Written for Write to rank: Round 5- Blue Belt hosted by action
Prompt: Fantasy and Action Mashup.
Exactly what it says, write us a mashup of the two above-mentioned genres. What are the prompt specifics? Nope, that's it, the rest is up to your imagination.
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Silence, eerie and unnerving, loomed over the forest. The tense atmosphere encasing it foretold an approaching storm. The moon was tucked behind a bundle of quivering clouds huddling together in a starless sky. The nocturnal creatures hid away, reduced to mere shadows of suffocating darkness. Even the lurking beasts knew better than to disturb the impending massacre.
Leaves rustled timidly to the delicate notes of wind. The breeze gently caressed what little skin it reached, teased drawn hoods, and whispered its harmlessness – an attempt to soothe the growing tension with its softness.
Numerous ears strained to catch any approaching sounds to pinpoint the direction from which the victims would come to their doom. Fingers tightened around unsheathed weapons, and legs tensed, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Bodies crouched around and atop sturdy trees – standing tall and erect like pillars protecting the lands and guarding the skies.
In the distance, wooden wheels creaked, evoking wolfish smirks beneath leather masks. Hands rose in the air, signaling and gesturing to ensure everyone was in position.
Her gaze met theirs – electric blue, stunning them all into silence. It hardened, and they held their breaths. Then, a nod, commanding them to quieten down for they'll have their fun soon, filled their lungs with much-needed air.
"Efû," Ashelia called softly, the words bouncing through the sinister darkness of a once lively forest.
A majestic owl glided gracefully through the empty space, wings spread wide, its big doe-eyes focused on their summoner, mauve orbs glinting in the night. It settled gently on her shoulder.
Her eyes locked onto the luxurious carriage advancing slowly, heavily, arrogantly. Her irises narrowed at the ostentatious display of unwarranted fortune. The brown horse's alarmed neighs went unnoticed as the oblivious coachman frantically whipped him into silence afraid his masters would flog him later on for the animal's misbehavior.
'The horses can sense your presence,' Efû's silvery voice resonated deep within her mind. She grunted in response, earning him a grunt in response.
The polished metal of the carriage gleamed, reflecting the slow-burning fire on the edges of the box that carried notorious thieves. Teeth gritted in anticipation of the perfect moment.
The shabby wooden carts, dragged by frail and starved bodies, overflowed with rare goods. Horsemen circled the exhausted peasants, who bit down on their pain, trying to calm the restless, distressed animals.
