The Higher

The hall had started to fill with Elders and Carriers. Elders were like the Guardians, but had more power and were able to travel back and forth to the Mount without any adverse effects. They were considered more then human, but not quite godly. Eha looked down at them from above on the staircase and there again was the velvet cushioned chair that she was supposed to rule from, sat where the altar had been. She now felt fresh and clean after yet another bath. She had found that bathing was a pleasure that had passed her by, and she relished every moment she could get in the water. Now wearing a regal robe lined with gold and silver she felt ready to face whatever was coming her way. Kathleena was at her side and had become like a mother to her, making her sure she was comfortable and happy. Talking to her as well as asking about her own life. It had been five days since Malwei had brought her to the temple and, yet she was still as frightened and confused as that day, no one had told her what was to be expected from her or what would happen during this ceremony that she had to take part in. Kathleena glanced at her as they began to descend the stairs. ‘Remember, not everyone will kneel to you. But that is alright.’ ‘What happens if they don’t?’ Eha asked ‘They will be banished from the Mount.’ Eha stopped on the stairs and looked at Kathleena with shocked eyes. ‘Isn’t that a little too harsh, why they don’t have the choice without repercussions?’ ‘You are the Higher. You will be and must be obeyed,’ Kathleena insisted. Eha pondered on her words. She had once been human and a Carrier and had known nothing but honour, worship and obey. She did not want to be that feared by her people, she wanted to be loved. They both continued to the bottom of the stairs and the room silenced as Malwei led her to the chair. She turned to face the people who would be working for her, and she knew they would all have high expectations. Malwei gave her a small smile as she lowered herself onto the cushioned seat. She could see that armed guards were now standing at the corners of the room. Their silver blades shone under the lights, their presence made her feel more nervous than she already was. At her side, Kathleena stood with a gold and sliver crown that seemed to be made from the stars. She looked to Malwei and there was something behind his eyes that made her wonder if this was all an elaborate trick. She had heard stories of ritual sacrifice for the Higher, and what if this was it? She was not going to be the Higher; instead, she was the blood that had to be spilled for someone else. Gripping the arms of the chair, she prepared herself to fight what ever was coming her way. Then, suddenly the doors crashed open and the crowd murmured as someone disturbed the mood. Malwei looked around the room, anger written on his face. ‘Don’t hide away at least be brave enough to tell us why you’re late,’ he snapped. Eha felt herself relax back into the chair. The crowd parted and a robed figure stepped forward, a long white hood hiding their face, which was pulled back as they reached the chair, and for the first time in her life, she felt her breath being taken away. He was not tall, but his presence made up for it. His hair was as white as snow, and his blue eyes were wide as they danced like a mischievous child. Without being told, he dropped to his knees and bowed his head at Malwei and her. ‘My name is Lucian. Please forgive my lateness,’ he said. Eha saw Malwei open his mouth to speak, but something made her speak out instead. ‘Are you an Elder?’ she asked. Lucian lifted his head and smiled as their eyes met. ‘I am only a Carrier. I deliver.’ ‘Only a Carrier, I was only a Carrier too and look where I’ve ended up. Never underestimate yourself.’ Eha replied. Lucian got to his feet, his smile broadening. She became aware all eyes were on them both, but she did not care. There was something pure about him, and something that was intensely attractive. Malwei coughed and broke the moment. ‘Maybe you should go stand with the others and allow us to carry on,’ Malwei snapped. Lucian nodded and walked back towards the crowd. Malwei took the crown from Kathleena and held it high above Eha’s head. Eha could feel her heart pick up pace again, her hands felt hot and sticky even though room held a chill. ‘Today,’ Malwei shouted into the room. ‘We are witnesses to the crowning of the new Higher.’ Malwei thrust the crown on to Eha's head and she felt Malwei and Kathleen’s hands hold her down. She did not understand why at first, then, suddenly her head felt like it was on fire. The pain was blinding as the crown buried itself into her flesh and then into the bone of her skull. Kicking and screaming, her body bucked as she felt her whole body start to burn. She was dying; she knew she could not trust any of them they were killing her. Then, just as she thought she would die from the pain, it was over. With a blood stained face she looked up at Kathleena who responded with a warm smile. ‘You did well,’ she whispered. Malwei now faced the room ‘I give you your new Higher Yawhea. Now you will kneel and show your allegiance to the one true god of Erthea.’