Trial by Fire

We thought we were prepared. We barricaded the doors of the tavern and
archers took place at the windows. We thought only brigands and thieves
would threaten us this day. We were wrong. When it began we were safe, yet
the clash of steel and the fizzle of magic became louder and louder. A
tremendous *crash* was heard and we all fell down, shielding our eyes from
the explosion of light that followed. I was one of the lucky ones being in
the back, trying desperately to prepare my medicines for the wounded, which
would come.

All I remember is hearing a sound like a volcano falling in on
itself. That’s the only way to describe it. When my eyes adjusted I saw a
being standing in the destroyed doorway. Through teary eyes I saw it and was
aghast. Twelve feet high it must have been, and burned with a glow that
seemed tainted.....corrupted. In one swoop of its mighty arm it killed two
archers. They didn't even have time to scream. The bodies of these brave men
simply turned into ash as it brushed through them, as you would a cloud of
flies. Three times it swung its burning arm and three times people died. I
hid behind the bar, too amazed to move. It was not fear, but pure
fascination. This creature was simply more then anything I have ever seen
before. In but seconds, five souls passed from this life and onto the next.
Again it raised its flaming hand and I was certain it would reach over the
tables and chairs, and claim my life, for there was no one else in the room.

To my utter amazement and profound relief, it stopped. If it had a face I
would swear by the virtues it turned it. As if looking behind it, like it
forgot something. Then with a clap of thunder it retreated out of the tavern
and headed to the cave where the main battle was taking place. I stood, and
I finally snapped out of my stupor when it disappeared from view. I looked at
the carnage that laid before me in awe. The bodies of the defenders were not
there. Only black ash remained. No clothing, no weapon, no armor. Only ask
as pitch as midnight. The doorframe, which had been crashed into, was simply
a giant, charred hole. The wood scorched and even the stones were melted.
The heat from this nightmare, must have rivaled the breath of the wyrm's
themselves. I touched my cheek and it felt cool. And I sweated not although
I was no more then twenty feet from this monster. What creature can
incinerate a man to ash with its touch, and generate no heat to someone but
feet away? I collapsed unconscious; the shock having wore off me.

Soon thebattle ended, and the beast was never seen again, yet to this day I still
see the firestorm elemental in my nightmares, and I pray you are lucky
enough to be ignorant of how truly awe inspiring this monstrosity is.

By Marcus