I'm too late to enter the contest, but I wanted to post something regardless. Words: 277 The wind blows slowly, languidly through the desolate city, a derelict icon of a bygone era, its glory shined through and rusted away. The sand shifts, and if one would listen the faintest cry would be heard, the cry of the fallen, their deathly echoes captured in their tombs, from the very rocks and walls they had once called home. And if one would watch for long enough, a shimmer might be seen, a glint of that shining golden age, a land that had once been great. And through this vision one might glimpse a horrid, dreaded, ghost which coupled with their damned voices would feel all too real as to fool the eyes and mind. As to witness the fall of mankind Take head, for this desert had once given, but the years have turned its kindness to dust, till all that remained was loss. Harden your heart, for you enter the city of the lost, Harkin now any prayer that brings you comfort, for you tread upon the ground of the hollowed. Watch your step for the sands of mars run deep and red, built up with grounded bone, and stained with rivers of blood. Load your weapon, so that you might protect yourself. For there be no safe haven in this Palace of the Sands Load your weapon, so that you might protect humanity So that the fate that befell the past, might be spared the future Load your weapon, so that you might meet your destiny. Be ready, Be Brave. Soldier of the City, Messenger of the traveler, Deliverer of Destiny For the fight is not yet won.