Guardian of Fire Island (boyxboy)

Guardian of Fire Island - Dance of the Flame

Chapter 25: Dance of the Flame

A bed of glowing embers, surrounded by dark obsidian stones was in the middle of the charred ruins of the once thriving fishing village. Those who have perished were placed on the outside perimeter of the ceremonious fire bed, Fire Priests standing next to them, acting as carries and overseers.

A large crowd of mourners had gathered silently in the background, creating a solemn circle around the Priests in anticipation of the ceremony. There were many tears, children clinging to their parents’ legs, asking them questions, questions they couldn’t answer.

Keahi found Masou easily, the blue-haired man standing with a few of the Fire Guards and Fire Priests. Masou’s face was solemn, no carefree smile was seen. It didn’t suit him. But, what was there to smile about at the moment?

Silently, Keahi made his way over to him, nodding his head slightly in acknowledgement to his fellow Priests and Fire Guards before taking his place at Masou’s side, the taller man’s hand seeking his out and gently holding him. Keahi was appreciative of the touch.

A hush fell over the crowd when Bharath appeared, Brendis escorting him. In a robe of white, red and gold, Bharath looked as majestic as ever. In his hands where two ceremony fans. This ritual was a ceremony, unlike anything else.

He stood before the ember bed and took several deep breathes, preparing himself for the ritual. When he opened his eyes, everyone knew that the ceremony was to start.

“Hush,” Bharath’s slow and gentle voice echoed through the evening sky. “Still the burning winds, the clouds dancing against a crimson sky.” He stepped upon the glowing embers, his bare feet gliding over the flickering flames. “Listen to the whispering of the fire within our hearts, as the fiery passion of our soul, burning for evermore.”

Keahi felt a lump of emotion form in his throat, but he did his best to swallow it down. Bharath was calm and collected, yet his voice was gentle and loving. And as he lifted the ceremonious fans, his hair dancing around his kind face, he performed the specialised Fire Dance that would soothe the souls of those who had passed, sending them to a place of peace, cleansing their souls, allowing them to move on without regret. He was freeing them from this earthy plain.

“For a fleeting moment, find flight on golden wings, that leads to a place of eternal paradise, as bright as the sun's warming rays.” Unconcerned for the burning flames, Bharath kicked up some of the embers, sending them spiralling into the air like little candle lights, ascending to the heaven’s above. Exactly eleven sparks floated upon the fiery winds. “May you feel the caress of fire as you ascend to the heaven's above, following the rivers of lava, leading you homeward, into the warm embrace of angels.”

As Bharath slowly moved along the fiery bed, Fire Priests and Guards carefully, gently lifted those who had died and placed them upon the embers, each Priest uttering a silent prayer as they did so, wishing them peace, wishing them well. The sheets and cloths that had been so lovingly wrapped around them caught alight. Their earthbound bodies will now join them within their spiritual paradise.

It was their final farewell and some of the victims loved ones broke down as they watched. Keahi found himself swallowing back his feelings again, tightening his grip on Masou’s hand, finding some reassurance when he squeezed back.

“Sleep now, for your flame burns brightly within our own,” Bharath said as he slowly waved his fan over each of the victims, the flames burning brightly. “Sleep now, there is nothing to fear, you are at peace.”

As he cleansed each body Keahi uttered a silent prayer of his own and wasn’t all that surprised when he heard Masou do the same.

“Sleep now.” Bharath’s voice grew softer and softer.