Occultation

[For the first time, he breaks down briefly] These Tupac have destroyed an entire people. Just like the Spanish conquerors and the Tolmec before them. Smallpox, slavery, genocide. For what? Wealth? Power? And who will come along to wipe out these rebels? The ancient ones were wrong. Human sacrifice does not give power to the light— only the darkness.

[He studies the gown affectionately, then lays it down]

I cannot stay here and take confessions from murderers. I will start down the mountain at sunup. They may kill me, they may not. But my God is not here. There will be no one to give last rights to these demons. END

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Bali

by traci thompson