On a moonless night, Morgaine and Raven prepare for a ritual involving the Goddess. Raven begins screaming a prophecy that foretells the “Virgin Huntress” calling “the king to her” and relinquishing “her maidenhood to the God….ah, the old sacrifice, the old sacrifice” (168). Morgaine collapses and feels sick and confused; as she recovers, she considers the meaning of Raven’s words.

Morgaine goes to see Viviane to consult her about Raven’s prophecy. Viviane explains that it is referring to the ancient fertility ritual of the old Tribes, in which the Horned One is given his choice of young maidens to acknowledge the sacrifice King Stag, the strongest deer in a herd, makes by dying for human gain. This custom has evolved into the Great Marriage. This ancient ritual tests a new king, who will need to participate in the Great Marriage with a priestess: Morgaine. Morgaine eventually agrees, recalling when Viviane told her that “it is too heavy a burden to be borne unconsenting” (171).

Morgaine leaves Avalon to prepare for the Great Marriage with the priestess of the Tribes, who takes her through an elaborate ritual in which she is naked and painted with blue markings. She is then led outside in a deerskin cloak; she can see the outline of the man she is supposed to be with but is only able to tell that he is tall, athletic, and has blond hair.