The queen’s brow came together. “I was told neither Shade nor Crest returned. Have they?”
Alex took Lily’s hand. “Do not burden yourself with the details. This is your day and we’ll await your arrival.”
They turned and the crowd parted.
Outside Lily’s eyes twinkled with childish delight. “I’m ready.”
He inclined his head and scooped the warrior woman into his massive arms just after Ava took to the sky. She felt weightless even before he increased his body’s abilities. He then began to run with her in his arms, careful to regulate the warmth of his arms to keep from scalding her and her fine dress.
In a second he reached the gate and effortlessly jumped atop the twenty foot wall before leaping across a fifteen foot gap to the nearest residence. He barely made Lily feel the impact when he landed upon the roof before launching himself across and jumping to the next and the next. Her laugher enchanted him and spurred him to quicken their speed through his increasingly powerful legs. The sun had just peeked over the eastern wall as they streaked northward, to a special courtyard designed to entertain the city and it laid between the centrally located prison and the outer wall.
They looked and saw four pillars of colored smoke rising from their destination and below on the street were many people trying to get to the courtyard to witness the historic event few had even heard of.
Within five minutes they stopped atop the last great house beside their destination and he allowed Lily to stand and get the full impact of what laid four stories below. She took a moment to understand just how far they traveled and how he didn’t even breathe hard and barely broke a sweat. The ground swarmed with people trying to get as close as possible while not advancing where they aught not. Nearly a quarter of Freelan came to the enormous open area to not only witness, but to keep disturbances down. It still left enough security to keep the city secure and docile. At each corner were large drums being fed by decorative material to give off a lovely smell while also giving the spectators beautiful colors in the smoke to enjoy. Off to the west tents had been erected and food prepared to feed all those who came. Allahandra took this financial burden all upon herself, to show good faith towards these people. The very front sat long benches for nobles to sit. And at the very northern edge of the courtyard stood a large platform where most entertainers did what they do and will be used today to accomplish the Taar Ah Rok.
Among the people laid a great many fiends while the Fury sat higher up on roofs, ledges and pillars to watch and witness several human customs they never knew about. And beside the green clad Freelan and Central City inhabitants stood all of the Juguan priests who either mingled with the populace or sat around one particular section to the right of the stage.
Whomsoever chose to come had chosen to store their items just so peace could be maintained. Resentment still flourished among the great city and this precaution would make many more at ease. The last thing either Alex or Allahandra wanted is someone foolish enough to fight and kill innocent bystanders.
Still, Alex stood in amazement at just how many people had come, with more still approaching. He smiled wryly thinking the people came for a free meal, but if they see what good can come of this maybe opinions might change.
Then a pair of black objects stood together at the other end of the stage. He grinned and pointed. Lily peered in the direction and it took a moment to see for her eyesight isn’t as keen as his, no normal human could see like a Furion.
Alex picked her up again and he jumped between the space of two buildings, minimizing the impact to the ground. Just as he landed two guards jumped in surprise and became hesitant until they understood who stood before them, but their eyes lingered on Lily and Alex’s jealous look forced them to look away.
When they passed one said “No weapons or items.”
“Care to try and take my sword?” He threatened and they knew none touched his blade and his status prevented them from proceeding further.
At the stage Alex and Lily noticed Ava found them first. Both Shade and Crest stood together and looked to have run through a few streams in an attempt to wash off.
“Did the two of you have a good night?” he asked for Shade looked more odd than last time, more exhilarated.
“Didn’t sleep!” Shade grinned and shivered pleasurably from snout to tail.
“Me either.” Crest grinned and rubbed her side against his. “I’ve never felt such excitement before. Even thought we couldn’t sleep I feel wide awake and more alive than if I slept for days.”
“I’m surprised you came” Ava commented.
“We almost didn’t. Our instinct to bond is hard to put off for long. We still wanted to be here and give our support to our pack-mates, but once it is over I cannot guarantee we’ll wait around for long.” Shade then looked up and snarled dangerously when another male approached, drawn to his mate’s potent pheromones. The other realized his mistake of scenting the High Alpha’s mate and hurried away before ending up in a large amount of pain. When the male left Shade returned to usual.
“We will begin shortly so you’ll not have long to wait to resist your urges.”
“Thank you.” The large pair simultaneously spoke and laughed.
Together they walked around the foot of the stage and approached the bulk of Juguan priests. They parted for them until reaching the center where Zawat sat proudly. He then asked “Can you give us a moment alone?” the High Priest then looked to his fellow priests and they moved away to give the Furion prince and their current leader time alone. “What is it you must ask?” The old man wondered.”
“Tell me if I’m missing anything. When I begin I must…” and he went over the necessities with the old leader and at times he’d be corrected on the proper method and timing of the ritual.
Chapter 14
Almost an hour later trumpets blew and drums began slowly beating. Musical item’s also gave all who heard a sense of peace and tranquility without taking the feel of celebration away from the day. People scrambled to get the best possible position and separated themselves to either side of a long red cloth for the approach of all who will be needed in the ceremony. Freelan members stood along the open path to keep the crowd clear enough away for the important individuals and to deter any from attempting an assination.
