The Ghost King's KeeperCh75 - The Ritual

~ Bonus Chapter ~

Ruzen was having a cold feet, literal cold feet. His legs trembled when he walked up the dais, which was freezing with creeping frost. His naked feet were almost red and painful as he remained in the hall as per instructions from Ou’Ni and his minions.  d31h67

The dais hall was an organic space with curved ceiling carved out of stone walls. Since it was a cave dwelling, the hall wasn’t very big, even the oculus sitting in between the coffered ceiling was narrow and covered with moss and tendrils. 

This hall was famously known as Hu’Li Rouni, translated as Rite Seer’s Dome, because a generation of seers resided within, never stepping out of the hall’s quarters, always mediating to reach enlightenment. 

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Grasping wisdom and colluding with the higher planes, these seers were unique to Manjo. Rumors were, that long before – even before the Ghost King came to possess Manjo and the expanse of protected lands – these seers breeched their own laws to protect the local people. Many died trying to fight the invaders, but in the end, they still managed to multiply in numbers by some unknown miracle. 

Ou’Ni had been the one who told Ruzen about these seers. He was very stern in reminding Ruzen to follow their lead and not question them. But he also warned Ruzen to refrain from making friends with them, because the seers were a ‘fickle bunch’ who couldn’t be trusted, they only respected their own cause.   eK9PUT

The only reason Ruzen was meeting them was to rightfully commence the ceremony because these seers granted objective direction towards ‘positive’ fate. And seeing that Ruzen would be the King’s Keeper, he needed to have as much positive luck as he could before starting his journey.  

Currently, Ruzen was naked as the day he was born, and his entire skin was ridden with goosebumps… it was exceptionally cold in the cave, even though, it wasn’t established on higher grounds. With the altitude being lower, the cold actually felt unnatural. 

Ruzen wasn’t even aware of where the cave was situated, he only knew that it was somewhere in the crevice of a plateau that extended along the protected land forestry. 

Travelling had been easy for him, since he was sitting inside a red curtained palanquin, carried by energy waves as it floated by itself. He wasn’t allowed to peek, and neither could he hear anything from outside. Taking it as some sort of compromise, Ruzen dared not ask anything. 

Once the palanquin reached the crevice, Ruzen had to climb down the crevice with Ou’Ni and a few other minions. Everyone was so careful about how to proceed, Ruzen almost felt dreadful about the whole thing. 

The crevice was snug with a lush green hollow, with rays of light sprinkling from above. Yet the cave where the hall was, it was surrounded with cold air and frost flakes. 

So now here he was, stripped of his only possessions, except for the earring gifted by the King. He was surprised when the helpers didn’t even ask him to remove his earring, instead they avoided glancing at it even. 

Since they were a bunch of seers, Ruzen did not find it too shocking. It could be that they were already aware of what it was, what with having third eyes and sixth senses.  Yfs bT

“Please stand still, we need to bathe you as part of the ritual.”  

Ruzen nodded, watching the helper as he along with another, started to dip things inside the bucket of water that sat above the alter, the bucket was inlaid with some sparkling metal Ruzen hadn’t seen before. 

Different scents started to waft up from the bucket as Ruzen shivered along every breeze that hit his body. He watched with rapt attention as the once transparent water started to turn murky red, swirling with pinches of violets and blues. 

One helper dropped ingredients and the other stirred the water.  0TjnPZ

There were times when the water would splash on the elegant white robes of the helper, but nobody seemed to mind being wet… 

Ruzen released a raspy breath when warm oil was poured on his freezing body from behind, two more helpers massaged his back but did not touch the tail bone from where the king’s mark curled upwards along the spine. 

“Please turn around,” given the command, Ruzen turned, fully aware that he was naked. He felt flustered and uncomfortable, but these helpers were so stoic, it almost seemed rude to judge them as sly. They were professionally numb to emotions, which Ruzen found a great relief. 

We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.

“Riase your arms please.”  KUvSQz

Ruzen did, almost bursting out laughing when one helper massaged his underarms, it was really… unnerving. 

“Your pen*s and backside, please apply this oil there as well.” 

