Pandora's Box

Chapter 5

Through the red dust and ash of the morning, the shadows of people running in a panic and absolute chaos all over. And through it all, a large shadow moved swiftly through, gaining speed as it advanced closer.

And closer.

And no matter how fast I tried to run, my lungs burning from the smoke and ash and dust, my body sore and everything in me despaired.

The giant form approached swiftly, red cloth flying behind them, the wicked glint of red armor in the firelight and sunrise. The horses thundering hooves echoed in my head, even though it charged from behind me.

I barely managed to avoid the rise and fall of his sword cutting towards me. I tripped over something, my own feet or something else, and fell flat on the dirtied ground. Dust clouding my nose and eyes and burning them, making them water painfully.

Red puddles with tiny little rivulets painted my arms and gown. Sightless eyes stared back at me from where they lay around, bodies dropped within the dust and fire storm of fleeing people. The hearty glow of the fires suddenly disappeared and complete darkness overshadowed over me.

I spun around, on my back facing Him.

The hooves, scuffed the ground, the snuffs deep and growling as it stared down at me through its armor. He sat atop the horse, completely black from my sight as it blocked out any light from my spot. The only light coming from it was from behind the helmet.

Eyes, the very color of the blood staining my skin and the dirt, glowed ominously.

"Please..." I shivered, trying to crawl away as it raised its arm closest to me. The long, powerful sword, wickedly curved, he raised above his head and the horse reared up with a blood-chilling shriek.

"Please!" I raised my hand to protect any part of myself I could, and rolling out of the way. I felt a powerful, tear of pain rippling down my arm. Rolling to an awkward stop a few feet away, coughing and tried to climb to my feet but there was no escape.

Panicking, my breath rushing in quickly as I slowly turned to face the horseman. He continued to approach on horseback, arm out and sword barely a breadth away from my throat.

"I can't please...I don't have a choice..." I prayed and whispered, eyes closing refusing to watch anymore death and bloodshed in its own eyes.

I felt the steel of his sword touch my throat and then disappear, a brush of air as something moved fast and cutting to me, while I waited for death-

"Ngh, No! Wha-" I gasped, eyes snapping open only to close suddenly as the bright light hit my eyes harshly, making them water. "Ah, my eyes, Christ." I threw my hands over my eyes, before slowly allowing some light to come through my blinking eyes.

Everything around me swam in doubles and I was slowly aware of a dull ache radiating inside my head as soon as some light hit my eyes. But the more my eyes opened and everything slowly came into focus, the dull ache faded a little more.

Groaning, I slowly pushed myself up but collapsed with a gasp as a sharp ache shot from my right wrist and hip. My head hit the pillow with a thwump, relieving the soft material but my body was starting to awaken and I needed to move.

Slowly, carefully, I pushed myself up avoiding using or leaning on my wrist or hips and sat up in the bed I was in. With a heavy sigh, I rubbed my face with hands, rubbing my eyes further to wake up and blearily stared at my surroundings.

I noticed my wrist was bandaged up tightly. My top was different.

Wait! Where are my clothes? How did I?