"We were trapped. Enclosed from both sides by walls of stone, all we could see that night was the bloodlust in the eyes of the beasts before us. Our enemies stood many, descending from amongst the shadows and crags of the ever looming mountain walls; forming as demons would from the shadows, completely surrounding us. It was a cold night, that night. Though it was still some time among the autumn months, it was the feeling of complete and utter fear that chilled us. Down to our very souls we felt their eyes upon us; weary, broken, frightened men we were, standing before the Devil himself. We were warriors no longer, there was no battle cry mustered to rally us, no Hero in shimmering armor to save us all, there was no God to pray to... all we had was the realization that we had lost.
"It was then that they fell upon us. Drunk off of our fear, they laughed as we cried for mercy. In a last desperate attempt to stay alive, those capable of lifting sword swung wildly at the enemy, their steel clashed and they were felled from the archers above us. The silver light of the moon was the only witness to our gutless defeat. After only a brief moment the stone corridor fell silent again and our ranks lay decimated. The demons faded back into their shadows the wind howled, mourning our defeat. Even so, the night was still young and there were yet some men who drew breathe amongst the corpses. Yet none dared to reveal themselves, for the air was still thick with bloodlust. We lied in waiting for two days and three nights, any who made the slightest movement or faintest of noise were shot instantly and with much satisfaction and amusement.
"Only four of us survived the encounter, we entered that corridor with over one hundred men," the soldier paused. His eyes were wild with dark thoughts and no doubt heart wrenching memories. "That road is far behind us now, my comrades and I will only be resting here for a few days longer now. Leave us be now, so that we may rest." The circle dispersed, and we all left the travel weary men to their thoughts. As I left the mess hall, I shivered at the thought of the soldier's tale. It must have been terrifying, being toyed with... I stilled my thoughts and hardened myself to it, it was late now and I began to long for the warmth of my bed...
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