Chapter 629
Brandle grabbed Katelina before she could move more than an inch. Her rebuke died when Zander drew the blade across his own hand. He turned back to the altar and squeezed a few drops of blood into the bowl, then knelt again.
"May the Goddess of Night accept this sacrifice in the spirit it is given. May it recompense some small portion of a debt that cannot be paid. Now we leave you in peace and gratitude. Batna, you are our queen."
Zander used the bloody bowl to douse the candles, one at a time. The task completed, he made a sign with his hand, then rose and turned to them. "You have seen that our ritual is nothing like the one you attended. I would weep for those who have strayed so far from our scriptures. I can only pray that the Goddess' judgement be swift and merciful."
Katelina relaxed. "You're right. It's nothing like the feast I was at."
Zander gathered his items. "The hour grows late. If you wish, another time I will read for you some of our scriptures."