Warm as Stone by D. J. Moore
His polished shield was strapped to his left arm, leaving his hand free to hold the lantern. His right hand gripped the sword, although Honorius doubted he would use it.
What had once been a palace was now ruins. Vines climbed the pillars and moss grew upon the damp ground. Rain dripped from holes in the ceiling into pools of black water below.
Statues of men dressed in armor were arrayed haphazardly throughout. Honorius held his glowing lantern up to several faces. Most appeared frightened or at least surprised. A few wore an expression of disgust or anger. Honorius knew he had no chance of slaying the monster, but he was determined to leave behind a better-looking statue than these.
When he first discovered the early signs of plague growing underneath his arm (a discolored and itchy rash), he determined to die on his own terms. He wouldn’t wait for disease to ravage him. He’d meet death head on.
He announced his intentions to defeat the gorgon to the village and set off into the woods. If he slayed the monster, he’d be forever remembered as a hero. If the monster got him, his handsome image would at least remain preserved in stone, not rotted by plague.
As he made his way through the gallery of statues, one of the shadows suddenly darted behind a pillar. The movement of his lantern is what caused the shadow to jump as it did, but in the fleeting moment before he’d deciphered the illusion, he was terrified. No! He couldn’t be afraid when he met his fate. He wanted the statue he left behind to be the picture of confidence.
He tossed his useless sword and shield to the ground. He’d only brought them along so the rest of the villagers wouldn’t know his true plan. He set down the lantern as he removed his armor. He didn’t want it to become a part of him. Best to face the creature unencumbered.
Now, bare-chested, he had only to prepare his mind. It wouldn’t do to be startled. He was no longer playing the part of the monster-vanquishing hero the villagers wanted him to be. In his mind, he now became the creature’s would-be lover. His heart filled with love for the creature he hadn’t yet seen. He smiled, anticipating her embrace.
She had no reason to fawn over these others with snarls upon their lips, but when she saw him, she’d no longer be alone. He’d become her immortal lover. She’d gaze into his friendly eyes for hours and spend many a lonely night appreciating his physique.
The villagers feared the gorgon, but Honorius felt pity for her. Everyone deserves love. Even monsters. No one should be alone.
He spread out his arms, preparing for her embrace. “I’m ready,” he shouted.
When she appeared, he didn’t flinch, but rather, kept a warm smile upon his face as he transformed into her favorite statue.
