Oblation

Each of the brethren stood with his chalice, and made his vow, and gave his drink-offering of the wine which represented his blood. A few dipped their fingers into the wine and sprinkled it, but most had picked up the Ellene trick of flicking the wrist to let only a few drops spill. Man after man, down the line, made their pledge, spilled a few drops to honor the God, and stepped back, until de Clarion. He lifted his goblet, and vowed as the others had to sacrifice himself, and then stopped. His face was pale. He tipped his cup sideways, so the wine  trickled down the side of the cup and dripped onto the stone. And then he tipped it further, pouring the wine, slowly but without ceasing, until the chalice was empty and all his wine was puddled on the stone before him.