‘Three days.’ He thought. ‘Three days!’

Slinking through the neglected graveyard, he touched the deeply scarred bark of a familiar tree as he crept past; thoroughly appreciating the tingling it sent through his fingers.

’I’m here.’

Kneeling at the foot of the grave, he placed his hand on the cold stone and smiled.

’I’m ready, my Lord.’

He’d been preparing for this night for seven years. Ever since the moment he received the order from his Master’s own dying breath. Seven years of planning, daily physical work outs and mental training. He wanted to be in peak condition for his Master’s transition.

Behind the line of trees as his back, the sky flashed a brilliant orange as the carefully chosen buildings in the town at the foot of the hill simultaneously exploded into flames. It was a beautiful sight.

‘The town is burning; I have done all you asked. Soon, it will be your time to rise.’

Still smiling, he wiped away a tear and sat at the base of the tree. The cold breeze teased his skin into goose bumps and he felt a ripple of excitement course through his body. There was a buzzing in the air as the breeze intensified, whipping through the leaves and spurring the curlews into their mournful wails. There was a scent in the air he couldn’t quite identify; something metallic and familiar, with a depth he could feel more than smell. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small glass vial of black fluid and drank it immediately, being careful to replace the stopper before returning it.

He sighed deeply as he leant against the bark and moved into a comfortable position.

‘Three days before the world descends into darkness.’ He mused with anticipation.

Suddenly, he felt his mind begin to slip; the cries of the curlews grew steadily softer as he slumped heavier against the tree. The chill in the wind lost its edge as it rushed over his numbed skin and he smiled broadly, for the last time. His heart began to slow.

‘Fast!’ He thought. ‘Faster than I expe..’

His heart stopped.

For three days, the body lay undisturbed while the townspeople struggled with their still smouldering community. On the third night, there was silence in the eerily electrified graveyard. The curlews refused to cry, the wind refused to blow. For a moment, time froze.

The Master awoke.