Rising Shadows: The Fight for Freedom I

Chapter 113: The Festival of Light

On June 25th of the year 5579 in the Isilia continent, the grand chimes resonated in every corner of the human realm. Each nation, every city, and every village rang out solemn and majestic bells at dawn, as the first rays of sunlight illuminated the earth.

People donned their finest garments and stepped out of their homes with the purest of visages. On this day, everyone set aside worldly affairs, relinquishing all worries and troubles, leaving only piety and reverence to welcome the grand festival honoring the supreme deity Helios-the Festival of Midsummer Flames.

The temples of the Church of Light opened their grand doors on this day, with bishops donning white vestments, and priests and ministers dressed in their most formal attire. The already immaculate temples appeared even cleaner and more sacred.

"You, who dwell above the earth, your radiance illuminates all things; all living beings are your children. Mercy and compassion are your gifts..."

The choir's voices echoed within the temple, the melodious tones of the organ enhancing the beauty of the moment. A flock of white doves fluttered past the towering spires of the temple, while outside, an ever-growing crowd gathered in silence, filled with devotion and awe, patiently awaiting the commencement of the grand ceremony.

In one of the human kingdoms, Bylins, a vast throng had also gathered outside the largest temple of light in the capital, Beneto. On this day, nearly the entire city stood in the expansive square before the temple.

Yet, in a city of two hundred thousand, as the majority congregated for the sacred Festival of Flames, there was no noise or chaos; everyone maintained order and tranquility, with not a single voice raised in clamor, nor any signs of restlessness.

"How magnificent! Truly grand!" whispered Darn, leaning close to his cousin's ear, his voice barely above a murmur.

"But don't you find it stifling? So many people look like the dead!" Darn added.

"Silence!" Om finally spoke, his gaze fixed on the temple's entrance, his expression one of deep reverence.

Ugh, I can't stand my cousin's serious demeanor; I prefer his usual irreverent self...

Despite this thought, Darn closed his mouth, his eyes drawn to the open doors of the temple, a sense of inexplicable solemnity swelling within him.

The annual flame festival ceremony at the Beneto temple traditionally awaited the arrival of King Frederick of Bylins before commencing. Prior to this, nobles and commoners alike would gather outside the temple, waiting in designated areas for the archbishop of the Beneto diocese to bestow upon them sacred blessings.

This year was no different. As the sun gradually ascended the sky, showcasing its unparalleled light and warmth, the sound of galloping hooves heralded the arrival of a group of royal guards at one end of the street, signaling the imminent arrival of King Frederick.

The heralds, already lined up outside the temple, raised their three-meter-long horns, their blaring notes echoing through the air. Simultaneously, the bell tower on one side of the temple chimed again, and a flock of doves soared gracefully above, everything imbued with a sense of solemnity, sanctity, and awe.

Amidst the crowd's watchful eyes, a carriage adorned with the royal crest of Bylins came into view. It was drawn by sixteen pure white steeds, within which sat King Frederick and Queen Helena, their expressions one of piety and regal dignity.

The carriage came to a halt before the cathedral, and the king was the first to descend, followed by the queen. At that moment, the archbishop of the temple emerged from the grand doors, standing atop the high steps, gazing down at the royal couple with a holy and solemn demeanor.