Lexiana Acosta: Chapter Twenty-Eight
It is the start of the new year of 7,026. We have been at war for six months now against the green draconium empire. Time started to go even faster. There was never a dull moment in the city. People from the smaller villages from the north have started to travel to the city for sanctuary. So many inns and empty homes are now full. All of the soldiers that can be sent are now sent off. There will be no more amazing parades until the war is won. So when the newer recruits leave it'll be more of a quieter ceremony. Kenneth has allowed me to write letters to my family. But I am forbidden to tell me about my potential priest involvement. A few days later I received a letter back in response. Jamil has never been more proud of me. Mother still has her doubts. But is happy they haven't yet forced me into the vanguard. Father hasn't improved much… This made me so sad it has been six months since I have seen him and he has made no improvements… He is trying to talk more and is more aware. But his body is still trying to heal itself. It could take years or he will die the doctor said. I looked down at my letters and cried a few tears. I miss them so much. I miss my sunshine… I looked around my tiny room. It is so tempting to leave this place, but Kenneth said it is part of training to just not wander off. Even when you're bored.
He made sure that all of my soldier pay still goes to my family. As to them, I am still training like one. I hope to join the war front soon enough. Kenneth has mentioned that many priests have left with the generals to join the fight. I hope to be there one day as well.
We lived temporarily in a small temple based near the palace. I had to pass a few more tests under Kenneth's guide. I have easily passed the physical as he witnessed during my army training sessions. He has to measure my emotions and to make sure I am trustworthy enough to begin training. Priests usually take in orphans so they train them at a very young age. However, with the war, they need more adult priests. Kenneth said it is a huge risk doing this as adults can easily turn on them as power can corrupt. He said many of the priest council did not agree with the overall vote. So I could be facing some discrimination to those who have been priests for years. I figured as much… So this comes to no surprise. The priesthood has always kept their secrets and they don't like strangers peering in on them.
Every night we have been meditating. I don't know why it just makes me want to sleep. But he says it calms the mind and recharges his power. As to what that is I don't know. Priests like their secrets… And every sect has its own. He tested my emotions by giving me scenarios and I say my answers.
"If a man breaks into your house and kills your family. Will you go after him and kill him or will you take him to the authorities?"
"I will take him to the guards. It is not my place to be an executioner."
The honest answer with me though is that I don't know… I have never been in such a situation of that happening. How would I exactly feel in that moment of time? But yet in my heart… I would go for revenge. This test is very flimsy and he knows it. It's really hard to know of someone's intentions unless you're a mind reader… Or being mind-controlled. But he said they have no choice but to make sure they choose the right people for these missions.
Even with that in mind though. He made sure to warn me that once I am in the priesthood I will not be able to leave easily. He had to make this abundantly clear. The only way to leave the priesthood is you are completely trustworthy of their secrets approved by the elders. It could take years to build up such trust. The orphans who are usually picked can live there their whole lives. They have killed their own because a fellow priest betrayed them and went rogue. I know having such a life can have its risks. But the rewards are worth it Kenneth says.
When I left with Kenneth to join the priesthood it really wasn't I was expecting. But then back then I had no idea what to expect… We rode on Kenneth's dragon Pyromancer to the main temple entrance. Which will now be my new home. Which is located inside the largest volcano. Two large dragon statues that spilt lava from its mouths as they guarded the sacred doors. Kenneth then cuts his hand and drips blood onto a flame symbol that is directly below him and like that the doors opened.
I got burnt quite a few times on my arms as we descended lower into the main chamber. The rocks as expected are burning since we are in a volcano. My tanned arms now look splotchy and are sore. I would not lie saying that it wasn't painful. I could have cried as I am not used to getting burned. At least the royal family does not have to worry about such a thing. Since they have fireproof blood. But they would at least be taken out by the smell which smells like burning food and farts.
The heat as we lowered is getting more excruciating… Kenneth told me the more we trained the more we will get used to it. I was drinking water none stop as I felt being dehydrated nonstop. As we walked into the large temple it is embedded with bright red draconium. It radiated heat even worse than the lava. It also made me nervous because those raw draconium deposits are unstable. But Kenneth tried to ease my concerns. My father got severely injured from an explosion caused by masses of draconium crystal like that. As I thought about him it reminded me how much I miss my family.
Kenneth gave me a small tour around the massive temple. It was created naturally by the volcano with no human or dragon interventions. Walls and chambers everywhere that look like large weaving caves. No fancy pillars or intricate rooms like I heard about the palace. He showed me to my bedroom (mini cave) and gave me a new set of clothes to wear. Very simple grey shirt and pants with a grey robe. Nothing like the rookie armours that we got in the army. Once I changed into my new set of clothes I met up with Kenneth outside of my room.
"Now Lexiana. This is not the army… You will not train in groups. You will be my apprentice. So that means you will be trained under me, you will walk with me everywhere unless I tell you. If I am ordered to go somewhere you come with me unless I say you're dismissed. You can speak to me freely. However, when it comes to the elder priests you only speak when spoken to."
