Only a thought arose within me.
This priest was not to blame.

He did no more than he had been taught.
Who taught him?
The god he served, through whom he gained honour and livelihood.

So the god was to blame, the god that drank the blood of men, as a thrall drinks ale, to satisfy his filthy appetite.

Could such a monster be a god?
Nay, he must be a devil, and why should free men serve devils?
At least, I would not.

I would cast him off, and let him avenge himself upon me if he could.