Interview with The Death

By Lily A.R.

What if 'The Death' is not what you imagine? In a world where youngsters are disappearing in a mysterious way, a native girl named Jenny met "The Rider". He is a handsome and strong man who came to save her town. Jenny fell for this savior without knowing that behind that mask lies a true devil. Will she pay the price that comes with becoming h

• Language: English
• Publisher: Global Summit House
• Release date: May 20, 2021
• ISBN: 9781639014255

Book preview

PROLOGUE

When Anya died, she wasn’t prepared for what she was going to encounter on the other side. Perhaps, due to her naïve ideas of the afterworld, she expected something else, something much better. But, who could blame her. That was what religion had been selling her forever. A world full of light, sun, green scenarios and peace. A paradise, in a way of speak. Reality was so much different. Everywhere she looked, there were only plains full of rocks and dirt. There were no vegetation nor life which, now that she pondered it, was completely understandable for if she was in the world beyond, everything would be dead. The illogical was to consider that there were greenery, plants or life in a place surrounded by the dead. This was a forsaken place, a cold, dark and scary setting. And the worst is that now she was confused, not knowing what to do or go. She looked around again trying to find a sign, message or anything really that could give her light as what to do next. Suddenly, she saw a cloud of dirt coming from her right side and another coming from her left. She stood there waiting to see what the clouds were until the one on her right was big enough for her to discern riders. They were masked, wearing black clothes and armor made of bones that made her heart froze with fear. She didn’t know whether they were men dressed as skeletons or, most likely, skeletons dressed as men. All of them were mounting what looked like black horses full with bone armors as well. Two feet from her, the riders stopped. The one in front, took what looked like a parchment and started to read.

Anya from the House of Sand, we claim thee and from now on you belong to the Land of Eon, said and took some thick chains from his clothes. You now belong to us. Chain her the rider ordered the others.

Another two got off their steed. Anya felt her heart shrank when something in her neck started to squeeze. Turning over, she saw another masked rider that from behind was scragging her with a leash.

Wait a minute, said her attacker. Anya belongs to us

Hell, no cursed the first rider. We claimed her first. The faster, the winner, you know that.

Bullshit replied the attacker You know the rules. First to catch, first to win. In this case, I just caught her and you didn’t. So, she belongs to the Land of Ylion.

I claimed her first. She is mine, argued the rider.

Want her, come get her

In response, all the riders took off their swords ready to attack. Anya felt that whatever had caught her in the neck had released her. She could breath and so she put her hands on her neck. Anya was in the middle of the melée and watched as the riders from both her sides seized themselves. The rider from her right started to crack his leash and Anya feared the worst. She needed to get out of there. As soon as she thought that, the battle started. Anya tried to escape but they were too close. She decided to crawl out. It was hard trying to leave the battle unharmed. She received some kicks, a few blunts but she gained some ground. She was almost out when she felt a leash around her neck again. She was dragged through the dirt towards one of the riders when another cut the leash with a sword. Anya started to take off the pieces of leash when another rider caught her wrist. She was trying to free herself as a leash got hold of her other wrist. Then, she was being pulled from different directions. If this kept on, she was going to be dismembered and she didn’t want to spend her other life without a body part but couldn’t do anything to prevent it. She didn’t know how to free herself and the pain started to be unbearable when a voice boomed.

Enough, it said loudly like if someone was using a speaker.

The riders stopped on track letting Anya felt on the ground and turned to the voice. A man approached her. He was big, really big and lean. His arms were full of tattoos and he was bald. His face was strikingly beautiful with blue eyes, straight nose, sensual lips and blond beard. He was wearing black slacks, sleeveless robe and knee length boots. His dark clothes made him look even fairer.

Lord Liam, bowed all the riders.

Her Majesty has ordered that all attacks are to be ceased at once and that all the Lords get to her presence immediately, the bald man ordered.

But, we haven’t decide who is the owner of this soul, argued one for the riders.

It will be a pending issue, said Lord Liam before looking at Anya. Suddenly, bars appeared in front of her and all around her until they formed a cage. Then, as a captured animal, she was lifted from the floor by magic. Attendance is mandatory and I will be in charge of the soul, sentenced Lord Liam before walking with Anya floating behind.

