‘Run through the checklist.’

‘Okay. The ceremony must take place in a grand altar.’

They look round the baroque dome and nod at each other.

‘Check.’

‘Six golden urns placed in a circle atop six poles.’

‘Check.’

‘Attire of purple cloaks to worship royalty and their wealth.’

They look sheepishly at the garish cloaks they wear.

‘Check.’

‘A dais with a plain altar in the centre.’

‘Check.’

‘Ropes and/or chains suitable for restraints.’

‘Check.’

‘Daggers.’

‘Check.’

‘I think that’s everything.

Pause. He turns the paper over.

‘Hold on, there’s something on the back here. A naked, voluptuous virgin with flowing golden locks.’

‘Ah…’

Written as part of the Friday Fictioneers challenge hosted by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields (more details HERE). The idea is to write a short story of 100 words based on the photo prompt (above).

To read stories of 100 words based on this week’s prompt, visit HERE.