Chapter 3

The encompassing darkness was soothing, like floating in a warm infinite abyss, yet it was short lived. Images of blood and tears flashed in front of me, tormenting me, making me wish that I could sink into oblivion and never return.

* * *

In the village of Birch Hollow it was a day of celebration for one of their own. He was on the cusp of unlocking his gift from the Goddess. Young Teaken, son of Banyon and Yewsica had just turned ten the previous day, the age at which every member of the Azulyrian nation was bestowed with the privilege of harnessing power over the elements of earth and stone.

            As a nation of Stone Walkers, having a special connection

with these specific elements was the heart and soul of our society. It was a perfect harmony between the land and the people who nurtured it. And once you felt that first electric burst of energy flow through your entire being, to be without it would feel like a part of you had been ripped away.

Banyon and Yewsica would soon look on with pride gleaming on their faces as Teaken made his way through the village square head held high. Hopefully. A hint of apprehension might touch his eyes, but if he was anything like his father, there would probably be a confident half smirk adorning his lips to help conceal any frazzled nerves he may have.

            Every child trains for this day as soon as they could talk, learning how to act, what to say, and most importantly, to never lose focus when it comes time to prove that the ceremony was successful. Knowing that your average child at that age wasn't too keen on sitting still long enough to learn and memorize a semi elaborate tradition, a certain level of bribery helped to speed up the process. It might seem like a lot of weight for a ten year old to bear, but their faith in the Goddess always quelled any lasting doubts.

            Just as the first pastel beams of sunlight cascaded over the horizon, young Teaken awakened from his restful slumber, a fleeting yawn drifting past his lips. Today was his Illumination Ceremony and boy was his mother going to fret over every teensy weenie detail like there was no tomorrow. May he survive the preparations first. He was to be dressed in a plain cotton tunic and pants a deep shade of mossy green similar to that of an avocado's skin, almost an exact match for Arbouroth's cardinal color.

As the fabric slid across his skin, an overwhelming need to scratch gripped his attention, yet if even a single thread was out of place, he would never hear the end of it.

            For the finishing touch, a woven wreath like crown sat perched atop Teaken's head. Dark strands of bark and vibrant orange blooms from a Blazing Star tree complemented quite well with his ruddy auburn locks.

The Blazing Star was known for its round multi-petal flowers that greatly resembled a lit flame dancing in the breeze as well as being the key ingredient for an excellent burn salve. And whatever you do, don't eat them. They may be beautiful to look at, but beware. Improper use could lead to dire ailments.

            The same rang true for an Illumination Ceremony on the deepest level. It was an awe inspiring sight to watch a child become one with the land and accept their newly unleashed abilities, but without due diligence, someone could get hurt.

            Proper clothing, check. Girly flower crown, double check. Teaken, under the watchful eyes of his parents took leave from their treetop abode, signaling the beginning of the march to where the ceremony would commence. Correction; after his mother fussed with his hair one last time, did they actually take leave, heading to a place of great spiritual power, the temple of Shar Cedara.

            Making it to full adulthood would be a breeze after this. Technically he still another ten years to make that final leap, but the sentiment was still sound.

            Teaken took the lead position of the procession with his parents only a few paces behind. It was a gesture that illustrated a sign of independence, and as he essentially walked alone, there were people who deeply cared and supported him while completing this first milestone of life's unpredictable journey.   

Other family members stood along the path they would take, anxiously awaiting to join with Teaken's parents. It had always been encouraged for each family to do so in like fashion knowing that more easily rattled children would feel comforted and more at ease. By seeing the smiling faces of their relatives, it seemed to help strengthen their resolve.

            Folks young and old rapidly gathered, lining both sides of the dirt road with joyful glances and enthusiastic clapping. Illumination Ceremonies were the sort of conduit that could bring a squabbling community to a deafening halt, in favor of elation. Children typically had that kind of effect on others. Sane rational ones that is.

You could be on the brink of stabbing someone in the back, literally, and just the mere presence of a child could diffuse a ticking time bomb if only for a short time. It's an optimistic outlook, that's for sure. Children are special, but they can't magically erase all the pain and turmoil that existed in the world by batting their eyes at it.

