Visitor

Bullets broke through the swamp's frozen streams, echoing throughout the valley. Short bursts of smoke drifted over ruined structures which had long since sunken into the rich earth. Thomas stood on a dry patch of land, reloading his gun with practiced ease.

Just as he finished loading, he cocked his head to the side. The thick vegetation around him shifted with both the gentle wind and General Alexander's movements. Thomas gritted his teeth. A single misfire could waste precious ammo and several seconds of time. Blue life essence condensed around his ears. As his hearing swept out, to where he could pick up even the subtle shifting of one's weight, he waited.

A few moments passed. He shifted right as a straw dummy flew out of the brush. He whipped around and took aim, making an effort to keep the weapon steady, his eyes open, and his finger firmly at the trigger. Bang! The head exploded into a mess of straw and splintered wood.