The Drowning

         The Drowning is a ceremony that involves the undergoing of a rigorous ritual. Once the person in question has been properly introduced to everyone within the community, they must earn the trust of The Father--a holy man of the utmost importance to our community. Once he deems the individual worthy, they can undertake the ritual. This could take anywhere from a few months to a few years to be allowed to undertake The Drowning. I myself endured The Father's brutal trials for five long years. Even with me being born into a home of a devoted family. I am happy to say that I was able to succeed with The Drowning. The name is rather accurate to what is actually done. You are placed in the lake that surrounds our town. It is our livelihood and it is said that its rivers stretch as far as the very ocean itself but nobody has ever been willing to travel such a long distance down the twisting winding rivers. Once placed in the lake you must allow it to control your movements. This requires you to relax your body and free your mind. If done correctly you will taken to the center of the lake. Then you must listen. Ignore the sound of your beating heart and try to hear the voice beneath the water. You are then taken underneath. I don't know how deep you are taken. I wasn't able to see the bottom. Some say they do but those much wiser say the lake doesn't have a bottom. It is endless like the god that lives within its murky depths. If you are worthy then you will survive The Drowning. If you are not then you are simply another sacrifice to our god.

         "Brothers and sisters of Bittercrest we have gathered here today to indoctrinate another into our ranks. Welcome Brother Jamel" Father said, raising his arms high. He wore the ceremonial robes that were only worn for this occasion. Lightweight silk colored in light blue dyes with a darker blue near the sleeves. On the back of the robes were dark yellow circles that almost looked like eyes staring into your soul. The people of Bittercrest put their hands together in prayer, as the man Jamel stood kneeled in front of The Father. Jamel's attire was more casual. A simple white button-up and long jeans. Our people believed the best way to relax during the ritual was to wear something you found comfortable.

         "Praise thy father and the one that lurks below," The citizens of Bittercrest said in unison. It was almost unnerving how well they spoke together.

         "Sister Bonnie would you please pass me my dagger" The Father said looking over to me. I nodded making sure to smile. The dress I wore was the same color as The Father's although its material wasn't as smooth. I kneeled and raised the blade in my hands. It wasn't a very heavy dagger, the hilt was made from the bone of what the elders say is a false deity that once attempted to lay its claim to our home centuries ago. But I just think it's from a deer.

         "As you wish," I said looking up at The Father.

         "Thank you, dear Bonnie, and as usual your smile always is able to brighten my day," The Father said with a toothy grin, his single golden tooth gleaming. The Father then took the Dagger and cut at his palm. He squeezed his palm over Jamel and everyone watched as blood dripped from The Father's hand onto Jamel's forehead. "And with the blood of my own I beech you. Allow this man to partake in the ritual to allow him access to our community!" The Father said as he closed his eyes.

         "I give my thanks to The Father for this opportunity," Jamel said softly.

         "Praise thy father and the one that lurks below" The citizens once again said in a strange unison. The Father then took the blooded blade and placed it in my hands and he motioned Jamel towards the lake. We all followed behind making sure to keep our distance. The Father carefully helped Jamel into the water and gently pushed him towards the center of the lake. I took a deep breath as he allowed the lake to bring him to the center. Everything seemed normal. Once he reached the center of the lake everyone began to pray. Their eyes closed and their hands placed together. Except for me. I watched.

         I wasn't surprised when I saw Jamel get dragged under the water. I wasn't surprised when I heard him yelp in fear as it happened. And I wasn't surprised when I began to hear the voice of what lurked beneath the lake. I didn't tell anyone what happened when I was underwater. That I was able to hear and speak to it.

         "Another for you. So that you may grow stronger. Another for you so that we can punish the weak. Another for you so that may spread your gift to the world" I said softly. It had chosen me as its new disciple. It had chosen me to take our community farther than even The Father could have thought possible. It just needed a few more--sacrifices. Jamel would be the 6th person I offered to it. I wasn't surprised when the bubbles stopped reaching the surface of the lake. The Father was the first to open his eyes and I could see the disappointment on his face when he realized Jamel wasn't going to surface.

         "It seems Jamel was not worthy," The Father said in a defeated tone. I waited for everyone to clear out before I walked to the edge of the lake. I placed my hand in the water and drank from it. I closed my eyes and enjoyed the gift.

         "Thank you for this opportunity. I will not let you down." I said softly. Only a few more sacrifices to go. I wondered what the look on The Father's face would be when he is killed by my hands and offered as the last sacrifice to what lay beneath the lake.{/center}