A Bit Of Short Stories - Chapter 10 Sacrifice

Dedication Special dedication to my mother, Karla, who would still sacrifice the world for my baby sister and me. Happy birthday.

A special thank you to those around me for making me a better writer.

I do not know if you can hear my thoughts or see through my eyes. I hope you can see little one. I hope our connection runs deeper than just blood.

Eve ran her hand over her stomach caressing it while smiling softly. A glowing warmth consumed her heart, as she continued mentally talking to her unborn baby boy of eight months. I have so much to show you and tell you. This place is our village and the stuff we are walking in is called sand.

Our village name is Tan’lanaisha. Do you know our village name means brave callers? Do you know most of this village follows a deity? His name is Dai’lan’riku. He is our God of creation and destruction.

Look up ahead little one through my eyes that is the village square. The area that surrounds it is full of markets, and in the center, there is the public stage. The stage area is for our priest and our village elders.

Look around us through me. Those, who are gathering, are our neighbors and family. It must be an important day. The priest and priestess are on the stage. The old priestess is called Miolan. The younger male head priest is Coal. Look at his traditional priest clothing, my little boy. They are something to marvel at. His white robe intertwined with gold. His golden plated hamlet ordained with red rubies is stunning.

Do you feel my hand running across you? Does it feel nice? I know you cannot answer. Eve let loose a small sigh. It seems like I have to listen now little one. Eve immediately moved her hand away from her stomach.

Miolan stepped forward. Eve found herself admiring the long black fitted dress that the elder priestess wore.

Miolan spoke with an old crisp voice that carried an odd hint of melancholy. “Please understand it is with a heavy heart that I tell you this. It is time to send a sacrifice. Please step forward to receive this honor.” Miolan opened her arms wide toward the crowd.

Both of Eve’s hands immediately went to her round protruding stomach. She glanced around the crowd hopeful only to see no one willing. Eve closed her eyes trying to smother a budding turmoil.

Eve thought about the multitude of things she had seen in the crowd. She saw anger, hatred, pain, and most of all fear. Eve knew then that no one was willing to be sacrificed. She also knew the consequences if no one would be forfeited. Eve breathed in and out slowly collecting her thoughts. Eve gently moved her hands around her baby bump. “Forgive me, my little boy.” She muttered while glancing around one last time. Eve had hoped someone would have stepped forward. Eve soon realized that thought was of her selfish desire to survive. So she stepped forward gulping. A slow deep hesitation began working its way through her mind.

“I will do it”! Eve screamed half in determination and half in terror. She could feel her heart pounding loudly. Eve heard a little voice in the back of her minding telling her not to do this. She kept telling herself it was an irrational fear, a fear not belonging to a follower of Dai’lan’riku.

Her thoughts slowly justified her actions. If I do not do this, there will be no future for my child. “I will be your sacrifice.”

Miolan seemed a little too ecstatic to Eve, Eve shuddered.

Miolan smiled and quietly asked, “Are you sure?”

Was she sure? Did she want to sacrifice herself? Eve could feel something inside her move. Her love for her unborn boy bloomed immensely. Eve knew then that even if she died her child had a right to live. Eve knew if she lived her child would have a mother, but no future. That feeling and those thoughts were all Eve needed to be sure. She pushed aside a small voice that was full of doubt. It was telling her to leave someone else to do it.

“Yes, I am sure.” Eve sounded strong to the ears, but on the inside, she was feeling every emotion all at once. “After all,” Eve started to whisper to herself, “I want my little boy to have a future.”

Eve felt a deep sadness for what she would never have. In an instant, she felt an enormous pressure weighing down on her. Eve would never have the memories that most mothers carry. She would never see her child grow old. She would never see her child walk, or laugh. To her having a child with a future is better than a child without a future.

The head priest Coal motioned in Eve’s direction as two priests bought two horses before the stage.

Eve’s hands never left her stomach.

“Then it is time for your journey.”After Miolan had finished speaking, coal walked off the stage and mounted one of the horses.

A dark wave of nausea swept through Eve. It settled in her stomach affecting her head. She knew she had to do this, that she wanted to do this. She knew she was the only one brave enough. Fear for what laid ahead tried to settle in. Eve summoned up what little courage she had. Her hands reached for the reigns of the other horse. The two priests who bought the horses forward helped her up.

Eve’s mind slowly wondered. She wanted to be the one to raise her baby boy. She thought about how she wanted to watch it grow. “Thank you.” When she spoke, it was solemn. Almost as if she was on the verge of tears.

