Carwyn, suspended and agitated, was effortlessly swung around by the energy wolf's powerful jaws. His body dangling helplessly, a captive of the wolf's control. Meanwhile, the wolf's gaze met Kaiden's, a silent exchange taking place between them. A conversation held in silence, the intensity of the moment evident in their locked glance.
The energy wolf, after exchanging a silent understanding with Kaiden, shook his head side to side. Signaling his decision but then changed his mind and shook his head up and down in agreement. Lowering his head, he allowed Carwyn to drop a few feet above the platform, the action perhaps more hard-hitting than Kaiden had preferred. The wolf, however, remained undaunted, its tail wagging in undeniable glee.
Carwyn's fall was, without a doubt, a painful one. The impact left him with likely broken bones or at least a severe bruising on his body. Struggling to stand, his movements shaky and labored, he rose with a mixture of agony and determination. Astryaln, observing Carwyn's struggles, lunged forward yet again. This time, however, the attack was a mere pretense, the entity allowing its mouth to pass through Carwyn's form without causing any physical damage.
Kaiden, with a mixture of concern and mild irritation, approached Astryaln, preparing to scold the entity for its behavior. He had silently pleaded for Astryaln to appeal for a more restrained behavior due to the stares they had just received. However, before he could speak, Astryaln spoke up first, declaring in a dismissive tone,
“Pathetic human," Astryaln sneered, "You have been stripped of the power you've been dangerously gifted with. I shall not grant you any more leniency for your transgressions today. Soldiers! Take this human away!"
A look of confusion spread across the guards' faces as they glanced from the energy wolf-like entity to the emperor, and then turned toward Wulfric for guidance. The guards, unsure of whose command to follow, stood in a state of hesitance, torn between conflicting orders from both Astryaln and the emperor.
The empress, with an air of authority and determination, pushed past the guards encircling her. Irritation etched across her face as she addressed the men. "Men! Listen to Astryaln," she ordered with a firm tone. "Take this traitor to the dungeons. He shall receive swift punishment for his acts and for his interference in this sacred ritual."
The guards surrounding the empress dispersed at her command, swiftly moving toward the platform. Two soldiers, with no hesitation, stepped forward and lifted Carwyn, hauling him away. The empress, witnessing this, called out after them, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and authority.
The empress's voice carried across the courtyard, her orders ringing loud and clear. "Interrogate him to find out what he has done with Head Elder Rhoesida. Have someone search the palace and outside the palace for her as well." The emperor, sitting silently on his throne, nodded in approval, endorsing his wife's words and actions. A sense of determination and urgency filled the air as the guards departed, carrying Carwyn away to begin the interrogation.
The empress approached the platform, her movements marked with a sense of grace and respect. With a bow she spoke, her voice filled with gratitude and reverence, "O mighty Astryaln. We express our sincere thanks and gratitude for your presence on this momentous occasion. We bow in humble respect for your service to the priestess and our empire. May your might and guidance continue to safeguard our lands."
Kaiden's glance shifted between the Empress and Astryaln, taking notice of the wolf's behavior. Astryaln, with a slight blush and a wagging tail, expressed its affection and admiration for the Empress. Kaiden, witnessing this, couldn't help but shake his head at the energy wolf's antics a mix of amusement and mild embarrassment washing over him.
The wolf, touched by the words of the empress, bowed slightly in appreciation. Its voice held a note of respect and reverence. "Empress Caecilia, your words are a testament to your grace and generosity. If it pleases everyone which I believe it will, we shall continue and conclude the ritual for today. Would your highness be willing to assume the sacred duties of the head elder temporarily?"
This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.
Caecilia, taken aback by the proposition, instinctively stepped back, her hand gently resting on her chest. A mixture of surprise and hesitation flashed across her face as she processed the wolf's request. In disbelief, she questioned the entity, "You... you want me to continue the ritual?"
The energy wolf, a wide smile on its lips, reaffirmed its conviction. "Your grace, your wisdom and knowledge, shaped by the sacred texts on our history and rituals, make you more than qualified to lead and conclude the ceremony. You possess the grace and the understanding necessary to guide us through this sacred rite."
