Pandora — Pamela Kaufman

Canyon of Darkness

The circle grew. It was moving, coming closer like a flying saucer in a crimson sky. A scintillating fireball, whirling and shooting sparks, this way, that way, faster and faster in an erratic zigzag. Nearer! Nearer! Now it hovered directly above me, blocking out the blinding sun. A form, a human form, a … Man. A man on fire, his body breathing flames, rays of fire and light.

Closer, Oh God! That face, that beard, yes, the man on horseback. He smiled -- his eyes burning into mine.


“Yes? Pandora, yes?” he whispered like the wind.

“Yes. Oh please, yes.”

I lifted my arms and he descended. I felt the flames licking my body, stroking me till I arched with desire. The heat penetrated, suffused me with a burning, and unbearable ecstasy. Never had I know such exhilaration!

Or suddenly -- such fear!