Johnny was a young son of a shepherd Dell personally knew. He had an abitious energy but was often too quick to jump to Gwodnoil's deceptions. This story is dedicated to an important lesson.
It was a sunny day. As the lambs started bleating and the drones 'chirping', Dell, the Observer of the Will of Mokwhen, himself was giving a speech about a new vision from the Righteous Spiller of Blood, Mokwhen. Many people gathered, including Johnny.
'I can't wait for the day I personally slay Gwodnoil!' Johnny thought.
"Ah, shush now", proclaimed Dell, Observer of the Will of Mokwhen.
Johnny pouted and listened, fidgeting impatiently.
"With the arrival of spring due to Mokwhen winnin' the fight against the lowly bottom-feeder that is Gwodnoil and his foul seven daughters of degeneracy, we must pay the debt of our blood tax."
"Blood tax?" Johnny blurted. He couldn't wait to offer Gwodnoil's head on a silver platter!
"I know what y'all're thinkin'", Dell stared at Johnny. "But this ain't no government sorta tax. This is one that is important an' key to your very survival", he smiled.
Dell went on to explain how to fulfill this tax and Johnny tried his best to listen, but he always had trouble trying.
A woman caught herself about to exclaim at Dell's explaination, but quickly fought away the influence of Gwodnoil. Johnny glared at her.
The talk ended with more sticks added to the unlit pyre and the women and children hurried away whilst the men went to work. Some talked eagerly.
Johnny immediately went to find a goat to pay the blood tax. He eyed one and drew his sharpened bloodblade. But the goat ran away.
"If I shout to call it over, then it will work!"
If I sat and told you all the ways Johnny tried to get the goats to come near him-- from burning the grass around himself to throwing wood chips in their direction, to saying some rites-- we would be here all day. The sun was starting to sink into the horizon, colouring the dome with red streaks. With each failure, Johnny got angrier.
He finally snapped.
"This sucks! I hate this blood tax! I hate Gwodnoil! He made this tax! I just know it!"
He flung his bloodblade into the pyre. Dell's face darkened as he was alerted of Johnny's outburst.
"Johnny, that's a serious thing to say. Do you not want Mokwhen to recieve his due after all the threats of Gwodnoil?"
Johnny crossed his arms and pouted. Just then, the same woman from earlier ran over to Johnny.
"Johnny! Listen to the Dell-- I mean, Observer of the Wise Mokwhen, Dell! He wants the best for you!"
Dell gave her a side glance that could turn any being to cinders and she tried to gather her words.
"I'm sorry, my mind-- Gwodnoil has been meddling with everything it seems lately!"
"Even the important lessons Mokwhen has told me to share with you?" Dell retaliated with righteousness.
The woman wanted to speak, but stopped herself. She motioned to Johnny to follow.
"Come, Johnny. It's bedtime soon. Mokwhen wants you strong and healthy."
"You haven't even spoken to Mokwhen!" Johnny shouted. Tears were now welling in his eyes as he kicked the ground. The goats bleated gleefully, almost tauntingly at Johnny.
The woman glanced at Johnny and then Dell, who was staring at the abandoned bloodblade.
"We have to go now. I'll read a story. Tommy is waiting for you, too", the woman beckoned.
The sun sank lower and the sky grew more red.
Dell suddenly broke his silence. Perhaps he was conversing with Mokwhen.
"You know, Johnny. Mokwhen has told me you might just be able to catch the biggest goat."
Johnny thought to himself. Would he choose to try again or would he not?
"You can always try tomorrow", the woman chimed.
Johnny shook his ashy head. "I don't want to. I want a story", he grabbed the woman's hand and they hurried off down the dirt path to one of the smaller commune homes. Her hand was oddly cold.
Johnny was led suddenly off the path.
"What's going on?"
The woman's eyes suddenly grew amber. Her pupils were now thin, black stripes.
"I will bring you to the festival of Gwodnoil and my sisters!" she hissed. "We will dance and you will be the soldier of chaos!"
Johnny looked back. Everyone was gathering around the pyre.
Another sister of Gwodnoil and two snakemen, armed with makeshift supplies blocked the view.
"We will take you away forever!" one hissed.
Suddenly, a group led by Dell threw stones at the sisters and snakemen.
They hissed with rage and fled as the Gwodnoilian sister tripped to the ground, still grabbing Johnny's hand. She cawed for help but her allies did not come back.
Later that evening, the pyre was lit. The abandoned bloodblade was cleansed in the flames.
Despite being surrounded by all the comforting warmth, Johnny noticed the woman's hand was still as icy as steel.