The two priests nodded withdrawing from the premise of Eve’s horse.

Little one can you hear me? Would you like to know what an under priest is? An under priest, little one, is someone who cares for the dead. Those two priests who bought the horses are under priests that is enough for now little one. I am terrified; little one can you feel my fear. I have never been outside this village. I hope the head priest brings you back here. In fact, I am going to make sure he does. Her hands stung from the way she clenched the reigns.

Eve cast the crowd one last look feeling ashamed for a moment. Eve was ashamed she was going to be the sacrifice. Eve could only guess how they were judging her. The only thing she knew was that she wanted her child to have a future. She also knew she wanted a future where her child would not have to sacrifice itself.

Coal gently pulled on the reigns of his horse. Turning to the east, he started journeying away. Eve lost herself in the scenery around her while soaking in the final memory of her village.

As she pulled on the reigns, a male villager started to reach for her.”Foolishness!” The villager screamed at Eve as he grabbed at her leg. He continued, “You do not have to do this! You do not have to follow him!” The villager tried to pull her down from her horse.

Eve kicked him hard. “How can you possibly understand how I feel! How can you possibly understand?” Eve screamed.

That villager retreated into the crowd after she scolded him.

Coal yelled back to Eve.” Hurry up”.

Eve heard a sudden loud cry. Eve spotted her niece who broke into a loud, uncontrollable wail. She watched the moment unfold before her.

The little girl screamed uncontrollably loud “Mommy why is Eve leaving?!” Eve’s mother placed both of her hands on her daughter’s shoulders.

A hush fell over the crowd as Eve’s sister spoke. “Eve has to go; she has to die for us.” She sounded calm, but those around her could tell she was falling apart.

“Why mommy, when there are much worse people out there! Those people deserve to die, not Eve!”

Eve’s sister pulled her daughter into a hug. “Listen Trisista closely. It is not about who is right, or who is wrong. It is about how much you are willing to give.

Coal trotted up next, and he then spoke to her, “are you sure you want to do this.”

“Yes,” Eve said while she closed her eyes. One of her hands found her midsection. She gently began rubbing circles. “You do not know how much I am willing to give.” Little one, am I doing the right thing? I have one more thing I need to take care of before we leave little one.

“Coal,” Eve called out to him.

Coal glanced at her in acknowledgment.

“I want you to bring my child back here to let my sister raise it.”

“If that is what you want to consider it done.” Coal replied. After he spoke, he had his horse trot ahead finally leaving the village.

When Eve finally made it out of the village she saw was only a barren land of sand and dunes. Eve began to wonder if there was more to see. After all, where did all those travelers come from that visited the village from time to time?

After they traveled a while on horseback Eve began to feel bored. She glanced ahead at Coal noticing he had stopped entirely. She trotted closer only to see his face buried in an old map.

Eve brought her horse to a trot stopping right beside him. “Is everything alright,” she asked him quietly.

Coal let lose an irritated sigh. “No, I cannot seem to find it.”

Eve stayed silent looking around.

“It should be around here.” Coal kept checking the map, and the area around him.

“What are you looking for?”Eve tried not to sound skeptical.

“I am looking for the campsite for tonight.” He huffed annoyed, “I cannot properly read it.”

Eve spotted a low cliff formation with a tent under it, or what looked like a tent. “Is that it.”

Eve noticed Coal glancing at the map again before he replied to her. “No it is not, but we can stop there for tonight.”

Eve felt relief rest would feel great. She felt suddenly drowsy. She wondered closely behind Coal until he dismounted.

After he dismounted, he walked up to the flank of Eve’s horse and gently helped her down. He took hold of both reins leading the horses to the camping area.

Eve felt the clenching of her muscles as her feet hit the ground.

Her eyes glanced over the camping area. A displeased look appeared on her face.” There is only one tent …”

“If this is the correct camping ground, it would be for the priest. The sacrifice would probably have to brave the night to show how much they are willing to give.”

Eve immediately found herself applaud. “I think I am giving away enough to him. If he does not respect that, then is he worth following. I am giving away my motherhood, my life, and the memories I will never have. Is that not enough?”

Coal appeared thoughtful for a moment to her. He hitched the horses to a nearby rock. Hey, little one do not squirm so much inside me. “You kicked, this is the first time I have felt it all day. It must be the new environment.” Eve whispered while glancing at the campsite. Her attention left the campsite to study Coal’s physical features. Coal was blonde with sharp distraught facial features.

