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In the Bleak Mid-Winter

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(Flash Fiction, with an enormous nod to Bernard Cornwell)

 

Wednesday is Mid-Winter Solstice.  This holds no spiritual significance for me but I respect any for whom it does. 

 

To the sensibilities of our cossetted ears this was grisly business.  To those watching, though, this was a thing of glory – a glory greater than battle, glory which brought men close to the gods.

The Mace of Sol was older than the stories of the Old Folk – a thigh bone from a great beast, of which the Elders spoke but none could recall, for such beasts were no more.

The Mace was held high in the grey, mid-winter dawnlight by the High Priest.  Kneeling beneath, extending his head in reverent supplication, the crippled boy was offered.

◄ Shopper's Revenge

Le Pere Fouettard ►

Comments

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M.C. Newberry

Fri 23rd Dec 2011 15:41

The Season in its basic setting, is all about sacrificing others. And we are still at it!
Hey J.C....interesting door-knocker!

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John Coopey

Tue 20th Dec 2011 19:40

Nick, we used to have 3 kids but one wouldn't behave.

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Nick Coleman

Tue 20th Dec 2011 19:01

Sharp reminder that like it or not we are of nature, no life is possible without anothers death.
DO you use that skull to frighten off door to door salesmen?

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