1692

Act XV

Cake of the day: Lutece Chiffon Cake

Miloval sat completely still for a few minutes, cradling the corpse, then softly rocking himself. The emotion drained from his face, life from his eyes.

He stood stoically, carrying Victoria, and began to simply walk. He left the town, entering the forest. Passing trees and shrubberies awash in a vivid green from the rain, the quiet peace of the woods slowly began to disintegrate the hurt from Salem.

The smell of the forest filled his nose, the scent of flowers mixed with the tranquil aroma of rain replaced that of blood in his subconscious. Suddenly the corpse the was cradling became much lighter.

Eventually, he came to a small lake, rippling gently with the falling of rain. He stepped in quietly, and continued walking in the water. When he reached the center of the lake, the water had risen around his chest. He outstretched his arms, letting Victoria's body float peacefully in the clear waters. A little wind blew a few white petals into the water, some catching on the tranquil surface, others landing calmly in Victoria's long hair.

Miloval let her go then.

He watched as her body sank quietly the the algae ridden floor of the lake.

Gone.

He turned to crawl out of the water. But, standing on the shore before him, a small goat, slaughtered. Its neck was cut cruel and quickly, and its stomach was sliced, spilling entrails over the calm ground, blood seeping into the water. Over the goat stood a small child, dressed in a black suit, hair tousled, and eyes sunken into his pale face.

"They hurt you, didn't they, Miloval?" The child said.

Miloval stood aghast. He continued walking, blatantly ignoring the boy.

"Wouldn't you like to hurt them back?"

"I don't know who you are, but I'll have no part in this. I am a man of God."

"God?" The child laughed,"God isn't on your side, he hates you. He hates you, Miloval. That's why he let Victoria die!"

"You're lying."

"Am I?"

The boy smiled. "They're evil, aren't they? Victoria wasn't a witch, and they killed her anyway. I can give you power, Miloval, I can grant you the ability to take your revenge, to make sure that Victoria's killers do not go unpunished. God hates you, Miloval. I love you."

Miloval looked down, bititng his lip as he contemplated the words of the child.

"What must I do?" He said.

"Take my hand," Miloval turned quickly, to see the child standing on the surface of the water behind him, his small hand outstretched. Miloval took it.

The boy vanished.

Miloval turned to leave. Suddenly, as he was walking, he felt a sudden, sharp pain in his chest. Thinking nothing of it, he continued walking.

The pain has progressively worse.

Miloval moaned softly, gripping his chest and gritting his teeth, leaning over slightly, the tips of his long hair dipping in the water.

He breathed heavily, beginning to claw at his shirt like a wounded animal. He ripped it open, revealing a large red spot on his chest, the discolored patch beginning to twist and writhe on his skin.