The flames at his feet still hesitated, producing more smoke than heat and choking the spectators closest to the Execution Pillar.
He opened his eyes and looked to the sky. "Look to the Bible," he said hoarsely, "not to men. Do not look to the Bishops or the Pope, or anyone at all, myself included. Look to the word of God."
Another stone flew, and then another.
"I came to see a burning, not a stoning," a peasant roared. "Let him rant!"
The crowd agreed, and the stones stopped.
He did his best to oblige them.
His 'blasphemy' continued, but his voice grew weaker until almost no one could hear him.
The Monk leader glared angrily at the executioner, as if the heat of his gaze could help the wretched man light the fire.
The situation was clearly deviating from his plan, and he felt his authority being challenged.
However, just as the flames seemed about to die out again, a gust of wind blew.
