Heyna's Tale - Chapter Six (cont.)
Ascension
Ascension was a harrowing ordeal, as Sronban explained it. Heyna didn’t know of anything like it in any other civilization. Her own initiation was when her parents made her clean the whole Plesh arbor suite by herself, including the relief arbors (poop, yuck).
“Ascension is serious business. It requires blood, science, magic, and dark arcane rituals.” Sronban said. Certain aspects were a closely guarded secret, and Sronban refused to speak of them.
What she did tell Heyna was scary enough. There were rituals. The Ritual of Silence required the ascender to spend three weeks in absolute silence, precluding even any telepathic connection. This meant that Sronban was sequestered deep in the played out jewel mine. Alone. This kind of isolation is never experienced in Fennec society, except during ascension or as punishment.
The Ritual of Endurance was more public, but it was life threatening. The ascender was tasked with staying awake for three days, while circling the misty isle on foot three times. This feat had to be accomplished without food. She was only allowed to chew a stimulant leaf and drink water. A paved walking path had been laid out along the coast aeons ago, and most days it was used by strollers. But in the ritual, the ascender would walk alone, although friends and family could cheer them on.
The Ritual of Enlightenment sounded less dangerous until Heyna heard the details. The ascender must gather herbs, roots and fruits, and then prepare the potions and salves that are necessary to survive setting the jewel in their breast. Attention had to be paid to be sure that similar looking herbs were not confused. Recipes with complex methods and precise measurements had to be followed. Mistakes could be fatal.
“The final ritual is called, the Joining,” Sronban said. “I can’t tell you anything about that. Actually, I only know what happens in the vaguest terms. I saw a book that described it when I was younger. But I don’t know where that book is now. I didn’t think that I would ever have to worry about it.” Sronban looked frightened.
“Parents are supposed to prepare you for the ascension. It usually takes a year. You take classes with the oldest, you train for the ordeals, and there are celebrations. You have an adult with you every step of the way. It’s not going to be like that for me. Sansir would love for me to fail. That would mean he could control who gets the last jewel. His grandson, no doubt.”
“I’ll be with you. What can I do?”
“Not sure that’s possible.”
“What about your friend, Tooly?”
“Tooly? Maybe. He always liked me.”
“You’re going to need someone to watch out for you that has gone through ascension. I’ll help any way that I can, but…”
“I know. You’re not Fennec. But thanks for the idea. I will talk to Tooly.”
*
“Finally did the math, eh?”
“Really? You’re going to rake me over the coals for this? You really are a dirty little rat faced git.” Tooly laughed.
“Is that any way to talk to your only hope? You need me, admit it.” Sronban laughed.
“I need you? You? Maybe to watch my shop,” Sronban sneered. Tooly laughed.
“Oh, it’s free labor you’re looking for? Well, you can lick my tail, and I’ll think about it.” He fluffed out his tail and held it towards her. She laughed.
Heyna watched them go back and forth like this for an hour. It was funny at first, but after a while, she couldn’t tell if it was really a game. She started to walk away, and Tooly called her back.
“Don’t go away, Pancake Tail!” It was Heyna’s turn to laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m going to do it.”
“We’re just having too much fun,” Sronban grinned. “Pancake Tail!” They all laughed. Then Tooly became serious for the first time since Heyna had known him.
“You know this isn’t going to be a picnic… for any of us. The herbs alone are going to be a challenge.”
“Not so much, I think,” Heyna said. Both the Fennec looked at her quizzically. “I have a secret weapon.” Heyna pointed at her nose.
*
The Ritual of Silence was an ordeal for Heyna too. She hung out with Tooly. She liked the big, handsome Fennec, but the suspense was driving her mad. When he talked about how it went for him, he made light of it.
“I made up jokes every waking moment.” Tooly said. “It’s dark and there’s an echo. If your timing is right, you can simulate an audience by laughing at your own jokes.” He looked down. “That got me through the first week. By the end of the second week I was having long conversations with myself about right and wrong. By the third, I was so depressed that I slept most of the time.
