King of Days: The Veiled Guardians

18. The Curate of the Orou

Karíto and Simeon returned to the main hall by the waterfall. He walked over to an alcove and put his hands to his mouth. It seemed like he whispered in his hands for a moment, then with a clarity of a musical instrument whistled sweetly and melodically. Everyone came and gathered around the waterfall, this surely was one of their places of announcements, as the acoustics were superb. Simeon looked around, holding himself with the grandeur of a king as he spoke the the gathered men "Listen up Men of U, this young man, Karíto Son of Kris will be our new curate, the first one we have had in years." Simeon looked at Karíto "I did not tell you of the ceremony, but you are to wade into the water, so we can accept you officially." Karíto shrugged and waded into the water, it was cold. He noticed how crystal clear it was despite the agitation from the waterfall. He looked up to Simeon who was looking beyond him.

"Karíto Son of Kris, you are hereby chosen to be our curate, you are to be our assistant, the minister to us, and a herald between us, the people, and the Ancient. Do you accept this charge." Karíto nodded and said "I do" Simeon continued to speak as he raised a hand, all the while the waters started to bubble. With each question Karíto responded affirmatively.

"Will you be guided by the direction and leadership of the Orou?"

"I will"

"Will you uphold our beliefs, and the study of truth and goodness?"

"I will"

"Will you look for the good in all others, being ready to help and serve those in need?"

"I will"

"Will you in all things seek not your own glory but the glory of the Ancient?"

"I will"

"May the Ancient uphold you in this service he now lays upon you"

Karíto bowed his head and saw a light flash around him. He felt a slight pain in his hands, and on his tongue, but then saw Simeon motion for him to leave the water. As he left he expected to be wet, but somehow mysteriously, he remained dry as if he was in the sun. Everyone clapped and each proceeded to shake his hand. Last of all Simeon came and shook his hand.

"Now the training may begin!" he said with a hearty laugh. "Even in troubled times we can be joyous."

Each man moved to his own place as Karíto walked around the cave, there were 4 main alcoves, with a member in charge of it. One of the alcoves was full of armor, chainmail and plate-mail, and it was charged to Radcliff. The second alcove was run by Nathan, it had vials, dummy enemies and its walls looked to be fire stained. The third alcove was charged to Levour and Talí, it was a library full of books and scrolls. There were some chairs within making it look like an inviting and relaxing place. The fourth alcove was a kitchen full of barrels, crates, and a built-in oven, it was originally run by Kris, but since he was not there it was under the stewardship of Daniel. Of all the places he wanted to visit he went to the armory first. Looking at this plate-mail he noticed how different it was from his knight armor. The knight armor had few weak points, but this limited the movement. This Orou armor looked peculiar, it seemed that under the arm and joints the body would be exposed. It had an inlaid symbol of the Orou in the center of the chest. He ran his fingers over the chest, it was perfectly smooth and beautifully crafted. He moved his fingers over the hole under the arm while Radcliff watched Karíto.

"You are probably wondering how we protect ourselves, with those large holes under the arm, between the legs and behind the knee?"

Karíto nodded "The armor I am used to wearing is completely covered, though it limits the movement, you are protected. With these holes you are easily exposed."