Wearing Thin

Muzhichik sat by the fire, warming his old stones to keep them from grinding when he walked on cold autumn nights like this one.

“It has been so long since the beginning. I hardly remember when Master embued a pile of rocks with life,” remarked the old golem.

In a time when magic was still used, wizards and witches fought fierce battles using long-forgotten spells to create golems of wood, stone, and ice. The ground shook and trembled as the Goliaths attacked each other with blades of ice and stone.

The victor gathered the opponent’s remains and cast them into a bottomless pit, trapping them forever in the bowels of the Earth. Muzhichik had been there and seen it all, but it was long ago.

“Master was kind by giving me feelings, but he never realized how long I would live, and the only thing left to feel is loneliness,” said Muzhichik.

“My time nears. I am wearing thin and will soon return to a pile of rocks to be worn away by summer rains and winter ice,” said the golem.

The fire had turned to embers, meaning it was time to move along and check the Northern Forest during this cold snap.

“I shall see you again in a month, old friend. Take care until then,” the golem said to the oak, then headed north.

He walks the land, caring for forests and fields. Perhaps some night, he will lie down, and only a pile of rocks will remain in the morning.