Ashes to Ashes

“Once upon a time, the world we knew fell away from us, and in that moment the real world emerged.” ~Unknown~

Smoke wafted on the air, casting a haze over the scarred landscape ravaged by fire. Thick black plumes pillared toward the heavens, painting the winter moon a reddish hue. Perched on the outcropping of a cliff surrounding the alpine village, Nathan Farloe gazed at the devastation below with dark disparaging eyes, nearly hidden beneath a wide-brimmed hat. Clad in puritan-style garb, the steadfast judge wore his dark hair pulled back into a short tress. A crucifix fashioned from hammered silver draped his neck.

“Poor bastards,” he exhaled, his breath turning to vapor. A breath, icy and hot gusted past him, stirring the hem of his weathered overcoat.

Beginning his descent down the cliffside, Nathan stifled a cough, as the smoke thickened, making the air heavy. Pausing halfway down the incline, he spied something in the distance, shifting nervously behind the brush. Paying no heed, he continued and reached even ground minutes later. Another blast of smoky air wafted past him, kicking up dirt and ash. Trekking through the ruin, he shook his head with disappointment. “What have you done, brother?” he asked quietly.

Remnants of charred buildings stood against a dreary backdrop, still emitting residual heat. Broken glass crunched beneath his boots, as he walked through the ghostly village. Broken and charred cars and other debris scattered the abandoned settlement. To his surprise, he had not come across a single body, living or dead. Coming to the center of the village, he glimpsed a faint glow beneath the ash, and decided to investigate. Sweeping the ash aside with his boot exposed a strange emblem, still glowing with residual energy.

Stooping down, he studied the familiar marking, recognizing it as an alchemic seal. A large hexagon surrounded by a glowing circle. The runes for sulphur, mercury and salt surrounded an upside-down triangle within the hexagon. Lifting his gaze, he looked ahead and saw several seals, bright with sapphire alchemical stamina. Nathan furrowed his brow and with a sweep of his gloved hand, buried the seal. Getting to his feet, he walked about five paces, before coming to a complete halt.

At his feet, another emblem shone brightly. A crimson glow emitted from the intricate conduit, pulsating. Hearing a rhythmic heartbeat, Nathan knelt and removed his glove, one finger at a time, exposing a blotchy burn scarring his palm and the back of his hand.

Pressing his palm flat on the warm emblem, he closed his eyes. A series of fragmented images streaked across his mind like lightning, swift and sharp. Heart-rendering screams filled his ears, as he saw the silhouettes of people being consumed by black flames. The roar of the flames drowned out their cries. Eyes snapping open, Nathan sprang to his feet as the sound of snapping twigs alerted him to another presence other than his own. He scanned the desolation with just his eyes, glimpsing a strange creature emerging cautiously from the sheltering brush.

Pulling his glove back on, Nathan started forward, eyeing the strange animal. Twice the height of a man on horseback, the emerald plumed creature stood on two powerful hind legs, covered with a feathering of silky platinum hair. Sporting a long neck with a blunt head, the land-runner watched Nathan with large black eyes, clicking its thick curved beak occasionally. Intrigued by him, a large crest of sapphire fanned across the creature’s head.

Nathan paused and slowly held out his hand. The strange flightless bird approached and eyed him, before lowering its head into a submissive bow. Lifting its rounded head seconds later, the creature shrieked, dropping something on the ground. Backing away, it watched Nathan pick up the tarnished heart-shaped locket. Running his thumb across the embossed raven, unlocked the worn keepsake. Inside the locket was a small quantity of charred remains and a lock of blonde hair.

“Another victim,” he exhaled, snapping the locket shut.