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When Ruzen kept staring, almost aghast, the helper spoke again with his stoic face, “or we can do that… Although not everyone is comfortable being touched so privately.” 

And touching my body isn’t private? Thought Ruzen with a grimace. “No thank you, I will do it.”  Uahf8v

Dipping his fingers in oil, his heart fluttered when he applied it to himself, it was very uncomfortable to do in front of others. But well, they were all males, so it wasn’t too embarrassing. 

“Say the words after me, we’ra kayun verxo ji’ko sa vetri oiun.” 

Ruzen repeated the words, they sounded funny but there was a weight behind them which only came while chanting ancient spells. He could somehow relate to it even if he had never chanted ancient spells before. 

What perhaps shook Ruzen was the way the spell seemed to enchant him, making his body feel lighter and less afraid, the anxiety and nerves vanishing instantly.  KwDBRv

“The higher plane exists, they have heard us, they have heard you.” told the helper with great belief, “They will guide you to your destination, since your journey has just begun. Your birth matters not, for you are now part of this land, your soul domains your body which has always been marked as yours, your fate is sealed and your actions will be minded. They are among us; they are with you. You cannot see them but they will guide you.” 

It might have been the spell that made him not worry about what was said, but he knew that the normal him would have.  

“Close your eyes please.” 

Ruzen nodded, as warm water from the ritual bucket gushed from above his head, his entire body electrifying as a prickly sensation erupted on his skin.  v21 Co

“Let the energy invade, it is good for your body.” 

Ruzen followed the voice, as invasive energy started to enter his core. Yet, it was not harmful, it almost felt gentle and soft, a warmth that Ruzen had missed. It felt like home. 

Startled, Ruzen opened his eyes since he was done with bathing, he wanted to ask what exactly was it inside his body, but he shut his mouth even before making a sound, since the same energy calmed and became dormant, spreading more heat and a sensation that relaxed his muscles and nerves. 

“First step of ritual is complete, please follow us as we cover you with the finest of clothes, a gift from the King’s court in preparation to your arrival.”  pKE5DW

Ruzen carefully stepped out of the puddle of murky water beneath him, as the helper led him to a smaller chamber facing the entrance of the cave. Dim light reflected the shine of the rocks, as they sparkled brightly on his way. 

“Please sit.” 

Ruzen followed the instruction, sitting on a huge stone bench, as cold as the air around. But Ruzen found that he didn’t feel the cold, his body’s core energy pushed out a warm enersym that shielded him from the external influences. It felt very good. 

“Raise your arms,” the helper motioned, as he made Ruzen wear the wide blue sleeves, pushing the robes over, and carefully fixing the other sleeve around his other arm.  wfXIYe

The dress robes were thin and flimsy, silky and smooth, threaded with curls and symbols, loosely tied to his body around the chest, parting around the legs, almost flashing his privates. 

“Wear this,” the helper carefully picked up a black material from the stone perch, and unfolded it to show Ruzen its visible glamor. 

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In modern context, it was a sheer legging, see-through entirely, only non-transparent at the top towards the waist. If Ruzen wore it, it might seem like he wasn’t wearing anything on his legs. The only give away was the shimmer around the threads, which matched the robe material. 

Ruzen’s ‘bits’ won’t be visible to anyone now, what with those fashionable leggings, but his legs would be bare enough, despite the covering robes.   cKgIjo

When he stood, Ruzen blushed as he realized the neckline was very wide, matching the whole not-at-all-modest getup… the neckline almost flashed his entire shoulder, but at least his torso was covered with that single knot, which Ruzen feared might tear if he walked too recklessly. “Isn’t this too much?” Ruzen mumbled in frustration. 

The helper shook his head, “This is ritual.” 

Ruzen frowned, but carefully kept his comments to himself. The helper said the clothes were a gift for him… so who really gifted them, such flimsy dress? 

“Now you are ready for your cursed pilgrimage. Since cursed ones can only take one route.”  7NquwB

“What do I need to do?” 

The helper turned to call two others, who looked younger and more active. “These two seers will follow you through your trail, do you have a friend or any close one whom you wish to invite?” 

Ruzen shook his head. He didn’t have any close one, nor a friend. His master also won’t do, since he had reasons to hide. 

