At first glance, they looked like people, stumbling out of the forest in a disorganized mass. But as they drew closer to the fortress walls, Eldric realized with growing horror that these were no ordinary humans. Their forms were twisted, grotesque parodies of the human form. Skin hung in loose folds, mottled with an angry red hue that reminded Eldric of fresh blood. Limbs bent at unnatural angles, and faces—the faces were the stuff of nightmares.
Mouths gaped too wide, filled with jagged teeth that looked capable of rending flesh from bone.
The eyes, when visible, gleamed with a feral, inhuman intelligence that sent shivers down Eldric's spine. Some of the creatures moved on all fours, while others lurched forward on two legs, their movements jerky and unpredictable.
For a moment, Eldric stood frozen, his mind struggling to comprehend what he was seeing.