Empress Caecilia, her brief blush and smile a moment of vulnerability, nodded her agreement. Her voice carried a mix of gratitude and determination as she spoke. "Yes, Astryaln. Thank you for your trust. I will honor this opportunity. I shall not disappoint."
Turning to Kaiden, her expression gentle, she asked, "And what about you? Are you ready?"
Kaiden's simple nod was a silent assurance of his acceptance and readiness. His ears folded inward just a tad, a display of humility and respect, and his tail swayed gently, betraying a hint of his shyness. Bowing low, he sank to his knees, the gesture a symbol of his submission and reverence.
The energy wolf, witnessing this act, leaned forward and placed its forehead gently upon the top of Kaiden's head. A tender and brief touch, like a silent blessing or a gesture of acknowledgment.
Astryaln, with a solemn authority, stepped back, removing his head from its gentle touch on Kaiden's brow. The mighty energy wolf looked out upon the assembled crowd, a sense of conviction in his voice.
"Bear witness, everyone present here today. Listen well to my words. I, Astryaln, do hereby declare Kaiden as my vessel and preistess. Though traditions may mold and time moves ever forward, do not let darkness and negative emotions cloud your hearts from the guiding light."
Astryaln's gaze shifted briefly towards Loden, his eyes piercing and intense, holding a silent message or warning within their depths. Loden felt a shiver run through his body, a sense of unease washing over him, and a strange sensation stirring in his chest. Loden, uncomfortable under the weight of Astryaln's look, quickly averted his gaze, breaking the silent exchange between them.
Astryaln looked around one last time at the courtyard and the people gathered on the platform. His presence still sending invisible energy waves throughout the courtyard, a potent and significant sense of power and willpower. With a single howl that echoed through the air, he seemed to transcend the physical realm, passing through Kaiden, the Empress Caecilia, Loden, and even Wulfric. The energy wolf then leaped into the flames, his body disappearing within the blazing inferno.
Silence settled over the gathering as the energy wolf vanished from sight, leaving the space feeling both solemn and somehow less charged than before.
As the fire in the vessel returned to its normal color, Empress Caecilia, taking a moment to compose herself, stepped forward to address the gathered people. Her voice now strong and clear once again, she spoke with pride and conviction.
“Citizens of Reacuacuria, I present to you our chosen Priestess of Astryaln - Kaiden!"
Kaiden turned, facing the crowd as the shards on his head and back dissolved into a shower of sparkling lights. Loden and Wulfric wasted no time, promptly bowing to Kaiden, their motions a practiced and respectful show of loyalty. The gathered crowd, ever attuned to the ceremony and its intricacies, quickly followed the lead of the celestial warriors quickly bowing in a sign of respect. Their collective bows a symbol of respect and approval to their new priestess, Kaiden.
The sight of the entire gathering - citizens, guards, even the emperor and empress- all bowing in unison as they paid their respects to him, filled Kaiden's heart with a sense of achievement. A wave of contentment washed over him, the realization that he had completed his first task as the priestess of Astryaln was not lost on him. Despite the nerves and the weight of his new responsibilities, Kaiden found comfort in the display of unwavering support and loyalty from those around him.
Empress Caecilia, raising herself from her bow, addressed the citizens once more, her voice filled with certainty and hope. "Citizens of Reacuacuria, spread the word far and wide: Our priestess has come to us. Astryauln stands beside us, and we are blessed anew by our divine protector. Venture forth in peace and love, for our deity has once again found us worthy of its gentle caress."
A wave of excitement rippled through the crowd, their cheers and joyous shouts filling the air as they rose to their feet as one. People eagerly began conversing amongst themselves, their voices blending together in a low murmur of discussion.
Loden and Wulfric, sensing the surge of emotions, quickly moved to flank Kaiden's sides, their curious glances and questioning expressions clear indicators of their curiosity about the events that had just unfolded.
Kaiden, noticing the bewildered looks of Loden and Wulfric, laughed softly, a small sound that echoed his amusement and understanding. "Don't worry," he reassured them. "I'll explain everything later. Just give me a little time to catch my breath."