The leg was beginning to turn green. If sorcery was of no avail, the
young man was doomed either to lose the leg, or die in agony of the
gain-green.
He was excused from battle, but there would be no time now to send for
the Sorcerer and have a ceremonial procedure. Later, though, they
would. Then, Puffat's leg could either be exorcized, or amputated and
cauterized.
Master Rababull gave a brief announcement detailing Kadrug's activities
to cut off their water, and called upon the entire House, all
able-bodied males both bond and free, to fight.
A loud outcry rose up at this as everyone present, women and children
too, screamed and howled for the death of Kadrug.
Satisfied, Master Rababull turned to the Chief Priest and commanded
that the sacrifice should proceed.
Two priests held the squalling infant from both ends on the stone altar
before the war god, one at her tiny feet, one at her little hands.
The infant's mother, insane with terror, shrieked her protests as the
priest lifted up the ceremonial sword, much abused from previous
impacts with the stone surface, and brought it down on the defenseless
child's naked body.
The tiny voice was cut off.
"To war!" shouted Master Rababull.
"TO WAAAAR!!" howled the crowd, drowning out the hopeless sobbing of
the baby's mother as she fell brokenly to the dirt when she was finally
released.
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