            Dry, cracked soil sprinkled with sparse patches of stiff grass crumbled under the weight of many feet. Shar Cedara could feel them coming, a faint chorus of gleeful cheers gliding along the warm breeze. Teaken and his entourage crested the sloping hill that bridged Ash Point Forrest and Blue Briar Moor where she resided as the sitting Shard of Arbouroth.

            The temple itself was a modest stone structure crowned with an intricately constructed wooden dome at its apex. Large fibrous vines were threaded through each beam like a knotted puzzle that could stump even the most maritime savvy folks. A special mix of soil and finely powdered stone with slightly diluted tree sap acted as a sealant, keeping out intermittent rain drops and any pests that might try to invade the space.

            Blue Briar Moor was located on the outskirts of south eastern Arbouroth not far from the ocean. If the wind happened to be blowing just right, you could catch the briny tang of salt hanging in the air, its bitterness like a brief needle prick. Patches of indigo and pinkish violet bushes dotted much of the surrounding terrain, giving the Moor its name.

            These feathery mounds of iridescent splendor were Sunset Cluster bushes, in particular the Azure and Twilight varieties. Coupled with a plethora of native grasses ranging from wispy tufts to spear like blades standing over five feet high, it was a luminous vision to behold. Late each day, as pale shimmering tendrils of light cast their final waning glow, Blue Briar would glitter like a million precious jewels. It was impossible to ignore their prismatic allure. Every exposed surface became blanketed with twinkling strands of Sapphire, dipping and cresting to a cosmic beat.

            Shar Cedara's amber gaze kept a watchful vigil, mirthful eyes gleaming bright at Teaken's jubilant expression as they approached the moss draped stone wall that surrounded the temple grounds.

            Carved masses of gray and rose tinted rock stacked with precision and gradual curve, bowed towards the heavens forming a perfectly symmetrical circular archway. Smaller unrefined chunks were butted up against each side, softening the contours for a more natural, less man made appearance. The stair step layout also served as a preventative fortitude on the off chance that a collapse was eminent.  Even in there weathered state, each stone held true, never shifting from their vice like embrace. 

Reverent silence washed across the light hearted travelers, their steady footsteps halting with ease. No longer surrounded by the camaraderie or pomp and circumstance, Teaken broke away from the crowd. Wide eyed and mouth parted like a gaping fish, he marveled at the whimsical beauty that stood before him. A kaleidoscope of colors filled his vision. Golden orbs traversed over every nook and cranny not wanting to miss a single thing. Sunset Cluster bushes with their dazzling palette, and striped blades of grass taller than he was, it was a dream brought to life.

            There would be a time for gawking later. The precocious young man had merely been caught off guard. Nothing to fret over, the day was still young. Let him admire the natural beauty that is his homeland. It was a refreshing change for once to see a child look on with wonder instead of self aggrandizement.

            Were some children less deserving of such gifts, sure, but that was the place of the Goddess to intervene if she felt it necessary. The Illumination process itself had a way of amplifying your self-awareness, giving way to a behavioral epiphany worthy of celebrating.

            Despite being humbled by Teaken's commendable display, he needed to keep moving, because once the ceremony started, decorum would demand his concentration be solely focused on every word and action, carrying out each nuance like a studious predator keen on taking down their prey with agile efficiency.

            Frivolous thoughts quickly vanished from Teaken's mind when his roaming eyes caught sight of the Blue Flame Torch flickering in the early morning shadows. Straightening his back, chest puffed out, he drew a heavy breath and stepped forward.

            Composure holding steady, Teaken crossed beneath the towering archway that led into Blue Briar. Thin slabs of smooth triangular shaped stones placed in an interlocking pattern formed a serpentine path that snaked its way across the Moor, ending its journey at the temple of Shar Cedara. Smaller cobbled paths branched off from the main walkway leading to other structures, each one having their own specific purpose.

            Drawing near the first bend in the path, the walkway became wider. Opening up to a circular roundabout, and set within the center was a metal three columned stand protruding from the ground. Two concentric rings sat mounted to the three cylindrical legs. Joining the rings together were twisted pieces of copper that formed a braid like pattern. Ribbons of dark and light meshed together like gnarled tree roots threatening to overtake a secluded fence post. A rustic beauty in its own right, the artfully crafted metal work was something to be proud of, but the most captivating feature was nestled within the smaller of the concentric circles, The Midnight Flame Torch.

