The Perishing Land - A Short Story

The land is dying. The first victims of a devastating catastrophe struggle to understand what could cause the terrifying tragedy that seems to signal the end of everything. There is no place to run when the Earth dies. The Perishing Land is a short story (approximately 3,200 words).Fiercely independent Ashla is the healer in a village blighted by the shadow of a dark god. Exinious created Ashla’s civilization centuries ago and silently watches them from his mountain fortress. His only interaction is to choose a bride from their ranks every generation.A disease has stricken the villagers that Ashla can’t cure with her magic potions. She knows this must be the work of Exinious, and journeys to his fortress to face him.Deep down she already knows what’s going on. It’s time for Exinious to choose a new bride, and he must have his eyes on her. Unfortunately for the god, Ashla will never leave her post as healer. She fears the prospect of being the first woman to ever refuse him.