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The villagers came up... and shuddered at the sight. There on the ground in front of them, at the sacrificial site, was a pile of ashes and the smoking remain of a charred post. With no delay or conversation, the villagers got about hammering a fresh post into the ground.
These villagers carried their maiden in what looked to be the village's best wagon. She herself was dressed in a dress that was basically white linen, but, even from my distance, I could see it had been elaborately worked. Sensibly, the villagers had tied the girl's arms tightly behind her and blindfolded her -- even a most dedicated and obedient woman might lose her nerve at a time like this.
From my scouting point I could see that they helped her out of the wagon with great care, and, one-by-one, but quickly, they kissed her before they lead her to the new post. All this was good. This was no dreg-of-the-village, poxed whore they were bringing out for the sacrifice.
They lay out a rough blanket on the ground so the charcoal and ashes wouldn't sully her white dress. They coiled a rope gently around her neck, and tied that coil tightly to the post. Then they all beat a hasty retreat down the path... within earshot, but out of sight. The sacrifice was in place: would it be accepted?
It would. I moved into the cave, and I pulled the massive lever on my machine that was hidden just out of sight in it. The "Great Dragon" that lived inside the cave came to life. From within the cave smoke bellowed out, and roars and groans were heard. I rushed out... there was much to do, and it had to be done quickly.
First off, I gagged the girl. I didn't bother with stuffing, I simply let the cloth sink deep between her teeth as I wrapped it around her head. Screams were OK, but an intelligible, "What are you doing here! Put me down you creep!" would spoil the moment for the villagers waiting just out of sight.
That done, I cut her loose from the post, hoisted her on my back, and carried her quickly into the cave. I dumped her unceremoniously next to the first girl, then hurried back out to oil-up and put fire to her blanket and the stake. I put a pile of ashes on the blanket first, just so there was no doubt about the girl's fate. The machine was rumbling its way to a climax. That done, I rushed back inside as the machine let out some huge groans and whistles that sounded something like unnatural screaming, put out a huge roar of flame, then it went silent.
A few minutes later a couple young villagers peered over the rise with great care, saw the smoking ruin, and were satisfied.
I went back to my ladies. The first girl I had already tied well. Now I retied the second just as thoroughly. Her arms were well-tied by the villagers, so I had only to regag her to keep her quiet, not just unintelligible, and tie her legs. I tied her ankles and knees, and those to the first girl's. I backed off to admire my handiwork.
So far, so ... Excellent! This year's crops had been bad, and these villagers seemed to be feeling that they should have done more to appease The Great Dragon last year.
Both these ladies were five years beyond puberty, and... flawless... absolutely flawless in face, figure and hair -- peasant women can surprise you. The first was raven-haired with slightly wavy hair let loose to fall down to her waist. The second was golden blond with hair in a waist-length braid. The dresses they wore were as impressive as the ladies. These village peasants did not have access to silks and gems, but what they did with linen, feathers and shells was awe-inspiring. These were fine treasures indeed!
I study my quiet ladies -- still blindfolded and not comprehending what has happened to them. Silks and gems... Perhaps I will introduce these to the peasants over this next year. For these are my peasants. I am Baron Iglasias Rostov, Lord of this Realm. My peasants know I am dedicated to slaying this dragon, and one day I will do it. In the meantime, they "pay their respects" to it. Oh, there is a real dragon living in this cave -- and it is dangerous. But it's a sneaky creature, and hides when I come to take it's place on Dragon's Day.
There would be one more sacrifice this Dragon's Day. I restoked the boiler, reset the levers, and wait for the third village's procession.
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