"Yes Kenneth"
The priesthood training has begun. Kenneth leads me into a large empty room. But I notice a huge amount of weapons hung up everywhere. Swords, shields, axes to bows and arrows. I wonder if my friends back in fire ten have begun learning weapons. I have never held a weapon before. This apparently was very obvious when I picked up the small axe. Kenneth had to teach me how to hold a weapon. I couldn't help but feel so embarrassed it's a basic thing. But according to him it actually isn't basic. There is a method of holding a weapon. So today's lesson he focused on teaching me how to hold weapons. He is mostly experienced with axes as he says it is his favourite weapon. I won't lie I have never axe's like these before.
"Relax your hand, it is far too tense. Your hand will be sore in no time with that grip. Loosen but firm. Trust yourself not let go of it. Pretend it is an extension of your body.
He grabbed his and unsheathed it. It's huge! But it had no blade. Is he sure that's an axe? It looks like a blocking staff to me. With a quick swing, a burst of red energy pulsed creating the axes edge. He cut a nearby rock in half. It amazed me I have never seen anything like it!
"May I please hold it, Kenneth!?" I looked at him enthusiastically.
"My goodness no! You can barely hold a weapon let alone hold my personal treasure." He then deactivates it and sheaths it back up. I felt so disappointed. But I knew it was a stupid question, but lucky me he seems to be nice.
After a good few hours, I finally master the basic poses to use a large fire axe. Keep legs wide, but not too wide. Have a strong stance, back straight, don't overtighten my wrists. Kenneth gave me a few examples with his axe. I LOVED this. I was so excited throughout doing this! This beats being a hand maiden any day. Sorry older sis…
After the few hours for a rest, he is now leading me into his room. As we walked through the very confusing cave tunnels. We come across the large main hall chamber. It is the core of the volcano with a large lake of lava underneath us. It made me anxious because there are no walls to stop people or dragons from falling off. I walked closer behind Kenneth for this reason.
But as I looked around I see a few other priests with their apprentices all wearing hoods and grey clothes like I am. I do notice that many intentionally walked away from me as we got close to them. It was so strange… I did wonder why. But now after all this time, I understood. Wary of strangers like a new dog joining the pack.
"Hello, Kenneth! You have finally chosen your apprentice!" And in lovely grace, a woman bows her head and I bow to her in return. She is a priestess in full traditional priest armour garb. With the plating being red and white with a beautiful elaborate helmet. It was beautiful to look at, I hope to wear something like that one day. You cannot see any skin on her body except for her lips. But with the sound of her voice, she doesn't sound too old.
"Ah yes hello! Lexiana this is High Priestess Adaira and her apprentice Nessa. Priestess Adaira and Nessa this is Lexiana, my apprentice."
"Hello!" I nervously say. It feels weird, knowing that I will probably have to work with these people. I have no idea how to act around them. It probably feels similar since they are not used to outsiders. Only taking them in for the war so their numbers don't dwindle. Kenneth during one of our conversations did hint that the gold priests fell because of the lack of numbers because of their more closed in practices. I presume this sect doesn't want to fall the same way if the war fails.
They both said hello in graciousness. I look at Nessa, like me her hood is so large it can easily cover the eyes. But she shuffles it a bit and I can just see her face. Soft and rounded, large brown eyes, skin white as milk, a large amount of freckles and a bump on her nose. She must have broken it at some point. But with her movements, she is just as graceful as her master. What gets me interested in both of them is their accents. They are not from here.
We all work together as Nessa and I are listening to our masters having a discussion. Adaira has news updates about the war. There was a surprise battle at Kenna a small town near the Green Border. Kenna is lost with three thousand casualties. With two-hundred prisoners. Both civilian and military. Adaira claims it is our fault for not stationing enough men. Since many soldiers are suspecting their main target would be Fiamme. The largest city near their border with more natural food resources. But Kenna is a small town north with very little to offer. The priests are wondering why? Eventually, we all walked into Kenneth's room but with politeness, he asks for me and Nessa to remain outside. I looked at Nessa as she smiles. She seems reprehensive being near me. I had to break the tension.
"So… Nessa where are you from? Your accent is not like ours."
"I was born in Dragon-City, I was a street orphan until my master took me in. I was seven. She was there to see what life was like there once all of the gold priests were killed. I was very lucky to have come across her. We lived there for a few years. Until master decided to go home and took me with her. "
"Dragon-City? What's it like there?" I have never met anyone from the old Gold Empire before. The City of Loan or Gold it was once named… Since it's the Gold Empire. But now it is now Black Draconium territory and has been officially for the past fifteen years. Since after the deaths of last Gold Emperor Aelius and Empress Laelia. If there was any heirs they would have been killed…
"It's very bleak… It was once known as the most beautiful city in the world. Massive gardens, buildings of white and gold, large temples, statues of dragons and humans that guard the main roads, the palace that towers over the city. People and dragons were warm and welcoming. It's definitely not like that now. There is fighting on the streets on a regular basis, public torture sessions and executions. Slavery has been legalized so many dragons and humans go missing. The life in the gardens is long dead. Dark polluting clouds seem to take over the skies every second day… The Chancellor is very cruel scaring all of the Politicians into submission. "
"That sounds horrible… I am glad you and your master are not there anymore."
