The Last Snowfall

Chapter 1

He felt the cold winter breeze on his face. As he was walking through the ruins of what once was a great city of Orientalem, silent whispers could be heard. The wanderer wasn't unfamiliar with the tales about how the rubble-covered city is now haunted by the ghosts of it's former inhabitants, but he had no time to waste going around the monumental remains of the former capital. The squeaking stone under his boots gave him chills. Now the silent whispers turned into horrifying mutters. The voyager started feeling dizziness. The sight in front of him was fading. The voices were getting louder and louder until mutters turned to screams. Go forward he thought. Swiping the sweat from his forehead he picked up his bag and continued going ahead. As he was pacing across the streets he began understanding what the voices were yelling. You do not belong here. Turn, and never come back! Traitor! How does it feel killing your own kin? There's no room for you here! They were driving him crazy. Suddenly, he felt blunt pain in his chest. The man dropped to his knees, but he didn't stop moving. His strength was fading, as if the life was being sucked out of him. Crawling through the haunted city he began begging for the voices to stop. Ah, but the old Gods had no sympathy for the poor man. The torments were unending. He started cursing. Gods, the city of Orientalem, the voices, himself... everything. He was shouting while the shadows mockingly danced on the ground as the moon was rising. Soon his voice started fading. Desperately trying to stand up he kept falling down and soon the only sounds that could be heard were the muffled cries of a tortured soul.

-"Hey! Wake up!"

A splash of freezing water woke him up. He found himself in a large wooden cabin sitting next to a fireplace. It was good to feel warmth at last.

-"Where am I? How did I get here?"

-"You're still in the city of Orientalem mate. I saw you lying on the streets, so I carried you here. No one deserves to be left alone in such place."

-"Who are you?"

-"Perhaps that's a question I should ask you? What were you doing here anyway?"

-"Name's Dhael. I was supposed to get to the village of Bronn southeast of here, but I guess I'm too late now so what the hell."

-"These are dangerous paths to walk wanderer. Besides, I would not suggest going there. Dozens of king's men rode past the other day. They are going to raid the village and you won't want to be there when it happens."

-"I can't allow that. Listen, I don't know who you are, or how you're managing to live in this God forsaken place, but I need your help. One last time before we part. I need the shortest possible route to the village of Bronn."

-"Want to argue with the guards? Tell me, wanderer, what's so important? And please, call me William. William Stonefist."

-"I have something of great importance there."

-"Something or someone, wanderer? You seem too concerned to be talking about the land."
-"Both, William. Royal guards are not my friends. Besides, what is it to you?"
-"Let's say I don't fancy them either. The village is southeast from here. But be careful stranger, the winds of fate are not a thing to be messed with."

-"What do you know about fate?"

-"I know enough. Before you go, take this. It's an amulet. It'll keep you safe, will probably stop those voices from coming back."

-"How do you know about them?"

-"I know a lot of things my friend. Let's just say that this town is not a place you would like to live in."

-"Is there something I can do in return for your hospitality?"

-"Actually, there is. Once you reach Bronn, give this silver coin to the innkeep. Safe travels Dhael."

The talisman William gave him was made from rough, round stone. It had an wolf engraved in the center surrounded by some strange glyphs written in blue ink. Dhael put it under his tunic, feeling it's cold shape on his chest. He picked up his belongings and went outside of the cottage. The sun shined straight into his eyes briefly dazzling his sight. The desolated ruins of Orientalem were covered with a thick layer of silence. Streets were covered in gravel. Dhael spat, cursed under his breath and started heading towards the village of Bronn. His heavy footsteps echoed through the valley.

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Shoutout for the music: Garden of Dust - Midnight Moon

More of their work on: https://soundcloud.com/garden-of-dust