Chapter 9: Rituals

Scylla poured the boiling water in the last dish of herbs. The aroma began to fill the room, trying to lull her into a daze. However, the herbs were not intended for her.

“Just relax,” Scylla instructed, watching Iphigenia settle more comfortably on the cot. “Take deep breathes. Allow the herbs to do their work.”

Her friend dutifully followed the directions. Within a few moments, her breathing neared the gentle rhythms of sleep. In this state, she would be completely passive.

“Iphigenia, do feel relaxed?”

There was a lengthy pause before she softly answered, “I do.”

“Good,” Scylla said, “just let it all go. Allow the herbs to do their work.”

Scylla looked away from the younger Guardian to Lady Ilene. She held the lives of these two people in her hands. Bowing her head briefly, Scylla desperately hoped that she didn’t let them down.

However, there was no more time for doubt. Ilene’s breathing was still labored, and her skin was so pale it was almost translucent. She needed help immediately.

She roused Ilene as successfully as she could, propping the lady on several pillows. Keeping a hand on her patient, Scylla grabbed a vial of an herb effusion. The Guardian poured as much as she could down the lady’s throat.

Within minutes, the drugs were beginning to take effect. Ilene’s breathing settled out. Satisfied that Ilene was less likely to go into sudden arrest, Scylla pulled a chair between the bed and Iphigenia’s cot.

Scylla had made a promise to herself that she would not draw on Iphigenia until she absolutely had to. However, she was pragmatic enough to that such use was necessary. Yet, for the first part, it would be just Scylla and her abilities on their own.

* * * * *

Taking a deep breath, Monea fought the urge to play with her hands. As Cassandra had directed, she was dressed in a simple, white dress. Her long, black hair was loose and fluttered in the slight breeze.

She felt like a priestess of some kind, standing alone before the Guardian of Hope. ‘Or some kind of a sacrifice,’ she mused, catching Cassandra’s serious expression. Summoning all of her resolve, Monea returned the Guardian’s gaze as evenly as possible.

“You receive the call to be a Guardian alone,” Cassandra said, starting the ceremony. “This is to symbolize that one day you may face the challenges and responsibilities alone. For once you are a Guardian of Cignus, you remain one until you draw your last breath.”

“I understand and accept.”

“Will you serve Cignus and it people all the days of your life? Do take on this challenge and vow by all you hold sacred to devote yourself entirely to it?”

“By all that I hold sacred and dear, I will take this challenge and burden to the end of my life. I swear it.”

Cassandra studied her for a long moment before bowing her head. “Then let it be.”

The lavender pendant flared with light. The blast was so intense that Monea had to fight the urge to step back. Then warmth filled her, sweeping through her body and left her tingling as it abruptly faded.

The gold choker felt cool around her neck. With a hesitant hand, she touched the large diamond in its center. Another wave of warmth surged through her.

Cassandra gave her a knowing smile. “Congratulations, Harmonea, you are now the Guardian of Light. The choker holds your jewel and helps focus your powers. However, remember that your powers lie within you. Never forget that.”

Puzzled, Monea nodded. She had had her powers for most of her life. Why would Cassandra warn her about something like that?

However, before either of the women could speak, Cassandra’s communicator buzzed. With a resigned sigh, the older woman answered it. “Cassandra, here.”

“Find Dido and the others,” Paul ordered without preamble. “Naffid is making his move.”

* * * * *

With a shaky hand, Scylla brushed her hair back from her face. She heard Iphigenia’s breathing speed back up to normal. However, her attention remained on Lady Ilene.

Already her color and her vital signs were much improved. Scylla smiled as Ilene’s eyelids began to flutter. In a few moments, Ilene was finally awake.

“It’s good to see you again,” Scylla greeted.

Ilene smiled. “Same here. Thank you. I wouldn’t have made it without your help.”

“I’m just glad you’re recovering now.”

“Lady Ilene, you’re awake!” Iphigenia cried.

“Thanks to your help,” Scylla said. “Now, please tell Princess Leda what’s happened.”

Iphigenia quickly left, leaving Scylla and Ilene alone. Scylla gave her patient another herb effusion, laughing as Ilene complained about its bitter taste. However, Scylla winced as she took a draught as well.

“How bad are things?” Ilene finally asked. “The connection you use can work both ways. Besides, I hope you didn’t get all those bags under your eyes from helping me.”

“No, not directly. However, I’d prefer if the princess answer all your questions. Your daughter is safe and well. If you like, I’ll find your husband.”

“Yes, I want to see Adam.” She reached over and briefly squeezed Scylla’s hand. “Thank you, for everything.”

Scylla nodded and left the room. She almost collided with Harmonea in the hallway. It took her a moment to realize that the younger woman was wearing the uniform of a Guardian.

“Naffid is about to attack,” Monea said. “How are things will Lady Ilene?”

“The treatment was successful. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready to join you.”

Noting Scylla’s pale appearance, Monea asked, “Are you sure you don’t need more time?”

“I’ll be fine,” Scylla replied tersely. “I will report to the Control Room when I can.”

“Then I will see you there.” And with that, the Guardian of Light left to finish her errand.


