"Since we've settled this, Elder Ebele, could you please escort the other members of the team New Hope to the back office."
"Certainly, Elder Aaron."
…
"Welcome 6th generation hopefuls, we have changed up the schedule of the ceremony given the urgency of the moment. As such Elder Fahim will explain the ceremony to you."
"Thank you Elder Ebele. Challengers, we are about to go to the burial ground of the village. A place of utmost secrecy and only the Elders of the second generation are permitted to know its location. So you will forgive me for momentarily taking your sight away!"
FLASHBANG!
Dazzled by the sudden and unexpected blast of light, the 7 member team was forced to close their eyes as they felt their bodies being moved at extreme speed! The feeling lasted for but a moment and when the juniors were able to open their eyes they found themselves deep within a humongous cave.
The cave had huge crystal outcrops jetting out from every direction. It seemed the floor and ceilings were connected by numerous giant calcite pillars. Along one central pillar, which ran horizontally, it led the team to the centre of the cave with a path wide enough for 3 people to walk side by side. At the centre of the cave, the path ended abruptly by a wall of Fluorite.
Embedded in the fluorite were hundreds of glowing orbs that served to light the cave and guide the next generation. At the centre of the wall was the brightest orb and surrounding it, in the 4 cardinal directions, were 4 orbs as if standing guard.
To the north was a Blue clear Diamond orb and to the south a Red clear Diamond orb. While to the east a Sapphire orb and to the west a shining Ruby. They would all glow calmly, unaffected by time.
"Challengers, what you see before you are the gates. Gates to the universe as you know it, remember that. What I ask of you now, is to humbly present yourself before the Ancestral Wall and seek its approval. If an ancestor as approved of you their orb will shine brighter than the others and only then may you go forth and touch that orb. If multiple ancestors approve of you then you may choose the orb you feel a stronger connection with.
The King will first judge you, followed by his 4 Supreme Generals then their second in command and so on until the fallen Elders of the Clan."
"King, Elder Fahim?" Ona looked at him curiously with her question.
"Yes, King Gilead is there in the centre, so you must be respectful as you approach."
"Yes, Elder!" The group responded vigorously!
"Edan, Step forward, I hope that the South General and True Vermilion Bird can accept you."
"Yes, Elder Fahim."
As Edan walked toward the Ancestral Wall his steps were evenly placed trying to calm his excitement! Once before the Wall, he bowed deeply and remained in that posture until a response in the wall was seen. The Central orb was first to go dark, then the North, East and West! The light from the south orb shined even more and it was then that the rest of the wall went dark! The South General had spoken, Edan raised his head and approached the orb.
As soon as he reached to touch the orb a fiery red hand reached out and grabbed him! Pulling him into the orbs while shouting, "Boy! You are late!"
ZZAP!
Just like that Edan was gone!
"Where did he go?!" Sahar shouted in a panic!
"Calm down, Sahar. He's just gone to the burial site of the Ancestor."
"Where is that?"
"Well, it is said that the Vermilion Bird, White Phoenix and Ruby Corundum Dragon Ancestors constantly guard Gilead."
"I don't think we follow what you're saying Elder Fahim," Sahar responded after surveying the group.
It was here that Hittan interjected, "They are Suns of Gilead! Valencia, go forward and greet the Sapphire Dragon, the General responsible for the army's medical care."
Valencia, without a second thought, went forward bowed to the Wall. Without hesitation, all the lights went out with the exception of the Sapphire orb. This action shocked the others. Was it luck or something else at play?
"Falkner, step forward and greet the North General." Hittan continued.
Walking on faith Falkner stepped forward and again it was the same, as he was taken by the North Phoenix General. Samir was also instructed to do the same and he too was taken by the Ruby Corundum Dragon.
"Sahar, choose. Second in command of the North army or South army?" Hittan said with a knowing smile. As a bashful Sahar approached the second Orb of the South. Ona naturally went forward to claim the position of second Orb of the North.
"Hittan, can you explain what is happening here?"
"Not fully, Elder Fahim. But the moment we entered this cave I have been repeatedly greeted by the orbs of the Ancestral Wall."
"Greeted you say?"
"They seem to be welcoming me as their King."
"..."
"Well, it's time I step up to the plate and get the answers from the one person that can give them. Elder Fahim, should I need to return earlier, how do I leave this cave?"
"I will be here waiting for your return, actually. Your inheritance is expected to take a month while the others should only be 3 weeks."
"Mmh, I will have to find a way to shorten the time."
With that said, Hittan approached the wall and as he did all the lights went out, except for one! Leaving only the central orb glowing Hittan did not act humbly by bowing he simply walked up to the orb and grabbed it!
ZZAP!
Hittan was transported to a world of white fire energy surrounded by a gravity field!
"Hello, Hittan. We finally meet, face to face."
"Hello, Trial Guardian."