St. George and the Morning Tea
Created Wednesday, September 1, 2004
It was a beautiful morning in the town of Silene, but the air was heavy with dread and fear. The townsfolk drudged around the dirty streets in silence. As people exchanged soft words and small sums of money, only one thing lingered on their minds. Today was the casting of the lots, a day that made even the happiest of jesters grimace.
The town bell gave a mournful wail, once, twice, three times. Everyone finally gathered in the town square, the usual soft murmurings even softer than usual. A young man with long black hair stretched his hand out over the crowd, immediately silencing them.
"The plates have been turned in from every household. In this jar," he said, as two other men came forward carrying a large clay jar, "is the name of every young lady in Silene. May God have mercy on our souls." The murmurings ceased. The young man reached a shaking hand into the jar, the sounds of clinking pieces of fired clay echoing over the stillness. As his hand rose up, the silence seemed to be ever louder. His eyes ran over the name written on the portion of clay. His already pale face got even paler.
"Who is it? For heavens sake, tell us, Raol!" exclaimed an old man who was standing behind him.
"I dare not tell you!" Raol said desperately.
"Give me that!" exclaimed a young maiden as she snatched the clay out of Raol's hand. She too read the name, but she did not pale. A whisper of a smile ran across her face, but it did not reach her eyes, for a bitter sadness took its place.
"Daughter, let me see the name," said her father.
She passed the piece to him, and once he read the name, a distressed wail rang over the crowd.
"It is not possible! It just can't be!" he exclaimed.
"Yes it can!" the girl countered her father. "I had the same chance as any other maiden in the village!"
The old man clasped his daughter on her shoulders, drawing her close to him. "You do not understand," he whispered to her in a voice no one else could hear. "I did not put your name in!"
"I knew you wouldn't!" she screeched at him, the people below them silent with awe. "That is why I did it! I knew you wouldn't!"
Her father stared at her in astonishment.
"The king's daughter..." Raol said softly. He cleared his throat, trying to make his voice more presentable. "The king's daughter has been chosen for sacrifice," he said, this time loud enough for everyone to hear. Several gasps mixed with relieved sighs erupted from the people. One young man grit his teeth to prevent a shout of anger. A friend next to him nudged him with his elbow.
"What are you thinkin', George?"