In the centre of the clearing was a heap of stones that were arranged to form a flat table. Atop the table were arranged bundles of firewood in neat rows side by side.

The procession spread out around this altar, still keeping up the chant, which now rose to a higher note.

At a softly uttered signal, the young men who were guarding the sacrifices hustled them forward. They promptly bound their wrists and ankles with leather thongs, holding them fast even as they trembled with anticipation. Spotless white lengths of cloth were brought and the two were stripped of their soiled wrappers and dressed up in them. Then they were lifted and lain side by side atop the altar, facing each other, their heads facing the direction in which the sun would shortly rise.

There were frightened looks in the eyes of the young sacrifices. Even atop the pile of wood they were yet to come to terms with what their fate was to be. They looked at each other with eyes communicating in silence, the one seeking to reassure the other that it would be alright; that they needn’t worry so long as they were together.

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