“How does this bastard know that is what I wanted to do? What the hell does it matter; I’ve nothing else to do. I look out at the night festival. There are a few interested in the three of us crucified on the mound but at the other end of the main drag they were holding a slave auction and that had most of the crowd’s attention. To placate the midway vendors there was a slave whipping contest halfway between the mound and the auction."
I pull out my pocket knife and clean the bowl of my pipe. The crowd thickens as the night goes on. The lovely Ulrika delivers me another gin and tonic. It tastes watered down; perhaps I am tipping a bit light. I make sure to add a bit to the stipend so I can ACTUAL TASTE THE GIN. I look up at Blaire and say “You’ve been crucified a bit more than 24 hours now with still another half day ahead of you. Do you have any real hope of making it to the morning?”
I groan. How the hell do I know if I will last another 12 hours? Do I really want to? So I ignore his last question and answer his first request- how did my day go.
The night with its heavy fog was lonely and frightening. I think Barbaria and Messa slept and I may have for a bit. As daylight broke one concession stand opened and the smell of fresh brewed coffee filled the air. I thought about getting a cup before realizing that wasn’t possible.
Through most of the day the crowds were thin at best. The air was hot and close until midafternoon when the clouds thickened and a line of thunderstorms drenched us. I prayed the lightening would strike me on my cross but that was not to be. Late afternoon was cooler but the humidity was stifling. As the evening closed in the beer, wine, and liquor vendors opened and the street party was on, but Messa, Barb, and I were almost an afterthought to the crowd. Then the smell of grills and barbeques filled the air reminding me how hungry I am.
The nails really don’t hurt anymore… I can’t feel my hands or feet anymore. I’ve even gotten to be rather blasé about relieving myself while people watch. So Sir Wragg does that help your filing for your paper?
He cleaned his pipe and as Ulrika brought him another gin and tonic he took her hand and led her to the waiting limousine and said “Yes Blaire, I may embellish it a bit but I doubt you will live to see it….”
Tree