Sheep to be Slaughtered

~Chapter Five~

***Trigger warning – animal abuse/death -  please read with caution!!!

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          There was never a question as to why Founder Marco remained the sole leader of our village. He was captivating... anyone who listened to his words and spoke of their troubles to him would be met with such empathy and care they never noticed how quickly he turned them into devoted followers. His disarming charm and charisma was unmatched. There wasn't a soul in the village who could compare, and we all knew it. We all followed him like the sheep we were... like the little lamb he held in his arms...

            But that look on his face when he locked eyes with me... that was the look of a predator, not a benevolent and caring leader. He had long since looked away from me, but I remained shaken. He continued speaking to us, but I could focus on nothing other than what horrors the evening held for me... I had been taught to love him... to thank the Venge for sparing him and leading us. I did not love him. He could captivate me with his words and promise the world, but it was not out of love that I submitted to his will... it was fear. Fear of what could happen if I did not listen... fear of what he could do to my family... fear of him. He was unearthly... a force that terrorized and enchanted us...

          ...and we could never be free of him nor question his authority.

          My mouth went dry as I again thought of the inevitably of what was to come in but a few hours. How could I possibly hope to have the strength to ask about Zander? I couldn't. I needed Zander's help... he had offered to help me ask... to do it together.

           Founder Marco's voice was louder now. I raised my head and reluctantly lifted my eyes to view what was happening.

           "...and because it is indeed, such a special day, Daily Offering will be a most honored occasion to reflect our gratitude and celebration for all life's wonderful gifts," he spoke commandingly. "As new life will enter the village in the coming seasons, life must also be lost. Such is life's cycle."

           "Such is life's cycle..." members of the village murmured.

          "We signify this cycle of both life and death with the sacrifice of the lamb," Founder Marco said. "We offer this small token of our gratitude to the Venge for allowing us to live on ... for allowing us to experience the cycle of life... its miracles... and its gifts." He picked up a long dagger from the table that must have been placed there beforehand for this very purpose.

           The thought made me shudder. I hated watching this... every special occasion we had, Founder Marco would make a smaller sacrifice such as this... a sacrifice to the Venge for only taking one villager each month... a gruesome thank you for not killing more of us and allowing us to live these wonderful, controlled lives within the village.

            The lamb bleated again; the panic evident in its cry. Another sheep responded... likely its mother calling for it. Founder Marco raised the knife, and we all grew deathly silent. I turned my head away; I couldn't bear to watch. Again, a cry came from the lamb as it called once more for its mother. I couldn't help but notice the irony in this moment... here Founder Marco was, deciding we women must all bear children to bring life to the village...

          ...only for him to be the one to slaughter them in the end...

           "My children... my blood...." Founder Marco said. "The Day's Offering will now be made." With that, the blade came slicing through the air and cut deep into the neck of the lamb. A strangled bleat came from its dying throat as the once white wool of its neck was soaked in red.