Beneath the Blood Moon

Chapter Fourteen: Watch

- Night of the Lalin San -

Public execution always brought a crowd. Sacrifice was no different, though it seemed the main spectacle of the evening surrounded the murmur of people with unblinking eyes trained upon the two traitorous Ram at the head of the room.

Not the glittering, golden platform that stood out in the all-black interior of the cathedral, not the elegant robes of the Elders and Sentinel guard, a mocking smock in the face of those who wore old rags and worn down shoes. Not even the glowing red moon in the sky, visible through the ceiling thanks to special enchantments and charms. It wasn't quite at its zenith, but every minute brought it closer and in the house of Aries, no less. An eclipse was to happen that night as well, charging the sacrificial blood with more energy than the last three recorded Lalin San.

No, not even the most powerful astrological event for the "last Great House" in the New World could pull the attention of the crowd from Nnandi and Sarai.

The two women were strapped to a new set of restraints. Seven-foot tall Xs, their arms and legs strapped and spread as the pure white of their beggar's smocks hung past their knees. They would be stained red before the end of the night. That was the promise the guards made to anyone who would listen. A threat and reminder that the rule of the Elders was absolute and to be obeyed. Make no mistake to follow in the footsteps of those who would jeopardize this great coven's wellbeing.

Thus sayeth the snakes, cheats, and lies leading the rabble.

Nnandi grit her teeth and found a brick on the back wall to lock her gaze onto. That would be the brick she would connect with in the worst of what was to come. And with any luck, she might be able to haunt that brick afterward. It wouldn't be much, but maybe she could wiggle it free in time and crush a Sentinel's skull as a final act of retribution. As ridiculous a thought as it was, it brought her a sliver of comfort and stilled the shaking in her core.

Sarai was eerily calm and silent, staring ahead with a similar detached air. Maybe it was bittersweet, knowing that it would all be over soon, after all she did to ensure it would end so soon for her and the others. In this new position, Nnandi was free to face the girl, but only had a second to observe her before the room fell silent.

The Elders emerged first, bringing the assembly to hushed order. Attention was divided. Those gathered fell into two groups. One group looked upon the aged faces of the Elders with reverence and fear, attentive to their every breath as they waited for the formal address to being. The other group maintained their gaze on Nnandi and Sarai. Half curious, half scowling. The second group was larger than the first.

Elder Clarey broke free from the strong line of elders, greeting them all with the tiresome call to worship, "The house Aries built will never fall."

The phrase was repeated back with varying degrees of conviction, bringing a scowl to Clarey's face. She didn't address the lackluster response, instead prompting to move the ceremony along. Overhead, the moon crept towards its peak, the red hue deepening like a bruise.

"We are called to gather on this blessed evening, to usher in a new age of prosperity and strength for all in our coven. It is our privilege to bear the responsibility as the last Great House in the New World. Guardians of the crown, warriors of wisdom, leaders of witchkind. It is a heavy burden to bear, lo we would falter if it weren't for days such as these. Days of plenty and restoration. We call upon those among us who were chosen, come."

The doors at the back of the Elder's Chambers opened with a bang that sent a wave through the crowd. Ushered in from the dark outside, the Ram. Torch wielding Sentinel trailed down either side of the procession, the light flickering menacingly over their blank expressions. As the Ram entered, their golden robes fluttering brilliantly with every step, whispers hissed through the crowd and faces turned from one set of sacrifice to the other. Those in the gold to those in white, servants' dressing gowns.