Spectra Magazine - Issue 4 by Paul Andrews

Author:Paul Andrews
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: sci-fi, fantasy, horror, fiction
ISBN: 9781849892537
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited
Published: 2010-12-01T00:00:00+00:00

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The crops rotted in the fields as they rode away. The corn turned withered and black, while the wheat crumbled into dust. Without the demon’s protection, it seemed, the poisoned land of the borderlands had taken hold once more.

“I can’t go back,” said Maria.

Arlas said nothing.

“Rachel was my only friend,” said Maria. “My father is dead. And he was going to kill me. Feed me to that thing.”

“Do you have any other family?” said Arlas.

Maria shook her head. “No. My mother died years ago. Or so my father said.” She made a sound that was half-laugh, half-sob. “I had two older sisters. Father told me that they...ran away. I know better now, don’t I?”

They rode in silence for a moment.

“What will you do now?” said Arlas.

“I can’t go back,” said Maria. “Hope is doomed. They can’t live without their precious demon. And even if I did try to go back, they’d probably kill me anyway.”

Arlas nodded.

“There are more demons out there,” said Maria, “aren’t there?”

Again Arlas nodded. “I fight them.”

“Then...perhaps I will go with you, and fight them,” said Maria.

“Are you certain? This life is not an easy one,” said Arlas. “There are more prosperous towns to the east, far from the Great Wastes. I can take you there, help you to find a husband.”

“No,” said Maria. “No. I can’t stand by and do nothing, not when I know there are things like that demon out there.”

“Very well,” said Arlas, and they rode away from Hope together.

Perhaps he would not be the last Marine after all.

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