Page 40 of The Gods Veiling
Far quicker than I would’ve prayed for, the trees eventually line themselves up perfectly. There’re gaping spaces between them to the point I see stretches of the land that they cover. When they finally end, and our feet stop for a fleeting second, I release a disappointed breath.
My head tilts up and I trace over a gate crafted for and by gods.
White glistening stone walls surround the silver metal that stretches far above my head on both sides. Most of what’s behind the marble is concealed from view, but through the rails of the gate, a small crowd is gathered.
Their faces are hidden by the sprawling golden wings that are welded in the center. They’re a representation of the extra ligaments given to the Beginning Gods and creatures that come directly from the creators.
The sun reflects off the shiny surface and the rays make the colors of the gems embedded within the feathers ever-changing. Above them, a massive G that matches the one on the carriage sits proudly.
There’s no mistaking you’ve come to the home of the gods when you look at it.
The metal vibrates and I wait for the sound of creaking to come, but it never does. Instead, a quiet hum sings through the air as the gate splits open.
Havar starts walking forward before they even open all the way, and I want to run the other way.
I’m not ready to step behind these walls.
As glorious as this entrance into the gods’ home looks, my stomach sinks. My body warns me not to move.
That’s too bad for me, though. As soon as Mellcom’s fingers touch my arm, I pull it away and step forward. The last thing I’m going to allow is him to escort me in like a child throwing a tantrum in front of all the other awaiting Chosen and Chancellors.
We receive a few glances but nothing more. All fifteen of them are just as clueless as we are.
“This is where I leave you all. The Chancellors are all present, but it looks like they’re waiting on the High Chancellor. As soon as he arrives, your orientation will begin.”
Lambrit, Garish, Mellcom, and Jeremiah all shake Havar’s hand and thank him for his guidance today. I don’t offer my hand, but I do smile.
“Remember what I said,” he says quietly.
“Will do. Thanks again for the warning.”
“Don’t mention it and good luck. I can’t wait to see what Godsden makes of you, Thayla Godrun.”
The wink he shoots me is full of curiosity as he turns and walks away. I don’t share the same sentiment as him and his words repeat in my mind.
I can most certainly wait to see what Godsden makes of me.
I turn back to the crowd, and my feet fall short of moving when I’m met with two sets of glares a few feet away. My nostrils twitch as I make my way between the other two. Lambrit gives me a tight smile, while Garish hangs his head and groans.
He’ll just have to suck it up and get over it until I can permanently escape from my brother’s and Jeremiah’s watchful eyes. It may take me longer than expected to find a way out of Godsden, but those two, I’ll be getting away from as fast as possible.
I tune out the murmurs floating around me and my undivided attention falls forward. On a platform, much like the one that we all had to stand on this morning, four Chancellors wait with their fingers linked in front of them. In the center of them are four Volreens and an empty space I assume is for the High Chancellor.
I can’t make out much behind them. There’s a wall of water sprouting up in the air from a fountain that blocks our view. I’m not even sure now what to assume we’ll see.
A hush descends on the murmuring crowd as a single, booming clap echoes through the small space. My head whips back forward and I observe intently as the four Chancellors turn their attention to the stairs at the back of the platform.
Even if I wasn’t expecting it to be the High Chancellor, I’d know this man has status and power. He radiates authority. His white robes are pressed to perfection and his face is etched in seriousness, even though he’s attempting to smile.
“This Veiling’s Chosen, I welcome you to Godsden and into the Godsdawn. I am High Chancellor Harriseen. You will address me as High Chancellor. My council and I will oversee your orientation today. There is much you will learn in the coming time. Rest assured, we will guide you through the stages of processing.”
He slams his hands together once again and I’ll admit I jump. The noise, as well as the shifting on the platform, has shock radiating through my entire body.
The four Volreens’ appearances blur to the point they’re unrecognizable. Once the vibrations stop, instead of the multiple pieces, one precious stone stands a little larger than what they were moments ago.
What in the realm? Is it one sacred creation or multiple?
“You are about to undergo a series of three tests. Do not fret. You do not need to be prepared or intimidated by this. Your blood will be judged, and the creations of the gods will measure you just as the Volreen did and will do again soon.
