Monster with A Smile

A Story by Bridget McJane

A small short story about a dream I had...a nightmare.

Screams, groans, and shouting shook my ears on the battlefield. The pungent, burning smell of flesh filled my nose. Fire sparks and ashes filled the air. The intense storm of men clashing made it hard to breathe.

In the distance, I saw exactly as they described him; a monster. His eyes cold and empty, the blood of the men he slaughtered splattered upon his face, and that smile. He was smiling the whole time.

The fire flames were dancing in the night. The horrors I saw there, were enough to fuel a lifetime’s worth of nightmares.

I stood there paralyzed as my friend, too, was slaughtered. I wanted to scream for help, but I couldn't let out a sound. I wanted to hide, but this monster came towards me, his movement was smooth and slick, as he seemed to float over the bodies he passed over. His sword dragging beside him destroying anything untouched. The fire around us was burning and reflected in his eyes.

My hands trembled as I stood there with a sword in them, as he came towards me with that grimacing smile.