Nano Writing Month 2017.5

[mc776]

Every day, write some bit of fiction. Preferably over 50 words, but there will be no standard beyond "something". Posting is entirely optional.

"Release me."

The device beckoned to him from its obsidian-black vessel, powering a voice ineffable from a mechanism unknown to man. He reached into it without hesitation and brought it forth into the light.

It was pitted and bent with age, a strange cylinder-like metal piece covered with geometric designs of unknown purpose. It lay heavy in his hand, almost seeming to pulsate with import. The mechanical blade within could prove to be more devastating than ten thousand swords - in the right hands.

The golden tablet to which the vessel had been bound remained blank. It was said to be capable of containing knowledge beyond space and time. It may yet do so - once he discovered the secret of the device.

The room darkened around him as the shadow of the tower drew near. His time was running short.

He got up, still not knowing what to do. Looking about him he sensed that others might be drawing near. In due time, they too will find this.

He made for his ship. The Phlogistroni's lights began to shimmer as the antigrav engines began warming up, covering the ruins in dust, rose-red in the setting sun. A good deal of the dust was getting inside the hatch as it began to open.

He didn't bother calling down the ramp, instead leaping straight into the hatch with a quick blast from his jump boots. Best not to lurk too long, lest one become too much one of them.

Who knew what that howling in the distance was this time.