Destiny Sails

GROTESQUE BEAUTY

Professor Jacob Hertz sat at his desk. In front of him were the works of three hopeful entrants for the last place in the academy, one of which sat outside his office even now. The slightly intense young man had presented his work a little over five hours ago and had patiently sat awaiting an answer ever since. He could feel the boy's presence as, for one so small he seemed to take up more space than he actually occupied. Jacob stood and walked to the door. He opened it slightly.

"Are you still here?" He asked with a smile on his lips and mirth in his tone.

The young man looked up nervously at him, having been started from the trance that had taken over his thoughts during the wait.

"Y-Yes sir." He stammered. "I am very keen to attend, and so..."

"And so you should be young man." Jacob interrupted. "A place here is much sought after, but I must warn you, I could be some time before I make my decision."

The young man nodded.

"I will wait sir. If you do not mind?"

The question was accompanied with a mix of passion and pleading in his eyes.

"As you wish." Sighed Jacob as he gently closed the door. He walked back to his desk, a smile flickered across his face once again as he sat down in the overstuffed leather chair that had been with him for the past twenty years and surveyed the work. The boy clearly had talent but was simply outclassed by the others that had applied for the last intake. His work was intriguing to be sure and held the same passion that shone from his eyes, and the raw nature of the images projected onto the canvas came from pain and experience, which was troubling in one so young. The images were indeed beautiful but the savage violence that sprang at you stirred something from within that Jacob found hard to come to terms with. On the two easels next to the young man's work were fine examples of students that had been favorites to masters of other renowned works. Fine brushstrokes and expert translations of known experience and pain echoed with talent and confidence. The boy wasn't even in the same class. So why then could he not decide? His mind drifted from one piece of work to another looking for something to grab him – Something tangible.

The sound of the grandfather clock's ticking filled the room, its rhythmic drone turning Jacobs thoughts to a transient state that excluded all other sounds.

The seconds soon became minutes.

The minutes conspired to form hours.

And still, the boy waited.

Tick, Tock. Tick, Tock. Tick...

The sudden absence of sound seemed to make the room grow darker. The air became stale and slow as the shadows grew deeper until the silence that had become deafening in its absolution was shattered by a voice from within. Jacob called out in alarm, springing from his chair, causing it to topple over.

"I feel your dilemma." It said.

The voice was smooth and menacing. Evil even. Not a voice that intended to unnerve anyone – But disturbing because of that very reason.

"Who goes there?" He called, his words betraying years spent in the military.

From deep within the darkened part of his office a shadow detached itself from the rest and stepped into the light. When the person became visible Jacob pressed himself against the wall in the hope that it would provide some haven from the nightmare that was now before him. Feelings of fear and loathing ran his blood cold with experiences never felt before. His mind sang with terror as he echoed his first cry with a louder and altogether more horrified one.