[right][sub][sub]a short story | inspired by [url= https://www.roleplayerguild.com/posts/5387340]MFP#9[/url]
metanoia & martyrdom[/sub][/sub][/right]

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[i]Forgiveness[/i]

      A loud voice hollered like a donkey through the stones. 

     “Wake up!”

      And, slowly, a young girl uncurled her fingers from the cold flooring. It was wet and smelled of mold. A gooey stench held tightly to her damp hair as she moved.

      The loud voice hollered again.

     “I said get up!”

      A hard banging on the bars around her was heard. It vibrated through the stones, and quickly, the girl covered her ears with her hands. The sound was sickening and made her head spin. 

     “Get up, you bloody wench! Do what I tell you!” 

      The banging continued, until finally, it stopped. Her hands dropped to the ground as a shiver ran through her swollen body. The lashes from the night before were still fresh, and her thin garment was stained from the wounds. It made no difference to them.

      Small chimes jingled, and the lock unlatched the bars. The heavy metal door opened, and the soldier stomped into the cell. His body bent, and his large hand wrapped around her pale arm. He holstered the girl to her feet.

      Dirt smeared her skin. Dried blood captured the delicate parts of her face. She looked pathetic. But, she was a criminal. She committed the greatest offense. And, today was her execution day.

     “I said, ‘Get up,’” the man coiled at her.

     “I’m sorry,” she said lightly, not daring to look him in the eye.

     “You keep saying that,” he spat on her. “Yet, you don’t change your ways, do you? I don’t think you know what sorry means.” His eyes glared at her dangling body. She could barely stand on her own. “We’ll give you one more chance to make amends. People like you never do, though.” He laughed spitefully. “I know your kind. You’re weak. You’re pathetic. We don’t need the likes of you in this empire.” His teeth grit at her solemn expression while he chastised and mocked her.

     “Now, walk!”

      His hands dug into her skin as he began leading her from her cell. Her bruised feet stumbled and scraped on the cold stone. But, not once did she complain. They never did.

      The light of day peaked through the front door of the jail. She had not seen the sun for weeks, and the sight of it was relieving, regardless of the circumstance. When the door was opened, the day kissed her skin and radiated her bloodied blonde curls. And, as they walked, she swallowed her courage to make a small brave smile.

     “Get that look off your face,” the soldier grunted after a while. He stood her up to his level and slapped her face. “You’re about to be executed. Act like it.” His teeth grit at her, again. They were crooked and strong. 

     “I’m sorry,” she said lightly. Small tears formed in her eyes. She could not fathom any other gesture for the man. She felt sadness for him.

     “Look around!” He grinned, “They’re all here for you, little wench.” He yanked her forwards.

      Her eyes did as instructed. How long had they been walking? Her head was still pulsing from the nightly beatings, and even the sun seemed to be fading in all its glory.

      She saw now that they were in a giant crowd. The crowd looked like puppets with dark strings pulling them to some awful tune. All she wanted to do was sing them something lovely and watch as their invisible chains unshackled. 

      For a moment, lost in her desire, she began to hum a simple tone, and a smile drew on her lips. And, once again, the guard beat her.

     “Quiet, you bloody wench.”

      He pushed her towards the middle of the ring, where a large hole had been dug. He held her body to the edge of it, “Now, tell me, girl. Do you believe our emperor is the supreme ruler of the universe, the infallible god of all?” He smiled with a sickness. “Just say, ‘Yes,’ and bow before him. You’ll be let go. You’ll be free, again. You’ll return to your family, your beloved family, no longer dishonored by your terrible behavior.”

      A silence fell amongst everyone, awaiting her return to the world they lived. When the moments finally passed, her small smile turned on her otherwise solemn face, and she spoke and with the same lightness

     “I’m sorry…” she began , “I… I believe in One God, the Father Almighty. The maker of Heaven and Earth and of all things visible and invisible, the one Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He died on the cross for the forgiveness of my sins, for my salvation. He is my rock and refuge. Your emperor is not my god, and he never shall be. I will never confess his name.” Tears swelled in her eyes as she spoke.

      Without missing a beat the man replied, “You poor, misguided child. You deserve your fate. Let your false god save you,” he grimaced with disgust and tossed her into the pit. After the act, he turned towards the crowd. “She has no remorse! And, for anyone who defiles the Emperor, who believes him not to be the all-powerful god of all, visible and invisible, let this wretched and depraved soul be an example to all!”

      Her body fell with a thud, and as she lay in the pit, she cried. She was in so much pain, but it did not hurt worse than admitting his lie. The truth held her heart regardless of what the crowd was shouting and hollering at her. She felt so sad for them, to be living in such an ugliness. They were all innocent prisoners. They did not understand better, and how she wished they would.

      Soon, the crowd began throwing stones at her. The first stone hurt the worst. And, as each stone pelted her, she covered herself but found herself soon unable. Alas, she closed her eyes, while lying her head in a halo of golden hair, bloodied with dirt and stones. A small peaceful smile graced her face as she escaped this life. She truly was an example to all.
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