“Are you feeling well, Brother?� the nun asked. Duncan lifted his head and met her gaze. Her eyes reflected deep concern for the troubled monk.
“No, Sister,� he said in a raspy voice. She stayed for a moment, looking down with mixed pity and worry. Duncan resumed his position, sitting on the [...]
Duncan trembled as the moonlight revealed the object of his worst fears. The creature stood in the clearing only feet from him, stepping slowly forward. A low growl emanated from deep within its shadowy form, menacing and fierce. Crimson eyes stared out of its horrid visage.
Frantically, Duncan turned and tried to run. [...]
Duncan idly chewed on a biscuit. The bland flavor seemed of no consequence. He sipped some water from his glass, washing away the ashen taste. Without a word, he accepted the bread basket from the monk sitting next to him and passed it on. Duncan simply couldn’t bring himself to be [...]
The mid-morning light shone in through the dining hall windows as Duncan went about his chores. If anything, the day was as cheerless as the one before. Rain continued to drizzle down outside, making for dreary work.
Duncan idly swept the accumulated breakfast crumbs out the door, paying little heed to the task. [...]
Duncan stood transfixed at what he saw. Standing outside the monastery door, at the very edge of the firelight, were numerous dark forms. At first he took them as human, but then he saw the eyes. Their visages were little more than silhouettes against the darkness except for two points of crimson [...]
His head throbbed with every heartbeat. Wearily, he lay back against a tree. His pursuers could not be far behind, but the pain was unbearable. He took breath in great gulps, sending plumes of mist out into the cold night air. Shakily, he put his hand near the wound. Holding [...]