“Then follow these two, after that, you are on your own.”  LmcIso

Ruzen nodded. 

The elder helper looked at him again and started to speak with practiced ease, “Cursed pilgrimage is about walking on foot, from the region where your ritual commenced, to your Kept. It takes several days even. Resting, drinking, eating, all is forbidden until you reach your destination. So before you leave, you will be given food and water, store your energy… if ever you fail to complete your journey, you will have to try again. No one has passed such trial before at one go, so do not fear failure. All cursed ones have to follow the same process, no matter to whom they belong.” 

The message was sharp. It didn’t matter if Ruzen belonged to the King, he had to do what he needed to. It was custom. 

Ruzen felt peeved but he could only go along the wave, what other option did he have?  i6eVFL

~ 

After eating his fill, Ruzen stepped out of the cave entrance behind the helpers. He dared not drink water, who knows if peeing was forbidden as well. 

He winced when he stepped over a sharp pebble, walking bare foot didn’t seem fun, but he was forced to do it… 

‘The dear king better pamper me after this,’ Ruzen thought sullenly.  iJqrMK

His master did teach him how to shield his body with his enersym, but he needed all the energy he could get, so he dared not take the easy route.  

As soon as he came out of the cave, as if instinct, he knew where his destination was, and how far… so he decided to refrain from wasting energy… he needed all he could have. 

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Climbing up the crevice, each step making him tired already, Ruzen had expected Ou’Ni standing there, to instruct Ruzen before his travel, but to his astonishment, he found a whole procession awaiting his command. 

Two huge predatory species, as tall as an elephant sat at the front, they were black, with silky fur and feline grace. They had four eyes each, with a vibrant blue tail. Ruzen couldn’t seem to fear them, for they looked docile.  caz7E2

Behind them stood a troop of blue robed guards, hooded and anonymous, and even behind them stood the musical band, with female drummers, flutists and others who grasped huge war horns. 

In total, Ruzen understood that they were no less than 100. And perhaps they had felt his presence, because they turned to salute him, with swift bow and reverence reflected in their eyes. 

“What is this?” he asked with a slight nod to his troop. Ou’Ni who stood next to him, smiled a little, his awe flashing through. “Our majesty couldn’t let you walk alone, so he arranged a little companionship and some support.” 

Heart aflame, Ruzen’s cheeks reddened, a small smile growing on his face. “I see. I will thank him in person then.”  mKVlCH

Ou’Ni nodded, bowing as he left Ruzen alone. His two helpers moving forward, ahead of Ruzen, even ahead of those predators.  

When Ruzen stood in front of the procession, he was met with a long stretch of blue fabric gracing the land, almost like red carpet. 

Speechless, Ruzen stared at Ou’Ni who was far behind at the side. When Ou’Ni noticed his stare, he smiled, as if his smile was answer enough. 

Ruzen looked ahead at the infinite blue stretch parting the forest grounds… it was really mysterious, and Ruzen finally felt excited. Nowhere did it feel like a trial anymore, it was almost like the beginning of a parade.  G mB07

And well, now his feet wouldn’t hurt anymore… if Ruzen was any dimmer he would have overlooked this small sentiment, but he knew the King enough to know that his majesty did think about Ruzen’s comfort at some point. 

Taking a step, and another, Ruzen held his chin high and walked ahead of the helpers who kept pace behind him.  

And then… he heard the musical sound of drums and beats, flutes and war horn going off. It was magical, as if his every step was revered and appreciated. 

Behind him howls of the predators graced his ears, imparting knowledge of just who they were following. A warning and a pledge, it made Ruzen feel warm, ecstatic even.  FNdMlL

With a sparkle in his eyes and a warmth tracing his gut, Ruzen set forth to a new journey. 

~

A/N – This chapter is powered by areli and Cynthia Cucchi Paige. Thank you for your encouraging words and donation. Love you dears. And I am glad my novel was good enough to ‘blow’ you away dear areli 😀
Also, Cynthia, I will keep on writing!

Once I am done with bonus chapters, I will publish the pending Wednesday updates as well. So stay tuned. I am still recovering so I am taking it slow for now. 🙂 I hope you enjoy the upcoming chapters as well! dxLqnT