43. Thayla #3
I let my words linger for a moment, giving everyone a chance to truly think about what they want out of their lives moving forward.
“For those who choose to continue, you are going to move through a starshoot that I open for you. When you step out on the other side, you will be greeted by the best guiders in Godsden. They’re going to show you the way through the Gods Veil.
Inside the Veil, the Gods Binding will release some of your power.
You will exit with a parchment that is called your Deliverance.
The information you find scribed there will contain many things, such as your Designation, Domain, and the name or names of your Starwoven, if you have one.
Everyone remembers reading what that is, correct? ”
They thunder with excitement and a sweet laugh leaves me. They may be more excited about finding the people they’re going to spend their lives with rather than getting power.
“Those same guiders will be there waiting for you when you come out. They’ll explain the path ahead, answer any questions you may have, and then you will need to make one final decision.”
I sweep my gaze over everyone once again.
“If you wish to return home, every region now has trained instructors ready to continue your education close to your family and community. They’ll be arriving here very soon.
If you’d rather continue your training in Godsden, we’ll gladly welcome you there.
There’s no wrong choice. The only choice that matters is the one that best fits the life you want to build.
You’re not stuck wherever you decide to be.
You just have to move through the proper channels to ensure you’re going safely. ”
Shoulders straighten and excited smiles cross so many faces. The quiet murmurs about being able to stay home have my heart fluttering.
I remember all too well what it felt like leaving everything I knew behind. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t the best life.
It was mine and I was told I had no choice but to say goodbye.
“Now,” I say, calling attention to me once again.
“These gorgeous ladies behind me, as well as our very own Mr. Lambrit Armend, are here to answer any questions for those of you who are unsure of what you want to do. Please don’t hesitate to come up and speak with them.
And for those of you who know in your hearts and souls that you’re ready to receive your rightful power, well, then without any further babbling from me… ”
“Are they ready, V?” I ask.
“Everyone is all ready.”
“Let’s get you to Godsden.”
My power flows through the air, and a massive starshoot opens up on the platform. My power of Boundaries weaves in and out of it, making the opening crystal clear.
I peek through, smiling at Riven, Kyzen, Amick, and all the others as they wave at me.
The line forms almost immediately. No one rushes or shoves like my men swore would happen. Now, I can’t speak for how Darlander, Edistoia, or Abernie will react, but I knew the people of Oddian wouldn’t do that.
Even when the Volreen arrived for the Veilings, they were humble.
Now…they’re simply ready.
Creed, Sevryn, Gladian, Barir, Meridamus, and several of the Oddian officials step forward, greeting each person kindly before directing them into neat rows.
Questions are answered, nerves eased, and every so often, laughter breaks through the crowd as someone realizes just how many people are actually waiting behind them.
“It’ll seem like the line isn’t moving,” Creed tells those nearest the front, his voice carrying over the crowd. “But don’t let that fool you. Time passes differently in the Veil. Once you step through, you’ll feel like you’re in there forever, but realistically, only minutes will pass.”
Three, if everything goes according to plan.
One way or another, this is going to be an all-day occasion.
It’s day one of the Veiling week.
The start of the new chapter for all of these people’s lives.
The first young woman steps up and approaches my starshoot. I don’t know her name, but I recognize her face. Her fingers flex at her sides and her shoulders bounce.
“You ready?” I ask her.
She bobs her head up and down repeatedly, doing a double take at the Vedaryas on my shoulders. They distract her nerves easily.
She gives me a small smile, and I return it.
“I’m ready.”
I grin.
“Good luck.”
I hold my hand out for her to follow, and she steps through.
The light swallows her whole.
For just a heartbeat, I stare at the place she’d been standing before peering through to the other side. Riven’s already running his mouth and waving his hands around wildly. I chuckle at him and the way Amick gently cuts in while Kyzen pulls Riven back a step.
My men know exactly what to do.
It tickles my heart that I spent my first Veiling with them. Now look at us. We’ll spend every Veiling, whatever variation of one we have in the future, at each other’s sides as well.
Today, though…day one of the realm’s first ever Veiling Week isn’t about us. It’s about guiding hundreds, maybe thousands, toward their futures.
This is their beginning.