Lachesism

[Strazio Rockwell]

Choking smoke and flecks of ash burnt Strazio’s lungs. His body was paralyzed, every joint locked stiff and every muscle rigid. Trapped, hopelessly trapped. There was no light here, nothing but an empty void. The occasional gust of fiery wind licked at Strazio’s young form. He tried to cry out against the darkness, but he could make no sound. Hollow silent screams tried to escape his throat. The unbearable weight of the world constricted his body.

“Look at my face and remember it.”

Those terribly familiar words sent pangs of fear charging through Strazio’s body. Around him smoldering flames came to life. Ruined and burning buildings collapsed around him, sending cherry-red cinders dancing into the night air. Strazio could move once more, but his body felt so very cold and the world felt so very large. The raging infernos swallowed building after building, collapsing them in fiery ruin. Before him stretched rows of homes, now nothing more than piles of wood and flame. In the distance stood a figure surrounded by fire and char.

“My name is Damien Alabaster, remember that as well.”

Across the kid’s bare chest a blazing red chevron was branded. The burning mark did not hurt, but rather filled his heart with malaise. Around him the blazing shells erupted into raging infernos. Their flames reached out and chewed at Strazio’s bare flesh, tearing scars and burns into his body. Again he tried to cry in pain, but found no voice to call his own. Instead from within the burning wrecks haunting howls called out for salvation. The horrid wails of people being burned alive cut through the terrified Strazio, forcing his entire body to shake in terror.

“Remember my face.”

The faraway silhouette was no farther than a few paces.

“Remember my name.”

He turned around and smiled at the young boy.

“Most importantly, remember what I am about to do.”