How This Came Together
In Crumbling Walls, we return to the Larian settlement, beneath a battered sky and behind a fractured wall. The tension amongst the defenders is coiled tight, ready to snap. Strange creatures mill about just beyond the damaged walls, regrouping their numbers as they prepare a fresh charge. Despite the dangers to his people, a lone commander clings to a fragile sliver of hope. Their resources are low. The morale is even lower. Yet they must hold the line to buy time for the soldiers who ventured into the forest in search of allies.
This immersive flash fiction experience is set to the organic and meandering sounds of Twirling Foliage. The combination of these two original components, amplifies the fantasy beats of the story by blending psychological suspense and rising stakes. Step into a world where one decision can tip the balance, and where even nature itself seems to march with the enemy.
This tale is perfect for fans of grim fantasy, military suspense, and audio storytelling with atmosphere. This episode invites you to breathe the charged air before the battle and witness what happens when courage dares to bloom amid despair.
Behind the Scenes
When I reached for this story from Wattpad, I flew back into my past as I sat down to write this scene. I wanted to create a moment that highlighted the precarious nature of this fledgling colony. After a seasoned edit, the emotional core, resilience in the face of despair, rose to the surface.
📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for weekly original stories, original blues music, and magical storytelling.
🛡️ New episodes every week, don’t miss what’s coming next.
If you enjoyed the story and are looking for something else consider my book, Dead Man’s Hand
Click here or use Rumble, if you prefer, to experience this mingling of story and music that is good for the soul.
Crumbling Walls
As he paced about the wall, Tarian stopped when he came to a devastated section. He ran his fingers along the shorn stone and glanced at the boulder, now entrenched in the ground just behind the wall. Thankfully, the defenders stationed there evaded the massive rock hurtling past them, saved only by a defender’s shout. Tarian shook his head and turned back to the swelling ranks of monsters.
He blinked, uncertain if the distant tree had moved. But upon a second examination, he confirmed that it was not only moving, but massive. His shoulders slumped, heavy with the realization of the implications. He pulled out his telescope and searched for answers. As he followed the steady stream of creatures, he came to the largest troll he’d ever seen.
He spun around, his eyes wide. “I want the five best marksmen we have.”
The soldier nodded and ran to find the people Tarian requested. After a brief pause, Sherry stepped forward, placing a hand on Tarian’s shoulder. “What’s the problem now?”
“They’re gathering for another assault,” Tarian said as he resumed his examination of the undulating army sprawled across the ground. He studied the trees’ march again, focusing on how their marching roots disrupted the swarming horde. “Lloyd, are you there?”
“No,” Sherry said.
“Go get him! I need to talk with him.”
“Yes, sir,” Sherry said as she raced for the quartermaster.
Tarian lowered the telescope and glanced at the defenders manning the wall. Dejection marked each defender’s face. Tarian knew that without help, they wouldn’t be able to hold the wall. Tarian swallowed a lump and offered a silent prayer that Caleb and Keldon could bring help.
As he stared into the deadly mass of creatures, someone tapped his shoulder and asked, “You wanted me, Tarian?”
“How many missiles do we have left?” Tarian asked with a groan as he turned toward Lloyd. “You never gave me a clear count after the initial barrage.”
“You’re right, I didn’t. That strike used up our supply.”
“Lloyd, please tell me there’s more.”
Lloyd bit his lower lip as he examined the moving trees. “If you need something, we might scrape something together.”
“I need an explosive to shore up our defenses,” Tarian said, a grim expression clinging to his face.
“Hold on, before you commit to that,” Lloyd said, grabbing Tarian’s arm, “it’ll require ripping up most of our equipment. That’ll deplete our resources.”
Tarian pulled free and laid a hand on Lloyd’s shoulder, giving a firm squeeze. “I understand what I’m asking, Lloyd. However, if we don’t buy more time, it won’t matter if Keldon or Caleb find success.”
“What are the monsters doing now?”
“They’re massing for another assault,” Tarian said, offering the quartermaster his telescope.
Lloyd took it and examined the rippling horde. “That troll is enormous, even by their standards.”
“I’ve already called for marksmen to remove that threat. But that might not give us the needed delay.”
The quartermaster nodded his head as he handed the telescope back to Tarian. “I’ll find a solution.”
“Good,” Tarian said, his gaze drifting to Sherry as Lloyd vanished to create another missile. “Do you know what’s keeping the marksmen?”
“Adler was with three defenders when I stumbled onto Lloyd. It’s no surprise he got here before the others,” Sherry said as she walked towards the crumbling wall. She gripped the rough stone, licking her lips. “Given what’s arrayed before us, do you believe we’re going to survive?”
Tarian shook his head, raised the scope, and studied the massive troll. “I need those marksmen right now, Sherry.”
“I can only achieve so much, Tarian.”
.
.
.
Or if you would simply prefer to read the story, click here.
Have a wonderful day my friends!