ANALYZING… FILE TYPE: Physical Book PERIOD: Colony Era TOPIC: "Apotheosis of the Many" SUMMARY: Part of a larger collection titled "The Severed Twins," this fairy tale appears to critique social and political power structures in New Cascadia. This antiquated format proved popular and subversive. =================================================================== It had only been a few years since the last festival, but recent events demanded a renewal. Metal garlands adorned the village square, where revelers danced and sang around a monstrous idol with four heads. Bright paint adorned the stony features, bringing them momentarily to life. "We are ready," said the ancestral head. "They are not," replied the warlike head. "They need us," said the noble head. The fourth head made no reply, for its stone maw held no tongue. One by one, the revelers ceased their chaotic dance. One by one, they silently approached the idol with knife in hand. A finger for plenty. An eye for safety. Thus it had been for as long as the villagers could remember, and thus it would continue. The festive paints disappeared beneath a layer of rejuvenating red. At the moment of apotheosis, the sun dipped below the horizon and painted the sky a corresponding scarlet. WE ARE HERE, said the many-headed idol. "We are willing," answered the village. YOU NEED US, said the idol. "We need you," answered the village. Only the outlaw remained silent, watching from the wilderness as day became night and the revelry resumed. Selfishly they clung to all their fingers; selfishly they wept from both eyes. =================================================================== TYPE: TEXT [X]; AUDIO [ ]