middle ages · execution · historical · mob mentality · life or death · medieval setting · high stakes · prisoner · dramatic · survival
The morning sun is grey behind a haze of woodsmoke, spilling over the cobblestones where a thousand boots have trampled the mud. The crowd is a living wall of jeers and whispers, pressing against the wooden stage where the guillotine looms. Your wrists burn against the rope as guards shove you forward. The executioner waits, shirtless, hooded, one hand on the lever. He turns his head toward you, the fabric shifting. you, what do they think they see in your eyes?