Eve moved closer to the campsite as Coal started building a fire. Once she reached the area, she sat down watching him for a moment. Eve’s eyes felt heavy. She leaned back on a rock and fell asleep.

Several hours later Eve awoke smelling the cooked meat. It was delightful to her senses.

Coal barely glanced up at her before he spoke. “Give up and go home.”

A deep rage slowly brewed deep inside Eve. She puffed out her cheeks. “Then who will be the sacrifice!?”

“I will.” Coal answered her calmly.

Eve lost control of her emotions as she screamed at him. “No do you not realize it is against our religion to sacrifice a priest. So many people count on you. You are there to lead, and guide. If you die, who will lead that one soul you did not? To Dai’ lan’riku that is the biggest crime you can commit!”

“Does being a mother frighten you that much, that you would rather die?” Coal’s tone of voice had a distinct bitter sound to it.

Eve suddenly sprung up slapping Coal across the face. “Of course I am terrified of being a mother, but at the same time, I look forward to the moment when I can hold my boy baby in my arms. Do you not think if there were another way, I would not take it. ”

Eve stood facing away from Coal only to feel a sharp object scrape her throat. She trembled slowly. Fear coursed through her veins. Eve’s hands immediately went to her stomach, subconsciously trying to protect her unborn baby boy.

“What -what -do you want!?” She screamed in terror.

“Give me all of your valuables.” A rustic, rusty voice spoke out of the darkness surrounding them.

“We cannot,” Eve responded trembling. ” All we have in our possession is the religious objects of my sacrifice.”

“I am not asking. I am telling you, miss.” The man with the rustic, rusty voice leaned in closer, so his face was seen.

Eve could see Coal at of the corner of her eye trying to stand. She could see he wanted to intervene. She also noticed three other bandits surrounding him.

Eve closed her eyes and mentally talked to her unborn boy. Little one, I am scared, but I will protect you. Eve focused on her thoughts. The feeling of terror swept through her. She pushed the sense of terror away and concentrated on her child. I have to make sure this child has a future. What can I do to protect my child? I am unarmed what can I do? Eve glanced over at Coal, who nodded.

“We must sacrifice her for a miracle, for Dai’lan ‘ riku, so he does not destroy everything. I beg of you spare what little valuables we have.” Coal spoke as if trying to convey what needs to transpire.

The fire was just enough light to illustrate the seer on the bandit leader’s face. “Dai’ lan ‘ riku does not exist ”

Coal responded to the bandit leader, “How do you know? ”

He has never provided a miracle before.” The bandit leader’s voice sounded betrayed.

How about I make a deal. After we sacrifice Eve and no miracle happens, you can take the religious items, and kill me.” Coal was calm while he spoke, and bore no malice toward the bandits.

The bandit leader, who had his sword pointed at Eve’s throat, sneered. “What if we just kill you now right here?”

“You will not. You are curious. You want to find your miracle. As stated in the proverb of the Nalisille, “Though you seemingly walk alone, Dai’lan ‘Riku does not abandon. Even if you are weak, hungry, or injured, hold steadfast your miracle is coming.”

“What if we don’t hold steadfast us bandits have to eat too.” The bandit leader looked at his small crew of three.

Coal replied, “Then I will feed you .”

The bandit leader removed his sword from Eve’s throat. He was confused. Unexpected emotion travel throughout the bandit leader, it was the emotion of relief.

“I will feed you, but I ask one thing in return for your men to drop their weapons towards me.” Coal eyed the three bandit’s surrounding him.

The bandits surrounding Coal began to yell “kill them, torture them, stab them!”

Coal directly, in turn, replied to their outrageous demands. “If you have to kill, or harm someone I ask it to be me.” He pulled off his solid gold helmet handing over to one of the three bandits. “As a token of my trust please take this. That woman you held your sword to is pregnant.”

Two of the bandits greedy reached for the helmet.

The bandit leader, who once held a sword at Eve, glared. “You mean to tell me she is pregnant, yet you still plan to sacrifice her. What gives you religious zealots the right? ”

Was that concern for me Eve thought? She was touched. A glowing warmth enveloped in her, “Please listen Coal is not like that.”

The bandits began to yell derogatory and lewd things at Eve.

The bandit leader screamed for quiet. “Speak woman .”

