The forest stood before them like a looming threat, the wind gently swaying the branches to an unearthly melody. They now stood behind the sacred high walls of Ostrythe's garden, visited only by the Prophet and his brides. This was holy ground, where Ostrythe was said to speak to his Prophet and take his brides away.
The Prophet walked to the edge of the forest and fell to his knees, bowing his head to the ground. "Oh great Ostrythe, protector of our people, and benevolent savior, I offer to you now three maidens of pure heart to serve you in the years to come."
Rieka, Ivy, and Elaine all bowed to the ground and said in unison, "We offer ourselves willingly and wholeheartedly to the great Ostrythe." Rieka glanced over at Ivy who shook with deep sobs. Anyone could see how unwilling the poor girl was to be there. They all were. But they had no say in the matter.
'We're all only sacrifices to these people,' Rieka thought to herself. 'They would rather it be us who die instead.'
"If you find them satisfactory," the Prophet continued, "send me a sign that I might bring them to you now." He rose his head and stared deep into the forest, looking for something they could not see. The minutes rolled by without a sound. Not even the crickets dared chirp on this darkest of nights.
As the silence dragged on, a sliver of hope filled Rieka's chest. Would she be able to go back? Could Ostrythe find them unsuitable? Would she be...free?
A sharp wolf's howl pierced the silence, sending shivers down their spines. The Prophet rose with a sigh of relief and turned to the girls. "Ostrythe has found you to be worthy."
The three girls rose steadily to their feet. As they did so, the Prophet handed each of them a red bundle. "This red cloak shows you are under Ostrythe's protection. So long as you wear it and stick to the path, nothing in His forest can hurt you."
"Wh-what do you mean?" Ivy cried out gripping the bundle tightly to her chest. "I thought you said we were meeting Ostrythe here?"
"No, child. His brides must venture to his domain and find him there. Only those loyal and true to him will make it to his kingdom."
"Wait a minute!" Elaine chimed in. "You expect us to walk into the forest we have been told since birth to never enter alone?! This is ridiculous! My father will hear of this!"
"You have no father now!" the Prohpet growled, glaring at the girls. "None of you do! You were washed of all your earthly ties inside the temple. There is only Ostrythe for you now."
Elaine held her tongue, furiously blinking away tears. With a soft sigh of defeat, they all slowly covered themselves with the blood red cloaks.
"Be sure to hood your head when you enter his forest," the Prophet said with a falsely gentle voice.
"Follow the path straight and true,
your husband there waits for you.
But should you stray from the path,
you will invoke His vengeful wrath."
He spoke this rhyme to them again and again as he handed each of them a small lantern. His rhyme snuck deep into their minds like a worm burrowing beneath the earth. He ushered them forward to lightly worn path that entered the forest. He patted each girl on their shoulders, smiled, and said, "There is no place for you here now. You are Ostrythe's brides. If you dare return, we will not shelter you nor hide you from His wrath. You belong to Ostrythe now." He gave them one more dark smile as his warning sunk in, then turned his back to the girls, the forest, and his God.
*****
Authors note: So sorry for the lack of updates! My sister had a baby and my university classes started up again. I'll be sure to keep up with updates from now on! Thank you for reading!