Into The End

The nun stared at the crucifix on the stone wall, squeezing her eyes shut as she began, “Oh, my God, save us….”
She prayed, trying to ignore the cries of loud cracking of gunshots. The screams of terror. The red glow, dancing on her wall, repeating back images of huts on fire. She did not know where anyone else was, and if anyone was still alive. No one had yet to enter her hut, sitting on the edge of the line of houses, half-hidden with trailing grape vines. But it would only be so long before she was found out. She knew that this would happen someday, but no one believed it would be this soon—only five weeks after the rebellion at Hawks. They were attacking all the convents. And no one even knew who “they” were. The nun opened her eyes at a loud crash just outside her hut. She heard voices, and she knew it was time. She clutched at her crucifix, praying aloud as the door was brutally kicked in. She only got a glimpse of four men, hidden in dark navy tunics and cloaks, and only had time to say three words, “Have mercy, Lord.” Before the first man aimed a pistol at her forehead and pulled the trigger.