Day of Reckoning

Wind lashes into me, no softer than a cat o’ nine tails. The rope swinging like a fallen halo. Fear of death was never resident in me, I thought I knew my final resting place, But now. What now. If only you had not abandoned me. Or did I abandon you. The moment I plundered his body of life breath. She had lain with him as naked and carefree as a baby in a bath. With honour deplete and heart wretched would not any man have done the same. She told me I would never grace your hallowed halls, But be consumed by eternal fire. My chest is leadened. My heart thudding. The rope is stilled. I look for a sign. My only fear is of the unknown.