I stepped forward gingerly, to look for any marks or signs in the organs. The High Priestess spread out the organs, as I ordered. All this was dome to allow me to divine the will of Heaven

I found a pair of crossed lines upon her womb! This was a clear sign of favor. I stepped back, so that the rite might proceed.

The High Priestess used my dagger of gold to cut into the thighs of the favored one. She cut out a hunk of bleeding flesh. She cast it at the baboon, still lurking in the shadows. It howled, and fell upon the flesh.

She cut another dainty morsel of meat, and raised it to her own mouth. She gave the blade to one of the acolytes, who also cut into the flesh of her sister.

Each of the holy maidens in turn ate their fill of the sacrament. When they each had partaken, the High Priestess—with the help of two of the girls—carried the remains to the edge of the temple pool. They cast the body into the water. One of the temple crocodiles moved in to partake of the sacrament. It was soon joined by the other holy servants.

I smiled. All the women had done well their holy duty. I selected one of the girls, and touched her arm, being careful not to soil my white robe with a smear of blood. She was new to the temple, and seemed a little subdued by all the blood.

“You are most fair, maiden,” I told her. “Lovely. I am well pleased with you. Come, we will go to the rectory and you may bathe. Come, sweet girl, come!”

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