“They say that the Ritual of Silence is to teach you self control. The power that comes with ascension is too great, and you must ponder its proper use. We say that there is guidance in the dark, that you will hear voice of Fíréantacht, the spirit of the Fennec. The spirit will guide you, they said. I didn’t hear anything but my own voice. Maybe that was the problem. I expect that Sronban will do better. She’s amazing.” Heyna could see the admiration in his face. “We’re cousins, you know.”
“I didn’t.”
“Second cousins.”
“I imagine that most of you are cousins, with such a small population.”
“That is an issue,” Tooly said seriously. “We have strict rules, but it’s getting harder and harder.”
“What is?”
“To find a mate.”
“Huh!” Heyna’s brows went up. “Mate? When do you all…”
“Once Sronban ascends, she’ll be eligible.” He looked down again. “Look, don’t tell Sronban about this conversation. I don’t think that she even thinks about me in that way. And I know… I know she’s going away with you, that she may never come back. I don’t want to get in her way.”
“Come with us.” The words were out of her mouth before she knew what she was saying. “Or… maybe… I don’t know.” Tooly looked serious.
“I’ve thought of that,” he said. “I’d have to get permission from the council, and you know what a rigmarole that is.”
“I didn’t mean…”
“Look, I don’t want to put you on the spot, but, yes! I want to go with you. It’s just not going to be safe for an inexperienced Fennec out in the world alone. Her power will be new. Using it takes practice. You guys need me.” He was so sleek and handsome. He was so persuasive that Heyna wondered if she was being glamoured.
“Nope, Pancake Tail, just putting it out there.” He chuckled. “You have a few weeks to think about it. If you want me, I’m there, Council approval or not.”
“I’ll take all the help I can get. Your in!”
For the next few weeks, Heyna hung out with Tooly. She loved his art. He reminded her of all the best aspects of her brother, Jaz. She was a little afraid of his power, but he was so much fun to be with. They worked together decorating shops and houses.
A strange little Fennec often hung out mooning at Tooly. Her name was Keeva.
“You going to help, or just sit your lazy ass there and carp?” Tooly said.
“Sit. Like to watch your tail,” Keeva said.
But Keeva spread the word of Tooly and Heyna’s glorious work and soon, they had quite an audience. Occasionally, Keeva even picked up a brush.
Together, Heyna and Tooly came up with new designs that his customers loved. Pretty soon, people stopped looking at Heyna like a nuisance. Then, everyone wanted their designs. Heyna ended each day covered in paint, and Tooly and she would bathe in a nearby lake. Sometimes, Keeva joined them. The water would be a rainbow by the time they were done.
Then the Ritual of Silence was over. Sronban had to be carried out of the mine. Heyna and Tooly visited her and saw how stressed she was. Her fur was shedding and she was constantly shivering.
“Just sit with me,” she said. “I need to ease back into the world.”
“Did you hear it?” Tooly asked.
“Yes.”
“What? Fíréantacht?” Heyna asked.
“Yes,” Sronban said again.
“What did it say?” Tooly asked. Sronban looked serious.
“It said…” she paused and looked away.
“By the Trees!” Heyna blurted. “What did it say?” Sronban looked at Tooly and took his hand.
“It said that we are going on the adventure together.” Sronban grinned, “And that your jokes are terrible!” And she laughed and they all laughed.
*
The friends were sitting and talking near the path that circumnavigated the island. Tooly was speaking with Sronban.
“I’m not looking forward to this,” Sronban said for the hundredth time.
“Not saying it’s a walk in the park, but you can do this.”
“Well, if you did it, I know I can do it.” Sronban grinned. Tooly laughed.
“That’s the spirit!” Heyna said. “Anything a male can do, a female can do better.”
“Just remember,” Tooly said seriously. “Drink water. There are stations all along the path. Heyna and I and our friends will make sure they are stocked.”
