I) You head toward the torchlight. Being in darkness this long has made you a little nervous. Soon you hear voices echoing through the dimly lit corridor. As you draw nearer, you see a group of men standing tall and straight. You approach them slowly. A short man walks toward you with a relieved look on his face. “You must be my second.” he declares. “I . . . I don’t know what you’re . . . . sure.” you stammer. “Well hurry up! We’re almost ready.” he shouts. He grabs your dingy cloak, throwing it against the wall. “Here.” he says. “Try this cloak.” He places a green cloak over your shoulder, exactly like the one he is wearing. The other men talk quietly, each dressed in either red, white, or blue. The short man who gave you the green cloak leans closer to you, saying, “We’re going to be great!” “These other bums don’t have a chance!” You laugh, pretending to know what he is talking about. Suddenly, the brilliant light of day pours into the darkened room. All the men move out into the light. You follow close behind, and stand next to the man in green. You must be in the center of the Circus Maximus! A crowd, numbering in the thousands cheers wildly as you move toward the colored chariots. “What have I gotten myself into?” you cry aloud as the short man pulls you onto the green chariot. Each rider bows quickly before large statues of the gods in the center of the race track. The horses nay and snort, as they prepare to run like the wind. Your stomach twists and turns as you wait for the start of the race.

Do you?

L) Run for your life

         M) Hold on!

 

         

START OVER

copyright Jay D'Ambrosio 2000