A wooden boat painted red.

The surprise was grand. And the atmosphere which introduced the unexpected surprise was unprecedented. Damien remained standing there for a while. He was having the trouble choosing what he ought to do. How he ought to react to this.

He should walk closer to the statue and feel it with his fingers, but he found himself wanting to remain at that spot for as long as possible.

He wanted to tell himself so many lies, but what was right there before his eyes ridiculed whatever doubts he could nurse.

THEY REALLY DID?

He was proud to nurse that though. He had that kinda proud look a father has when his son had done something quite extraordinary.

After a long fight with his mind, he took gentle steps towards the red gold statue. The cannibals were still bowing, making a semicircle round the statue.

When Damien walked away from that spot, few cannibals shuffled and occupied that position which he had just left. At that moment, no space was left open. The bowing cannibals encircled Damien.