The Masked Devils, Their Invasion was Ruthless

All a bunch of lay about's, sprawled as if dead, sleeping off their heavy meal. Those who haven't as yet succumbed to the affects of gluttony mindlessly conversing about subjects of no more importance then who's turn it was to gather wood to keep the fires of safety burning through the night. Large quantities of grog had been consumed, numbing the senses and slowing the reflexes of all who partook of the beverage.

The fires burned low, simmering large caldrons of stew or soup, the mainstay of hearty appetites for a people known for living close to the land relying on the safety of the dark woods for seclusion from society. It was a simple life, a good life, one under usual circumstances would be considered a life of very little stress. Seldom do they have outsiders approach the colony as the safety of numbers and the over all boisterous character of their lifestyle tended to keep strangers at bay. With a sizable group of loud opponents few outsiders thought the risk of mounting an attack a wise decision.

Evening was settling in, a low mist advanced across the lake and eased it's way into the village. As the cool wind blew in signaling the end of the day and the rapid approach of darkness. It was a quiet time, the settlers had mellowed to a quiet hum. Off in the darkness a rustling started just beyond sight at the edge of this primitive community.

The masked devils were coming, like pirates in the night they would approach from one end of town. Slowly they approached, in groups of three, maybe four at a time. No loud announcement of their arrival just a scurrying about as they infiltrated the population.

They slipped into one residence, with no one home to protect the premises they did their bidding and quietly slipped away. Off to the next dwelling where the same scenario took place. Their search was consistent and thorough. Into cupboards and chests, where ever treasure may be hidden. The only time their presence would be disclosed was upon the discovery of some unprotected property of interest.

They were a jealous bickering lot those masked devils. When one found a horde of booty the others looked to take it away. There was no sharing, no equal portion among thief's, it was truly every man for himself.

The biggest and meanest always made off with the largest and best of their findings.

The alarm was sounded, a group of four intruders had made a big score and all hell broke loose. With a flash of pearly white teeth, and fire in their eyes, the battle was on. Each of the four insisting the prize was theirs and be damned anyone who thought otherwise. That poor dwelling took a beating, through the kitchen, destroying the entrance as they tumbled out into the front yard. Destruction was complete, the owners left to pack what few possessions remained being forced to move on in search of a more solid structure to call home.

With pack mentality the masked devils continued on through the community. Enveloped in the advancing evening mist, hiding in shadows and seldom seen. Everyone shuddered around their protective fires, possessions aren't worth the risk of personal harm as these masked devils knew no boundaries. When cornered, whether by an actual combatant or merely a perceived danger they would stand and hold their ground against all comers. Like warriors standing with their backs together they could face down an army many times out numbering them. Dealing with the masked terrorists was a dreaded event that seemed to be almost a nightly occurrence. One that could be avoided by simply keeping food secured where they couldn't get at it.

The Rest of the Story:

Back in the 70's we used to camp at a State Park campground in Northern Minnesota. They had signs posted warning everyone not to leave any food out at your campsite. The people in the next campsite had a large two room tent and a bunch of kids. They set up one of the rooms as a bedroom and the other as a kitchen.

As evening approached and the campground quieted down the masked devils would come into camp going from one campsite to the next in search of food. We had a small dish of dog food outside our travel trailer and a group of 4-5 devils fought over that small bowl for twenty minutes. So vicious it was surprising that mortal remains weren't left behind.

The neighbors tent was destroyed as a half dozen of these creatures ransacked it for food, drawn in by the odor of cooking inside the half of the tent that was designated as a kitchen. The occupants were able to escape, though they did so with many screams of distress as the devils were not the least bit intimidated by their presence.

Other campers scrambled to avoid the masked devils as they went from one campsite to the next in search of an easy meal. The search made as the devils advanced through the campground was thorough and complete with little or no opposition. These devils were a tenacious warrior not to be messed with.

All this fear and damage could have easily been avoided if only campers followed the rule of not keeping food out in camp. As the Raccoons that ruled the area invaded the campground every evening about supper time.