The axe rose and fell. Warmth sprayed out, and the thick reek of blood spread through the hall. The chiefs of the various tribes lay collapsed all around the Temple, as if they were sacred offerings. The idol cast down its shadow, the bonfire flickered orange-yellow, and the Stone Hall ran blood-red. Black, yellow, and red together set off the pale Snake Priestess at the center, making the smile on her face look all the more dazzling.
"Chief Miawa, I have avenged the house master!"
Captain of Warriors Qiyan was drenched in blood. Holding the head of Ozli, chief of the Lake Sacrifice Tribe, he came before the Snake Priestess. Then he dropped to one knee and raised the head in his hands high, offering it to the sole victor.
"Good! The ancestors bear witness! The new Main God will forgive you everything!"
The Snake Priestess Miawa nodded in satisfaction and stretched out her fair hands to take Ozli's head. She stroked Ozli's young cheek, thought for a moment, then gently closed his terror-widened eyes.
"Ah! What a handsome head!... Let me borrow you for a while..."
The Snake Priestess murmured softly, then her expression hardened. She looked at Captain of Warriors Qiyan and, for the first time, gave an order in a chief's tone, her voice sharp.
"Qiyan, swear loyalty to me!"
"The ancestors and the gods bear witness! Chief Miawa, I will guard at your side, fight for you, and die for you!"
"Good! I accept your loyalty, and I will grant you the power and rewards you deserve!"
The Snake Priestess's expression was cold and severe. She stretched out her blood-red hand and gripped his hair. She did not believe in oaths, but she needed the ritual of loyalty to strengthen the habit of obedience.
"Go! Bring