They bound her hands and ankles, and stretched the
ropes so as to spread-eagle her across the heavy oaken
front doors of the church. She pleaded with them as the
sun began to claw its way over the horizon. She cursed
them as they fell to their knees and began to pray for
her soul. They lowered their heads, clutching their
beads and thumping their chests in supplication as the
sun’s killing rays fell fully upon her and burned her to
ashes. In a small corner of his soul her screams still
echoed.
And now, so many years later, the innocent young girl
stood on the bridge, her back to him, leaning over the
rail, amused by the shimmering lights reflecting on the
surface of the murky water below. It was a summer
evening, warm but not hot. The traffic on the bridge
was momentarily heavy as those who had been
attending the park band’s concert in the gazebo along
the canal headed home. Her youth, beauty and
innocence had captured his attention. His intentions
were anything but beautiful and innocent. Of late his
diet had consisted primarily of rodents and the
occasional house pet, but he knew that would not
satisfy his cravings this night. If he were to truly follow
through with his plan he would need the strength from
one final feeding. Though his poor eating habits had
begun to erode his appearance, the smooth, hypnotic
strength of his voice had been enough to ensnare her.
“Did you enjoy the concert?” he asked quietly, stepping
to the rail beside her.
“Oh yes,” she answered breathlessly. Without turning
or looking up at him she knew that he had been
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