Kaiden drew in another deep breath, his gaze drifting towards Wulfric, seeking a signal. Wulfric responded with an affirmative nod, subtly indicating that the moment had arrived. Wulfric motioned for Loden to follow his lead by waving his hand in front of him and then pointed to the other side of the hallway. Wulfric positioned himself on Kaiden's left by the colossal door, while Loden took the right side. The two warriors pulled the doors slowly open with synchronized movements, sunlight pouring into the hallway of the palace, casting a warm glow over Kaiden and illuminating the grand courtyard ahead of them.
Kaiden's breath hitched as the sight of the courtyard unfolded before him. The sea of faces gazing back at him, each adorned with varying expressions, washed over him in a surreal wave of emotions. Row upon row of guards stood sentinel, forming a formidable line that added to the overwhelming atmosphere. The sheer volume of people gathered for the ceremony left Kaiden momentarily stunned, his mind caught in the web of anticipation and awe.
Kaiden's gaze slowly raises towards the altar at the center of the grand courtyard, his attention drawn to the ceremonial fire-lit vase that danced with vibrant flames. Amidst the grandeur, the emperor and empress sat in the regally adorned thrones, positioned for optimal viewing and commanding a distinct presence. The magnitude of the situation struck him with a profound sense of reverence, as if the very air around him was saturated with sacred energy.
A wave of coldness coursed through Kaiden as his pendant pulsed, sending a shiver down his spine. The unexpected sensation jolted him back to the present, and he stole a quick gaze at Wulfric and Loden, both performing a brief bow as he ventured into the courtyard. Kaiden's heart pounded in his chest, the weight of the moment intensifying with each step, yet a flicker of resolve flickered within him, urging him to press forward.
Kaiden, adorned in his ceremonial priestess attire, strides gracefully along the carpeted pathway towards the fire, flanked on either side by Loden and Wulfric. The trio moves with a slow, calculated pace, their steps in perfect sync with each other. The atmosphere is thick with anticipation, the air practically humming with the energy of the ritual that is soon to unfold.
As Kaiden traversed the carpet, his gaze darted here and there, taking in the numerous unfamiliar faces that lined the courtyard. The silence in the courtyard was palpable, all eyes fixated on the trio as they made their way forward. The intensity of the moment was tangible, and every footfall seemed amplified, each step carrying the weight of ceremonial significance. Kaiden, in the midst of the grand procession, felt the weight of expectations resting on his shoulders, yet a calm resolve resided within him, driving him to approach the altar with unwavering focus.
Kaiden's ears attuned to the whispered words exchanged between Loden and Wulfric, their hushed tones betraying a mixture of encouragement and warnings. He catches fragments of assurances, like "You're doing great," and precise guidance such as "On your left." In that moment, the subtle sounds became a comforting presence, a reminder of the supportive energy that surrounded him. Their whispered advice provided a reassuring anchor, even amidst the grand theater of the ceremony.
As Kaiden drew closer to the altar, the Council of Elders came into sharp focus, their presence on either side of the fire vase now distinctly distinct. Kaiden's keen eyes recognized the faces of Evelyn and Rhoesida among the council, the familiarity of their features standing out against the backdrop of their official robes and ceremonial authority. The weight of the moment settled upon him even more, a palpable thickness in the air.
Kaiden gracefully ascended the platform, his steps measured and deliberate. Loden and Wulfric followed, rising in sync to share the same level of the platform. The trio stood together, the significance of their positions magnified by the elevated stage they occupied. The atmosphere around them seemed to hum with a mix of anticipation and ritualistic formality.
Rhoesida, the head female elder, stepped forth with a commanding presence, her hands outstretched in a grand gesture, commanding attention. Her voice carried the weight of ancient wisdom and authority: "Good people, we gather here today to bear witness to the continuation of our sacred traditions. We are honored to be in the presence of the blessed, the Priestess sent from Astryaln himself." Rhoesida paused, allowing the gravity of her words to settle in the air.
Rhoesida's voice continued, echoing throughout the courtyard: "In this sacred ritual, we invoke the presence of the heavenly beings who guide our path. By partaking in this divine ritual, the priestess will be sworn in and recognized by all people of Astryaln, as well as the gods residing in the heavens." Kaiden stood steadfast, a mix of anticipation and trepidation coursing within him. He knew that this moment marked a pivotal point in his role as a priestess, and he had prepared himself for the unfolding ritual that would bind him to his destiny.
