Fragments Gallery
Of Course
Children laughed merrily as they dashed through the streets, their high voices ringing off the dark walls. You turn to watch them run by before raising your hand to knock on the door before you. Inside, where voices had reigned moments before now fell silent at the sound of your tap. Heavy boots approached the door and you felt a moment of dread at the ominous sound. But the moment passed and you pushed the feeling away, it had no place here. They would still be there.
Of course they would.
Instead you focus on the world around you. You breathe in the rich scents of wood smoke, freshly hewn lumber and the warm smell of falling leaves. The light of day has almost faded but when you glance around enough light remains to see the wood and stone walls of the buildings rising above the well-worn cobbles of the town square.
The footsteps have reached the door and a small slat slides back to reveal a cautious set of eyes. Upon seeing you they blink and the slat snaps shut. You hear the latch pulled back and the lock clicks. You steel yourself and wonder once more why you must always be the bearer of bad news.
"What's wrong?" asked the man as the door opened.
"They want their war," is all you say. It's all you have to say.
He cursed and backed up giving you room to enter.
"What happened?" he demanded, "Did the negotiations fail?"
"Not that I know of."
"But you're sure of this?"
"I saw the orders myself. They're starting to mobilize their soldiers; they're moving to strike the outposts on the border."
"But... Why?"
You just shake your head. You don't know. The man stares at you and you stare back at him. You don't have the answers he needs. This time you're just the messenger.
"What does this mean for us?" he asked eventually.
"It means the alliance we've worked so hard for is going to fail. The senate has elected to invade rather than seek a peaceful resolution. It also means we're all in danger. We must leave."
"They wouldn't dare attack us," he scoffed.
"Yes they would."
He starts at the cold finality of your tone. Finally he sees the fear in your eyes and the set of your jaw; he hears the determination in your voice.
Of course they would.
"We must leave now," You repeat, "They're coming."