Caught You Red Handed!

The distant hamlet crept ever closer as it reflected inside their eyes.

Was it the day outside? Or was it the night? For it was impossible to tell inside this realm of twilight.

Insinuating hoots and the unholy murmurs of the beasts of burdens, that once roamed the farmstead, trailed in between the rifts separating the stockade.

As if quoting them the hints that it dawned upon the vigil of the daybreak.

“Who goes there!” a shout came from their front.

A group of men raised their swords and spears before halting their advance.

“Who are you people! Where are you from?” the agitated villagers questioned.

“I am a merchant, and my caravan broke down on the path,” a towering man replied. “We were stranded in the wilderness for days on end.”

“Merchant? Caravan in a place like this? You are not fooling anyone! You are clearly lying!” they pointed their weapons at him. “Tell us the truth!”