It does end rather abruptly, and that was because I wanted to leave the rest to the imagination. I had finished the story up and was about to send i... out when I realized that somehow I'd lost the second half of the story and had to write it all over again. I don't think it is quite as good the second time since I lost the mood, but I thought that I'd share it anyway. The Bus RideBy Morpheus Tony took his eyes from the road for just a moment, glancing into the rear view mirror of the bus. The war outbreak had left the people scared, and the young king upset. No one wanted a monster around. Every time a citizen heard a crash that resembled swords clashing, they all ran for cover. No one wanted to die. Why would they? They were thriving, and still were, despite the war. Somewhere in a dark alley tonight of many similar nights a little girl lay shivering, sniffling as she cried quietly. She was a beautiful child, with long, naturally soft curled blonde hair and big blue eyes. Why. A perfect autumn day. When I walked past the shop on my way to the station it was still hours before it would open. I kept my head down and walked quickly past. I caught the train to Lewes and was met at the office by the manager, who seemed surprised to see me. “Oh! Hello Nicki, what are you doing here?” “Pardon?” “Well… I mean… Didn’t you get the message?” “Sorry, what message?” “The agency left a message on your answerphone yesterday evening. We’re over budget. We can’t afford to keep you on. The riders crossed the dry moat unopposed and rode up the wide main street towards the castle. No man was seen in the streets, but they could see rotting corpses in the side alleys, and the air was heavy with the smell of death.Approaching the castle proper, they could see that the gate was closed, yet no sentry hailed them. Pelle had a sinking feeling when he stood in his stirrups and shouted."'tis I, Pelle, Reeve of Lemdalen! Open the gate! His Grace, the Count of Rennenberg demands.