31st October 1102
It was unseasonably warm for the end of October, the afternoon sun’s rays gently kissing her face as she walked from the ships. The fresh, earthy smell of the neatly ploughed fields mingled with the salty air as it wafted onshore with the faint breeze.
21st October 1102
The Hunter’s moon rose warily from behind the dark shadow of the mountains, filling the valley with a pallid, glowing light. It gazed down upon the hurrying figures, searching and dull like a giant blinded eye. It stared, unblinking at their terror, creamy yellow and mottled as though marred by cataracts and age.
17th October 1102
The candlelight glowed behind Hepsie’s head making her dark face a shadow in the chilly room. But Lochan could faintly see her grim expression, the whites of her eyes as they flicked down to the sleeping pair in the bed.
16th October 1102
Isabelle’s body slowly unfurled as the skies opened, raindrops dripping down amongst the shivering trees. The fell like tears amongst a huddled group of mourners standing before a gaping grave. Garrick did not stir, his body hunched over as he sobbed quietly. His hands, slick with blood hung uselessly at his sides. The rain fell on his pallid face, streaming from his hair in rivers that flowed over his forehead, down his nose to mingle with the creeks of his tears.
16th October 1102
Cindra awoke in the dank embrace of the autumn forest. The sun was sinking steadily towards the horizon, smearing the sky crimson with blood as his dying body was dragged inexorably down. The clouds were stained, pink and fleshy as they soaked up the gore left behind. Pale streaks of blue appeared as the wind swept them aimlessly across the sky, mopping up the fetid mess.
16th October 1102
Lochan curled his arm protectively around Cindra’s trembling shoulders, pulling her close to his body. He could feel how cold her skin was where it peeked shyly through the interlocking fingers of lacework that covered her arms.
16th October 1102
“Garrick… Garrick”, Cindra whispered as she fell away from the strong embrace of her father.
