21 October 2012
They were coming. They had to be. The city once so free now suddenly felt like a cage. Every turn leading to a dead end, every square a trap. Open spaces became my enemies and shadows my friend, the slightest noise an alarm. The approaching corner the toss of a coin. Huddling against the stone wall, I took a breath. Gathered my wits, steeled myself against the inevitable.
I expected to die, living was never a hope. Never will be a dashed dream. All that mattered now was that they be warned. Cursing myself for waiting for too long I slipped around the bend, avoiding the lamp light like it burnt.
The cobbles seemed to turn against me, their once smooth surface becoming jagged and uneven. The wind blowing lanterns and their light my way. Even alley cats sounded my presence. They must be near now.
Just two more streets, five more minutes of life left. One last purpose. The silence behind me spurred me into action, too close for caution now. The sound of boots hitting stone shattered my stealth but I was so close. The moon looked down and laughed, letting its rays shine a spotlight on my path.
On the last street now I was so close, the silver moon light painting the buildings a metallic white, the lamps dim in comparison. As I cleared the distance the buildings receded, levelling off to gardens and then to simple stone paving. The gates were near.
They glittered and shone in the light. Streaks of silver painted them in a cross cross pattern despite the gates being black, so bright it seemed almost next to me. My feet skidded to a halt as realisation crushed me.
My haste had quickened my own destruction, boots skidded on now smooth stones. Too close to fail now, it was cruel to have me fail now.
With a defeated sigh I closed my eyes to the oncoming silver web stretched across the street. Razor sharp threads sunk into my skin and a thousand cuts stung but pain died in my grasp. Failure looked upon my death with a grin on its face.
They hadn't come after all, they were waiting for me.
The Shadow of Failure • Opuss № I