title: Bonfire Stories
author: Sevastian Winters
description: A California native, Master Story Teller Sevastian Winters lives with his family in British Columbia. His diverse interests include politics, religion, humor, and social justice. (which makes him fascinating on the internet and boring at cocktail parties) His stories reflect his own interests, but rarely his own viewpoints as he prefers to "ask his characters" what they believe and why!
zlib_text: 
  
  
  
  
  
  ## PROLOGUE
  
  
  
  
  
  The night sky was lit by flames, and black smoke swirled across the valley as
  the town of Shelsans continued to burn. There were no screams now, no feeble
  cries, no begging for mercy. Two thousand heretics were dead, most slain by
  sword or mace, though many had been committed to the cleansing fires.
  
  
  
  
  
  The young Knight of the Sacrifice stood high upon the hillside and stared down
  at the burning town. Reflections of the distant flames shone on his blood-
  spattered silver breastplate and glistening helm. The wind shifted and Winter
  Kay smelt the scent of roasting flesh. Far below the wind fanned the hunger of
  the flames. They blazed higher, devouring the ancient timber walls of the Old
  Museum, and the carved wooden gates of the Albitane Church.
  
  
  
  
  
  Winter Kay removed his helm. His lean, angular features gleamed with sweat.
  Plucking a linen handkerchief from his belt he examined it for bloodstains.
  Finding none he wiped the cloth over his face and short-cropped d