Four: Future- Solar Maximum
The beginning is a story I know well.
‘And Helianthus told Valentine: “take your son, your only beloved son, Soraya, and go to a grove I have chosen for you. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a nest I will provide for you” ’
Our altar.
‘Valentine rose early with the Sun, to then wake Soraya. They set off in the forest, wading through the ever-growing sunflowers, following the path provided by Helianthus. They walked for days, until the Grove appeared in the distance. It was a flower unlike any they had ever seen, a stem of a larger size, a darker colour, almost the colour of the shadows in the evening.’
‘As father and son entered, they found the Grove to be magnificent, a sight more brilliant and holy than anything they had ever beheld. Figures of Helianthus on every surface, as if they were standing in his very glory. In the middle of the room there was the nest that He had mentioned. ‘
‘ “Father?” Soraya asked, resuming his question only when told to by his father. “He has guided us to the grove and to the nest, but there is nothing to sacrifice.”
‘And even though it pained Valentine, he looked at his son and said, “Helianthus himself will provide the sacrificial material.” But he then tied his son and placed him onto the altar, his own actions betraying him, and rose a piece of root in the air. But before he could strike down, a voice boomed.’
‘ “Valentine!” Said Helianthus’.
‘ “Here I am.” Valentine responded.’
‘ “Do not lay a hand on the boy.” He said. “Do not do anything to him, you have now proved your obedience.”’
‘This tale.’ The priest tells us. ‘Is the tale of our ancestors, the very first people to inhabit the forest, provided by Helianthus. He gave us a home, a place where to worship him, all we have to do in return is believe, to be loyal and have faith. We owe everything to Him, and when He asks us to prove our never faltering devotion, we must vow it without a second thought.’
‘Most of you here have already done so, in your youths, and it is undoubtedly a day you still remember. For you-’ He says, gesturing to my row, where I still kneel and look up to face him, ‘The moment to do so is now.’
He leans over and cups my face with his hand, his fingers laying over my chin and cheek. His skin is cold, his hand clammy. I feel a shiver climb up my spine and I tell myself it must be nerves.
I tell myself I cannot wait to fulfil this part of my destiny.