The man had just taken a few steps when a portal showed up and they were transported to what she thought was the Royal Palace. The place was huge and completely different to the dirt valley she were before. The walls were too high and were painted in white. From the ceiling hung enormous crystal chandeliers. On both sides, there were white stone sculptures and red curtains. Anya was carried to the middle of the room where a couple of stairs led to a throne in which a furious woman was sitting. The woman had fair skin with long black hair, black eyes and the most beautiful face she had seen in a woman. She had big eyes, straight nose and thin lips painted in red. She looked in her mid thirties but was hard to know for she had a timeless beauty. She wore a long red dress with a generous cleavage. Both her hands were in fist in both her armrests.

Lord Eon and Ylion, as you commanded, sentenced Lord Liam after a bow. Anya watched the two of the riders walk and kneel in front of the Queen.

Your Majesty they both said.

Rise, ordered the Queen. And unmask yourselves.

The riders did as commanded. Anya could see they both had fair skin, long black hair and black eyes as the woman and both were astonishing handsome.

Will someone explain to me what is going on?, asked the Queen furiously. Anya could see the Queen was barely containing herself.

Your Grace, said one of the riders. I got first when the soul arrived and claimed it but Ylion is trying to take her away from me.

That’s a lie, Your Highness, argued Ylion. Eon hadn’t capture her so she is fair game. I did catch her. The soul belongs to me.

Hell no, uttered Eon. You took the last hundred souls that got in. The souls that arrive now are mine.

That is because I always arrive earlier. There is no rule that establishes that we ought to have the same number of souls.

Enough, yelled the Queen. I am fed up with your childish disputes. It’s always the same. I don’t know why you want more souls if you can barely control the ones you have.

Mother, we made rules and we agreed… started Ylion before the Queen silenced him with her hand.

I care not about your agreements. This must stop. I am tired of your endless disputes and battles. From now on, I will set the rules. As you aren’t capable to compromise, none will decide. It is my command that someone will be designated to pick up the souls and take them to their final destination. That someone will be in charge of deciding who will have the souls and it will not be a number based choice.

Who will that someone be?, asked Ylion.

I haven’t appointed anyone yet. So, each of you will bring me his candidate. There shall be no more than three, each per Lord. I will decide among them.

What shall we do in the meantime with the souls, inquired Eon.

Lord Liam, commanded the Queen Take all the souls to The Limb. Anyone that has passed or are about to cross will have that destination. Anya saw as the floor opened in a big dark hole. Then, she felt how her cage was floating to it. As she got closer, she felt despair, fear and horror started to grow inside her. She had just time to take a last look before the hole started to consume her and she felt herself disappear while the last words to the Queen reached her ears.

The soul’s future will be decided by my Champion, which will be named The Death

CHAPTER 1

It was the last day of my life and I didn’t know it until it ended. It started like any other day. I can still taste the coffee I made myself this morning. I remembered being late, as usual, to my work at the local newspaper. I barely had time to take a couple of bites of my bread and took my coffee. I got quickly behind the wheel and tried to make up for the lost time. However, I got stuck on traffic. It was frustrating for it meant that there was no way I would get on time and I had been warned that the next time would be my last on the job. I was so near the office. I just had to cross the long bridge that connected the suburbs with the city. In spite of the distance, it tended to be a fast route and gave me the privacy I wanted instead of living in the rush of the city. The cars were formed in a line, completely stuck on both sides. Nobody moved and the line had no end. Some drivers had sounded their car horns but most had stopped trying a long ago. It just didn’t help. I was so desperate and frustrated that I wanted to scream. I tried to called my boss but my cell phone was dead. I stick my head out the car. Perhaps, I could see the reason to the traffic jam. I heard an explosion and saw smoke before hell happened. Suddenly, the bridge started to move. My car along with the others started to slide as the ground became a hole. Some people that had left their cars started to run trying to avoid the hole but the ground and all the cars slid to the hole into the abysm. I tried to unbuckled my seatbelt but it got stuck and I could just see my car falling into the unknown. I felt the pressure on my stomach and I yelled. I remember seeing the rock of the cliff passed exceedingly fast and the ground getting closer. Just when I was about to hit the ground I closed my eyes and the darkness took me.

I opened my eyes with effort. I feel pain. A lot of pain. It was unbearable and unending. I couldn’t even see a thing. The mere effort to keep my eyes open hurt as hell. I thought I see the air bags in front of my face but couldn’t stay alert for more than a few seconds. I felt so tired and with so much pain, I didn’t want to be awake. I was closing my eyes when a voice called me. I turned my head a little for the pain didn’t allow me to move a lot. I saw her then. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever laid eyes on. She had black long hair, the color of the night, fair skin like the snow and caramel eyes that saw me with tender and love. I guessed she had opened the car door for her face was inches from mine. I tried to ask her what was happening but couldn’t utter a word. The woman must have read my mind because she smiled with tenderness.

