Dawn of Madness

  This is the safest place I know. I see how lush this looked compared to the plant infestation I crawled out of. I wobble through the gate into the arms of strangers. I feel them drag me in and toss me onto a bed. I dream of foods and drinks I haven't had in decades.

  I would have stayed asleep if it hadn't been for the snarls and howls I heard. I jolt out of bed in my small room and thank the gods that abandoned us for the solid oak walls. The door rattles slightly as I hear the strides of whatever creature is on the ground underneath me. I hear water sloshing beneath me. The sound of water usually delights me; I haven't heard the rush of water in a civilized area in years. But the snarl of animals in the water lessens my usual response. I notice there is a trapdoor on the floor and open it. There is a pool of water leading into a larger area below. Is this some kind of sewer system? I haven't seen one before; only grandpa would mention it after stepping in dad's bodily messes while we were travelling. I lean over to get a closer look, but a pair of white eyes in a black mass suddenly appear. I hear a growl and slam the door closed. Whatever the mass is ... It attempts to push the door open. I panic and sit on top of it. My heart races. The mass tries again. I hear it fall and run off. I catch my breath and force myself to think. What was that? What is under this place?

  I suddenly wake up to a streaming light from the open door in front of me. Some stranger with a sharpened spear stares down at me. "You saw it, didn't you?" I nod even though I'm not sure what he's talking about. "Then come with me. He'll want to speak with you."