Circle Three

As we crossed the bridge, birds flew all around us. Looking onward, we saw people, or spirits rather, running amuck in a field of pebbles. The birds, huge, black, and ominous, swarmed around the people, pecking at their torsos. One spirit cried out as his bowels fell from his core. Disgusted, Tori swoons and narrowly misses her head on a rock. Picking her up in his arms, Michael says,

“These spirits have stolen items in their lives, whether it be money, materialistic provisions, or spoils of war. They are now condemned to be chased by blackbirds who steal their intestines.”

Fastidiously, we turn and swear to ourselves that we will never steal again. Walking onward, we come to a door. Intrigued, Jamie tries the doorknob and finds it locked. She knocks and awaits an answer. After we have almost lost hope, we hear it creaking open. A spirit with no hands, eyes, or tongue peers out. Shocked, Jamie and Sarah jump backward, knocking Tori out of Michael’s arms and onto the rocky floor. Tori awakes with a start, and screams when she sees the ghastly spirit. Staring at us with empty sockets, the spirit leaves the door open and returns to its domain. Shaken, we all enter in through the door to discover the next circle.