"What about you? You're not raised here. I can tell by your mannerisms. Do you have a family?" Nessa asks me quietly.
"Yup! Born and raised here. I have my mother she was a teacher and my father who is badly injured because of a mining explosion. I have two sisters Plamya who is older and Jamil who is younger. I'm sorry to sound so cheery abo-"I felt bad. It was only a few seconds ago she said she is an orphan. Of course, rub it into the orphan that you have a family. I better get that foot out of my mouth.
"Oh not at all! Don't be sorry! I asked. It's nice to actually hear about people who don't have overly sad backstories. You see most people here are orphans but when you're in the priesthood, there is some kind of family. Even though having families here is strictly forbidden. But being an orphan does not matter to me anymore. I have a better life now. But please continue."
"I volunteered to fight in the war. But Kenneth decided to take me in from the barracks. Today is my first day here."
"Kenneth? You just say his name outright? Not master?" Nessa looks at me confused.
"He never told me to call him master. So I just call him by his name."
"Well, I did hear he is always a little different. Usually, an apprentice says master. For respect…" She sneered.
I looked back and just nodded in agreement. I felt like I have just broken a law… If it's necessary why hasn't Kenneth told me? I asked more about the rules of the priesthood. With her she leaves the temple for two days a week for her days of freedom. But her master must know where she is going and who she is talking to. But she feels a bit lonely now that many of the people she had outings with. Have left with their masters for the war. They were much more experienced and were bit older.
She then began listing the other priesthood rules. I will have my two days of freedom after my first two years in the priesthood. They never used to do this but it turns out many apprentices rebelled and tried to leave. Now it has become the norm for them to have some kind of freedom. But they must trust me to gain such a privilege.
I must not wear makeup when you are with your master. I have no problem with this… Makeup is expensive and I never desired it. Plamya loved it, but I never did. Must never wake the master up for stupid reasons. Pretty obvious… Never talk back to your master, what they say is the law. Masters can look into all of your belongings and letters. Many do it make sure the apprentices are not betraying the sect. Keep your greys clean and straight. Loves mentioning how she has been with her master for nine years. After a while, I kind of regret asking… There are so many rules and Kenneth only bothered with so many… I don't even call him master and he is not bothered by it.
After that moment of awkwardness and a long lecture. I changed the subject of the simple things about what life is like outside of the temple. What my mother and sister do for a living. Seeing the soldier parades and the arrival of the new princess. She adores babies! Once the baby princess was mentioned she went all goo-gaga about the baby. She wants to have them one day. Where I don't really desire them myself. My sunshine of a younger sister is enough.
Kenneth and Adaira finally leave the room after felt like forever. Adaira and Nessa both say their farewell and leave in the opposite direction from us.
"Master?"
"Master?" Kenneth turns around and looks at me in annoyance. "Please don't call me that… I hate that word now…"
"Okay Kenneth. It's just Nessa told me it grants disrespect not to use it. She was quite pedantic about it." I shrug my shoulders in nervousness.
"Every few years different priests get sent around the world to see how the world faring. It is something we have been doing for thousands of years. For you see the other priesthood sects in other countries don't really have communication with each other. Like our country's rulers, we do grow a kind of rivalry against each other… The only other sects we communicate to was the gold who are now all gone. And Blue... We all have different secrets that we keep. We are the eyes for the priesthoods and knowledge for the royal family. I was sent to Dominus Sahara for a year… After being there… The word master just loses all respect for me. I wish not to be called that… Alright."
"Yes Kenneth."
After that small conversation we had dinner in the food hall and went back to my room to sleep. My room is not far away from Kenneth so if I need him he is nearby. But it was very difficult as trying to sleep in a volcano. The constant noises and heat is hard to relax.
After a few weeks. It is hard to tell since we are in a volcano we have no sunlight. Kenneth had to wake me up… My body clock has not gotten used to the environment yet. The heat still burns my skin and I feel like I sweat the ocean every day.
"Today we will be having a history lesson!"
I looked at him. I surprise as I sat in my bed. My hair being in such a huge mess with tangled knots with drool marks on my pillows. History? But I know much about history anyway? We learnt it in school. I'd rather learn what we have been doing the past few weeks which is fighting skills. I have manage to master the stance but the swinging is something else entirely. Kenneth is very strict on everything. He wants to drill into my head how to fight properly.
"Kenneth do we need to-"
"Yes!" He says in complete enthusiasm. "You know your basics I presume since your mother is a teacher! But priests have more knowledge that many people don't know about. As you learn your fighting skills you must also master knowledge!" He then walks out and I quickly get changed into my robes and race after him.
