Burning Poison

The Crypt

Footsteps echoed off the cold, stone walls, tapping a regular rhythm. Tap, tap, tap. the walls were dry and dusty, dulling the sound. The stone floor did nothing to stop the echo, a casual observer would not be able to say how many were walking. Casual observers never entered this place, none of them would ever dare. Not only was the punishment very harsh indeed, the place was said to be haunted. There had been news of foolhardy town boys sneaking to the entrance, peeking in and daring each other to enter. Few ever came out with their full mental faculties.

Ophelia's reason for entering this damned space was simple, she was there to see the body. His body. She knew this was foolhardy, she knew this would be a death sentence if she were to be caught, but she couldn't help herself. Just a few steps closer. I just need to be a little closer. Ophelia quieted her footsteps, walking at a snail's pace. Now, as she neared his final resting place, she felt the need for reverence. It seemed disrespectful to make noise. This place deserved to be left in undisturbed silence for the rest of time, it was a place of death, the living had barely any right here. She only needed to see him once, then she would be gone. She would leave the tomb, leave her home, leave the country. She would shed the name Ophelia and that of her family. It was unsafe here. After one look she would leave, there was no time to linger, no time to remember him as he had been while alive as she watched his still body.

The body was wrapped in white cloth, making it impossible to see more than the body's outline. Ophelia could remember his strong muscles, calming brown eyes and dark hair. It was almost as if in a trance that Ophelia walked right up to his bedside, a move she had definitely not intended. She still wasn't in control as she reached out to the body, her fingers were a hair's breadth away from the cloth when she suddenly yanked it back, using her other hand to hold it against her chest. Her breathing was heavy, accelerated. Her bone hard corset restricted the harsh rise and fall of her chest. She didn't know what had come over her. She collapsed to her knees and bowed her head. She felt desperation, grief and panic piling up within her chest. She could not process any of the emotions, her mind immediately pleaded and prayed.

My Father, the Almighty Lord,

I entreat you to look after his soul, it is so pure that surely you would accept it into your arms. I pray that he be safe with you, that he not need to run or fear any longer. I pray for his family, that they find peace, and I pray for mine, that they do not mourn me. May your will be done, even as I travel to strange places I have never before seen, I ask you to-

A new noise entered her isolated cave. A thudding noise. Thud, thud, thud, thud. Ophelia was no longer alone. She shot up and caught herself on the platform the body was laid on. She tore the palms of her gloves, leaving her with a deep cut. She looked around for another exit, and found none. She ran through every possibility she had. Hiding in the corner wold never work, her pale skin would stand out like a sore thumb. She considered hiding behind the platform, but knew it would be an obvious place to look. She decided on another option, she would run towards them. If she could slip past them, she would be able to make a break for the exit. A childhood of exploring the crypt would stand her in good stead, she would be able to find the exit easily. Her decision made, Ophelia gathered up her skirts and ran.

She ran through tunnel after tunnel, trying to breath as quietly as possible while hyperventilating. She could not see far in front of her, and she would never be able to tell where the exit was if she didn't know the signs. She spotted a light up ahead and ran faster. She grabbed the candle, barely pausing as she lifted it off the bracket, she sighed in relief as she continued on. She felt safe now that she could see where she was placing her feet. It was only as she turned the next corner that she realised her mistake.

Ophelia rounded the corner and nearly ran head first into a tall, muscly man. She managed to quickly dodge around him, but was grabbed by another man from behind. Stupid. They were able to see you coming. Ophelia struggled against the man's strength using all her strength to hit him where it would hurt most, but he didn't even grunt. Ophelia saw a dull light in front of her, the light of the full moon. She managed to free an arm and reached out to it. Yearning for its light. She thought of her mistakes as she watched it. She would be dead soon, just like him, she would never be free. She felt a tear slip out, one single tear, before the men stuffed her into a bag and carried her off. She wiped away the tear and resigned herself to her fate.