8 November 2012
The crimson trail disappeared into the night as I walked along its rough dirt surface. Trees spread out like spiderwebs over my head, all it's leaves had long since disappeared. The night sky could be seen through its twisted branches; a sea of twilight blue merging into a deep misty purple. Stars could be glimpsed between the twigs that stretched out from the trees long arms.
I wandered off the path towards a large lake that glimmered in the pale moonlight. Ripples skimmed the surface as the cold winter breeze brushed the icy cold water.
I tiptoed towards the edge of the lake and sat down. My warm coat fought off most of the nights chill. I pulled up my hood and wrapped my arms around me listening to the sound of the wind floating like a ghost through the trees.
I looked around taking in the mist that had settled on the ground and the full moon shining in the sky. I took in the beauty of the strong trees that towered above everything else.
Lost in thought I didn't see the odd shadows that glowed around the edges, I didn't hear the rustling of footsteps behind me, didn't feel the strange warmth that gathered around the lake that chilly winters day.
A short snapping noise from behind woke me from my trance. I turned around quickly to see what had made the noise.
When I turned back I saw a figure. White hair trailed to its feet. it floated above the lake, making the water ripple slightly just like the breeze had done but this time the air stood perfectly still as if, like me, the wind was holding its breath. watching, waiting.
Then the figure opened it mouth and wailed.
It was a strange ghostly sound that echoed through the woods. It was quiet but ear splitting like nails on a black board.
This was a banshee.
I was going to die.
The Lake • Opuss № I