Lords and ladies from both Alluan and Gagiat took their reserved seats upon the bench while Alex, Ava, Lily, Shade and Crest stood alone, in the center of the upraised stage to overlook the crowd. Casually scouting for any threats, Alex also watched as the packed crowd murmured and looked towards the opposite end of the red cloth that stretched over five hundred feet and remained pinned to the bricked ground.
Two horse drawn carriages approached in time to the music, but Allahandra’s is by far the larger and ornate to the eye. The smaller carriage stopped at the end of the cloth and moments later Calosh emerged in his ceremonial red robes while being followed by three protectors of his order. The only thing not covered by the robe is his head.
While he walked and reached the center of the row the first coach pulled away and the queen’s carriage followed. But before the door opened Rakkian, Beta, Marlin and Clift stood to either side of the long material.
As the door opened, even from the distance Alex could see their open jaws when their brides stepped out together. After a few brief words of awe the men helped their lovely women atop their love’s partner. Rakkian’s great height allowed him an easier time lifting Allahandra atop Beta, side saddle. Marlin did the same for Niranene upon Clift. Both Breaker and Krum followed behind their partner on foot.
Both the men had donned on the best clothes for even royalty to feel jealous and both still kept their items on their person. Rakkian with his gauntlets, legging and battle axe strapped behind his back and Marlin with his collapsed pole held within the loops of his pants. And even their two mounts had been groomed to perfection.
The personally chosen guards formed a defensive circle around the
eight and began proceeding up the path.
Calosh reached the foot of the platform just as the main group reached the center. Everything went according to plan thus far.
Vigilant eyes scanned for any threat, but all they could see were how beautiful the brides and the grooms were. Fierceness and elegance had made the crowd view the higher ups in a new way and not like the blood thirsty and barbaric rulers portrayed to them by instructors and fiercely loyal to a corrupt sacrificial ideal that needed to be ended.
Not one being dare raise a voice because the people saw nothing but love and beauty pass by. Eventually they reached the foot of the stage and waited behind Calosh. The Guards separated and turned to face the crowd without a signal as if they were of one mind.
Then all looked to the stage and awaited Alex’s voice in calm attention.
He raised a hand and the trumpets and drums went silent. He then addressed the crowd. “Today is historic! Not only for the unions of dear friends, but for the appointment of a new High Priest. In what little time I’ve had to spend time with the other priests among us, they all have agreed to whom will best serve their order and protect their religious ways without twisting meanings to serve their own purposes.” His booming voice reached even the ears of those in the back. Alex then gestured to the large group of priests to his left. “High Priest Zawat, please come up and join me.”
Four burly priests hoisted their leader and ascended the stairs. Shade shifted aside when the four sat their eldest priest on the platform beside the prince and princess. Alex then looked upon the elderly man who now showed heartfelt emotion of happiness. “Zawat, by your word we’ve began the Taar Ah Rok. Do you still wish to proceed?” he spoke formally so that all could still hear.
“I do.”
“Then as the heir to the kingdom you serve I too will grant this request.” He then looked down at the foot of the stage. “Calosh, please stand beside your father and High Priest.” Twenty steps later the middle aged priest did as told. “Calosh, are you fully prepared to take on the burdensome tasks and guiding role of High Priest and never compromise your beliefs?”
“Aye.”
“Will you defend your people during hardship and remain diligent in times of peace?” again he said ‘Aye.’ “And will you uphold the traditions of your ancestors unless it interferes with immoral acts?”
“I swear!”
“Then by the right of the reigning High Priest Zawat and I Alex Sheulson, prince of Ra’van, hereby declare through the act of Taar Ah Rok that Priest Zawat officially resigns his station and appoints you Calosh as the High Priest successor!”
Roaring cheers came from all Juguan priests and surprisingly quite a few in the crowd also voiced their approval.
Understanding the next step Alex’s voice altered and a piercing series of chirps sprung from his lips and the crowd grew uneasy. Then a large shadow crossed the people as a Fury lord flew in. Clutched in his talons billowed a pure white cloth. With perfect precision the Fury released and dropped the cloth into the Furion’s awaiting hands.
Taking the cloth Alex raised both arms and spread the material out in offering. Calosh stepped forward and grabbed his red sash to pull. In moments the red robes dropped to the ground and he slipped on the highest symbol of their order. While he donned his new clothes Zawat pulled on his own sash to reveal red robes underneath. There can only be one true High Priest and Zawat had filled that role for long enough. His son took up the mantle.
Not over yet Zawat offers his upturned hand and in it sat his ceremonial dagger. To finish the rite Alex grabbed the handle and drew a cut across the pad of the old man’s thumb and he didn’t even flinch.
Using his own thumb Alex pressed it to the elder’s and wet it in blood. He then stood before Calosh and said “To fulfill your obligations to the Ancients I hereby mark you by your previous leader’s blood.” And Alex began tracing the mark engraved upon his forehead. First with the left < and then the right > and made strictly sure to not touch the ends together. “You are hereby known as High Priest Calosh until the day you pass into the beyond or until you feel it necessary to enact the Taar Ah Rok for yourself.”