Rituals Scylla poured the boiling water in the last dish of herbs. The aroma began to fill the room, trying to lull her into a daze. However, the herbs were not intended for her. “Just relax,” Scylla instructed, watching Iphigenia settle more comfortably on the cot. “Take deep breathes. Allow the herbs to do their work.” Her friend dutifully followed the directions. Within a few moments, her breathing neared the gentle rhythms of sleep. In this state, she would be completely passive. “Iphigenia, do feel relaxed?” There was a lengthy pause before she softly answered, “I do.” “Good,” Scylla said, “just let it all go. Allow the herbs to do their work.” Scylla looked away from the younger Guardian to Lady Ilene. She held the lives of these two people in her hands. Bowing her head briefly, Scylla desperately hoped that she didn’t let them down. However, there was no more time for doubt. Ilene’s breathing was still labored, and her skin was so pale it was almost translucent. She needed help immediately. She roused Ilene as successfully as she could, propping the lady on several pillows. Keeping a hand on her patient, Scylla grabbed a vial of an herb effusion. The Guardian poured as much as she could down the lady’s throat. Within minutes, the drugs were beginning to take effect. Ilene’s breathing settled out. Satisfied that Ilene was less likely to go into sudden arrest, Scylla pulled a chair between the bed and Iphigenia’s cot. Scylla had made a promise to herself that she would not draw on Iphigenia until she absolutely had to. However, she was pragmatic enough to that such use was necessary. Yet, for the first part, it would be just Scylla and her abilities on their own. * * * * * Taking a deep breath, Monea fought the urge to play with her hands. As Cassandra had directed, she was dressed in a simple, white dress. Her long, black hair was loose and fluttered in the slight breeze. She felt like a priestess of some kind, standing alone before the Guardian of Hope. ‘Or some kind of a sacrifice,’ she mused, catching Cassandra’s serious expression. Summoning all of her resolve, Monea returned the Guardian’s gaze as evenly as possible. “You receive the call to be a Guardian alone,” Cassandra said, starting the ceremony. “This is to symbolize that one day you may face the challenges and responsibilities alone. For once you are a Guardian of Cignus, you remain one until you draw your last breath.” “I understand and accept.” “Will you serve Cignus and it people all the days of your life? Do take on this challenge and vow by all you hold sacred to devote yourself entirely to it?” “By all that I hold sacred and dear, I will take this challenge and burden to the end of my life. I swear it.” Cassandra studied her for a long moment before bowing her head. “Then let it be.” The lavender pendant flared with light. The blast was so intense that Monea had to fight the urge to step back. Then warmth filled her, sweeping through her body and left her tingling as it abruptly faded. The gold choker felt cool around her neck. With a hesitant hand, she touched the large diamond in its center. Another wave of warmth surged through her. Cassandra gave her a knowing smile. “Congratulations, Harmonea, you are now the Guardian of Light. The choker holds your jewel and helps focus your powers. However, remember that your powers lie within you. Never forget that.” Puzzled, Monea nodded. She had had her powers for most of her life. Why would Cassandra warn her about something like that? However, before either of the women could speak, Cassandra’s communicator buzzed. With a resigned sigh, the older woman answered it. “Cassandra, here.” “Find Dido and the others,” Paul ordered without preamble. “Naffid is making his move.” * * * * * With a shaky hand, Scylla brushed her hair back from her face. She heard Iphigenia’s breathing speed back up to normal. However, her attention remained on Lady Ilene. Already her color and her vital signs were much improved. Scylla smiled as Ilene’s eyelids began to flutter. In a few moments, Ilene was finally awake. “It’s good to see you again,” Scylla greeted. Ilene smiled. “Same here. Thank you. I wouldn’t have made it without your help.” “I’m just glad you’re recovering now.” “Lady Ilene, you’re awake!” Iphigenia cried. “Thanks to your help,” Scylla said. “Now, please tell Princess Leda what’s happened.” Iphigenia quickly left, leaving Scylla and Ilene alone. Scylla gave her patient another herb effusion, laughing as Ilene complained about its bitter taste. However, Scylla winced as she took a draught as well. “How bad are things?” Ilene finally asked. “The connection you use can work both ways. Besides, I hope you didn’t get all those bags under your eyes from helping me.” “No, not directly. However, I’d prefer if the princess answer all your questions. Your daughter is safe and well. If you like, I’ll find your husband.” “Yes, I want to see Adam.” She reached over and briefly squeezed Scylla’s hand. “Thank you, for everything.” Scylla nodded and left the room. She almost collided with Harmonea in the hallway. It took her a moment to realize that the younger woman was wearing the uniform of a Guardian. “Naffid is about to attack,” Monea said. “How are things will Lady Ilene?” “The treatment was successful. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready to join you.” Noting Scylla’s pale appearance, Monea asked, “Are you sure you don’t need more time?” “I’ll be fine,” Scylla replied tersely. “I will report to the Control Room when I can.” “Then I will see you there.” And with that, the Guardian of Light left to finish her errand.


Chapter 10: Confrontations Jupiter's Gone