Ranked
I stepped into the room, and breath left my lungs. The space was vast, its ceiling high and luminous, silver detailing catching the light wherever I looked. The air itself felt different, cool and pristine, as though the room had never known decay. It was beautiful in a way that felt unreal, almost sacred, like a glimpse of paradise meant to be fleeting.
At the far end stood an enormous bed, its frame entwined with delicate gold vines that shimmered softly, as if alive. Every surface gleamed, polished to perfection, the walls, the floor, even the smallest ornaments reflecting light in quiet brilliance. The room sparkled, not loudly, but with a calm, deliberate elegance that demanded attention.
"This will be your room, Koliasis," the attendant who brought me here said, her voice gentle, before turning and leaving me alone.
I let my gaze wander one last time, taking in the splendour, the careful luxury of it all. Yet I remained standing. I did not want to grow comfortable. I only had one mission being here and I wasn't going to let the splendour of this place sway me.
I moved closer to the bed, where a long, flowing black gown had been laid out with deliberate care. The fabric looked rich and heavy, dark as ink, catching the light only at its folds. It was clearly meant for me, chosen in advance, waiting.
It was for the feast, of course. They had thought of everything. The gown, the shoes set neatly beneath it, the jewellery arranged with quiet precision. Nothing was missing, nothing left to chance. Every piece had been prepared to ensure I would arrive adorned, presentable, flawless. The attention unsettled me.
I glanced to the left and spotted a door. Curiosity nudged me forward, and I pushed it open. To my surprise, a private garderobe was tucked neatly into the room, a hidden sanctuary of clean, calm order. A smile tugged at my lips. Finally, I would rid myself of the dust and sweat that clung stubbornly to me from the road.
Without hesitation, I shed my travel-worn clothes and stepped inside. The warm water from the basin met my skin like a gentle embrace, easing the ache in my muscles. I scrubbed, slow and deliberate, feeling the grit of the journey loosen and fall away. I even got the chance to wash my hair. With every passing moment, the grime of the road vanished, leaving only the quiet comfort of warmth and cleanliness behind.
The moment I finished washing, I wrapped myself in a linen cloth and stepped out of the garderobe. A deep sense of relief washed over me. I lingered for a moment, gazing into the mirror, lost in thought. Being Koliasis in this part of the world had its perks, but it would have been easier to enjoy if I hadn't lost so much along the way.
I stared at my reflection, memories drifting through my mind, unaware of how much time had passed, until a knock on the door jolted me back to the present. It swung open.
"Hi, it's almost time for the feast. Are you ready, or would you like some help preparing?" An attendant stood there, calm and composed, offering assistance.
I could manage my clothes and shoes on my own, but my hair needed special care.
"Please… could you help me with my hair?" I asked.
"Yes, Koliasis, I'd be honoured," she replied.
I despised being called Koliasis, though I never let it show. But alone with her, I couldn't stop myself.
"Call me Dana!" I blurted, my voice rising, before quickly softening as I realized my harsh tone. "My name is Dana, not Koliasis. Please… just call me Dana."
"If that's what you wish, then so be it, Dana," she said, though I could feel a subtle shift in her voice.
I didn't want these people worshipping me. I was just a normal human, not some god. If only they could see me differently… maybe then the guilt wouldn't weigh so heavily.
"I'm sorry if that upset you… Please, what's your name?" I asked, hoping to ease the tension.
"My name is Lysara," she replied.
I smiled gently, watching her linger at the door. "Nice to meet you, Lysara. Please, come in."
She stepped forward, moving toward me with careful, measured steps.
"Can we talk while you help me with my hair?" I asked gently, hoping to glean some information from our conversation.
"Yes, we can."
"Alright, good. I need to understand what goes on in this temple."
"What exactly would you like to know?" she asked.
"Everything, but let's start with who you are and what you do here," I replied.
"Okay… um, I hold the position of Novitiate here in the temple."
"What is that?" I asked, confused.
"It's the lowest rank here," she explained. "We are new recruits in training, assigned to basic duties while learning the ways of the Sanctum."
"Alright… so what's the highest rank?" I pressed, wanting a clearer picture.
"The highest rank is the Ascend. There are four ranks altogether." She paused for a moment, as if collecting her thoughts, then continued, "The Ascend, which is the Highest Bound, is a council of seven, ruling collectively. They hold ultimate authority over the Sanctum and the city. Only the Ascend can decide on sacred rites, diplomacy, or war. All members of the Sanctum, including the other Bound, show them absolute respect. Still, they answer to their overall leader, Ascend Kaelric. Decisions are made together as a council, but Ascend Kaelric's word is final."
