Dead Man Walking

The dead walked out of the sea—Sandy and Haley looked at each other in horror. Sandy shoved the large book back into Haley’s hands.

“This was totally your fault! I am out of here!” Her eyes were wide was they watch more and more dead walk towards them.

“This is not my fault! You’re the one that said ‘hey, let’s read from this page’ and so we did.” Haley shoved the book back at Sandy. They were screaming at each other now.

“Yeah, but this is your great-great-great grandfather’s book. You’re the one who went into the forbid library and took it!” Sandy was backing away from Haley who was still holding on to the book.

“You were right beside me! You even picked the lock!” For a moment, both had forgotten about the dead. They were too worried about petty things. There was a clearing of a throat which made both girls freeze.

They turned around as slowly as they could, undoubtedly realizing this is where they were going to die. They were surrounded by a sea of dead sailors. Some in uniforms, others in rags. Men and women, all whom died at sea.

“When ye Masters are done arguin’ we’d like to know our orders.” Sandy and Haley pointed to each other and said,

“She’s the Master.”

“You called us forth unto a great battle—your ship is ready to sail when you are.” Another voice piped up. This one was dressed in a Navy uniform from the 1940s.

“Well, well, well, it looks like Raymond Janak’s kin has finally decided to finish what he started centuries ago.” A voice whispered from the billowing clouds carried by the wind. Haley hung her head—she knew she shouldn’t have stolen the book.

She looked over to Sandy who was poking a finger through one of the men. Her finger when right through him. He smiled a toothless grin at her.

“Look—they’re like ghosts. I can put my whole hand through him!” Haley about puked when Sandy showed her. Another voice spoke up,

“Once on the ship we are whole again, and I wouldn’t suggest trying to put your hand through that one. He tends to bite.” Haley looked at the speaker—who happened to have a severed arm.

“When you say whole—do you mean entirely whole?” All the while glancing at the bone sticking out where his arm should have been.

“Enough! Let’s get them to the ship. We must set sail before the others catch up. Within seconds the dead hoisted the two girls up and walked back into the sea.