Rhoesida's gaze briefly shifts to Kaiden, her eyes holding a mix of respect and expectation. "We shall begin the ceremony," she declares, her voice echoing through the courtyard. "Kaiden, step forward and join me in the center." Rhoesida moves to the middle of the altar on the platform, beckoning Kaiden to join her. The anticipation in the air grows palpable as all eyes watch the priestess step forward to the center.
Kaiden, guided by Rhoesida, steps forward with a blend of grace and caution, taking his place in front of the fire. Once in position, Rhoesida moves to the side, allowing Kaiden to stand before the blazing fire, the flames casting flickering shadows upon his visage. The air crackles with a sense of impending power as the ceremony continues.
Rhoesida's voice rings out, clear and authoritative, addressing the crowd. "The Priestess shall read the Scroll of Acceptance and cast it into the fire." She nods to Kaiden, signaling him to proceed. Kaiden, with precision and focus, reaches into his garments, pulling out the scroll. The room falls into a hush of anticipation as the scroll unfurls in his hands, its ancient text ready for Kaiden's recitation.
All eyes are on him as he stands before the sacred fire, the weight of the moment pressing upon him. With a quick glance at Rhoesida for confirmation, he clears his throat and begins to read, his voice steady and strong. The words of the sacred text are spoken aloud, each syllable echoing through the courtyard, carrying the promise of acceptance and unity with the divine.
**The Scripture of the Priestess of Astryaln**
“Let it be declared to all regions that the Priestess of Astryaln has been summoned, pure and unblemished by the hands of mortals or the grasp of spirits from either realm. I shall steadfastly uphold the sacred purity, both spiritual and physical, granted to me by the divine hand. For I have been chosen as the beacon of light amidst the shadows, the vessel through which the celestial warriors shall find their path. I shall serve as the sacred vessel for Astryaln, safeguarding the future of our empire as we rise into a new dawn. In the name of Astryaln, I offer myself wholly—that is the honor bestowed upon the priestess. We revere the name of Astryaln, for He is the ground we tread, the air we breathe, and the sun we cherish. Hear me, O Astryaln, as I lift my voice in humble supplication. Grant your people the wisdom to accept me as their devoted priestess, that together we may forge a path of light and hope for all.”
As he reaches the end of the scroll, Kaiden carefully folds it and positions himself to cast it into the fire.
Kaiden's gaze darts behind him, where Loden and Wulfric provide encouraging nods. Gathering his breath, Kaiden gracefully casts the scroll into the fire, the flames eagerly consuming it as he bows his head in reverence. The elders, along with the crowd, follow suit, their heads lowered in a synchronized gesture of submission and respect. A hushed anticipation hangs in the air as Rhoesida steps forward, her voice echoing with solemnity. "O Merciful Astryaln, we implore your guidance, your protection. From the heavens, we seek your presence. We humbly request thy divine response." The courtyard falls into a held breath, waiting for the divine's response.
Rhoesida’s voice lingers in the air, the words of the final prayer still echoing in the courtyard. A gentle but palpable wind stirs, lifting the edges of Kaiden's garments ever so slightly. A sense of calm settles over the gathering, the anticipation of a divine presence and answer from the heavens grows heavier. It's as if the very air itself is holding its breath, waiting for a sign of Astryaln's acknowledgment. The crowd, now quiet, waits with bated breath.
A sudden, unexpected shift in the atmosphere caused alarm to prickle against Kaiden's skin, his worries intensifying as he questioned his actions. Just as quickly as it came, the concern dissolved, replaced by a sense of anticipation. In the midst of this moment of doubt, a sign emerged. A faint, ethereal luminescence enveloped the altar, a soft, otherworldly glow that illuminated the area with an ethereal radiance.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
Kaiden, like the crowd, instinctively moved to shield his eyes from the unexpected luminosity. But as he and the others discovered, the soft light was not blinding but rather soothing, the gentle glow casting a serene aura over the altar. The collective relief was evident as the crowd lowered their hands, allowing their eyes to adjust to the mystical illumination that adorned the sacred platform.
The crowd watched with bated breath as the fire shifted through a kaleidoscope of colors before settling on a brilliant silver hue. Fascinated, they observed as the ethereal luminescence swarmed into the fire, engulfing it in a dazzling dance of light. In a matter of moments, the extraordinary spectacle came to an end, leaving the platform unchanged. The crowd exchanged curious glances, their confusion clear as they contemplated the significance of what they had witnessed.
