Writetober Day 3 (Vessel)

Vessel

Oct 3

“Hamba…hamba…hamba.”  The mantra echoed throughout the dimly lit chamber.

“Hamba…hamba…hamba.”  The words flooded the ears of the dozens of worshipers as they mimicked one another.

“Hamba…hamba…hamba.”  A cloaked figure made its way to the pedestal centralized in the sanctum.  It’s arms lifted into the air, a motion to quiet the followers.

Silence coursed through the sea of people that awaited their leader.

“Bring forth the vessel.”  The cloaked figure’s voice was deep, far deeper than any living thing should be.

On command, two muscle bound men dragged a woman onto the cold stone stage that the hooded man stood on.  She flailed and screamed, but her efforts were in vain as the ceremonially painted men easily brought her to her knees.

“Rise!  Rise and fulfill your holy destiny!”  The cloaked being’s voice roared across the many facets of the chamber.

“Hamba…hamba…hamba…”  The chant grew once more.  It’s quiet rumble growled with eagerness.

“Rise.”  The cloaked man extended a hand to the terrified woman.  “Give yourself to Tanchala, and become great.”

She paused, her tear soaked face peered into the darkness beneath the hood before her.

“Rise child.”  The leader’s voice was quiet beneath the roaring chant around them.

She took it’s hand and lifted herself to stand.

“Embrace Tanchala.”  The cloaked man dug an ornate dagger into the girl’s gut.

“Hamba…hamba…hamba…”  The mantra shook the walls as the worshipers roared with vigor.

Life drained from the vessel’s eyes as she fell limp on the cold stone beneath her.

“Hamba…hamba…hamba…”

“Rise Tanchala, we welcome you to this world.  Lead the worthy to the greatness of your truth.”  The cloaked figure removed it’s hood as it dropped to its knees.  “Accept this vessel.”  The man dropped his ornately tattooed head to the stone as he joined in on the chant that surged through the chamber.

“Hamba!  Hamba!  Hamba!”

The stone chamber walls rumbled in acceptance as a torrent of cold air tore through the waves of chanting followers.  In a terrified and excited realization, the mantra stopped, all the worshipers waited in tense breath.

“Welcome Tanchala.”  The leader’s words rang out as the woman’s dead eyes ripped open.

“This will do.”  A grin stretched across the vessel’s face.