A Mind's Burning Shadows
an excerpt

The sounds were coming from behind the crest of the hill. Snarling, growling, and occasionally whining. The sun had risen a few hours earlier, but the air was still cold, thanks to the refreshing breeze. Hanta was crouched out of sight, and hopefully smell, of whatever was making the noise.

It was stupid coming up here, and even more stupid to stay. The creatures on the other side sounded string; she wouldn’t stand a chance.

Still, it was good to try.

Danger was hated by everyone in the village; even the children were repelled by the thought of anything unnatural. Nobody trusted magic. Nobody but Hanta.

This could be the start of anything. She had to do it. This would get her out of the trap that was the village. Born in Kaldon, die in Kaldon. The village that gives birth to life, nurtures it, and then takes it away, year by siphoned year.

Mind resolved, she stood up and calmly walked over the hill. Five pairs of eyes slid over to focus on the approaching figure.

Dogs.

If that was the word for them; they were like no dogs Hanta had ever seen playing around the village. Their eyes were yellow and bloodshot. Their gums were bleeding from where their pointed fangs had grown too big for their mouths. Lean, corded muscles rippled under their short black fur. They might as well have been demons.

Hanta froze. What should she do? What could she do? They were far too fast for her to run away. Move slowly… Don’t make eye contact… She tried to remember everything she had been taught about contact with wild animals.

<Do you really think that is going to help?> Instar’s voice was full of scorn, but she knew it was out of fear. Or whatever it was that nameless beings felt.

I’m doing what I can. What do you suggest?

Look at their legs! I wouldn’t get three steps.

It was too late. One of the demon dogs – the biggest – was growling and advancing. Hanta stared straight ahead. Don’t look down, as it shows submission. Don’t look up, as it bares your throat. Don’t make eye contact, as it means a challenge… It wasn’t enough. Nothing could ever be enough now. This was the end.

The demon dog bared its teeth and drew back, ready to strike. Hanta silently said goodbye to her friends, her family, the destiny that she used to be certain of but never got to meet. It was meant to be. All she had to do was live a quiet life, then die. By the teeth of a dog. She was almost insulted. The demon dog launched itself into the air, and the world went black. All that was left was a fast fading image of sharp teeth in bleeding jaws, opening wide… wider…