FSD Pre-Qual?

So there's a Fantasy smack down about to start. I've been gone for a while and apparently entries are closed? But you had to write a story using the picture on my cover and it had to be between 500 - 800 words. Also had to include the quote "And I knew there was nothing I could do about it."

The picture really spoke to me... so I might not be able to enter the contest, but I had to write this anyway.

Enjoy?