Scene 2

I moved slowly as hunger set in. I scanned the devastation, searching for anything edible. I clutched the sword in my hand, ready to strike anything that might jump or scamper across my path. Nothing did.

The day passed as slowly as I made my way across the army’s trail. The rain had eased to a fine drizzle, but the large puddled remained having filled in the giant footsteps made by the rooks. They were small ponds that littered the land now. My mind drifted and wandered as I struggled to remain awake as made my way. I was startled to reality as a small lizard ran across my path. I cursed. It was too fast to catch. I stood watching as it raced away. My stomach growled. “I know. I’m hungry too,’ I grumbled. The lizard stopped and looked back at me as if taunting me to give chase. A moment later it ran off.

A sound like metal scraping on rock drew my attention. I froze. There it was again. I hadn’t imagined it. Gripping my newfound weapon tighter, I took cautious steps toward the sound, being careful not to make noises of my own. The sword, I held point-first in front of me trailblazing the way.

The sound repeats, over and over—redundantly like an axe being sharpened on a stone. Approaching with as much caution as I could muster, I’m unsure what I’m about to encounter. What I find causes me to stop in wonder.