Chapter 472 - Naming Ceremony Ⅱ (2/2)

The infant's blanket is stained by three blood drops as the Avery couple continue, ”Long have we searched and at last, we have found a worthy sword and shield. We bind them in a promise as old as time. And so, Magic of old heed, our call. Magic of old, come forth!” The candles suddenly go out leaving only ten candles lit.

(Though at the time, it did not occur to any of them that there were only nine figures in the circle. The four Avery family members, the four Prince's, and the stranger. And yet, who was the 10th figure? But then again, it was rumored that the dead were permitted to permit in such events.)

Much like the times before Rowan and Severus begin to feel that old, almost eerie, but sentient presence of ancient magic. The godparent ceremony was not merely a show, but an actual magical binding. No wonder, aunt Georgine had been initially reluctant to accept!

The Avery couple each turns to face their son, who takes the silver daggers from his parents by the hilt symbolizing that he too would bind himself the solemn vow. The sharp blade cuts into both of his palms as blood drips down his palms and onto the pure, white silken blanket.

”I, Evan Avery, the father of Barnabas Avery seeks a sword and a shield. His mother is dead, and I am young. And much like great ocean of life and death, I have yet to finish navigating my own journey,” Evans Avery solemnly said. ”But my son has already embarked unknowingly on his seaworthy vessel. And thus, I seek protection for this incredibly young, and defenseless sailor.”

With great reverence Evans Avery bows his head as he turns the blades in his hand to hold by the hilt. Finished bowing, he turns to the would-be godparents. Bowing to the would-be Godmother, Evan says, ”A child was born under the gaze of the great moon and knows no light. Fire is that which we seek, the unknown warmth of a mother. And to that same fiery inferno that protects, we seek loyalty, determination, and honor.”

Bowing again to the would-be Godmother, Evan turns to Kain Shafiq and says, ”A child was born under the gaze of the great moon amidst the shadows of the night. Air that knows all is that which we seek, the wisdom and guidance of age. And to lashing tempest that crushes its enemies from on high, we seek cunning, and fearlessness.”

Evans bowed again to the would-bed Godfather, before crossing his arms and holding out the bloodied blades to each of them to take by the blade itself. ”To Fire, the role of Godmother, Georgine Prince and to Air, the role of Godfather, Kain Shafiq. Here in the presence of these witnessed and in the presence of magic itself, we ask solemnly for the truth. Do each of you accept this great honor out of your own free will and choice?”

”I do,” Georgine and Kain Shafiq said in unison.

Rowan's eyes widening at the revelation as Georgine and Kain Shafiq each accept the blade by the blade itself. The blade cuts into their hand leaving a long thin wound as they hold both blades over the cradle of the sleeping infant. The blood drips down into the cradle before they return the blade to the Evan Avery without haven spoken a single word.

”So, mote be,” Evans Avery said as a string of golden light appears to swirl around them and connect to the sleeping infant. ”And to that which is Fire and Air do you accept the role of sword and shield to child born under the gaze of the moon, Barnabas Avery?”

”I do,” Georgine and Kain Shafiq answered again as a second string of golden light appeared between the trio.

”And does Fire and Air solemnly bind themselves to love, protect, teach, cherish, and guide their charge, Barnabas Avery until he is fully grown?”

”I do,” the godparents said for the last time as a third string appeared interconnecting them.

”That which was unspoken has been pledged,” Evan Avery loudly declared. ”And so, mote be!” Suddenly a golden swirling wave of magic can be seen around the figures of Georgine, Kain Shafiq, and that of the infant. It is though the golden strings are being permanently bound between the three of them and around the infant.

With a final burst of wind, all the candles suddenly go out as they are plunged into darkness, before all the candles light up again. Squinting at the sudden light, Rowan blinks tears away as she finds that the presence of the almost sentient magic is gone.

And though she could breathe again, she was infinitely far more anxious to meet Kain Shafiq. Still, she could not let this opportunity go. She had to somehow find the way in which to at least exchange words.