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TW: death / body horror

Catching up with one of my absolute favorite sections of Coal-Coated Gold so far.

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Not too far in, something unexpected made the apothecaries freeze in place. They found themselves contemplating a large wood carving in the middle of a shelf. Framed by countless small, black boxes from top to bottom, it was impossible to overlook. It depicted the burning remains of an old town. Flames as high as houses devoured the ruins as a church tower collapsed, coming to rest amidst dead trees. Not a single soul could be seen among the ravaged remains. That is to say… no soul wanted to be seen. A distressing number of skulls and fallen soldiers lay beneath the earth. From the marks of their finishing blows, roots had grown; their stalks rose upward, twisting into human shapes. Countless emaciated, ailing figures clawed toward the surface. Some screamed. Some were resigned. They tore at their faces, at their own stalks — anything not to see what awaited them beyond the soil. Those unfortunate enough to break through were seized by the hands of diligent skeletons. With sickles, they harvested one after another, collecting them in the large saddle bags of their leader. A cloaked skeleton, riding a flaming stallion, pointed toward an inscription carved into the frame: To all who found nothing but agony and forlornness on tainted soil. May death guide you to the lushest gardens and free you from the shame of your ancestors. “Impressive — quite impressive, yes?” Mr. Arnaut’s voice tore them from their shock. “This right here… this is the nightmare we shared.” He shrugged, shaking his head. “Most travelers are so insultingly unaware that Conning Creek wasn’t always cherished for its exceptional shops…” It took visible effort for him to continue. “Its fine grape harvest. Its relaxing nature. Walks on the beach. All that.” The sobering truth drained the young man of all enthusiasm. “War has left its mark on us,” Mr. Arnaut continued quietly. “Without ever paying us a visit. A decade ago, you wouldn’t have met a single citizen who loved this little town.”
January 24, 2026 at 8:07 AM