The Knight, the Raven and Marshmallow Road [Short Story|Fantasy]

 “You will die!” the raven screeched.

Lightning forked and struck the earth. A cold breeze blew in from the left ruffling Alexander’s cloak. He clasped his sword.

“Who are you foul beast?” he yelled at the bird.

“You will die!” the bird screamed, the sound punctuated by loud thunder.

Alexander’s journey was at an impasse, a crossroads. He had followed this path for many days. Encountering several orcs and dread beasts he had dispatched them handily with his broadsword. The decision to defend and kill was easy but this one proved challenging, he needed to make the right choice or he would never capture the amulet of Dagon to defeat the Dragon terrorizing his village.

“Who sent you!” Alexander shouted into the storm.

“You. Will. DIE!” the bird’s scream boomed.

Alexander backed away. He looked to his right. Pillowy mounds of white marshmallows. The path was littered with them. Sun shone on them whereas on his left dark clouds rolled and thundered. He had come across two roads like this before. In Aragon these were usually black magic tricks, set up by warlocks and evil witches to capture weary travelers. Alexander thrust his cloak open and unsheathed his sword. He laid down the sword between the two paths. He sat on the ground and grabbed some dried meat from his sack. As he chewed on the sinews the salty meat rolling in his mouth, he considered his options.

The obvious choice is the storm. Marshmallows, that has to be some kind of trap. But that is no doubt what they want me to think, whoever is behind this sinister plot. They expect a hero like me to brave the storm. A lesser man would choose the marshmallows at no hesitation. Yes, my choice is clear.

“Foul bird, I am a valiant man, loyal to my clan and family. I have come from far and wide to obtain the coveted stone of Dagon. Whoever you are bird, reveal yourself!”

The raven’s black eyes were fixed on Alexander. It let out a caw, then turned its head and flew off. As it disappeared out of sight it let out a final screech, “Death!”

Alexander sprang to his feet, grabbing the hilt of his sword. “Stupid bird! Or are you witch! You can’t fool me!” Alexander yelled but there was no one to hear him. He was bolstering himself up and he knew it. He wiped the sweat off his brow tucking his long blonde hair back and took a deep drink of water from his leather pouch.

“You can’t fool me...” he muttered as he stepped to his right. The fluffy matter was surrounding the path tightly, his shoulders squeezing through it. Feeling claustrophobic with drawn sword he sliced at a large marshmallow to better clear his path. It split and a sticky goo covered his sword. He tried wiping it on the dirt path but it clung to the earth. Struggling against the sword it would not budge. He drew his dagger and looked back on the path; it was now obscured by more large marshmallows.

“What is this evil!”

Two man-sized marshmallows began to move towards him. The white substance parted into giant white fangs. He thrust the dagger at one but it entangled his hand. The other entwined his feet and midsection. He couldn’t move, straining against the goo was futile.

The raven appeared. It flew overhead and was cawing loudly, sounding like mocking laughter.

As the marshmallows enveloped his whole body Alexander took a large bite. The substance melted in his mouth. Delicious. He began to gorge himself knowing it was his only way of escape.