After catching up with him my hair being a complete mess. Lucky my hood manages to hide it a little. We quickly had breakfast with curry sauce and rice. Once that was over we walk a long distance to the massive library. Walking into it I notice that there is a special electrical red barrier in place that prevent the heat and lava from seeping in. I looked around in complete wonder. I have never seen so many books! Even though I find reading incredibly boring, seeing this place I could not help but be in awe. The library is three stories full of large bookcases that are bigger than the dragons here. I see a whole group of them talking to each other in a group like a storytime session. A large bipedal dragon surrounded by a few smaller young dragons. I look as I stopped following Kenneth and try to pay attention to what she is doing. She uses her draconium energy and makes a book float in the air. The young dragons look excited, the dragon then starts roaring enthusiastically. I was curious as to what she is talking about.
I have never been affiliated with dragons before, so how they behave is unknown to me. My family were never wealthy enough to buy one. But then buying one has always been a controversial topic. Many dragons rebelled here when the separatists killed the Gold Emperor and his eldest son. The dragons here managed to destroy villages and the old racetracks which was our nation's most popular sport. They attacked innocent civilians in this city-destroying a few buildings in the process... The families who bred dragons for trade were all killed.
When it was revealed that the Black Draconium Empire took over Dragon-City and started squashing their enemies. Many dragons had to flee. Our Empress managed to make a peace deal with those who were rebelling. And creating a dragon role in her imperial court who can make decisions and speak for dragon welfare. The Empress's dragon Valencia still holds that title and has proven her worth to dragon kind.
Kenneth just realizing I was watching the dragons walks over to me. I thought he would be annoyed by he wasn't.
"She is giving them a lesson on the dragon Pyromax. One of the first dragons born with red draconium in his bones. He helped save Vulkania from the disaster of Vulkan eruption. Vulkania was founded only a hundred years before and was only a small town compared to today. Pyromax managed to warn the residents of the disaster that was to befall. He then sacrifices himself to put all of his power into keeping the barrier standing. He placed parts of his power in sacred stones around the city. Preventing the smoke and lava wiping out the town. As an assurance, he also placed parts of his power barrier around the other two volcanoes. He saved hundreds of lives. The barrier he created is still in force today even though it cannot be seen."
"You can understand what she is saying?" I had no idea people can even understand dragons. They roar, roar, purr, and roar with more roaring. I didn't know there was a whole language to it. This blew my mind, I had no idea it was even possible to learn such a thing. But seeing how happy the dragon teacher is with the pups. They seem to be very proud of their dragon hero.
"Yes I can. I understand it as a second language. As you can get dragons that can speak human tongue. Many here do as they are taught by priests. Humans can learn what dragons say and feel, but for many years the outside world snubbed learning it. A huge reason as to why many dragons rebelled for being labelled as enslaved beings. The stereotype of them being called stupid and only meant for brawn work and racing. Many people didn't want to try understanding them. Valencia and the priesthood made the communication gap easier for a peaceful resolution. But with us learning their language. Dragons learning human tongue is immensely difficult. Some dragons have mastered it. We have some in this temple now… But for some it's just not physically possible. During the Gold Empires early reign they could talk telepathically to each other. But that kind of learning has been lost for many years. Many have tried but that kind of magic fails us."
"Will I be able to learn such a thing?" I really hope that I do! This sounds amazing. This must be one of the skills that the priesthood fully understand that many average people don't.
"Oh definitely! It is hard but rewarding. It took me a short time to learn because apparently I can listen to dragon tones very easily. Patience is the key."
We walked off leaving the dragons alone where he takes me to a large desk and sits on the other side of it. He gives me ink and quill with parchment.
"Okay today history lesson. The founding of Vulkania and the Red Empire. The city of Vulkania was founded in 3202. One of the Gold Emperors children Princess Crisanta who is the youngest of the family. Wanted to explore the world. After five years of exploration her and her followers founded a life near the largest volcano now named Vulkan. Ripe with fruits and vegetables that were stranger to the south. There she created a merchant business and became wealthy in her own accord. "
I felt so bored… Must stay awake… I have learnt all of this before… Much prefer to learn how to fight… I start imagining myself fighting like a true champion in priest garb similar to Adaira. I would have never thought of being here… Supporting the royal family the best way possible. I just hope I can master it soon.
"LEXIANA!" As Kenneth slaps the table waking me up immediately.
"You said you wanted to take this seriously right? Start taking it seriously! And I mean soon or you will not get far anywhere!"
"Yes Kenneth" as I looked at him. But out of the blue, a young boy in grey garb like mine come to us in urgency. He quickly introduces himself as Pazel the messenger of the priesthood and hands Kenneth a letter. He thanks him as Pazel runs away for his next delivery. He opens the letter but I look at it. It is clearly for me… It has my name on it. The letters that my family wrote are sent to the place we lived at before here. But the temple keeper keeps a record on all of us of where we are. He obviously gets Pazel to send those letters here. Kenneth looks at me at complete seriousness.
"What is it?" I snatched the letter from his hands and start reading it.
Dearest Lexi… Year 7,026 Januaren 19th
I have travelled home in great urgency to mother as fathers condition has worsened. We thought he was getting better… But it did not last long. He lost complete consciousness. He has been like this for the past few days. It has been hard to reach you. I thought you would be at the palace barracks with the other soldiers. With Princess Regina's' royal permission to get you. I wanted to see you in person, but you weren't there. I have spoken to some of the friends you have made Nuria, Brenton and Haydn. They said you were transferred to somewhere else.
