Trumpets blared from the clearing as I mounted the steps of the stone altar and looked out over the thousands gathered there --the sea of expectant faces, the giant wicker figures with their doomed victims still struggling and caging inside.
"A great silver caldron of water stood before the altar, and as the priests sang, a chain of prisoners was led to this caldron, their arms bound behind their backs.
"The voices were singing in concert around me as the priests placed the flowers in my hair, on my shoulders, at my feet.
"`Beautiful one, powerful one, god of the woods and the fields, drink now the sacrifices offered to you, and as your wasted limbs fill with life, so the earth will renew itself. So you will forgive us for the cutting of the corn which is the harvest, so you will bless
