Sitting in the study to finish some unfinished business, before he was risen tonight. Sitting in the huge, high back, worn out office chair, I got lost in my thoughts. Sighing as I ran a hand through my hair. I kept questioning myself, to why I returned, when I said I never would, after that night. But here I was, going against my own words. Something drew me back here, besides the obvious, but I didn’t know what yet. Finishing up the work and placing it away, I slowly rose to my feet and headed down to the basement to another part, that was turned into a work out area. I started to clear my mind before heading out to the site, where I would have to perform the ceremony tonight.
Finishing up my work out and cleaning up, I stood staring at myself in the mirror. I was about 5'4 in height, I was short amongst some of the giants within the group, but I have everybody’s respect. Tanned from being outside during my time away, which beat the white skin I use to have. I’m half and half, I’m the only one amongst the group. Nobody knows this not even the one that is coming forth to rejoin the group tonight. It happened while I was gone, I was going to keep the secret as long as I could. It was nobodies business really. I had an athletic body, which I kept in shape. I trained boxers and kick boxers, while I was away, opening up my own gym. I left to follow a dream I always wanted to do, which was teach and open my own gym. So far it was a success.
I got dressed into a pair of baggy black jeans, dark red tank top, pulling my hair back loose pony tail. Slipping on my black combat boots as I slowly rose to my feet, my quarter’s door opened. I looked as one of the druids stood in the dim light of the oil lamp. “Your ride awaits Eli. Leave whenever your ready.” Nodding as I walked over to the closet and grabbed my robe, placing it on as I got myself together. “Was the missing one found?” I asked as we both walked down stairs. “Yes he was. He didn’t get the message until later on. He was on a mission at the time.” Nodding my head gently as we reached the bottom of the stairs, “That explains his missing presence then. Typical Adam. Always out doing something and not showing when summoned. That better change.”
Lifting my hood as my guide opened the front door, stepping out into the full moon lit night. Walking over to the car as the driver stepped out, dressed in a black suit with a white shirt, looking presentable. Opened the back door, “Evening.” The driver said in greeting. I nodded as I got in, as my guide came walking over and climbed in. The door was shut, the driver climbed in and drove off into the night, towards the night’s destination.
“Everything is set up as requested.” My guide, Christian, began to explain as I flipped through a medium sized book, that was waiting in the car when I entered. “Good. Everybody knows their place for this eve?” I asked as I slowly closed the book, book marking it as I laid my hands upon the worn black leather. He nods gently, hood moving as he did. Everybody knew not to let themselves be seen with their hoods down, unless told to do so. I had mine down once we were in the car and the glass that separated the driver and us, was up. I looked out the window without saying another word. “Something on your mind Eli?” Christian asked. I slowly looked to the hooded one and shook my head lightly, “No, just many things upon my mind. Has my departure plans been confirmed?” He nods, “Yes they have. We will have another car waiting for when the ceremony is over, outside the house, to take you to the airport. Wish you would stay longer, you know he would like you too.” I shook my head, “I can’t stay. Only a short time. I have another life to lead, plus many depend on me to return as soon as things are settled here.”
Nodding once again, “I understand Master Eli. You will be greatly missed, as always.” Nodding once again, “I know, but you will be in better hands than you have been since he’s been gone. I wasn’t the best at it than he is.” Shaking his head as he spoke, “Do not doubt your abilities Master. You did just as good as he did, maybe even better. Nobody has complained. Even though you led us from afar, you still kept in contact and were here when you were urgently needed.” I nodded once again as the car pulled up to our destination. “I know, but someone must be around more often than I was. That’s what I sort of regret.” Christian nods as I slowly rose my hood up. The driver came to the back of the car, opened up the back door for us to depart.
I gripped the book in my hands as I slowly stood to my feet upon the damp green grass. A slight fog lingered over the cemetery, which we parked in front of. I looked up from under my hood and looked beyond the old, bent, iron fencing that kept the grave yard separated from the world. Christian walked up to the open gates as he stood waiting, “Everybody awaits our presence Master Eli.” He said as he caught me within my thoughts. I slowly nodded as I slowly walked through the open gates, into the grave yard. He walked beside me as we made it to the top of a small hill.
Down the path from us, you could see lit torches standing along the path, lighting the way. Held by other members of the group. “Follow the torch path. It will lead you to the site, where he lays.” He explained as I nodded, “Lead the way. I will gently follow you up to the tomb.” Nodding gently as he stepped upon the old cobbled stoned path, only thing heard were our boots hitting the stones as we walked. As we approached the path of torches, each druid holding one, lowered their head in respects to me. Only thing heard was the quietness of the night and crackling of the flames burning upon the torches. As we passed a set of torches, they slowly stepped behind us and followed myself and Christian to the tomb, where he laid.
The group stopped in front of a huge stone carved door, which was surrounded by the rest of group, waiting for myself and the guide to arrive. Two of our strongest members placed their hands upon the door, taking away the moss and such that had grown over the door, over the years. Christian stepped to the side as two torches were handed off, so I could see the carvings upon the door. Stepping up as I held the book in one hand, the other I lifted up and placed upon the door. My voice rang through the quietness, just for our group to hear as I spoke in ancient tongue, as I ran my hand across the carvings upon the door. It was a blessing that was needed to be read before the tomb could be open on this very special evening.
Once the prayer was read, I stepped back as I nodded as the two druids opened the tomb door gently. After the door was finished being opened, Christian was handed a torch and stepped inside, lighting the two torches upon the walls, after clearing the cob webs away. He stepped out, to the side as I released the breath I was holding quietly. Slowly I stepped into the crypt as I stepped down two steps to the dusty, marble floor. Before us all upon a stone carved alter was a stone casket, which is where he was laid to rest so many years ago. The casket was carved from the finest granite that could be found. Lined with the softest, finest felt, dark red and purple lining, that could be found. The very best was placed into the creation of the casket. All Lords got the same treatment from the living members of the group. A few members stepped into the crypt, stood upon the stairs, as the rest stood outside the crypt as I slowly opened the book and began to read from the book in Latin.
Everybody listened and repeated words when I told them too. After finishing the prayers and readings from the book. I closed it and held it in my hands as I slowly stepped out of the crypt. Moving to the side as the ones that had stepped inside, stepped up to the alter, paid their respects before picking up the casket, carrying it outside and followed Christian to a small alter in the middle of the cemetery. It was built for this eve. The casket was laid upon the alter, which was covered with the banner of the group. Everybody paid their respects by kneeling down, with their heads bowed. I followed the casket up to it’s final resting place before the ceremony continued.
Everybody lifted their heads as I slowly climbed to my feet and walked up to the casket. It felt like an eternity as I climbed the marble steps and stood facing the group, with the casket in front of me. A small, black wooden table stood upon the platform, with everything I would need for the ceremony. I laid the book upon the table as all torches were put out, but two. The two that carried them came forth as they lit the candles that surrounded the ceremonial area. Once the candles were lit, the torches were put out, for the ceremony to begin.