The temple suddenly seemed far more political than I expected, a hierarchy of power and rank. I wanted to understand more, so I asked, "What about the other ranks?"
"The second rank below the Ascend is the High Bound. They are senior members with command over major districts or special duties. They lead rituals and enforce the rules set by the Ascend. They often act as intermediaries between the Ascend and the rest of the Bound."
"And the third one?" I asked further.
"The third rank below the High Bound is the Bound," she continued. "They are core members of the Sanctum, fully sworn. They guard the Sanctum, train novitiates, maintain the temple city, and in times of war, the defence of the city becomes their highest duty."
This was a lot to take in. So I repeated it for emphasis. "Okay, so there's the Ascend with the highest authority, the High Bound, the Bound, and the Novitiates. How do you tell which rank is which?"
"We wear different colors," she further explained. "The Ascend wears gold, the High Bound wears blue, the Bound wears silver, and the Novitiates wear orange. Gold signifies divine authority, blue for leadership and guidance, silver for sworn service, and orange for growth and learning."
My mind drifted to Doya. He always wore silver.
By the time she finished, my hair was already done. I gazed into the mirror, it looked beautiful.
"Would you like me to help you with your clothes?" she asked.
I glanced at the dress laid out on the bed and realized it might cause me more stress than I expected. With a small sigh, I replied, "Yes, please."
She brought the dress over and helped me into it. The process was more taxing than I'd imagined, but she guided me patiently.
After a few minutes, we were ready. I studied my reflection one last time. No doubt about it, I looked breathtaking. Lysara smiled, her eyes lingering on me, then said softly, "You look beautiful, Dana."
Hearing my name flow from her lips so naturally, without worship or ceremony, filled my heart with joy.
"Thank you," I murmured.
I gave the mirror one final glance and silently told myself, 'You've got this.'
"Take me to the room where the feast is being held. I presume they are awaiting my presence," I stated boldly.
"Yes, let's go." Lysara smiled, leading me toward the feast.
I stepped into the hall where I had stood only hours ago, the same hall where Ascend Kaelric had spoken to me. But now… it was transformed. The place looked entirely different, as if it had been touched by magic itself. Every surface sparkled, the walls adorned with shimmering tapestries and glimmering lanterns that cast a warm, golden glow across the marble floor. Bright lights hung from high arches, reflecting off polished pillars and gilded embellishments, making the hall look alive.
At the far end, the center of the hall held the long golden tables set before the thrones where the seven Ascend of Thyr Vael were seated. Their robes gleamed beneath the lights, and the aura of authority around them was almost palpable. On the right side of the hall, blue tables and chairs were arranged neatly, clearly reserved for the High Bound, those entrusted with leadership and guidance. On the left side, silver tables and chairs stretched in disciplined rows, the domain of the Bound-sworn members of the Sanctum, entrusted with service, and protection of the temple.
I noticed, however, that no orange was in sight, perhaps the Novitiates were not permitted to attend such a gathering.
My eyes darted immediately to the silver side, searching for Doya, and then I saw him. Sitting with quiet composure, he looked incredible. My heart fluttered. His silver robe shimmered differently than the one he usually wore, it sparkled under the lantern light, every fold catching the glow like threads of starlight. Our eyes met, and he smiled, holding my gaze with a warmth that made my chest tighten.
My thoughts wandered for a moment to Kumbuye.
Where was he? Was he not allowed here either?
The sound of Ascend Kaelric's voice pulled me back instantly.
"Sacuum rael, Koliasis," he intoned.
God. I hated that name. My frown deepened at the thought.
"Please, call me Dana," I said calmly, careful not to sound disrespectful.
"Alright, Dana. You're welcome," he repeated, his tone measured, not offended.
"Thank you for having me," I replied, still standing as he observed me for a moment before gesturing.
"Please, have your seat behind you," he said, motioning toward a golden table and chair that had somehow appeared since I entered.
I walked toward it, every step echoing lightly in the vast hall, and took my seat. From here, the layout became even clearer. The Ascend sat directly opposite me, their thrones elevated slightly above the golden tables, emphasizing their authority. I wished Doya was beside me. Nervousness fluttered in my chest, but I straightened my shoulders. These people relied on me, and if I was to recover my powers as expected, I needed to show them the person they hoped I would be. The hall around me was beautiful, intimidating, and alive and I had to stand tall in the midst of it all.