            “Go on Teaken, take the torch,” Banyon gently urged. Needing no further prodding, he crossed the last remaining distance that separated him from the scepter shaped torch cradled in its gilded throne. Hands steady like a master sculptor with chisel; Teaken reached out and grasped the torch, lacing his fingers together around the staff as much as he could. Onlookers waited with baited breath, singing silent praises to the Goddess for everything to go off without a hitch.

            The easy part was over. Now it was up to Teaken to deliver The Midnight Flame Torch to an altar that had been specially erected just for this profound occasion. He held the torch firmly in his grip, keeping the semi spherical shaped pit that contained the flame level.

A sharp turn to the right led him around to the other side of the roundabout, the stone walkway returning to a less dilated size. In the distance just beyond a cluster of Blazing Star trees, the linear shape of Shar Cedara's temple penetrated through the low hanging morning fog, a pointed spire rising above the translucent waves.

            Architectural details gradually came into focus, with every seam of mortar and twist of vines more defined, accentuating the stark silhouette of Shar Cedara's temple. Teaken could see twin botanical bound monoliths framing the ancient structure, projecting a vision of aged mystique.

            Sudden bursts of panic washed over him as an unperceived rise in the stone path caught his foot. Teaken's body pitched forward, thoughts of utter failure tainting his serene disposition. Whether it was luck or astute thinking, one of his legs shot out on its own accord awkwardly halting what could have resulted in a couple scratches or skinned knee. A flowing stream of relief spread through the nervous crowd, their collective fears alleviated with a calming tide.

            No one was more grateful than Teaken that he hadn't made a total ass of himself. Lesson learned firsthand. Always be prepared for the unexpected, and do your best to diffuse the situation, preferably in a timely manner.

            Caught on the brink of irreparable calamity could really be a sobering experience. He could have dropped the Midnight Flame Torch and became the poster child for fire prevention, but the Goddess had mercy, sparing him from such a fate.

            Posture realigned with a popping crackle, its whispered note punctuating the air for an audience of one. Like a candle bearer at a vigil, Teaken shifted back into a rigid pose with his arms extended to accommodate the Torch. Repercussions better left unsaid swam around his head as his fingers closed around the stave a bit tighter than before. There would be no next time. He wasn't going to let another jarring movement detract from this momentous day.

            Shar Cedara's eyes had widened in alarm as an unsettling scene had played out right before her. As much as she wanted to intervene, rules steeped in tradition that were set in place centuries ago prevented her from doing so.

            Every child has to make the life changing journey to the ceremonial alter of their own free will, and must do so with poise and no outside interference. Teaken was put to the test, and when faced with this random obstacle, his quick reflexes were there in his time of need. Thank the Goddess for that.

            The stigma alone for dropping the Midnight Flame Torch would be a major blow to his reputation, or as much of a reputation as a ten year old could have. It would be seen as a scandalous act, whether accidental or not. He would be the talk of the town, and would not be depicted in a positive manner.

            Seeing that Teaken's reputation would remain intact, Shar Cedara made her way over to a still smoldering fire pit where a special brew simmered. It was a tea prepared with precise instructions, no substitutions allowed. Beginning with crushed Taurulieum which is ground down to the consistency of sand on the night of the new moon, a potent mix of herbaceous plants is added to the fine granular particles.

            This was her routine every month, always making sure to brew enough to last through the entire lunar cycle. Pungent steam billowed from a steaming ceramic pot as the herbal concoction reached an optimal temperature. It was ready to be served.

            Shar Cedara took hold of the ladle resting against the pot's flared lip. With a practiced hand, she stirred the tea three more times in clockwise rotations before scooping up the required amount needed for the ritual. Careful not to spill any, the tea was poured into an awaiting stone vessel.

            Shallow etchings wrapped around the stone surface in a decorative ring with a powerful message at its roots. In a repetitive pattern, slanted lines converged at points into the shape of a triangle. Above the triangle, there was a vertical slash with gradually shrinking marks radiating outwards from the central stroke.

It wasn't a particularly fancy artifact, but for an outsider unaware of its purpose, this eclectic looking chalice could make for a riveting conversation piece. For the culturally enriched nation of Azulyria, it was a divine relic branded with imagery symbolizing a sunrise, or for a more accurate representation–– that which illuminates the sky. Hence its use during Illumination Ceremonies where the sole purpose is to awaken or “illuminate” a part of you that has lain dormant until the time was right.

