The Gatekeeper

Stormy clouds gathered in the sky, thunder roared and lighting struck. Dark chantings could be heard in the midst of a dark forest. No creatures could be seen as a black mist crept about from the dark storming skies. A shriveling sound could heard from a circle of men who stood about with bloodied knives raised above the heads as they screamed.

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

"Veritas in sanguine fluit"

*******

In a village the locals could be seen nowhere as they were all inside the confines of their brittle homes but figures in white hoods that covered their bodies congregated about the center of the small village.

"Mother...why are they here?" a voice spoke in one of the small houses.

"I...I...I don't know." a croaking voice spoke back as small light flared revealing four silhouettes.

"M..M..Mu..Mund, will we be taken." a small voice could be heard as a little girl revealed herself from behind a woman.

"Of course not." the boy answered

"Both of you be quiet!" a dry voice hushed

"Father, I... " the boy croaked

"Be quiet boy! it is not the time." the man said.

At that moment a bright light shone from the covered window of the small house as three loud bang could be heard. The young girl shook and clung to the woman as she heard the loud noise while the boy clenched his hands, and the man held the women's trembling hand. The small family stayed where they were as if to wait for something.

*******

"People of Hath by decree of the Throne this temple is to be destroyed, those who do not follow the decree will face death" a white-robed figure with a black wooden mask spoke. The figure moved as if there was no weight to it, as it declared in a hollow voice to

"REJOICE!" while it rose its' arms up and tilted its' head towards the sky.

"REJOICE!REJOICE!REJOICE!" the similarly dressed entourage of figure repeated as they circled about the figure.