28 Did... Did He Just Wink At Me? (1/2)

In the forest, a young boy hid among the tree branches.

His age should be around twelve and the way he cloaked himself showed that there was still a long way before his hunting skills could reach the level of true professional.

First, the chosen spot was not suited at all, as the coverage still left many openings through which he could be seen.

Second, the posture was off, giving a chance for trouble to brew. When he attacked, even the slightest excessive movement, would end up causing a fall.

However, his eyes showed a great spark, letting seep out this boy's great excitement.

The reason for this was the prey that just appeared, a clumsy-looking baboon.

”Wind Blade.”

Swoosh.

The strike landed on a less than ideal area.

There were so many places where a skilled hunter could hit in order to cause a quick death. But the boy was just too inexperienced and his spell provoked a massive bleeding.

This prey would most certainly die, but this death was less than clean.

”Ohhh!!!”

The wind blade made him lose balance for a moment, but, fortunately, further problems were averted as he firmly grasped a thick branch.

”Uff! That was close.”

Immediately after this almost disaster, he climbed down the tree and packed the carcass.

Gillian, this young human sorcerer needed to return home before his parents found out where he was.

....

It would be too generous to call this place a village as it had little more than fifty inhabitants.

On the center of the hamlet, a crude building made of wood towered over the others. And today, all were gathered there to pray.

This was a church of Marduk, humanity's patron and god. They offered tributes, on this occasion for a prosperous harvest.

”We all reap what is sowed. This is the truth uncovered by our ancestors when they started practicing agriculture.

The same applies to the gods. When goodwill and devotion are plowed in our relationship with the divine, great blessings will befall us all.”

The one who spoke was Owen and he was both the chief and priest of this hamlet.

He was a bald man wearing a simple white robe with no decorations. It was a simple appearance yet filled with dignity.

He stood behind an altar and above an elevated platform. While most of the public remained standing as well since the few available chairs were reserved for the elderly.

”Today we offer the first reap of wheat as well as our finest bull. May Marduk be pleased with our humble gifts.”

On his right hand, there was an iron knife and, with a precise movement, the bull's throat was cut open.

As the creature emitted its final painful noises and tried to break free, the priest kept it under control with abnormal strength ultil the creature perished. And all the blood flowed towards a richly decorated basin.

Lifting this container, the priest turned to face a wooden statue behind him.

”Oh, Great Benefactor! Take this as a sign of loyalty.”