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The Initiation Of Initiation Prayer

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initiation prayer. Eithne intoned prayers as she cleaned Lutren’s arms, legs, and face with the traditional wash of heather and rosemary. She dried him off, then painted his face and neck with blue woad. “And you, Lutren, promise to be a fair and fierce warrior?” she asked, solemnly. Eithne was treating this as a true initiation and Taran loved her for it. “I promise.” “And do you accept these men to be your warrior brothers, and to serve and protect the king and kingdom as best you’re able?” Slowly, Lutren emerged from his bed and stood up tall. “I will.” Lutren swayed, and Eithne must have recognized time was of the essence, because she rushed through the rest of the prayers. “And here, on this momentous day, the king presents you …show more content…

Taran chuckled. Perhaps women would be part of the warrior clan one day. Taran left Veerah for last, because the thought of taking a knife to her skin made his heart race. Even though she gave her blood freely and willingly, he was uncomfortable with cutting her. But what was he to do, refuse? He swallowed and made a small cut, but it was too shallow, so it did not bleed. Taran cursed under his breath and Veerah chuckled. “Sire, it’ll all right.” She looked at him with reassurance in her eyes, so Taran focused, made a short, clean swipe with the blade against her lower arm, and she bled. Lutren was the first to drink the blood, then passed the bowl on. All drank, and the only part left to finish the ceremony was for Lutren to receive a blow and deal a blow. “Lutren, are you able to stand again?” With difficulty, Lutren rose, but lifted his chin with pride. Taran had already decided he would not hold back when he struck Lutren; to do so would shame the boy. Certainly, Taran wouldn’t hit him as hard as one of the men, but he’d deliver a solid blow, one that would leave a nice mark. Taran and Lutren were close; it is what the boy wanted. Thus, Taran pulled back his fist, and punched Lutren in the jaw, hard enough that the boy’s head snapped to the side, but Lutren did not fall. Tori gasped and buried her face in Veerah’s shoulder, but the men nodded in approval. They understood. Taran did not ask Lutren if he

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