A Painful Faith

[Robert Morschel]

“Hang him higher,” the voice said, “so he feels more pain – this one’s a fighter.”

The grimy soldier gave the winch two more yanks and I felt the chains bite mercilessly into my wrists as they pulled me upwards, leaving me in breathless agony.

The voice continued, “How long are you going to continue this foolishness of yours?  He does not exist, say it.  Recant your beliefs and we will let you see your family again - the young pretty one will be glad to see you again.”

An anguished roar left my lips and I strained at my chains, but my captor just laughed and then spoke to me quietly, “Come on man, I have things to do, I can’t be killing you all day.”

I rose my head and glared at him, this filthy pagan unbeliever, and through gritted, pain-filled teeth replied, “I will not yield.  I do believe in fairies!”