To some; as gods

There was a trembling among the bushes and a pink nose nudged forward.

"Come out, little one"

The eyes were added to the protruding part.

"No need to be afraid"

The youth stayed stuck in place, knees quivering under the steady gaze of the adult.

"Why are you hiding, youngster?"

" I thought I saw a god" replies the little squeak.

"Maybe you did, gods have been know to walk here. But why the fear, my young friend?"

"I am scared that I will be taken for sacrifice and I am not worthy of it"

"The very fact you say this is proof enough to me that you are more than worthy. A humble soul is all anyone asks."

"But I have sinned."

"Sin is inevitable. Repentance is where you must make a choice. Come."

So he emerged from his hiding place and whispered a prayer of hope to the skies.

Seconds later, a rushing shape burst forth and wrapped them both in thick, rough ropes. They writhed and moaned. As they were lifted up, the pain dug tightly into their flesh.

"It is the touch of god" screamed the elder. Strange skin prodded at their bodies and they thrashed in religious fevor.

They were carried off and arrived at a holy place on the back of a giant, noisy beast. The gods freed them from their rope cage and dragged the elder away.

"Take me, take me" called the little one, desperately.

"Your time will come. Prepare your body and your soul. Praise the gods in all that you do."

He kept these parting words with him over the coming months. He bowed to the gods every wish: eating all that was put in front of him and laying where he was guided each night. He lived a holy life, not completely free from fault but he had learned to accept this and embrace the penance of the gods' angry hands.

He took the wife the gods choose for him, praising their names as he mounted her, biting hard on her neck. He loved her. She was delivered by the hands of the holy; how could he not?

He never saw his children but he could sense them and he cried proud tears that they could be born in such a temple; an Eden of mud and straw.

The day they took him, he knew his blessed time had come. He rode the metal beast and his veins raced with fear and joy.

He dashed through the gaping doors of the concrete cathedral, its looming form honoring the towering height of its makers. He entered into the fierce white light. They blessed his body with each slap and he finally stood before the high priest.

"Quiet, my trembling heart. I have repented and I am ready to join the gods beyond. Anoint me, cold blade."

He spluttered rich liquid and squealed  "Hosanna" as he felt himself lifted to heaven, by the hind legs.