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Absolution and Prohibition http://wohp.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1174 |
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Author: | Nikblade [ Mon Oct 01, 2007 12:00 am ] |
Post subject: | Absolution and Prohibition |
Seagulls called hungrily overhead, their darting forms slipping in and out of the roiling fog that had crept onto the banks of that old canal. Night had descended earlier than what was natural, and it didn't go unnoticed. The birds voiced their objections to the Gods above, grazing cattle scurrying confusedly into the sturdy wooden fencing that rimmed the small, muddy farm. Rain pounded riotously into the damp soil around the Brickson's little plantation. Farm hands wouldn't dare brave the baleful storm that had swept in. Cowardice and superstitious speculation spread like a dark pestilence through their number. By the end of that Friday, most of Mr. Brickson's hired work had refused to show up. The enfeebled old fossil was compelled to head out to gather the animals himself. Gathering his cloak up about him, he struck a sulphur splinter against the grizzle of his chin, and lit a torch. Shuttering it within its glass confines, he held it aloft by the brass handle, creaking and shuddering as it swung from his hand. Steeling himself, he braced against the roaring torrent of water falling from the otherwise clear skies. Forcing his weary bones onward, he trudged through ankle deep muck. He had to usher the cattle back onto his property, and repair the fence. Nearing the crest of a nearby hill, his heart lightened in his chest. His animals had only wandered maybe twenty yards outside the fence, it would be quick work. Stumbling towards the livestock, his attention was forced from the herd by the screaming of a woman's voice. "Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and keep the things that are written in it, for the time is at hand!!" Confused, the ancient muggle swung his lamp around, staring off into the black distance. With a resounding crash, lightning stripped the bark from a nearby tree. The branches erupted into flame, sending a waterfall of fiery sparks into the surrounding field. The massive oak groaned its death knell, before splintering at the midsection, and collapsing thunderously. The latern exploded as electricity pulsed through the air, sending shards of flaming glass in all directions. His arms and chest cut to ribbons, the wheezing senior abruptly doubled over, coughing and spitting into soggy clumps of wet dirt. The voices in his ears were drowned away by the sound of splashing water in his ears, the rain growing stronger, its resolve against the Earth increasing. The fire of his gas lamp had formed a thick ring around him. Dark shapes, leaping and diving, drove him onto his back, cruel and wicked faces laughing from the dancing embers. As fire overtook him, he could only barely make out the forms of two, looming shapes in the distance. Two women, both crucified upside down, burning alive, screaming their confessions. |
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