The Ceremonial Test of Wind

The Ceremonial Test of Wind

                As they walked hand in hand toward the ceremonial fire circle, Carum discovered that tonight was not only a celebration of Kindle’s life being saved but also this ceremony was to celebrate Kindle’s ascension test into the Myriad.  Her test of Wind Magic was tonight.

                They finally arrived just as the ceremonial circle was closing.  Carum found himself seated beside a strong, dark and muscular man with piercing blue eyes.  He was frightened until this man smiled a wide, warm and heartfelt smile.  Then the man began to speak.

                “I am forever in your debt for saving my sister’s life today.  Since she has been trained in the Myriad, she feels as if she in invincible.  So, you see can get herself into a lot of trouble”   The man said to Carum.

                “Sister?” was all Carum could muster.

                The man laughed as he slapped his knee.  “Yes.  Kindle is my darling little sister.  Pardon my manners.  I forgot to introduce myself.  I am Elan.  Kindle’s older brother”

                A wave of relief swept over Carum as this revelation sunk in.  Elan is Kindle’s older brother, nothing more.  He managed a warm smile and introduced himself to Elan.

                “My name is Sir Carum of Windspear”  he told Elan.

                Elan looked at Carum with curiosity.

                “You are King Ezrec’s son?”  He asked Carum.

                Carum stated in a controlled whisper “I may be the Kings son and not proud of that fact.  I am a true Paladin at heart, a sworn protector of the righteous and the innocent”.

                Elan, still studying Carum with curiosity smiled and stated “Your secret is safe with me Sir Carum of Windspear”

                All conversation ceased while the ceremonial meal was passed in a communal way.  Roast lamb.  Carum had never tasted anything so delicious.  The togetherness and love amongst the tribe members made his heart fill with joy.  He never had a feast like this and never wanted it to end.

                The wine was passed around in the same manner.  It was exquisite, yet it made his head spin.

After the feast was consumed, the celebration and Kindle’s test was to begin.  Elan began with music, beating on a lambskin drum.  Next Kindle’s mother, Aliana sang a song in the tongue of the Ancients.

It was at this exact moment that Carum realized who Kindle actually was.  Her mother, Aliana was born from the sacred bloodline of the Supreme High Priestess Alia.  This meant Alia’s blood ran through Kindle’s veins.  She is descended from the sacred bloodline of Alia, the Priestess who brought love and tranquility to the whole kingdom.

The singing and music stopped.  At first Carum was concerned then quickly realized that now was the time for Kindle’s test of Wind.

As Kindle stood, the tribe started chanting something that Carum could not make out.  At first it was a low chant, then it grew into a loud crescendo.  Kindle clapped her hands together and all chanting stopped.

Kindle stood before the fire with arms outstretched.  A gentle breeze blew, surrounding the circle.  The tribe was transfixed as was Carum.  All eyes were on Kindle.

As she drew her hands closer together, the breeze turned into a strong wind surrounding only herself.  Her hands drew closer and closer together causing the strong wind to swirl around fiercely in a whirlwind.

Carum was about to jump from his seat to rescue her from this perceived threat but Elan held him fast to his seat.

Kindle’s hands were almost touching.  The wind was horrendous when with one sudden motion, she threw her hands toward the fire effectively extinguishing it.

An applause went up from the tribe which was quickly silenced by the sight of four women with long fiery red hair and emerald green eyes walking toward Kindle.  One of these women was Aliana, Kindle’s mother.  None smiled.

The four women encircled Kindle.  The eldest woman spoke to Kindle in a tongue that Carum could not interpret.  Then this woman smiled at Kindle as she presented a beautiful stone.

Another applause went up from the tribe.  Kindle passed her test.  Carum witnessed Aliana give her daughter Kindle a kiss on her forehead while saying something to her.  Praise maybe?

Within another quick motion, Kindle waved her hand over the cinders and the fire appeared again.  She then met Carum’s  eyes which were filled with astonishment and admiration.

He thought to himself how can I protect a woman who could probably kill someone without lifting a finger to them?

Thinking on this, he had blocked out all that was going on around him.  He had not even noticed Kindle standing in front of him.  That is when the music and singing started ringing again in his ears.  Only it wasn’t in his ears.  He noticed the whole tribe had risen and were dancing to the beat of Elan’s drum.  “Care to dance with me Sir Carum?” Kindle asked with an outstretched hand.   With his mind still reeling from the wine, song and the power Kindle held, he took her hand as she led him to a more secluded part of the gathering.