Somewhere in the 1700s, the city of Alvile was having a celebration for the new year. it was tradition for every boy and girl to walk up to Itano Ridge to leave childhood into new adulthood. Sam bell, a poor farmer boy who had just lost his mother, was about to enter this journey. his father was out of the picture and he had no siblings to wish him safe travels. only his aunt was there in the cold snow with him and the other families. Sam was nervous.
Sam’s aunt put an extra set of clothing on him as he shivered. “You must be very cold- here, wear this.” It was a blood red silk jacket that was way too big for him. “It’ll protect you. It did for me… I know it’s torn on some parts and smells a little. But without this jacket. Me and you mother would’ve never survived.”
“Mom wore this?” asked Sam.
“Yes. It’s called, ‘The eyes of the devil.’ Anyone wearing this will not be harmed. your great grandmother made this for her to deceive the demons on your travel to think you’re one of them. Plus, it keeps you very warm. so you’ll stop shivering in a minute…”
“But I’m not cold, Aunt Sanny.”
Aunt Sanny put her hand on Sam’s left cheek. “I know… Promise me one thing, Sam. Can you do that for me?”
“What is it, Aunt Sanny?”
“Never take the jacket off. No matter what the other children say or do or whatever is happening around you. never take it off. And if any of the other children tries to take it off of you- kill them.”
Sam’s eyes widened at what She was saying. Aunt Sanny slid a long knife into Sam’s left jacket pocket. “Never let them take it off. It’s your only lifeline. Everyone knows of this jacket. Which is why everyone is looking at us. But don’t be afraid. Be afraid if they take it off.”
After Aunt Sanny gave her warning, she hugged Sam tightly, and prayed Sam heed her warning. Once she walked away, Sam looked around. Everyone was looking at him. The adults were whispering to their children things. Probably to kill Sam and take his jacket. A cold chill overcame him. He was everyone’s enemy. he knew what he needed to do. Kill or be killed.
A man on a podium then spoke. “Ok, children. It’s time for the long journey. Every few years, children like you must journey to Itano Ridge to pay the ultimate sacrifice to the demons who plague this land. For without the sacrifice, Your families, will all die. This is not just a journey to adulthood. But a journey to keep your lineage surviving. If you die on the journey. Your entire family will die. To prevent this, you must drop your blood into the hell pit on the top of Itano Ridge. If you fail. May god have mercy on your soul and your families.”
The black bell rang three times. It was time to go.
