The surroundings were silent, save for the ceaseless chirping of insects. Crossing the long stone bridge, a scene of utter devastation came into view.
An overturned cart had spilled its contents of food, which, in the oppressive heat, had already begun to rot and spoil. Not far away, fallen corpses were swarming with flies and maggots, exposing gleaming white bone through their wounds. The foul stench was suffocating.
The dead were humans, goblins, and elves alike—the aftermath of a fierce, chaotic battle. The village, which should have been bustling with life, was now gripped by a heavy, dead silence.
Chapter 19