Every seven years, seven children—such was the agreement.


    The families gathered in the village square.


    “We don’t want to give up our children anymore,” they said.


    The head of the elders shook his head in sorrow.


    “We cannot go against the Mountain Spirit,” he said.


    “If we refuse, it will destroy our village.”


    And then, as it had been every seven years, it happened again.


    They wept, they moaned, they rebelled.


    After great suffering and conflict, seven children were chosen.


    The elders and the seven children set off for the mountain.


    When they reached the cave, the Mountain Spirit was waiting.


    “Is our agreement still in place?”


    “It is,” they said.


    “Will you give me seven elders or seven children?”


    “Yes,” they said, lowering their heads.


    “What have you decided?”


    “Seven children,” they said. “We will give you seven children.”


    They descended from the mountain.


    No one spoke on the way back.