The Ritual of Human Sacrifice

The men marched around, holding and lifting the young man who was chained and tied to a large log. A woman wearing a robe and headdress walked in front of them, displaying the difference in their status.

"Lord, we will sacrifice the one who mocked you. Forgive us all," she announced after stopping by a clear lake strewn with floating buffalo heads.

"They are completely corrupted," muttered Lucius from a distance.

"Throw him, and may God accept and forgive all his sins," the village chief commanded with a heavy heart. Regardless of his damaged state of mind, his affection for his son remained, evident from the unceasing flow of tears from his eyes.

"Wait," he spoke softly, which was met with a sharp gaze from the woman.

"Village chief, what else are you seeking?" she asked, losing her patience.

"Miss heavenly messenger, can't I take his place?" he asked again, softly, desperate to persuade the woman claiming to be a holy messenger from heaven.

"Father, what are you saying?" The