Kaiden's gaze shifts to Rhoesida, mirroring the confusion written on both their faces. As she absently rests her hand against her cheek, the fire crackles audibly, drawing Kaiden's attention back to the flames. There, he spots a shimmering shape materializing within the fire, its form gradually solidifying as Kaiden watches in awe.
Kaiden's eyes widened as the form of a majestic silver energy wolf, with a glistening coat of silver fur, materialized from the depths of the fire. The ethereal creature hovered just above the flames, its body taking on a solid and tangible presence. The ears, face, chest, and body became distinguishable as the wolf fully emerged, standing atop the fire vase. The awe-inspiring sight filled the air with enchantment, captivating every soul in attendance.
Wulfric raises his gloved hand, feeling a faint sense of heat as though the fabric is burning slightly. Loden, too, tentatively touches his shoulder, experiencing a similar burning sensation. Their celestial marks, pulsating beneath their clothing, grow warmer as the messenger wolf materializes completely before them.
As quickly as it began, the burning sensation faded from Wulfric and Loden, their marks ceasing to pulsate. These markings serve as the true emblems of the celestial warriors, symbols of their bond with the power of Astryaln himself.
Kaiden, recognizing the silver energy wolf as the messenger of Astryaln, watched in anticipation as the creature surveyed the gathered souls in the courtyard. A flicker of recollection passed through Kaiden’s blue eyes as he remembered the wolf's presence in a dream. The wolf's eyes lingered on the emperor and empress for a moment before moving on, its gaze settling on the Council of Elders. Kaiden observed with keen interest as the wolf's demeanor shifted, its lips lifting slightly before returning to a stoic expression, gone so swiftly that only Kaiden seemed to perceive it. The wolf remained silent for a moment, as if contemplating its next move in the unfolding ceremony.
The eyes of the silver energy wolf came to rest upon Kaiden, its tail giving a slight flicker of satisfaction. Anticipation buzzed through the air as the wolf prepared to descend, only to suddenly vanish and reappear behind Kaiden, now twice its original size. The towering presence of the enlarged wolf cast an awe-inspiring shadow over the platform, amplifying the mystical atmosphere that surrounded them.
As the wolf appeared at its new massive size, the Elder Council members instinctively recoiled, their movements betraying their awe. However, Rhoesida maintained composure, bowing her head respectfully. Meanwhile, Loden and Wulfric held their ground, though their gaze betrayed a hint of wariness. The enlarged energy wolf stood between them, its presence creating a sense of tension but also a profound mystery. The crowd, awestruck by the transformation, watched in anticipation of the next unfolding sequence in the ceremony.
As Kaiden cautiously turned to confront the wolf, the crowd's view through its luminescent body revealed his diminutive form next to the towering wolf. The air resonated with a mixture of reverence and curiosity as Kaiden locked eyes with the gigantic wolf, the moment carrying a profound significance. The wolf's unwavering focus on Kaiden added to the gravity of the scene, setting the stage for a pivotal interaction between them.
Kaiden, recalling his previous interaction with the wolf in the Elder Council Chamber room, carefully and gracefully bowed before the larger size form of the messenger of Astryaln. However, in contrast to his expectant anticipation, nothing seemed to happen in this moment. There was no surge of power, no tangible response to his gesture of respect. Kaiden's mind raced, wondering what this meant and what might be expected of him next.
Kaiden, still on his knees, lifted his gaze to meet the energy wolf's eyes, which revealed a hint of contentment in their depths, as indicated by the brief, happy bark that escaped the wolf's muzzle. Kaiden's head tilted in bewilderment, unsure of how to interpret the wolf's playful attitude after his respectful bow. The momentary interaction left him puzzled, prompting him to ponder his next move in this unconventional situation.
Rhoesida's previous words echoed in Kaiden's mind, foretelling the possibility of variations in the ritual. However, the current situation, marked by the wolf's playful behavior and Kaiden's bafflement, felt beyond the realm of what he had anticipated. The ceremony had taken an unexpected turn that left him with more questions than answers. He remained in his knelt position, awaiting further guidance or a sign from the enigmatic silver energy wolf.
Kaiden's befuddlement deepened as he observed the energy wolf's next movements. It wagged its tail with increasing enthusiasm, eventually lowering its head to Kaiden's level then the ground and pressing its ears against its head. The massive energy wolf's body half rested on the platform, its stance taking on an almost pleading appearance. Kaiden, still on his knees, was left wondering what the wolf's intentions and motivations were in adopting this position before him.
