Beginning

It was dark.

Thin strands of moonlight filtered through the dense foliage, providing little illumination. Even with such little light, it was obvious that I was in a forest. Yet, it was quiet. No chirping of crickets or shuffling of animals moving about. Only the occasional creaking and crackling of the trees as they swayed in the wind broke the silence.

Under the sparse lighting, I quickly discerned a well worn path. As if drawn by a compulsion, I ventured forward, trudging slowly through the undergrowth. Walking barefooted on an uneven road should have been a painful experience especially with rocks and twigs littered everywhere. But I didnt register any feeling, not even discomfort.

As I continued down the path, it gradually got brighter as the trees thinned out. I gagged as an acrid smell took over the earthly scent of the forest. It smelled like burnt wood mixed with rotten flesh. I wanted to walk away but my journey was beyond my control. I continued forward, eyes stinging as wafts of smoke drifted towards me.

Finally, I stopped. Blinking back tears, I squinted at the monument that was shrouded in thick smoke. A sudden gust of wind cleared it up and immediately, I screamed.

What stood before me was a huge pyre. With the darkened remains of what looked to be humans littered all over the place. Suddenly, a feeling of danger washed over me. I was not supposed to be here. Not supposed to witness this scene. But why am I here then? Just as I pondered the question, I realized that the surrounding was spinning and then darkness consumed me.