Smiling sadly, Calosh bowed first to his father and then to the prince.
Another wave of cheers surged again.
“Now is the time for the final act of the ceremony!” Lily spoke aloud this time. “Will the two bride’s please approach!?”
Both Allahandra and Niranene walked up the steps and stood before the five close family members. Calosh and Zawat stood where they were and simply watched.
Then the bride’s turned around, facing the crowd and their men below. “As women we have the sole honor of generating new life. And sanctifying that life to give it the best chance, we form lasting unions with men. It is a time honored tradition that all come to enjoy and participate. Ladies, these men before you have come to bond forever with you. They will give you strong babies and their hearts, but it is up to you to accept them, faults and all. Do either of you have any doubts that they will not fulfill their duties as husbands or as your lover?”
Allahandra met Rakkian’s stare with passion and intensity equal to her own. “I know he’ll remain mine.”
Niranene simply shook her head for words eluded her.
Lily stepped back and Alex stepped between the queen and head healer. “And as men we are here to protect our mate and guard our young with our very lives. Although we cannot give life, women alone cannot create it. Only together will a miracle be born. Do either of you doubt you cannot be what is needed for these two lovely women?”
“I do not.” Rakkian admitted boldly.
“And neither do I.” Marlin also said.
Lily approached to stand beside her truest love. “Then it is agreed. Approach and take the hand of the one you love most.” Alex and Lily spoke in perfect unison.
The two men approached.
The women offered both of their hands and they didn’t stay vacant for long.
Lily stood before Marlin and Niranene while Alex took the other two.
The princess went first. “In accordance with Alluan’s traditions, that you’ve chosen, I must only ask if you both forever choose each other and not breach the other’s heart by laying with another, unless one of you passed into the next life?”
“I swear.” Marlin grinned.
“I also swear.” Niranene squeaked.
Lily grinned and yelled to the crowd. “She says she too swears!” and the healer grips tighter in embarrassment, but relaxes when Marlin gently squeezes back. “Now kiss your bride, Fish boy!” the crowd laughed.
“With pleasure!” He laughs and flips the blue veil back to stare stupefied for a moment until Lily stepped on his foot. That brings him to reality and he steps closer to meet her lips.
She felt too overwhelmed and fainted again, in his arms.
Many became worried until Lily playfully smacked his back. “Amazing Marlin, you must be a great kisser to make a woman faint like that!”
The people truly laughed then.
“And I must ask the same of you Queen Allahandra and General Rakkian.” Alex spoke when all calmed again.
They both formally announced they’d never seek the comforts of another so long as the other still drew breath and their sealed kiss was met with an astounding roar of approval.
Then all humans silenced when an inhuman roar escaped Alex’s throat and all fiends joined in when they understood.
Prince Alex then increased his strength as he withdrew two straight, thirteen inch iron bars and suddenly grabbed the new King and Queen’s wrist. In the blink of an eye they found themselves bound together at the wrist, his left to her right. The metal allowed some maneuvering room, but not a chance of escape. And the same thing appeared on Marlin and Niranene’s wrist. He announced “I now proudly give you King Rakkian and Queen Allahandra and Marlin and Niranene. As my gift to you is simple, don’t take it lightly. I’ve bound you together for a full night alone
where your only focus is to each other. You cannot break free without outside help and I’m not allowing it. For this day and all night you’ll be inseparable so make the most of it.” Joy and laughter came from the crowd again.
“You didn’t use shackles because you know I can pick them.” Marlin laughed and watched as Niranene began focusing again.
“Now let the feast and festivities begin!” Zawat suddenly shouted.
Suddenly Shade and Crest disappeared as they said they would.
As soon as Niranene understood just what happened the two newly married pairs descended the stairs to begin socializing and having a great time.
After all the entertainment Alex only remembered Zawat saying “I never could have imagined a better day before I meet my beloved and those I worship. Prince Alex, I’m eternally grateful to you for giving me this wonderful day.” Even though he now wore red robes now he still remained at the top of his peoples mind’s and loyalty. Even Calosh still looked to his father for advice and knew their time approached quickly. Nevertheless Alex had never seen such a content expression.
By early evening everyone retired from the amazing activities and turned in. The two new couples weren’t heard from after entering the prepared rooms Lady Hanna had ready.
And Lily got exactly what she looked forward to. An insatiable, passionate night with the man she couldn’t dare resist. Alex couldn’t wait either.
Loud thumping on their door woke Alex and Lily both from deep slumber. “What is it?” The half-asleep princess asked.
“Visual reports of Royal Guard spotted along the northern woods. The queen say’s it’s time to begin.” Came an unfamiliar feminine voice.
“Very well, where will she like to meet?”
“Here, but in the audience room.” And footsteps told of her leaving up the hall to do the same for Marlin’s room.
“Sleep well?” She asked, tucking wild strands of white hair behind her ear while rolling on her side.
“Amazingly so.” He spoke in a husky voice while tenderly cupping her cheek in his hand and she nuzzled into it. “And you.”
Ra' van (Book Three of the Items Trilogy) Page 29