Eye Noon River

Door clicks shut, lock snaps tight, twelve cloaked figures in circular configuration stand around a concrete altar upon which I lie still, motionless.

Shallow breath escapes in tempered burst, naked breast anointed by sparrow's blood, new beginning coming soon.

Ashes of former ascendants mark my flesh, grey from head to toe.

Two dozen hands roughly molest my exposed being, warming gratitude fulfills me negating all ill thought.

My purpose almost fulfilled, destiny awaits as hands withdraw, glint of light refracted from dagger's blade as it rises slowly from black nothingness.

Candle flame flickers brightly, only light source in room then darkness as the blade descends, plunging deep into bloodied ashen breast, cracking bone.

Frenzied claws of unmarked patrons befall me, tearing through skin, retrieving handfuls of tasty flesh along with sweet, sweet sinew to eat one and all.

They even suck out my marrow, leaving nothing to waste.

Bones becoming arcane tools for cleric's lone use, necessary sacrifice until they draw the next lot.

I behold true sanctuary in all its glorious majesty.