It was that dreaded day again. The day everyone feared and yet looked forward to.
One person would be sent into Hells mouth, for the Gods to feast on them. A gift that would bring another year of good crops and healthy animals to the Last Humans. Once, just once, they had tested what would happen if they didn't send anyone. Poverty followed, and diseases. 10 years of suffering. Last year was the first good year after this dreadful decade.
Nobody knows what really happens once you are sent into the seemingly endless cave, no one ever came back after entering. Each 'chosen one' carries just a small bag with some of their belongings with them and a bit of proviant.
When I woke up today, I felt a weird kind of fear, as if I had been foreshadowing the upcoming events. Something was off - and then I saw them. People were surrounding my house. Seems like the choice had fallen on me and this was my last night in my home. I would never see all these things again, never see my family and friends again.
When it knocked, I took a deep breath and opened the door. The high priest was standing in front of me. "Prepare yourself. The Gods shall have pleasure with their sacrifice." I just nodded in response, what else could I do? Resistance was useless and didn't lead up to anything.
A few hours later, I was standing in front of this dark hole, stalagmites guarding its entrance. Hypnotising chanting drew me closer and closer - the priests sang to me, prepared me to give up everything I was. With the first step into the cave, everything was absolutely silent. I looked back, the women and men seemed to be still chanting. Slowly, step for step, I emerged deeper into the tunnel.
YOU ARE READING
Sacrifices
Ciencia FicciónYear for year, one person is given to the gods, so that the Last Humans can keep living without poverty or fear of famine. This year, I am the sacrifice.
