“People start to riot, and many people try to flee, just because they are scared of being the next sacrifice. But you, we don’t know you, and we have no sympathy for you either. You are just another traveller and you didn’t even come from this country. By sacrificing you we can keep order for another year. Why did you think everyone seemed happy when you arrived?”

While the man was talking Kino had managed to reach into her right pocket, she pulled out a small pocket knife and rubbed it against the roped tied around her right hand. She tried to stall for more time

“Ah, I see” She said, still fiddling with the knife. “May I ask you a question?”

“I don’t see why not, you’ll be dead anytime soon anyway”

“Have you ever tried not sacrificing someone, how can you be sure bad things will happen if you don’t?”

“It was writted by our ancestors, theres no way they could be lying. People have been following this rule for centuries, and we have lived happily and peacefully”