“If you choose to take it, a sacrifice must be made,” the figure spoke.
“What kind of sacrifice must we make?” I asked in wonder. “We have done everything, fasted for 40 days and nights, even meditated in solitude. Why are we now asked to make a sacrifice?”
“The sacrifice I speak of requires a life for this mountain, for you have taken from it,” the figure approached closer.
“But—but—”
“You are an old woman full of deceit,” Timothee interjected. “You commanded us to do everything, and we complied. Now, as we depart, you demand another sacrifice?”
“Young man, there’s such a thing as quid pro quo. Nothing in life comes for free,” the figure laughed heartily.
“Let’s strike a different chord. What can we do other than offering such a sacrifice? We can give treasures or anything but
