The next day, the sky seemed to have rent asunder, and rain poured down relentlessly with a deafening cacophony. The wind had intensified twofold since the previous night. They indulged in a hasty yet traditional priestly breakfast of crusty bread, pungent cheese, and a dash of deep red wine. Despite their haste, they couldn't escape getting completely drenched just a stone's throw away from the main temple. Lady Illaine awaited them inside at the same spot, before the altar of Orion.
"Step in," she beckoned them. Shaeala stood by her side, and Ismeth couldn't have been more delighted.
"You're all set for the ceremony," Lady Illaine said, beaming, as the two knight candidates approached.
Brad looked at her, his expression questioning.
In an instant, the door swung open, and two knights burst in, causing Brad and Ismeth to snap to attention. The white wing motifs on their shoulders indicated that they were the highest-ranked among knights, the esteemed White Knights. Following them was another knight, who entered with a heavy stride, adorned with otherworldly shining armor, his breastplate embossed with a majestic lion figure enclosed by a vibrant rainbow-like arc design.
As the man in his forties strode into the room, Brad made a move to kneel, but a single gesture from the man's hand stayed his action.
Ismeth poked Brad in the side and whispered, "Isn't that him?" Brad confirmed with a nod, and he straightened himself up, drawing his sword from its sheath with a deliberate slowness. He presented himself before the commander with a solemn salute, holding his blade upright against his chest. Ismeth followed suit, emulating his friend's salute with equal reverence.
"Brad Silverhilt and Ismeth Crimsongale. The services you have rendered to the United Illuthar Kingdom have brought us great honor," spoke Illuen D'Harven. As he spoke, his sharp and chiseled facial features were lit up by his deep-set sapphire-blue eyes, which sparkled like jewels in their sockets. His golden tresses, now threaded with strands of white, cascaded in waves from his broad forehead as he smiled with genuine warmth, exuding an air of regal magnificence.
Ismeth gazed at Illuen in wonder, his mouth hanging open, as he saw him up close for the first time. Illuen possessed a unique and enchanting charisma. Brad, who experienced this before, was astounded when he first laid eyes on Illuen two years ago, just like Ismeth. It was as if Illuen hailed from another realm, bringing along with him an aura distinct from this world's, illuminated by its own unique light.
"Our commander, serving our country, is honor enough for us," replied Brad, intentionally taking a moment to respond, giving Ismeth the chance to gather his wits.
"Then, desiring that you may render many more noble services, I, as authorized by our kingdom, do hereby commence the knighthood ceremony."
Brad's legs nearly gave way with excitement, but the dictates of protocol compelled him to kneel, and so he did. He cast a discreet nudge in Ismeth's direction, prompting his partner to regain his composure and kneel alongside him.
Illuen unsheathed his magnificent sword, its hilt adorned with a resplendent rainbow gemstone, and placed it delicately upon Brad's shoulder;
"Be thou a knight, fighting for thy land,
Be thou a knight, living for justice's hand,
Be thou a knight, thy people holiest and true,
Be thou a knight, living with honor anew,
Be a heart that fights alongside thy faithful brother,
Be one with thy sword and shield as together,
Offer thy heart, thy soul, thy very life,
Be a breath, united in the name of Illuthar, in strife."
Without pause, he set his sword upon Ismeth's shoulder and spoke the same resolute words. Brad and Ismeth, brimming with emotion, rose in unison and recited the oath of loyalty that was to follow;
"If there be aught to offer for this great cause,
I proffer my honor on this path without pause,
May the radiant star of Orion be witness to my oath,
By my life and my honor, I swear this binding troth,
In the name of United Illuthar, I shall march,
My sword and shield, with honor, never to arch."
"Welcome to the Illuthar Knighthood, my brothers in arms, united under one banner," greeted Illuen as he saluted the two newly inducted knights with his blade before gracefully exiting the hall. The White Knights followed his lead, moving in unison with military precision.