Clang! The iron jaws of the furnace clamped shut. The metal teeth froze against each other closing all doors of escape. The flames of the pyre leapt up higher, their orange tongues licking the roof of the furnace till it gleamed red. He rose gently. His body felt light and weightless. He had not felt like this for a long time. Stepping out of the flames he looked back brushing the ash from his arms. The familiar faces looked blurry in the gathering smoke. He smiled and turned around. His…
