Live

I didn’t argue. The door at the end of the corridor now seemed an incredibly long distance away. Still, I had broken into a fairly steady lope and was narrowing in on the exit quickly; the wooden pews were just a blur around me. I reached the opening of the chapel and slid through. As I did so, I had to look backwards to shut the door.

The pews were on fire. Brilliant red flames licked at the age-old wood, their golden tongues caressing the backs of the benches. Standing at the foot of the altar was a man, darkened by the shadow of the cross. It seemed as if no light could touch him; the fiery rays did nothing to alleviate the darkness enveloping him. His hair glinted.

I shivered, and slammed the door shut.

Turning, I quickly took in the square. Dusky purple light had descended on it, and the sky above was littered with clouds that menacingly glared down on us, their intangible quality overshadowed by the colour of gloom. The marketeers were hurriedly packing up their goods. No customers were wandering the aisles. It was spitting, but something told me the traders weren’t worried about the weather.

Running through the rows of shops, I focussed on not tripping up or looking back. I wasn’t the athletic type, so I needed to concentrate on getting away from the church. I glanced at one of the stalls – a delicate porcelain statuette had caught my eye – and as my gaze returned to the aisle, I saw a man step out in front of me. I skidded on the wet cobblestones, but it was too little too late. I wildly flung an arm in front of my face, and –

Turbid light around me.
Beautiful washes of pulsating color.

I was lying on my back, staring up at the thunderheads. I looked to my right. The man was continuing on up the aisle, unscathed. I looked to my left. The Shifter had skidded along the ground, and was resting against a sack of potatoes. I mentally kicked myself, and picked up the gadget. I got up, and turned to face the church. The door opened, and a man strolled out. I pulled the lever on the Shifter, and grinned as the man started to run towards me.

Nothing happened.