Gleaning Journal of H.S.Darcy

01/01/Year of the Lizard

Today, I gleaned a woman with the physical appearance of 29, having just turned the corner for the third time a few days prior. Mentally 82, she had given birth to seven children, and been through three husbands - a new one for each turning of the corner. I recited my usual lines. "Mrs Violet, you have been chosen to be gleaned today. Your current husband and two children that live with you will be granted immunity." Her pale blue eyes brimmed with tears, but her mouth was set in a hard line, not wanting to show weakness or fear in front of a Scythe. Most people begged for mercy or fled, but this woman had brave heart. "I have chosen a easy way for you to leave this world, by a poisoned arrow that strikes the heart and delivers a quick and painless death." I said. Her midnight black hair swayed as she nodded. I stepped back, set an arrow in my bow, and drew the string back to my chest. I let my fingers release and in the blink of an eye, she was lifeless. Her gaze settled on the sky outside, not seeing anything. Calling the coroner, I left the house to find her family. They were just exiting a tall glass building, and froze when they saw me. My dark purple robes fluttered in the wind and the  started to back off into the other direction. "Mr Violet?" My voice rang clear, making him turn to face me with tired, worried eyes. "This afternoon I fulfilled the task of gleaning your wife." His lips quivered, holding back a sob. "As procedure, I shall grant you and your children one years immunity. Come forth and kiss my ring." The man and his two teenage children walked slowly forward in shock. Their trembling lips brushed my ring, one by one and it glowed red, indicating an immune person in my path. I ask neither pleasure nor fame from taking lives, but accept it as a necessary part of humanity.

From the gleaning journal of H.S.Darcy