Those Who Sharpen the Mind

Trials and Rejections

One mist-filled morning, the Holi-inte campus awoke to a strange pedestal installed in the middle of the open-air plaza. A crowd of young and old Holi-inte began to form around the object. There was an air of trepidation growing and murmurs multiplied. 'What was this strange object, and why did it give such a chilling feeling to the viewer?'

The pedestal was made of brilliant marble that was white as snow. The cylindrical column had no markings on it and it shone in the light. The shine was intense and showed the perfection of its polish and make. The column rose about three feet to a wide basin. Around the lip of the basin was etched a repeated phrase in beautiful calligraphy.

"Those that are Worthy shall be able to take their First Breath"

Inside the basin sat a dark purple liquid. The liquid was not recognizable as anything the Holi-inte may have seen before. It had no odor and did not ripple in the wind. The liquid always remained in a menacing calm. Un'nipu stood next to the pedestal with his arms crossed behind his back. He was waiting for the crowd to reach its maximum size and distress to deliver the news.

"Welcome, Holi-inte, to this glorious day for the order! It is my pleasure to introduce you to the pinnacle of our studies and faith. No longer do we have to toil decades over musty tomes and repetitive training. One of our formers has found a direct line to the gods!" Un'nipu accentuated the word 'gods' to the growing murmurs of the crowd. He took a moment to survey the crowd. A smile crossed his face as he could see curiosity that could be controlled breeding in the crowd. His eyes moved laterally across the crowd to take in the emotions. His eyes stopped on one Holi-inte that was not entranced in the moment. Un'tra just stared back at Un'nipu unimpressed. Un'nipu realized that his dramatic pause was lingering too long.

"This is the Ob-inte. 'The Trial of Faith'!" Un'nipu pronounced each word with more vigor to the rising roar of the crowd.

"Any Holi-inte who believes themself worthy may attempt the trial. To attempt the Ob-inte, however, is to put your faith in the god's judgment. Those that claim to be worthy will submerge their face into the Ob-inte. If you are truly worthy the gods will bless you with the ability to breathe and a vision of the purpose of your Path." Un'nipu paused to see the excitement spreading on the faces of the crowd. 'Now is the time to bring the fear' he thought.

"Beware, if the gods deem you unworthy you shall drown in agonizing pain." The crowd now seemed to be holding their breaths at Un'nipu's delivery and showmanship.

Un'nipu continued preaching the importance of worthiness and the ascension to higher realms. Un'tra decided these words were of no value and he made his way out of the crowd. The faces of his peers were mesmerized and they did not notice his presence passing them. He made his way to the back of Un'debro's former chambers. The stench of blood lingered even after many attempts at cleaning. Un'tra sat and began to look within for answers or even the right questions. He struggled to calm his mind. His frustration grew as he could not truly look within as he had in other times of struggle. He could feel his mind and Path darkening. 'How were he or the Holi-inte to progress past this clear farce for power? This was no 'Trial of Faith', it was a 'Deviation of the Mind'.

Un'tra returned to the barracks with an uncharacteristic lack of confidence. It was midday with plenty of good sun left for training or studying. Un'tra lay his head on his bed and distanced himself from the Holi-inte for the first time since arriving. 'Maybe my Path is false and Un'debro an old fool'. Wicked thoughts flooded his mind and kept him from sleep. He wrestled with his mind mightily and then something strange happened. Un'tra could not tell if he was awake or asleep, but he felt a calmness that came with meditation.

Un'tra blinked his eyes to take in his surroundings. He was in Haimore's botanical gardens. The wonderfully designed grounds had provided many pleasant walks for Un'tra and Un'debro. The two would discuss numerous topics and it had become one of Un'tra's favorite forms of education and discussion. He missed his mentor dearly and hoped through the act of listening to the garden around him he would gain some of the same insights.