There were similar reactions from some of the worshipers in the crowd, the same bitter splatter on the grass and dirt, several low moans of distress, but no one rose to help her or their neighbors. Vala was left where she knelt, the Jaffa ready to move again should she try to stop their Lord. Other than stepping forward to stop Vala, they alone made no reaction to the punishment their God meted out.

The Crocodile God moved down the line, repeating the same on each single slave, and there was no major effort on his part, the same as slicing open prey. The air soon sweetened with the heavy smell of blood, rang with the crack of bone. He was just as unhurried as he was walking out to the group, methodical and remorseless. It took over an hour to finish. Some would succumb soon to shock, but some, some would remain alive longer.

Sobek stepped away finally, splattered with blood and looking satisfied. This blasphemer and his line had paid. He had several more trips to make before he would be appeased.

The chieftain dared look up, looking sick in the face, and seeing what was in his God's eyes, nodded hastily. No words were needed. These were to remain where they were. They were beyond help and had been since their offspring transgressed, and now they and the village had been cleansed. The jungle would creep in and consume them, however long it took.

Sobek turned and strode back towards Jaffa and Vala. It was time to head for the next village...