“I choose to do this because no one else would. I stepped forward for the sake of my child’s future. This little one inside of me means the world to me.” Eve looked down fondly. “You see most of the time ‘Dai’lan’ riku is a patient god, with his patients, comes inpatients. I volunteered because no one else would. If no one is sacrificed, Dai’lan’riku will destroy the world.”

The bandit leader became angry again swinging his sword wildly “You believe in this.”

“Yes, I believe. I believe so I will prepare a future for my child at any cost.” Eve responded determinedly.

The bandit leader looked away. “Well, we bandits have to eat too. Feed us, and we will accompany you.”

“Coal agreed,” There is more than enough to go around.” Coal motioned for the bandit’s to sit down.

Eve felt relief as the issue seemed resolved. She knew she wanted no part of their folly. She had lost her appetite. Eve retreated into the only tent that existed. She laid down on the ground listening to the merrymaking of the bandits until it lured her to sleep.

In the morning she woke when the tent flap opened, and the bandit leader stepped in.

Eve let loose a shriek.

“I did not mean to frighten you. Your breakfast is ready .” The bandit leader handed Eve some bread.

Eve took the bread as the bandit leader sat down. “Do you believe you are doing the right thing? Do you think you are fair to your child? Your child deserves his mother! Where is the father? I am sure he would have stopped you.”

“Dead,” Eve whispered, “My husband is dead .”

“Then why sacrifice yourself, and leave no one to care for your child.”

“I am so tired of everyone’s judgments! Who else is there to be sacrifice!? Tell me!?” She yelled at him. “Are you willing to die?”

The bandit leader stormed out of the tent as she continually screamed after him, “I thought not!”

Coal entered the tent as Eve began to cry. She faced the ground, and her hands covered her eyes “it’s not fair.”

Coal bent down to hug her. “It is alright.”

“I am tired of them! I faced nothing but opposition! You would think the other people would be happy, but they are still as miserable as ever! It is not them sacrificing themselves! It is not them giving up a lifetime! I will never see my child! I will never hear his laughter! I will never see my babies’ tears. When will it stop? I am a mother, and I must do what is right for my child.”

Coal released her. “Dry your eyes, Eve. Try to understand where they are coming from.” He faced the tent entrance before speaking again. “We leave in an hour get ready. ” He adventured away from the tent.

Eve glanced solemnly at the ground. Her hands were resting firmly on her baby bump caressing it.

The Bandits gathered everything up. Two of the bandits helped Eve mount her horse. They journeyed half a day in the blazing heat until they came across a magnificent stone white temple. The pillars around the temple were taller than the building itself. Lush gardens of reds and purples surrounded the area. Above the entrance hung the deformed head of a Dai’ lan’riku statue.

While admiring the temple, Eve’s water broke. The horse moved slightly forward leaving lose a disgruntled whinny.

Her hands clenched her stomach. The pain was working its way through her. She let loose an agonizing scream. Two of the bandits descended their horses rushing to get her down from her horse. Coal dismounted his horse and grabbed two items, a dragger, and a towel to wrap the baby with.

The two bandits helped Eve into the temple doors and laid her on the floor. Coal followed suit, entering the temple. He kneeled beside her with his knife ready. He cut away the garments around her stomach. With practiced provision, he was able to give her a c-section.

The pain was immense for Eve. She barely had time to react to anything. Tears of agony slid down her face as she felt herself slip into unconsciousness

Coal after several minutes extracted the baby. Holding it carefully, he picked up the towel wrapping the baby in it.

Eve could feel her life slipping away. A sharp cry interrupted her thoughts, and she struggled to remain awake. Despite the blood gushing around her, Eve reached both of her arms out. Coal gave her the baby to hold for the first time and the last time. She held the baby gently cuddling it. “His name is A’Ragnimio.” She spoke one final time, knowing everything had a meaning now. Her life would give this one a future. She closed her eyes slipping away.

The end

Names

A’ragnimio is pronounced A- Redge- ni-o. It means Devoted prayer

Coal- Is pronounced – Col-la . His name means Loved

Eve- Is pronounced pronounce Ah -va. It means Petals

Miolan- Is pronounced Ni-o -an. It means trusted one.

Trisista- Is pronounced Tri- is -ta. It means believer.

Dai’lan ‘ riku- Is pronounced Di-an- ri-ku. It means the creator of trust.

Places

Tan’lanaisha- Is pronounced Ta- na -ai-sha. It means brave callers.

Other words

Nalisille – Is pronounced Nan-is -la. It is a book of proverbs that Dai’lan’riku wrote.pronounced