Lit by the rays of the morning sun, the city’s flags and banners waved their defiance for the invading army assembled outside the gate. As if in response, the army’s own flags and pennants waved every bit as defiantly. The approaching observer smiled at the martial sight. As he approached, however, he began to realize that something wasn’t quite right. Other than the waving of flags, all was unusually still for the beginning of a battle. Frowning, he picked up his pace slightly. ...
It was another cold, dark night in the city. The hour was late, reflected by the all but empty streets, devoid of cars or people. At this time of night, only the homeless, the desperate, and the predators could be seen, the outcasts of society, but even they kept to the shadows, having no desire to be seen. There was an abandoned building in the far edge of town where few ever went, and fewer even knew existed. This night, as with many other nights, it was deserted, save for the rats that made their home here. They stopped. Sniffed the air. Then they turned and tore away into the night, fleeing the building. ...