Princess Regina said for me to send a letter to this address. I can't imagine where you are now. I can only pray for phoenix that you get this letter. Because you need to know…
Father passed away from his injuries on the 18th of Januaren. He never regained consciousness. He passed away with mother and Jamil by his side. His lava burial with be on the 24th of Januaren. It cannot be extended anymore. To hopefully give you enough time to get here, where ever you are…
I'm sorry dearest young sister….
Love Plamya.
I looked at the letter in complete silence for a long time. Kenneth then sits next to me as I started at my letter. No words needed to be said. I looked at my sister beautiful handwriting… I was always so jealous of it… But I could feel the tears all over the paper that has dried up… I struggled to cry, I felt so numb. In a way I always knew he wasn't going to make it… The explosion took everything out of him. He was burnt out of recognition. Now all I tried to do is remember the way he was before the accident. I remember when he used to secretly buy me chocolate and blow raspberries on my cheeks. We used to play fight together… We have our sticks and whack them around like swords. Mother and Plamya disapproved, but my father always encouraged it. He always used to let me win… Maybe I should have let him win… One of my regrets. He was always working away in the mines but he always tried to make time for us even when he was extremely tired. I would always get covered in mud and he gets messy himself so he takes the blame for my messiness…
And all of a sudden tears came gushing out my eyes and I screamed as loud as I could in the quietest library. My father has died and he is never coming back… Kenneth rubs my back reassuringly and then hugs me like a parent would a child.
"We will head to the surface and meet with your family. I will deal with the elders and get Pyromancer. Sit here I shouldn't be too long."
Even without the command and I can't bring myself to move anywhere… People and dragons walked past me like I didn't exist. It's quite amazing how the people and dragons here mind their own business. If I was at home and screaming people around anywhere will try to find out what's going on. Tears still rolled down my face as my face now all bright red with puffy eyes.
A while passed and I see Kenneth come back with Pyromancer. Kenneth has completely changed clothes, he is now in a noble set of robes in a magenta colour. The dragon gently nuzzles me and faces Kenneth and growls to him. They must be talking to each other. And without a second notice, Kenneth grabs my waist and lifts me up to the saddle. He first takes me to my room to change into a normal set of clothes which is my simple orange dress.
Then we rode off. I closed my eyes through the whole journey. I was so tired, physically and emotionally. But yet I had this weird burning anger inside of me. I wanted to punch something so bad… I needed to release my anger. I have never felt anything like this… I don't know what to do. Why did my dad have to die? He was such a good man… He did not deserve this…
I opened my eyes and I notice I was lying on my old bed. I see Plamya sitting next to me wiping a wet cloth on my face. My beautiful older sister. She is known to be the prettiest out of all of us. Her long sleek brown hair, with brown skin and thin. Without thinking I hugged her with all my being. It has been so long since I have seen her. She lives in the palace now and can only visit us every now and then.
"I miss you so much Plamya!" I cry into her shoulder.
"I know Lexi... I miss you too." She then grabs my hands and pulls me to stand up. "You need to eat." While she said that she squeezes my arm muscles. "You certainly have gotten stronger."
And we both head into the kitchen. I see Kenneth trying to talk to mother. I run to hug her and she hugs me. She felt so frail, I feel like I can snap her in two. She kisses me on the cheek and heads back into her bedroom.
We all sit together next to the table sad and confused. I hugged Jamil and kissed her on the forehead. Plamya looks at me and Kenneth and Jamil try to make nice conversation.
"Mother… She is not coping well obviously. I had to force her to eat and try to get her to sleep." Plamya then hands me a bowl of sliced pineapples.
Plamya in these certain situations has always been the level headed one. The peace maker. I was the one who causes chaos, Playma peace and Jamil the happiness. I can guarantee it is her sorting the funeral arrangements. I admit I would struggle doing such a thing… I feel emotionally broken at this moment.
"I have already started the funeral arrangements. Mother tried but she gets too hysterical when she tries talk. It's too much for her. The funeral will be on the 24th. I have sorted the flowers and food."
"What about money?" Usually the volcanic funeral rights are free. But the extras such as flowers, guests and food will be expensive. Even more now there is a war going on.
"I asked Princess Regina-"
I looked at her in complete surprise and she stops in mid-sentence. She asked a royal for money!? FOR MONEY!? We will be indebted to them for the rest of the time now. I love the royal family I really do! They are the reason why I am fighting their war! But there has to be some matters that they don't have to be involved in.
"You don't need to worry Lexi. The Princess and I have become good friends. She allowed me to leave her services for a while to plan the funeral and grieve. And she will also attend the ceremony."
My eyes opened even wider and I didn't even know it was possible.
"Princess Regina will be at father's funeral!? But she doesn't know him? I would be so honoured to see her but, many people will just barge in to see her…" I told Plamya. I would also say invite fathers friends but many perished in the accident. I have a quick look at Kenneth and he is trying to mind his own business.