You are dying, she sentenced.

I felt the fear consumed me. I didn’t want to die. I wasn’t ready. There were lot of thing I haven’t done yet and didn’t want to left unfinished. I thought about my kids, my ex wife, my parents but the woman’s smile just grew bigger.

Do not be afraid, she said. Your moment has arrived. You have fulfilled your mission. My fear didn’t diminish and I had so many questions. Why has my moment arrived? What had been my mission? Don’t worry, she continued everything will be explained in your trial. Oh my God! I thought. There was going to be a trial and definitely I didn’t think I was gonna win it. Where would it be? Who would be the Judge? Was there a God? My life started to pass before me. I could recall every second that I lived, every choice, every person. All the good and the bad was there. My life started to feel like a memory and it pained me. I was dying and couldn’t say goodbye to anyone nor settled my things. Relax, the melodic voice of the woman commanded I will help with the pain. The woman touched me with her fingers and all the pain and sorrow disappeared. I was now in a black place like a tunnel with a light on the end. I can bring you anyone you want to accompany. Though I cannot sense any loved one.

That’s because I don’t have anyone, I answered although how was I able to was a mystery.

I know. Also the ones that died don’t want to come over.

Who are you?, I questioned her.

I am The Death, she answered calmly but my fear started to rise again. Don’t be afraid, the woman continued. Whatever is bound to happen, will happen.

I am dying, I repeated myself as fear and terror took over my mind and body.

That you are but not for a while though.

Can we just end it and move on?, I interrogated. The woman stared at me for a long time.

Are you so sure you will win your trial? What if you don’t? Are you ready for what comes next? Fear got worst, it was almost unbearable. Now that she mentioned it, I realized I wasn’t ready for any trial and less to start any kind of punishment.

No, I don’t think I want to speed my death. What do I do now?

Dying people are normally with their loved ones or suffering.

I don’t want that. What else can I do?

You can wait.

I am not a patient person. Just to imagine to see time passed as my moment come make me feel anxious and insecure.

I can bring the pain back if you so wish it, The Death replied. Just then, all the pain returned to my body. I couldn’t breath nor see. My body was a mass writhing of suffering. I felt all broken. With the little strength I had left I shook my head and the pain ended. My mind was clouded for the torment and took a while to focus. The Death had turned her back on me and was leaving.

Are you leaving?, I inquired

Your time hasn’t come yet. I will be back when it is. Just the idea of being alone holding for the unknown was more terrifying that any possible punishment.

Please wait. Can you fulfill a last man’s wish? I asked her, hoping she would stay with me. The Death stopped on her tracks and turned. She looked at me from the corner of the eye. It’s not that I had any idea of what to ask until my reporter instinct took hold of me. I realized I was in a unique moment, one that nobody had had and I just had to take advantage of it. Can I make you an interview? The Death looked at me for a few moments. I felt she was going to leave me alone again before she replied.

All right, she answered dryly. There was a flash and the black space changed to a living room made of wood. It had bookshelves on three of the four walls. Each one was full of books. The last wall had a small fireplace with fire. Next to the fireplace there was a staircase that led up the bookcases. In the middle of the room there were two armchairs. Both were blue. In the middle of the armchairs, there was a table with a coffee jug and some cups. It was a very cozy place.

How…? Where…? I started to say. The Death didn’t answer. She sat on one of the armchairs. In her hand appeared a steamy cup of coffee. She took hold of it and started to sip it elegantly.

If I am to talk, I had to be comfortable, she uttered pointing to the other armchair. I did as told without knowing how to begin. What do you want to know?, she asked me.

Do you have a name?

My name is Katrina.

Why are we here?

I like to be pampered.

Would the interview affect your job?

I am good at multitasking.

Who created you?

It doesn’t matter, she replied. The important thing is that I am.

Have you always been The Death?

No. The Death is a job and as any job it had a beginning.

Does it mean that in some point there will be no death?

There will always be death. It is unavoidable. I am unavoidable.

How did you turn into The Death?

As everything in my life, I was chosen, answered The Death before taking another sip of her coffee and started to talk.

