The dawn light filtered through the small, barred window of my cell, casting long shadows across the grimy floor. From outside came the sounds of hammering and construction – the final touches on what would soon be my execution platform.
"One hour until showtime, Knight," the guard sneered as he passed my cell.
I remained seated on the cold stone floor, my back against the wall, eyes closed in meditation. The chains around my wrists were heavy, but my spirit refused to be weighed down.
"How can you stay so damn calm?" whispered a prisoner from the next cell over. "They're going to kill you out there."
I opened my eyes, glancing at the man. "We all die someday. The only question is how we face it."
The cellblock had grown eerily quiet. All eyes were on me – the condemned man who showed no fear. Some watched with pity, others with curiosity, a few with a strange sort of respect.
