Dare I see?

Daniel breathed slowly, his back pressed hard against the wall as he peered carefully around the corner. In the dim lighting of the hall, he could barely make out the shape of a tall slender man, clutching something wrapped in a blanket to his chest.

A soft pink blanket, lovingly woven with red patterns.

Rebecca.

Daniel had barely arrived back at the servants' quarters that night when Florie had thrown herself upon him, nearly choking on her own desperate sobs. She was a woman of her mid-thirties, and had given birth to her daughter only two months past. She had also looked after Daniel since he was a small boy, always being sure he didn't cause too much trouble in the watchful eyes of the Shrike.

Daniel held the hysterical woman against him and tried to support her trembling body the best he could. Florie was not overweight by any means, but the heavy cries that shook her body were more than enough to throw the young man off balance. He looked at the many other servants who had surrounded them helplessly, finally finding his voice and asking the fateful question.

"What has happened?"

He was rewarded with only vacant stares and silence, until a very young boy finally stepped forward.

"Becca. They took Becca away, an' she aint comin' back."

Florie sobbed loudly.

Daniel stared at the boy.

The boy stared back.

"Who has her now?"

"She aint comin' back."

"Who?"

"Larkin, of course."

---

And so now, he snuck through the corridors, unsure of just how he would get the infant back. He'd been in this part of the castle before, many times as a small boy although he was not allowed. This was where the priests lived, and where the temples were.

Catlike, Daniel continued to follow the newly appointed king. Larkin walked steadily, purpose clearly on his mind as he strode into the temple. Daniel stopped just ouside the entry and peered into the room cautiously.

He has seen this particular place before. It was a large space, with many pools of water spread throughout it. Torches lined the walls and copper pits of fire lit the room, casting eerie reflections of orange and yellow across the water, stone floors and walls.

"Sashin. I am here."

A robe clad priest hurried forward.

"Your majesty. So good of you to come."

It was true that Larkin was only there for himself, but still the priest knew better than to forgo manners.
The king waved his hand impatiently, and Daniel fixed his eyes on the men.

"Enough formalities. Let us get on with it, Sashin."

The priest nodded.

"Of course. You have the sacrifice, I imagine?"

Larkin sneered and dropped the baby into the priest's arms. Sashin's jaw promptly dropped.

"You do not mean you wish me to perform the ritual using an innocent child?

Larkin was annoyed.

"Are you questioning me?," he demanded, his orange eyes flashing dangerously.

"N--no, my Lord, of course not..."

Sashin closed his eyes solemnly and lay the child down gently before situating Larkin on the soft pillows he had arranged.

"You...you are sure you wish me to us--"

Larkin's eyes turned cold.

"You dare to question me again, and your life may very well be over, Sashin."

The priest's eyes widened and he nodded.

"As you wish, Majesty."

Hands trembling, the man carefully and slowly unwrapped the beautiful silver dagger he had cared for his whole life as a man of the gods, and drew the blade lightly down Rebecca's chest, drawing a thin line of blood.

The baby screamed.

Daniel fell to his knees and vomited.