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The land on the other side fell away in a gentle slope towards a srass was neatly trimmed Trees and bushes were neatly cropped Some were cut to imitate animals The overall effect was one of order and precision, totally different froe

A hundred or so white-robed figures were gathered about an altar, chanting soleing All eyes were turned towards the big stone

Touessed that, on this special day, the sun rose directly above it He wasn't worried that the priests held priht hiy rarely placed a literal interpretation on holy writ That was for the co truth that own caolden torque graced his neck and he held a staff surolden disc He reached the altar and raised the staff as the sun rose and the stone cast a shadoards the altar Horns blared, cy to the lord of all creation

Toot to his feet His shadow stretched before him It was his chance topace with the blood red disc of the sun as it cliasp went up fro of cymbals ceased and the drumbeat died away

To a minor sensation He was undoubtedly expected and everyone was ithened his stride andthere

The elderly man raised his staff

'Who walks in the face of the Lord?'

'I have come to join your esteemed company,' Toreat whore?'

Tom sensed an air of hostility

'Foul creature of the dark!'

The staff with the golden disc thu face he had helped to destroy the night before Toonism

'Tomas son of John'

The old ressed the sacred pathways You have defiled the Lord's e You have consorted with the whelp of the she bitch' He shook with rage 'What brings you to this sacred place?What further abominations do you wish to commit?'