“What is it in men that we fall in love with gold, with this cold, glittering stone? I could feel it drawing me, seducing me…
“What a strange pattern we take. It seemed novel to me. I was clever, daring; I would do anything, and I did what every man before me has done. I chose the gold.
“And do you think that you’ll fair better? When the moment comes—well maybe it won’t be gold. For me, it was gold. For some, wine, women, so many temptations. Pride’s always mixed in, that hidden, unspoken suspicion that really you yourself are God. We all think we’re God in the moments we flee from him.
“But I can see, you’ll go. There’s nothing you can do for me now, nor I for you. Just look at me. I was once like you, and now I’m consumed by my own desire.”
He had lost one arm already to the curse. It hung in a sling and glittered in the firelight. His face as well was full of glimmering pockmarks. He didn’t have long left. The figure limped away with heavy steps.
Tale Told 