Between the Veil and Crown

Kylin 55

The Rangers' work was coming to a conclusion. Selim was now on his feet. He had been told by his older brother that he could become a Ranger without Interference or opposition, and that had been motivation enough to work harder at his recovery.

The day of their departure, they were all to gather before the King in the throne room. Kylin had been packed since that morning, ready to be rid of the noisy, bustling environment of the castle and city. He leaned against the fireplace as he watched Preman gather his things and ensure he had everything while he muttered how he was going to miss the bed. Few words were exchanged, both of them focused on the event of going home.

There was a knock on the door and Kylin beckoned her in. Taileia's footsteps were familiar to him, and much louder in the stone hallways. She entered, giving them a quick greeting. Then her attention went straight to Kylin.

She held a Ranger cloak in her hands. "I trust you have the pin?" She spoke neutrally, but there was a hint of warning, in case Kylin had lost it.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out the cold copper pin. He had avoided touching it since Rei had given it to him. Now, in his hand, it felt heavier than it should have, as though it accounted for the weight of his upcoming responsibility.

Taileia nodded in satisfaction. "Good. Shall I walk you through the ceremony?"

He hesitated before nodding. Taileia stepped closer and began explaining the process. He had seen it done many times before, but it was odd being told through the perspective of the mentor. As his mind visualized everything she was saying, he was transported back twelve years ago, when he had taken the step to be become an apprentice. How he sat through Rei telling him and his fellow apprentices-to-be of the ceremony, the seriousness of their vows, and what was not expected in a mentor-apprentice relationship. But here he was now, listening to Taileia explaining the same thing, but this time with all the responsibility laid on him, and the expectation that he would not take advantage of his position of power.

Her question whether or not he was ready was distant. He nodded automatically. She handed him the cloak he was to give Selim. Preman had finished in this time, freeing them to go.

The walk to the throne room did nothing to snap him out of his memories. In fact, it only served to lengthen his time in the past, reminding him of the long walk to the cabin where the ceremony would be held, already filled will family members and friends of the apprentices-to-be. He could even remember some of his daydreams of the future.

Being in the castle of King Masitof to receive a prince as his first apprentice was not one of his twelve year old self's daydreams.

They entered the throne room, Morganne and Ofjaet waiting for them at the doors. The King sat on his throne, surveying the Rangers with an austere gaze. The queen sat beside him. A solemn expression as she braced herself for what was going to happen with her son. There was none of the pride Kylin had with his own parents. The worries Sweetwater Liadon had for her son's chosen path were cushioned by her elder two walking the path of soldier and Ranger, laying a foundation for some release of concern. The queen had no such recourse, and was even surrendering him to a forest miles away. Kylin could not blame her for her lack of enthusiasm. The King, however . . . there was nothing to impress Kylin.

The Rangers moved to the center of the room. Ofjaet swept into a respectful bow.

"Your Majesty, we thank you for allowing us to come and demonstrate our healing skills on your son," he said. His words were purely to be formal. The truer gratitude itself when Ofjaet addressed the Crown Prince next. "Your Highness, we are grateful for your hospitality during our time here."