The Splinter in the Soul

I was surrounded. The priests stood before me, frowning. The crowd packed tightly behind the wall of guards. My family's faces had aged without grace and their hatred of me had only fermented with time.

I drew a breath and felt the sun hot on my skin.

"I left here in shame"

I pulled at the laces of the gauntlet.

"convicted of evil deeds."

It loosened from my fingers.

"And I tell you today that I AM GUILTY!"

The leather fell to the dust. The crowd shrank back. Drawing off my shirt, I showed them how the black tendrils had spread. The mark wrapped my arm past the shoulder.

"I was coerced to obey the priests dark bidding."

My hand brandished in the sky, I met any eyes that didn't look away.

"All along, I had the choice to refuse, but I did not, fearing death. I have lived with this humiliation ever since."

Sweat dripped down my temples. No one made a sound. The secret servants had stopped their approach. Eyes closed, I spread both arms in invitation of my bare torso and exposed neck.

"I am ready to die now."