"Princess Regina will not come with her entourage. She will have her guards but they will be dress in commoner gear. She does it many times. She just wants to pay her respects… I believe father would be chuffed. He loved the royal family."
I could not argue with her there… Father adored the royal family and so do I. He said he would fight for them if he could. But mother didn't want him to. Similar situation to mine. However he lost the argument because my mother was expecting Plamya. So he managed to get a job in the mines to support us. The tears started to flow out my eyes again and Plamya hands me a handkerchief.
As I looked up at Plamya once I cleared my nose. I notice she has been giving Kenneth weird looks. He must have been telling Jamil interesting stories since she is smiling at him. It looks like she is managing to cope okay. It's nice to see her smile.
"The other subject we need to deal with. Is getting a priest to do the funeral rites… I have asked Princess Regina for one to give the rites. But there is a huge demand for them at the moment. Many have left for the war, over flooded with other rites or they are too busy with their own matters. She sighs in defeat almost in verge of crying.
I stare at Kenneth and he nods yes subtly. I try my hardest to hold my tears and smile at him in gratitude. I'm sure he will sort it out for us when he heads back the temple.
"I'm sorry General Kenneth. I forgot to say thank you for bringing Lexi home for the time being. With the war and all… I am sure you have your plate full. Many of your soldiers must be needing you back."
After that saying, he acts like he then had somewhere to get to… He then gets up and takes his leave. He said he will see me in a few days and for me to take it easy. As rules in the priesthood this is extremely abnormal to leave your new apprentice in the outside world.
I still haven't seen mother come out. So I entered her room. It's a complete mess… She is the cleanest person I know. I managed to get her to eat pineapple with ease. Plamya said she struggled to convince for her to even take a bite. But mother kept giving me this proud smile. What is she smiling about?
After that, we had a small dinner of various fruits as none of us wanted to eat anything heavy. After dinner, we went to bed. I co-slept with Jamil since we now only have two beds in this room now. Plamyas bed was gotten rid of years ago. With that though all we did was sob through the night…
When the next day came Plamya received the letter response of a priest. She had the greatest relief on her face as she shed a few tears. She showed me the letter and it is clearly Kenneth's neat writing. Thank you, Kenneth, as I thought to myself… The next thing Plamya and I had to do was to write dads obituary. It the hardest process that we had to do… But it had to be done. Our dad deserves it…
The world felt like it slowed down… But the 24th of Januaren finally arrived. Plamya got us special dark red hooded robes. The robes of a mourning family… The red is so dark in the dark it almost looks black. This colour is our mourning colour. We wear them for the whole day. I put on my light dress and cover my head with the hood. It feels similar to my greys.
My mother finally left her room looking horrible as ever… She is so thin now if I push her she will fall and break a bone. After seeing her like this I cannot go back to the priesthood. I just can't I need to look after her…
"Mum I will leave the army... I will stay home to look after you. Even though I know I'm not the best healer. If the army doesn't like it! Then tough shit I'm going to stay home!" Then with a soft request, mother then asks everyone to go outside. I felt uneasy with is, but at least mother is sounding somewhat her old self.
"No Lexi… I will be alright in time, I will never forget your father. But I need to sort my life out now… I don't want you or Plamya to drop your lives for me. You both have worked very hard to be where you are at now…"
"But mother… You never wanted me in the army. I thought you would want me back as soon as possible?" She never liked it when I went… Even in the letters I sent to her earlier this month she wanted me to come home. Why the change of opinion?
"Because I know Lexi… Kenneth told me… I must keep it secret though… Plamya and Jamil don't know…"
"He? Did he tell you? Just like that?" I was so surprised by this. I can imagine Nessa lecturing the master Kenneth on breaking many rules. They don't like spilling details of who is part of their secret awesome club of magic and history. He is breaking so many rules and I am grateful for it… I couldn't have been luckier to get an awesome priest such as he. I just hope he doesn't get any repercussions for this.
"He did tell me… He only told me because he knew I would want you back. Becoming a soldier to leave and fight is one thing. But to become a priestess Lexi! I have heard tales of what they can do. I can tell you right now. Your father would have been over the moons proud of you like I am! And I know he will not want you to leave! It's too huge of an opportunity to pass up!"
I couldn't hold my emotions in anymore and I cried into my mother's arms. She then wipes the tears off my face. And that's when we realized it is time to say farewell to dad…
It's such a gorgeous day today with the sun shining with clear skies. We start walking to the Lahar the smallest volcano. It is the closest to where we live so we did not have to walk that far. As we walked through the streets many of the people stepped out of our way and mark us respect by bowing. Only many of the dragons don't seem to understand why we wear these hoods… Or they just don't care. I had to uphold my anger to not push them out of the way. After a while, we are now in volcano territory. Walking up tiny pathways up to the tip of the volcano where the funeral rites are said. I held onto Jamils hand as she struggled to climb up the mountain. There are no stairs only rough ground and natural rocks. And she is still very small. So I decided to make it easier and have her to hold onto my back. I had no idea I was able to do this now. I really have gotten much stronger in the past six months. I felt pretty proud of myself in this tiny moment.
