Chapter 2:

The Selection Committee

Return From Sacrifice

It was only a few days after the letter’s arrival when the flags bearing The Cathedral’s crest were seen over the horizon. The guard at the gate announced their arrival, and soon the news spread throughout in a blur. As the missionaries reached the town center, Sasaki arrived to meet and greet them.

“Are you the pastor of this town’s church?” The presumed man-in-charge spoke.

“Yes! My name is Sasaki, no last name. I’ve already told those most devoted about your arrival. Those who are of age shall be lined up for you shortly.”

“Excellent! I am Mathias Richter; I’m in charge of our little caravan,” He chuckles.

An older, frail woman appears beside him, using her ceremonial staff as a crutch.
“And this is…”
She cut him off, “Gola. That’s all you need to know.”

“Yes, Gola here possesses the divine eyes. She’ll be able to find those most faithful amongst you.”

Gola begins eyeing Sasaki up and down. Her sagging, wrinkling face shifts into a mischievous smile.

“Ah. You are quite the devoted follower, I see.” She turns towards Father Richter. “We may have found our first subject. Heh heh.”

Father Richter chuckles alongside her.
“Now, now, let’s get ahead of ourselves,” He grinned. “Let’s see who they have lined up first.”

The missionary moves along, surveying the surrounding area while talking in an inaudible tone. Either way, Sasaki was not keen on listening. His heart was beating with anticipation. He was hoping that her offhanded comment was more prophetic than not.

Since he was done introducing himself, he joined the awaiting group of devotees. It was not long before those who believed they were of grand faith gathered together in the town square. The accompanying priests of the caravan set a box down for Father Richter to stand upon. He begins:

“Thank you all for gathering here today. The gods blesseth thy presence.”
The group of townsfolk claps their hands in prayer.

“And thy presence is seen,” they collectively profess.

“We are here today due to the guidance of Selus, goddess of harvest. Her land has been subjected to strife and decay due to the curses brought upon by The Cult of The Accursed Gods. They wield their malevolent forces against us to bring harm to us faithful.” Father Richter pauses for a moment.

“But her power is not lost! For she has given a vision to our Grand Bishop. That her most faithful apostles shall revitalize her power, and allow us to thrive despite the forces willed against us. She has guided us to you, my fair disciples. And today, she shall call upon only the most faithful to return to the heavens and stand beside her as divine guardians.”

The crowd cheers! Father Richter takes a moment to soak in the brief celebration. Another box is placed beside him, allowing Gola to shakily join him.

“Gola will be our conduit today. If she grasps your hands, then Selus has chosen you, and you will accompany us to the capital starting tomorrow morning.” Father Richter turns towards Gola. “Any words, Madam Gola?” Gola takes a moment of thought, whether due to deep thought or age is only known to her. Her eyes perk up with her conclusion.

“Good luck!”

Father Richter laughs, inciting the rest of the crowd to join alongside him.

“Well, we didn’t bring her for her speaking skills,” Father Richter chuckles. Gola, sensing her turn, steps off of her box and walks towards the group of expectant devotees. As she approaches, they fall silent. Sasaki stands in the line alongside them, awaiting his turn. Gola’s slow pace makes Sasaki feel a little impatient. But he knew his turn would be due.

She slowly walks the line, peering at each individual with pale eyes. She passes by the first few who look visibly disappointed before stopping in front of a young seamstress. Gola gives her a toothy smile.

“Well, well,” She croaks. “What a lovely aura we have here. Selus has guided me to you for sure.”

Gola then grasps the woman’s hands, causing her to shriek with excitement. Gola releases them and continues down the line. She picks out a few more eager subjects before eventually arriving at Sasaki.

She gazes at the young man. Her eyes feel like sunbeams revealing his entire being to her. Gola gives an elderly chuckle.

“Heh Heh! Don’t look so uptight, young man.” She reaches her hands towards them and grasps them with withered strength. Sasaki looks upon their intertwined hands with disbelief.

She grunts, “As if such a devoted priest wouldn’t be seen by Selus.”

She laughs again, releasing Sasaki’s hands to continue down the line. Sasaki gawks at his own palms, as if they’ve been personally blessed by the gods. He has been chosen. His heart feels ready to burst with excitement as he contemplates the life choices that led him to this moment. Everything he has done has been seen. And just like his mentor, he’ll be able to use his life for something truly magical.

By the time Sasaki returns his attention to the world, Gola has concluded her search for offerings. The air is filled with a bittersweet mood as those chosen celebrate and weep. The chosen must now leave all they’ve built in this town. Their friends, their family, and their livelihood shall be abandoned as their first offerings to the gods.

They must leave it all behind and arrive in the capital as an unbounded soul, ready for ascendance. Sasaki included. He thinks about the children of the orphanage. A pang of sorrow overpowers his excitement for just a moment at the thought of leaving them behind. But Sasaki knew the town would take care of them. Someone will step up, just like he did years ago.