The energy wolf let out a plaintive whimper and edged closer, its nose gently touching Kaiden's chest. Startled by the sudden proximity, Kaiden instinctively leaned back to create some distance. His gaze shifted to the energy wolf's face, where he noticed a subtle energy connection forming between his pendant and the wolf's being. He perceived a strange sense of attraction, with the energy line from his pendant hovering in the space between them, bridging the gap.
The surrounding crowd's attention felt distant, fading into obscurity as Kaiden's focus narrowed solely on the energy wolf before him. Time seemed to slow down, and a profound stillness enveloped the air. Kaiden's hand moved with slow and deliberate grace, inching closer to make contact with the mesmerizing wolf.
Kaiden's fingertips came into contact with the energy wolf, igniting a wave of energy that radiated outward in a ripple-like pattern. Surprised, he discovered that despite the wolf's ethereal nature, his hand felt solid, as if he were truly touching a living creature. The sensation of fur and depth felt remarkably authentic, captivating Kaiden and enveloping him in an inexplicable sense of contentment. The inexplicable happiness washed over him, a feeling that defied logic yet embraced him wholeheartedly. Kaiden's fingers weaved through the energy wolf's fur with tenderness, their touch evoking a sense of deep connection.
The energy wolf responded to Kaiden's touch, leaning into the contact with a gentle and almost playful demeanor. The wolf responded by leaning into Kaiden's gentle ministrations, its head almost nestled on Kaiden's knees, while Kaiden's hands continued to stroke and scratch the creature's head. In response to this silent request, Kaiden instinctively began to use both hands to pet and scratch the wolf's head. The wolf's tail swayed contentedly, and its eyes closed in quiet bliss, savoring the intimate moment shared between them.
The murmurs grew with a blend of wonder and apprehension, with multiple voices chiming in. The sudden outburst of voices from various members of the Elder Council jolted Kaiden's attention away from the energy wolf. Their bewilderment filled the air, the cacophony of "This cannot be" and "What has he done" echoing in his ears. Their surprise and shock echoed through the platform, and the energy wolf's demeanor shifted swiftly in response. Its eyes snapped open, now brimming with a defiant glare, and its tail lost its joyful movement, hanging limply behind it. The shift in the energy wolf's demeanor was unmistakable, as it transformed from a playful companion to one radiating tension and displeasure. Kaiden felt a mix of confusion and tension coursing through him, as the atmosphere thickened with growing anticipation and unanswered questions.
The atmosphere at the platform grew more frenzied as the crowd, sharing in the elders disbelief, responded with a cacophony of voices. Their shouts reverberated through the air, filling the space with a symphony of disapproval and astonishment. The moment of intimacy between Kaiden and the energy wolf dissipated like mist in the wind, the delicate connection they had built shattered by the uproar of discontent.
Rising to its feet, the energy wolf drew the attention of Loden and Wulfric, who swiftly positioned themselves on either side of Kaiden in a protective stance. Kaiden, caught in a moment of confusion, voiced his plea for understanding, questioning, “What did I do? What’s wrong?” His voice rang out, seeking clarification amidst the tense atmosphere. The elders, their faces etched with concern, exchanged uneasy glances as they grappled with a situation that had never occurred in the history of the ritual.
Loden and Wulfric leaned in to whisper urgently to Kaiden, their words carrying a weight of revelation. Loden spoke first, his voice a hushed confession: "You touched the wolf, Kaiden. That has never been done before. That's the problem." Wulfric added, his words laced with awe: "No priestess has ever experienced physical contact with a celestial beast. And for the beast to show such delight..."
Kaiden's heart pounded in his chest as he processed this information. He had unknowingly broken a millennia-old taboo, and the implications of his actions now began to unfold.
Kaiden's mind raced with questions and worries as he absorbed the magnitude of his actions. He realized that the elders had never informed him of this taboo, and he wondered if this oversight could work in his favor. He hadn't been warned about the prohibition against touching the celestial being by anyone, and the wolf had initiated contact by placing its paw on his shoulder during their encounter in the council chamber. But here on the platform, Kaiden had done so willingly and unknowingly. He considered whether this difference could serve as his defense, or if it would only further condemn him. He hoped that his actions had secured the approval of Astryaln, but the reactions of the people before him now left him uncertain of their approval.
Caught between hope and uncertainty, Kaiden couldn't predict the outcome of this unprecedented situation.