“Symbols and deeds power the ritual,” she starts in a soothing, melodious tone. “Their balance brings the desired outcome. The first step is to close the circle of protection. We do it by cutting our hands, walking the circle, mingling our blood with the salt on the ground and lighting the candles as we go. After the last candle is lit, the circle closes. You then have to place the objects, kill the sacrifice, smear the blood on the bones and after the body comes to life, feed it with your blood. I’ll walk you through each step.”
“Thank you,” Ebrach replies.
Shepherd hands Lily a machete with great care. It looks ordinary. Just a big knife. The blade is two fingers wide and wicked sharp, the hilt is weathered, gray wood. The blade is blackened with age and lacks any design or embellishme
