Strange Tales For Strange Nights

Legends Are Just Legends

Once upon a time in an ancient land known to few, there was a man and everyday he would walk down to the river to fetch water, and everyday he would provide fresh drinking water for his herd of sheep. This went on for decades and throughout the years he never once dared to step foot into the river, for locals warned him that the devil lives in the depth of the river, waiting to drown his next victim.

So one early chilly morning, just before the sun was about to rise, and the birds were about to sing, the man was astounded to find something glowing in the river. Curious and eager to find answers. The man slowly and hesitantly moved his hand toward the light and just before he was about reach into the water to retrieve the foreign object. A hand shot out from the stream grabbing him and pulling him into the river. Suddenly a gentle humming began in the man's ears. It was so calming that the man had forgotten that he was in danger. The strange hand pulled him deeper into the river and as they inched futher to the depth of the river did the sweet humming get louder - suddenly the humming morphed to heat seering screams of agony and pain. The man began to struggle again and forced himself back onto the bank and as the water got shallower, only then could he see who's hand it belonged to. The water gave way to a human with light green skin, beady red eyes, and a tail similar to a large fish.
"A siren!" screamed the man, as he fumbled backwards trembling in fear. He's heard story of beasts like these, who serve the devil. But never once could he have imagined to see one.
"help me! Come and help me. I'm so scared ... I'll show you the.." the siren screeched agonizingly while clicking noises where being made in between words, she sounded as if every word would be her last and with every breath she drew to create speech her lungs seemed to tighten up. She crawled onto the bank and fell silent.
Shock pierced through the man and just before the siren could scream did the man jump onto his heels and ran off.
After that the man never returned to the river. He told his family, companions, and neighbors about it. The story spread like wildfire through the village and theories were made about the eerie encounter. Why was there a shimmer of light in the river? Why was there a siren? And why was she screaming for help? But most importantly what did it all mean? Was it an omen? Whatever it was people made theories on it, claiming it was a poor soul who fell victim to the devil seeking for help.

To this day, however, she still haunts the depths of the river looking for unsuspecting victims who'll help her escape