            Filled just below the rim of the stone chalice, the heated liquid swished as Shar Cedara carried it over to her work table where a rounded plank of Ceritham wood waited, an indention carved out to match the circumference of the chalice's base. She placed the stone vessel on the raised tray, preparing to transport it to the altar of the Goddess. With the final detail in place, the lingering glow of embers was extinguished with a nearby bucket of water. Its purpose had been served.

            Once the last luminous bead faded away, Shar Cedara took hold of the wooden tray, its multiple strands of coarsely veined bark digging into her palms as she proceeded to pass through the back doorway, promptly exiting the temple.

Deeply creased layers of fabric floated around her aging frame, fluttering with every tedious step. Even at seventy eight years old with joints greatly stiffened by arthritis, there still remained an elegant fluidity to her gait, a confident stride that commanded respect.

            Jagged peaks capable of causing the gravest of injuries stood silent in a protective barrier around Cobalt Mountain. Though it wasn't her intended destination, Shar Cedara couldn't help but admire its towering stature. A site just as intimidating albeit for a very different reason held her penetrating stare. It was the Alter of Canopy, Arbouroth's sacred space dedicated to the Goddess Octrisia.

            To commit even a minor infraction within its boundaries was the ultimate sin. Punishment was determined based on the severity of the crime. And don't even think about lying to save your ass; that would just make it worse. After becoming a Shard of Azulyria, one of the abilities granted was the Revealing Sight.

            This tool was to be used on those accused of any wrong doing by allowing the Shard full access to all of your thoughts and memories. Evidence of your guilt or innocence would be obtained, and a fair verdict would be reached. Any attempt at deception would be unwise, not to mention futile. The spell she weaves eliminates all resistance and will break through any wall you see to toss in her way. Strong willed or not, the truth will come out.

Hints of white sage, lilacs, and freshly turned soil pulled Shar Cedara from her inspired reverie. Spirals of fragrant steam twirled in the subtle breeze.

Moisture dense currents crept closer with the rising sun, promising to unleash another persistently humid day. No apologies offered; there never were.

            Dainty steps carried Shar Cedara down a partial flight of granite stairs. The natural gritty texture on the surface gave off the appearance of a sandy beach with specks of glass peeking out.  Polished globes of Tauruliem sat evenly spaced just beyond the final step's base on either side of the gravelly landing.

            Situated exactly three feet apart, these blue and gold mounds led you to a path that jutted out towards the east. Comprised of bamboo stalks cut lengthwise, the narrow walk way sliced through a small grove of pink weeping willow trees weaving its way up the growing incline. If you looked past the blush tones leading to the hill's flattened peak, the Alter of Canopy in all its glory extended past the highest branches. Forever stationary, forever locked in place staring up at the heavens above.

            An octagonal platform with a recessed fire pit at its center emerged from staggered rows of grass that wrapped around the perimeter. Cross hatched and pointed each slivered blade cast minuscule shadows against the stone surface, this halo of darkness offering protection for an integral remnant of the past that still served a crucial function.

Held in place by a crushing force where each of the foundation's sides joined together at a point, Corinthian embellished columns traversed vertical paths identical in trajectory. Matching stone capped the structure with an octagonal ring that mirrored its twin below.

            Virtually identical to the stand that held the Midnight Flame Torch, another three legged metal pedestal with a minor modification rose up from the unlit fire pit. Underneath the pair of concentric circles an additional rounded shape had been welded into place. It was a solid plate like disc meant to elevate whatever was placed on it out of the fire's reach. On top of the weathered surface rested a chunk of precious mineral roughly the size of a peach.

            Once a pledge of responsibility has been obtained and your abilities awakened, making sure that the ritual had the desired effect would be next on the agenda.

            With the entirety of your concentration focused per instructions given by Shar Cedara, lifting the faceted bauble up through the concentric circles and holding it in place for fifteen seconds became your task at hand. And however great the temptation, any and all distractions that might be present had to be disregarded. Everyone's safety was depending on it.

            Shar Cedara's posture maintained a rigid undertone, her authority palpable as Teaken stepped up onto the altar. With gazes locked in mutual comprehension, he took another tentative step forward. Now to wait. Once acknowledged, his time of illumination could finally proceed.