Marco

A noise rouses me. But there is no one in the dungeon. Now I am sure I am hearing things.

My brain tries to focus, but it is like slogging through quicksand. I am numb and weak, and every second I am conscious feels like an hour.

There. I hear it again. It is the door.

Cristo! No, no, no.

I shiver, the dread filling my veins like ice water. I try to remember what little words of prayer I can still recall. Please, help me.

There are more of them this time. I count at least eight men coming down the stairs. They are moving slower than usual....