riends and that they would return to the workshop。 He
brandished a long sword that shimmered brightly with a strange red and
indicated that he had a number of accounts that； for whatever reason； he
meant to settle with me。 I considered telling him that there was some
misunderstanding； but I saw the incredible anger on his face。 I could read in
his expression that he was about to launch a sudden murderous assault on me。
How I would’ve liked to say； “I beg of you； stop。”
But he’d already acted。
436
I wasn’t even able to raise my dagger； I simply lifted the hand in which I
held my satchel。
The satchel dropped。 In one smooth motion； without losing speed； the
sword cut first through my hand and then clear through my neck； lopping off
my head。
I knew I’d been beheaded from the two odd steps taken by my poor body
which had left me behind in its confusion； from the stupid manner in which
my hand waved the dagger and from the way my lonely body collapsed； blood
spraying from the neck like a fountain。 My poor feet； which continued to
move as though still walking； kicked uselessly like the legs of a dying horse。
From the muddy ground upon which my head had fallen； I could neither
see my murderer nor my satchel full of gold pieces and pictures； which I still
wanted to cling to tightly。 These things were behind me； in the direction of the
hill leading down to the sea and Galleon Harbor which I would never reach。
My head would never again turn and see them； or the rest of the world。 I
forgot about them and let my thoughts take me away。