This is a very cool concept. I feel like the first line is part of a different story almost. It doesn't seem linked to the conflict. The man vs. nature theme reminded me of the movie Princess Mononoke. Your images were very powerful. I think this would be much stronger if you fleshed out the conflict a bit more. I think it loses some of its urgency and power by being set in the past tense. But this was well done.

...crap. I'm up against THIS? O_O

anywho--great job. :) I really just love your writing style. I don't really have anything bad to say >_>