But it made me think how they manage to carry the deceased. But I had to stop thinking of that immediately as my dad is now one of those bodies… And I felt shameful thinking of my father as nothing but a corpse now. It broke my heart to a whole new level again. An hour later we managed to climb up the volcano. I am the only one not exhausted like everyone else.
We were so close to getting to the temple when a large two-legged red dragon deliberately stood in front of us blocking the procession. My family stood nervous in the middle of the path. Too nervous to approach him. This is not the time… This is not the time… THIS IS NOT THE TIME! I walk over to the dragon
"MOVE YOUR INCONSIDERATE ASS DRAGON! WE HAVE A FUNERAL TO GET TOO!" The dragon just shrugs it off. It is very obvious he was sad, but then so was I… I have my father's funeral to attend to.
"I warn you again dragon! Move it!"
He shrugs it off again… I don't know what to do… He is not moving… And without a sudden thought, he rushed at me. I ran to him in complete anger and fury. He then turned to face me. He opened his mouth as if he going to say something but instead did a small roar. I thought he would have mag pushed me off the volcano. But he didn't he must be psyching me out. My family watching in fear as I do stupid things. However, the dragon stared into my eyes and I stared into his. Those bright yellow eyes. Was he trying to read me? I certainly hope not… I just want him to move.
And like that, he moved… He jumped onto the side of the rocks. His tail wagging as if he is anticipating something. But we only stared at each other… My family has moved on and as I walked away I was still staring at him. In both annoyance and curiosity.
We finally reached the funeral summit. I look down and I can see the lava below. As I looked around I see large chains coated in glowing red draconium. They are chains to lower the bodies into the lava. I see a priest walking to us in complete traditional garb. He says hello and I know it is Kenneth and his soothing voice. I have never seen him in full red and white garb before. Even in the temple he never wears his helmet and wears simple priest design armour unlike Adairas. We bow to him in respect and he bows back.
"Thank you so much for doing this," I say trying to hold back my tears once again.
"I am so sorry for being late."
I turn around and see a beautiful young woman. Like us she is wearing the robes of mourning. What got also got my attention was the two very tall women by her side carrying bags of flowers. They were also wearing robes of mourning. She looks around my age and with sudden movement my sister runs to give her a hand shake.
"Thank you for coming." As Plamya wipes tears from her face.
"Of course. Anything!" She says politely and she cusps my sisters' hands.
I quickly realise that is Princess Regina. I almost didn't recognize her without all of her regalias and makeup. I had to fight the urge to bow to her. I was so excited to see a royal family member up close… But the death of my father has clouded my mind from such excitement. We had, of course, had to meet at a family tragedy. She wants to keep this secret from the public… I feel like I am disrespecting her so much though… But as I looked at her and my sister. Princess Regina knows what we're going through. Her father the emperor was murdered six months ago. Still must feel like it happened yesterday. It is the reason why our country is at war.
Princess Regina then faces to mother and bows. "I am so sorry for your loss. I hear many stories about Mister Acosta from Plamya. He sounded like an amazing man."
"Thank you… Your highness." My mother bows to her. But Princess Regina didn't look too happy at the highness word. She really is trying to keep it low key. But it's obvious she is trying to repress her royal behaviours.
As we looked on the summit valley of the volcano, we see the small temple where the deceased are kept. Although not like the priest temple, it's there to embalm the bodies for preservation. Father was taken there soon after he died… One of us will have to properly check that we get the right person. I can't imagine the absolute heartbreak of that mistake of burning the wring person… Plamya as eldest decided to check our fathers' identity. She was in the temple for a while. But the large stone doors opened with four people carrying a large stretcher made out of wood and fabric. Plamya already losing it runs and hugs mother. I cannot imagine what she must have seen. I see fathers' body is wrapped in red decorated fabrics and bandages. It is never okay to look at the face of the deceased unless necessary. So he remains entirely covered. The priests say it is a way to remember them as they were alive.
Kenneth leads us to a large chain on the other side of the volcano. I have never been to a funeral before. I know my grandmothers and grandfathers passed away before I was born and we rarely even spoke about it. It is mainly a subject that is only brought up only when absolutely necessary. As we walked passed I notice a few other funeral processions happening. Everyone wearing the same coloured robes as we are. I notice a group doesn't even have a priest with them… But they are clearly trying to make the ceremony similar. Yet with everything happening the environment sounded so quiet the only noise we could hear is the noise of an active volcano.
We finally approach at our specific chain. Next to it lies a large empty table all cleaned and prepared. Kenneth with gentleness asks us to stand in a specific line. Mother first, then Plamya, me and then Jamil. A few of mothers friends have managed to attend. They have their own robes from a previous funeral. Along with Princess Regina and her guards they are standing behind us.
The stretcher carriers place father onto the table and I see them connecting the table to the chain. Kenneth then rings a small bell to get all of our attention. We look at him as he opens up a large tome. And begins the funeral.
