Wildthing ~ Mike's Blog (1)

'Ariana's Curse'

The heaped branches were kindled, and the roar of the flames and sizzle of sap drowned out the sound of all else as the rapt gathering backed away from the raging conflagration to form a six-deep circle. They watched eagerly, as first Ariana’s wet clothing steamed and then ignited.

Twisting and straining, her frantic efforts were ineffectual against the chains that held her pinioned to the green oak stake. Her wailing became a strident inhuman scream as her…