men. women and children.

Straightening himself, Olaf gazed into the mist noting that its swirling had intensified as a dark shadow materialised, striding towards him with dertermination. Whilst gazing in the direction of the approaching warrior, the mist cleared briefly allowing him to see that it was his trusted Lieutenant Strykejern, clothes torn and disheveled, dried blood caked to his face, one arm hanging loosely by his side.
With mixed feelings he continued to watch, though the mist had once again closed in around the warrior giving him a ghostly wraith like appearance as he made his way to his side.
As the man drew closer, Olaf stirred himself, stepping forward to greet him. taking his hand and embracing as equals. Facing each other, much was said in the glances that passed between them, but no words were uttered. Although delighted that Strykejern was still alive after the last attacks. Olaf could not help but wonder if, given the injuries he stoically bore, Strykejern, would survive the next attacks, which both men knew would resume with the coming mist, the creatures having sated themselves on those they had already taken.

That the creatures would renew their attacks on those that remained was accepted, that and the fact that they were powerless to stop them,

Both were aware that though they would kill a few of the creatures, unless they could fortify their position their losses would again be high, with the strong chance that they would all be taken.

Olaf was all too aware that dawn, though still hours away, was there only hope. For with the coming of dawn the mist would start to dissapate and with it would go the creatures. How to ensure that they survived till then was the thought uppermost in his mind, He had the inkling of a plan...around which his Lieutenant was to be the key to its success or failure.

Without a word, the warrior turned and following the line of his leaders extended arm, he moved to where the children were. These young ones had endured much, yet they looked up at him with trusting eyes as with silent commands and using the older children to help, he moved them further back into the relative safety of the cave. As terrified as they were, they did as they were bid with no complaint nor hesitation, unlike some of his men, he wryly thought..

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June 7th, 2012