"We are gathered here today to farewell Vasuman Acosta, a husband, father and friend. Born on Appara 12th 6986. The only son of Esther Blas and Conleth Blas. He was treasured by them… From a young age they give what they could to make him happy. He loved dragon racing racing and one day dreamt of becoming a racer himself. Due to events though it was never meant to be… But regardless he had a happy childhood. At the age of sixteen he met the wonderful Abonella Acosta at the market. He accidently bumped into her and spilt wine all over her. To great annoyance of Abonella."
Mother was chuckling at this notion… I can actually imagine the scenario. Mother would have yelled at father like no other.
"However in that instance after calming down Abonella. He wanted to make up for her by buying her food. Which then became history a year later they married. Vasuman a man who loved the royal family wanted to join the army. But news came that Abonella was with child. She only knew because she started to show and five months later Plamya was born 7,004. He didn't want to be far away from his wife and newborn daughter so he took a job in the mines. Life was blissful for him until the unfortunate passing of his parents. Passing away from the coughing illness which killed hundreds of unfortunate victims. But it wasn't just the sadness that clouded him. There was small bit of happiness as the year was 7,010 and Abonella gave birth to another little girl. Lexiana… Then another wonderful surprise five years later and sweet Jamil was born. He worked hard every single day making sure, the girls were well fed and dressing them in the nicest clothes possible. He played with them and kissed them on the forehead before leaving for work in the morning. "
I couldn't hold it anymore and as I stood next my family they were crying. I held Jamils' and Plamyas' hand as we all cried. Our father was great. He never saved a person's life, or lived on the edge. He lived an ordinary life and he loved us. I stopped listening to Kenneth as I remembered all the great times we had. Even though he worked long days he was never mad at us when we woke him up. I will miss him so much…
Kenneth finally finished reading the obituary and Princess Regina's guards hands us the bags of flowers. And Kenneth provided us the special glue to decorate father bandages. We begin decorating the table. Mother worked the flower decorations around his head. Plamya worked around the shoulders, I did the torso and Jamil worked the legs and feet. If anything in my life this is the hardest thing to do… Once we decorated his body with flowers. It is time to say goodbye to him for the last time.
Kenneth places his hand on my fathers head and leans down and speaks with a gentle whisper. Like he is talking to him. It must be a language I have never heard before.
Maya yoora phie, provid phie ve phoenix. Yoora family wila love yoo aasal.
It sounded so beautiful as he was speaking it… It blew me away. What language is this? But as he spoke I notice red draconium energy pulsing from his hand. My father's body began to glow in pure red draconium energy. My father's body now glowed like the sun and the assistants then begin. Moving fathers table for the beginning of the descent. The chain is checked to see if it's attached and they slowly begin lowering him down. I had to hold Jamil back as she wanted to try and get a better view. But it was too dangerous. There are no walls protecting us and the ground can collapse. I can easily see where chunks of ground have collapsed into the lava pit below. Only Kenneth and the assistants were close to the edge.
Kenneth then turned around and nodded… It is done… My father is now completely gone. I cried once again… It is over… My father is no longer suffering. Mother collapsed and I had to hold her up. Princess Regina bows to us and farewells us. Plamya thanks her again as she tries her best to hold it together. As they spoke it looks like Princess Regina gave her a few more days. Mothers' friends remained to try and console her. I let go of mother and let mums friend Allie hold her. I just wanted sit down myself and I sit in that very spot.
Kenneth then makes his way over to me and sits next to me.
"Thank you…" I say to him. "Did you get in trouble for doing all of this?" I really hoped he didn't…
"I won't lie Lexi. I did get into trouble… I am forbidden to leave the temple for a year after this… Some of the elder council members are furious with me. This has even caused doubt in the council about letting in outsiders. Because they tend to forget many of the new people like you have families on the outside. The benefits of getting orphans like me. We have no family to mourn, distracting the council wonderfully puts it. But some of them don't tend to have hearts anyway… Like my old master. He never let me mourn when my friend passed away. It only brings problems when you can't mourn or act like a normal person. The priesthood expects far too much… And then they wonder why they are failing or why many have begun to turn on us."
"I think understand… The priesthood life sounds lonely. Nessa said that you all seem to be some kind of giant family."
"In a way yes… We need to have something to attach to emotionally. It is forbidden to love with anyone from the outside. You can have a relationship inside the sect but you need special permission. Being a priest is a very lonely life… They expect orphans better because they know what it's like to be lonely… Council elder Adaira was the one who encouraged outsiders to take part. Many priests are happy to take in others. We need to prove that the risk is worth it."
I nod as I listened. I will help him change the ways… I smiled at him best that I could. I will fight for the royal family and I will fight for my father. I will learn the best that I can. Mother wants me to become a priestess. I believe father would have been proud of me. I will do my best to become one.
"I will have to go back to the council. To start serving my sentence. You will have to come with me, I know you would want to stay. But I have blood entry to the temple. I would give you blood rights but that power is only given by council elders. "
"I understand… You rebel." I looked at him and he looks at me back. I see my mother walking towards me and Kenneth. I stand up and hug her again.
"I know you will probably have to go now. I will send letters to the address Plamya gave me. Do your father proud Lexi…."