Chapter 157: Burn, Ba-Bee Burn
Metsaitti stood before the shrine, specifically the God of Fire’s brazier. He knelt before it and placed the hide and butchered meat of a wolf-mole within, then broke off a small chunk of the fire honey and tossed that on top of the rest. The burning honey immediately caught fire, causing the flame to flare up and consume the meat and hide. Even the fireproof wax began to melt in the heat of the divine blaze. Metsaitti bowed his head.
“Let your fire come down upon me and find me worthy.”
The fire flared out, singing his face slightly. With that, Metsaitti rose. He walked up the slight incline back towards the karnuq settlement, carrying the tray of burning honey in his hands, ignoring the heat building in his palms. Chief Rohsuak was standing in front of a newly erected structure made purely of stone, with several holes arranged around bottom of the walls and a large one in the center of the roof, while much of the rest of the clan gathered around it. Even the Tower Keeper and his ever-present bee companions stood off to the side, observing the proceedings. Fire began to spill out from the chief’s mana, wrapping around her body and lifting her hair. Smoke drifted out of her mouth.
“Are you ready to walk through fire and smoke, to embrace the God of Fire with your very flesh?”
Metsaitti held her gaze.
“I am.”
Chief Rohsuak nodded and stepped to the side.
“Then enter, and let your trial begin.”
Metsaitti nodded. He stepped inside and then disrobed, handing his clothes to a karnuq waiting outside the door. Then, he took the tray of honey and stepped into the center of the room. He knelt down and took a deep breath.