Graphic Nature by Daniel Damiano

Author:Daniel Damiano [Damiano, Daniel]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: fandango 4 Art House via Indie Author Project

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8

Bordeaux, the following week.

Father Carnier recited, “May God Have Mercy upon your soul.”

The victim, Leren Chepán, exhaled through the sack around his secured head. Soon he would barely squeal, “Ah…ah…ahmen” – which would inevitably be followed by that unmistakable gust from the plunging blade.

This time, however, amidst the scattered sounds of vomiting and gasps, applause ensued from what appeared to be the majority of nearly 200 in attendance.

Edmond looked at them for the moment, then quickly averted his face now unadorned by his mustache. It didn’t seem to matter. Word was spreading throughout France, surprisingly the further from Paris that he travelled. His having been profiled elevated him, in no uncertain way, from a macabre governmental servant of old France to a mythical celebrity of modern times. Various titles for him circulated the streets, in neighborhoods which began to vary in financial status: “The Executor of High Works”, “The Chopman”, “Monsieur Death” and lastly, among the more notable monikers, “The Top Hatted Reaper”. While he still appeared to be a fearsome attraction to many, a growing number were developing a brazenness. The more the executions continued, the more it appeared he was expected to be accessible to the public after an administration.

“Sir, would you mind?” a man of an age not much younger than Edmond’s extended a piece of parchment and a pen…

Edmond would have continued walking had the man not grabbed a hold of his arm, as he was attempting to re-enter the prison. “Sir, unhand me, please.”

“Monsieur, please. Just a signature.”

Edmond wanted to continue on, but could not remove himself from feeling insolence towards this stranger.

“Myself as well, sir?” a younger woman followed…

“Yes, sir. Please!” another man followed…

Before Edmond knew, he was encircled, as if the so-called courage of one or two to approach him were enough to incur shamelessness in droves.

“Stop this, at once!” Edmond exclaimed. At this, the crowd stopped, wide-eyed, gasping with near amusement - as if they were at a zoo and decided to jab at a tiger, breathlessly awaiting the baring of its fangs…

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