XXII. Pledge
"Do you Enyo Thebes accept the position of Female Tribute in the 95th Annual Hunger Games?." Valkyrie Rath questioned.
"I do." Enyo declared.
Enyo more than expected it, she embraced it.
"Do you solemnly vow to duty to bring pride and honour to District Two?"
"I do."
By returning home a victor.
"Are prepared to sacrifice yourself to protect that honour, to discard riches and glory of victory if your duty calls for it?"
The Oath of Sacrifice is the most demanding of promises among the volunteers, but it is sworn with simple words all the same. Death was something that Enyo was prepared to face, but she would ensure that would survive her dance with it
"I am."
"Finally, do you accept the Warrior's Scar as the symbol of this pledge?"
"I do."
"Hold out your right hand."
Enyo stretched out her arm and laid her hand open wide with a faint tremble.
Valkyrie grabbed Enyo's wrist and pulled it towards her, holding it firmly. Taking out a dagger with a gilded handle and obsidian stone for a pommel, she placed it against the skin of Enyo's hand.
A sudden chill shot through Enyo. She could not whether it was the metal against her skin, or that the very moment that the knife drew blood, there would be no going back, her fate would sealed and she must embrace her destiny.
The blade sliced against Enyo's palm releasing a steam of crimson. The blood dripped down into a polished stone bowl.
"Let scar forever remind you of this pledge, sworn in blood. If ever find yourself doubting remember your scar."
"I will not forget. I will not doubt." Enyo declared.
Valkyrie did not comment on Enyo's remarks and simply gestured to the left. In the wall, lay a small metal hatch against the carved stone.
Enyo walked over.
The hatch opened.
"Place your hand, though. May be bonded to your brother in arms."
Enyo reached her hand through, soon feeling another grab hers. She could feel the warmth of his blood pressing against her hand.
"Do you Enyo Thebes swear to loyalty to Kaisarion Van Doren."
"I do."
From the other lay on the other side hatch, Enyo heard another voice, that of Romulus De Raa.
"Do you Kaisarion Van Doren swear loyalty to Enyo Thebes."
"I do," declared Kaisarion.
"Then final oath is sworn! Shouted Valkyrie and Romulus in unison.