Chapter 26 The Night Before the Pact
The Dark River Fortress had never been so vibrant before.
The entire area was bustling like a river in flood. Lamps hung between tall ebony poles, shining like small moons. Children ran through the streets carrying painted wooden snakes, laughing and shouting greetings for the future heir.
Tomorrow
Adhiravan was going to make a pact with the water serpent.
Everyone believed it would be a momentous occasion.
Drumbeats echoed from the training grounds. Dancers, fluid as the river's current, practiced in the moonlight, their sashes swirling like streams of water. Merchants laid out jade necklaces, serpent-shaped bracelets, and blue festival sweets shaped like pearls.
As we walked through the streets where the preparations were underway, Vanilla gripped my wrist tightly.
"Just imagine," she whispered, her eyes sparkling. "Once the pact is sealed, you will be recognized by this entire clan."
I didn't reply.
Not because I wasn't happy
but because I didn't know how to contain so much joy within my heart without it overflowing.
Everywhere I looked, hope.
A group of boys ran up with wide smiles.
"Adhiravan! Adhiravan! Do you really swim faster than the fish?"
"And is it true that you can talk to the rivers?!"
I blinked.
Vanilla giggled and gently nudged me. "Yes," she announced proudly, "and he can even breathe underwater!"
The boys gasped in astonishment and ran off to spread exaggerated tales about me.
Even the elders smiled when they saw me their eyes held a look of reverence usually reserved for statues and saints.
"May the river protect our future."
"May his bond with the serpent be eternal."
"May the dark river rise again."
Each blessing rested heavily on my shoulders, yet it was comforting.
Not fear.
Not a burden.
Just responsibility.
Maruthini appeared in the evening dressed in shimmering blue silk robes embroidered with silver serpent scales. Her false smile was so perfect it could deceive even a stranger.
She gently cupped my face.
"Tomorrow," she said softly, "you become a symbol of hope for our clan."
Then she kissed my forehead like a mother cherishing her child.
I wanted to believe it too.
I wanted to believe that everyone was proud of me. The entire clan had gathered on the riverbank where musicians played conch-shaped drums, and the music of water flutes drifted sweetly on the air.
The priests were rehearsing:
Where Athiraivan would stand.
Where the serpent would appear.
Where the clan elders would bear witness.
Where the water would rise.
A massive, carved seal awaited sculpted from black granite, in the form of a coiled serpent. It would activate when I placed my hand upon it creating a visible covenant between me and the divine beast. Vanilla squeezed my shoulder.
"You'll be wonderful," she whispered.
Her confidence was a soothing wave to my anxious heart. I nodded.
I appeared calm when people looked at me.
Inside, I was a storm.
"Do you think I'll disappoint them?" I asked softly.
Vanilla's eyes widened she shook her head quickly.
"You are the one chosen by the river," she said.
"You cannot disappoint."
Her words were as comforting as sunlight.
The night deepened two moons rose slowly like silver guardians. Everyone had returned home to rest for the big day. Except
I was awake.
I knelt by the riverbank, dipping my fingers into the cool water.
"Tomorrow," I whispered to the flowing currents,
"Let me prove that I am worthy of being here."
The voice of the Mother Tree resonated from the depths of my consciousness as gentle as falling leaves.
"A river is not judged by how calmly it flows,"
"But by how strong it becomes when the storms arrive."
The Mist Mother continued her voice both teasing and proud.
"Tomorrow is not the peak, child."
"It is the first step of your mountain."
I smiled faintly, my eyes reflecting the moonlight scattered on the water.
Somewhere beneath the river's surface a great power stirred.
The Water Serpent.
I could feel its presence, waiting.
With hope.
With faith. I pressed my palm against the surface of the water, a faint blue mark briefly glowed.
A mark.
A sign.
A promise.
A bond that already existed
without a ceremony.
"Tomorrow," I whispered again, my voice trembling with joy,
"I will not fail."
The river responded with a gentle ripple like a nod. Late that night I returned to bed my heart full, my eyes shining.
Tomorrow
The dark river will celebrate.
Tomorrow
I will stand tall.
Tomorrow
I will be a part of it.
With a peaceful smile, I drifted into dreams
unaware that the dawn would bring heartbreak instead of honor.