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I put an arrow into him, at short range. That it was his own bow, his own arrow, made it all the sweeter. He fell to the ground, tugging at the shaft embedded in his right shoulder.
That gave me the opportunity to advance, and shoot again. My aim might have been off - the second arrow struck him in the groin. He shrieked.
Elpida leapt upon him, and silenced Adrie's brother - by drawing a knife across his throat. I swear to you, he was well aware of who was sitting on his chest, and slicing his throat, just before he died, choking on his own blood.
There was no other obstacle. Elpida and I walked into the Vale of Ifnia, leaving Mount Pagida behind - forever. On that first day, we reached a large village. They were celebrating the Eve of the Day of Souls.
- "There's the bonfire - and there'll be dancing." said the innkeeper.
- "No, thank you." I said. "Just a bottle of your best wine."
- "And we don't wish to be disturbed." said Elpida. She smiled at me.
***
- COMMENTS
HaydenDLinderabout 1 year agoI thought the ending was fine.
5*. Really enjoyed this one.
Very well done, sir.
anubeloreabout 2 years agoCouldn't figure out why this was rated less highly than your other work, and I still think it deserves a higher rating, but I understand a little better now, with that ending. I mean...does the Duke pardon him? Is he able to return to his family, or find work and support himself and Elpida? Does he abandon his children with all those women on the mountain, knowing that they'll end up involved in the same horror when they grow up?
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I recall you mentioning people's dislike of your abrupt endings in the end notes on other stories, and I noticed a little bit of that on some of them, but...this one...dang.
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As far as the reader knows, they escaped the mountain, only for him to die a different way, when the Duke's men arrest him, and he's executed, leaving Elpina penniless and alone. And now I've depressed myself, imagining that ending.
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In my opinion, the Duke pardoned Amyalos, and in fact hired him as his master brewer. He and Elpida married and, because of his position in the Duke's staff, he was able to know his child with the Duke's niece, even if only as an uncle of sorts.
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After Amyalos and Elpida's escape, the mountain folk interpreted his successful escape as a sign from the gods that the clay man sacrifice was undesirable, and ceased the practice. They sent petitions to the Duke, asking for men to help with the inbreeding issue, and Amyalos (the Duke grew fond of him and Elpida) suggested an official plan to use the mountain as a sort of penal colony/sanctuary.
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Nonviolent criminals who managed to make it to the mountain would be left unmolested so long as they remained there for no less than two years. After that time, if they returned for the Day of Souls, the Duke would assess their case and decide on their punishment, if any. Willingness to return and face judgement would factor in to the decision, as would the mountain folk's assessment of the individual in question's behavior and character whilst dwelling on the mountain.
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The nonviolent criminals would also serve to repel violent criminals from using the mountain as an escape from punishment for their crimes. If they elected not to repulse such a criminal, but to allow them to dwell among them (for whatever reason), they thus automatically took responsibility for his or her actions and behavior, from that day forth. Or something like that, I'm just noodling.
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Really, I enjoyed the story, but it ended too soon, in my opinion. Still 5* per usual.
Crusader235over 4 years agoSpooky fun story. I'll be looking out for the clay man! Happy Halloween!
druss1965over 5 years agoWithin half a page I was getting Wicker Man vibes. Not great, but not awful, it was mainly spoiled by the rushed ending.