Heyna had become a celebrity among the younger Fennec for her artistic collaboration with Tooly. Their art was sought after, and many wanted to help Sronban to curry favor. Many had come to like the outsider, and everyone seemed to like Tooly. Only the elders still grumbled about the, “interloper.”
Sansir watched the trio with obvious disdain, as they went about their preparations. They were so popular that a little entourage trailed behind them wherever they went. When Sansir saw his grandson among them, he scolded the youngster severely.
The day of the ritual dawned bright and clear. The sun was warm, but a cool breeze blew off the ocean. The team assembled at the starting line. The hills around were filled with families picnicking. The elders stood on the trail talking amongst themselves. Tooly was talking seriously to Sronban. Heyna stood in solidarity. She tried to project confidence, but she was anxious and was glad that there were no Erda around to smell it on her.
“The trail is mostly flat, but there are some hills,” Tooly said. “Try to set an easy pace. No need to rush. Burning out early is possible if you push too hard in the beginning. It’s three days and nights. No rest. No matter how good you feel, drink and pace yourself. Some say that you can finish in two days of running. That may be true if you want to die at the end. Stay steady. I’ll signal you if your pace is too fast.
“At some point, the stress will start to mess with your head. That’s when you start chewing these.” He held up some leaves. They smelled alkaloid to Heyna. Some sort of stimulant, she figured. “Do not take them on the first or second day! You won’t make it if you do. They’ll be out on the tables, so don’t eat them by mistake. Don’t eat them at all until you feel like you can’t go on.”
“It’s time,” Sansir said. “Take your position.”
“Go do it!” Heyna said. Tooly just waived.
“No clever quips, TooToo?”
“Good luck,” was all that Tooly said.
Sronban trotted lightly down the track. Tooly and some of the entourage trotted after. Heyna sat down on the grass, and watched her friends disappear around a bend in the trail. A young fox sat down next to her. She was large for a female. She had an emerald shining out of her breast. Heyna recognized her.
“Hi, Keeva”
“You’ve become pretty close.” She pointed in the direction of the disappearing throng. “Do you think he likes you?”
“Wait, what?”
“He’s the most desirable bachelor around. Most girls would kill to mate with him. People have noticed how much time you spend together.”
“Wait, wait…”
“No one would blame you. He’s dreamy.”
“Whoa! No!” Heyna shook her head. “You glamouring me? Anyway, NO! Seriously. You think that me and Tooly? Not even possible, and even so, ew!”
“I just thought…”
“Are people really saying that?” Heyna started laughing. “I have met some strange people in my travels and you folks are… Well you’re nice. I like you but… Ew! And anyway, he likes…” Heyna shut up. That was not her secret to tell. She cursed her big mouth.
“Go on. He likes, who?” Heyna stood up.
“Sorry, the heat. I have to get into the water. See you later.” She scampered off towards the lake. Tooly? Wow. The Fennec could read minds, but they didn’t know their own noses. One sniff could tell an Erda that it was Sronban that she liked. But there was no way that was happening either. She thought of Xico, beautiful Xico, brilliant colorful Xico, soft Xico, Heyna missed her, and her stupid brother. She fantasized that if she had been in the Plesh arbor how she would have fought Prince Hazu and killed him before she’d have let him take Xico.
Over the next two days Sronban did well. She was in high spirits when she passed the start line for the third time. She looked tired, but well and happy. She smiled and waved. Heyna trotted alongside her for a while. She did not try to talk to Sronban. Conversation took energy and focus. She paced Sronban for a hundred meters or so. But, trotting was not her strong suit, so she quickly fell behind.
“You are doing great,” she shouted. “Tooly will meet you on the other side of the island and pace you for the last half lap.” Sronban turned around, running backwards for a few steps and smiled again, but the smile soon left her face and was replaced by a grimace. She turned and continued to trudge on. “Hang in there,” Heyna shouted as she receded into the distance. Heyna was out of breath, still winded from trotting. “Hang in there,” she said again into the morning air.
At midnight, it started to rain.