CHAPTER 2

Jenny was a regular girl or so she thought. She had long chocolate brown hair, caramel eyes and olive skin. Her life was simple. Her father was a blacksmith that was in charge of forging weapons. Her mother ran the little farm that fed the family. And her little brother, Benji, was her father’s apprentice. She was learning how to be a teacher. They lived in a very small village with a small population. There were at most one hundred people living there but every day they were fewer and fewer. Without explanation, young people disappeared. One day they just headed to the market, to work, at night or in broad light but they never returned. No matter how much they searched for them, youngsters were never found. Nobody knew where they went or who took them. At first, the villages changed. They became smaller so that all the inhabitants could know each other and, therefore, could take care of each other. But that didn’t work. Then they tried to hire people to guard them but without a leader, it became an opportunity for pillage. So, the idea was left. As time flew by, the vanishing were so common that people started to think them as normal. When someone was gone, they just said it was his or her time but they stopped searching, they lost hope and eventually, they stopped caring. All but the parents who decided to take care of their children by locking them inside their houses. Nobody was permitted to leave alone.

Jenny wasn’t an exception. Since her parents weren’t so rich and there were a lack of people working, they had decided that Jenny could do several things to help feed the family. So, in the mornings, Jenny helped her mother with the chickens and cows. Then, she went to study with an elder woman with limited vision to be a teacher. In the afternoon, she had to help Mrs. Donel in her shop. She was an elder who needed the help and they, the extra cash. To sum up, Jenny’s life was simple and she could have said happy. She hadn’t chosen to become a teacher but there was no one else beside the elder and not much candidates. So, she was chosen for the job.

Her family had everything they needed to survive. They led a happy and quiet life until the rider came. One day, he simply showed up in his father’s shop. He observed the designs before starting to ask for weapons, lots of weapons. At first, her family was so happy fo it was good money that helped them thrive. His father started to work in the forge every day and night. Every moon, the rider came to collect the weapons and paid her father. When that happened, Jenny’s mother hid her and Benjamin in the attic, ordering to never leave the room under any circumstances. They were so used to be locked up that they never thought it was a strange request.

At the beginning, she looked through the window to try to see the rider but she never saw much. All she managed to see was his horse. It was black and shiny. Jenny loved the rider’s day, as she decided to name the day he came, for the next day, they had a celebration. Mom used to bake a cake and had roasted beef and nice and yummy treaties. His father was usually happy for the rider always gave him a little more than expected.

Six moons after the rider’s arrival, Jenny helped Mrs. Donel in her shop. It was a small business with a window and several shelves for cloth. She got in and Mrs. Donel greeted her with a smile. Jenny got to work putting the cloths in a visible spot for the pedestrians to see them.

Have you heard? Mrs done asked. The Otero’s son is missing since yesterday afternoon.

Poor family, replied Jenny with sadness. With this new disappearance, they were barely 10 people her age and there would be a lack of workforce, more than before."

Barry also came by and asked for you

He is a good man, replied Jenny Sometimes he gave us a little more flour.

That’s because he wants you to notice him

Mrs. Donel, argued Jenny Barry is much younger than me. I doubt he is trying to court me.

Love knows nothing of age, Mrs Donel told her with a wink My husband, rest his soul in peace, was much younger that me and we were together for more than 35 years.

Jenny smiled. She knew Mrs. Donel was very invested in her love life more than herself. She had no dreams of marrying right then. She liked her life just as it was. From the corner of her eye she saw a tall red haired lady walking by and decided to change the subject.

Mrs. Donel, Miss Clarissa is walking by. Perhaps we should put on display some of the new red cloth. She adores red.

Good idea, Jenny. Let me put it down. Jenny saw Mrs Donel got in a stool to get the cloth. She saw her tiptoed to reach higher when she lost control and fell to the ground. Jenny got to her but Mrs. Donel was so livid and unconscious. Quickly, she puts some cloth under her head and fetched the healer.

Shortly after, she was back with the healer. Mrs. Donel was awake although she didn’t recall having tripped. The healer helped Jenny carry her to bed. Fortunately, she lived behind the store. So, they took her in no time. The healer started to check Mrs Donel.

It’s nothing serious. Just a sprained ankle and a bump on her head, the healer commented I will give her medicine for the swelling. With care, she would be as good as new in two days. The healer extended her a prescription and left. Jenny stayed and made Mrs.