The next day, South Central Region.
In a community near two imposing snow-capped mountains in the western Andes, a large crowd began to gather. In a few minutes, dawn would break, and the first official celebration of the kingdom would begin. Everyone eagerly awaited the event.
People of various ages began to sing the deacons' songs in their respective dialects. Many children looked around curiously, noticing those who dressed and spoke differently than they did. This was the first meeting of different ethnic groups in this part of the world.
In the distance, in the snowy mountains, a large bonfire was lit as the sun illuminated their peaks. At the same time, several torches began to light up as the sunlight approached the village. When the light reached the summit of the community, fireworks were launched in the village.
"Incredible!" "Wonderful!" "They are like little suns!" "It is beautiful!" "It is the manifestation of the spirits!" "The gods favor us!" many exclaimed with great enthusiasm.
Everyone enjoyed the spectacle, displaying joy and awe on their faces. They had never witnessed anything so impressive.
Spurred by the emotion of the moment, they began to sing in their own languages the hymns their deacons and priests had taught them.
----
"Oh, our brilliant Sun, the light that illuminates every dawn
From on high, your vast energy gives life to the earth, nourishing all that exists.
You are the essence of existence, the warmth that animates and the clarity that guides our days.
We venerate you for your constant and unwavering presence.
For the gift of a new beginning with each dawn."
----
A multitude of melodies and sounds beautified the town. We spent an hour chanting like this until a group of people, led by a young priest, approached from the place where the great bonfire had been lit at dawn.
The young priest held a beautiful golden metal container in his hands. A golden sun shone on the lid of the vessel. Inside, it contained the ashes of the offerings made at the great bonfire.
The cardinals present approached the entrance of the community, welcoming the priest with the container. All those attending the ceremony watched as a group of priests, dressed in various ceremonial garments, completed the delivery of this "sacred" object, which was then carried into the parish.
The chants continued for a few more minutes, with the people singing joyfully. Some dances performed by the deacons' and priests' assistants encouraged the rest to join in and dance with them.
When the Cardinals returned to the entrance, they gave a lengthy speech praising the gods and sharing various teachings found in "Divine Revelations." This book was compiled several years ago, compiling most of the teachings that have been passed down through the generations among different peoples.
It explains the origin of the universe, heaven, and hell, merging the visions of different stories from diverse cultures. It also includes chapters dedicated to the gods, their teachings, and sacred commandments. Special events, both astronomical and natural, linked to each deity are also narrated.
This text is updated every time a new ethnicity joins the kingdom, although much of its content remains unchanged. On the other hand, another book collects legends about heroes, mythical creatures, and spirits. This book is called the "Creation Chronicles," and it contains numerous accounts from ancient leaders of different ethnic groups, as well as their beliefs about mythical beings and the spirits who protect their people.
"It's incredible," Nyia commented next to me, her expression filled with emotion. "I'd like to paint this image," she added eagerly.
"When the celebration is over, you can do it," I replied cheerfully.
"Or you could capture the final celebration in the basilica in the Central City," I suggested, while watching Umza, who, overcome with happiness, sang the song in every language she knew, attracting the attention of those around her.
"I will," Nyia affirmed, flashing a bright smile.
After a few minutes, everyone began to move, led by a group of Deacons. We walked toward the harbor, which was filled with oil lanterns adorning it. Numerous boats were now ready to transport people from there.
The crowd continued singing, even creating new songs and praises to the Sun.
After crossing the river, we waited for a large crowd to gather and began to advance slowly, forming a long line that followed the established route. At various points along the route, soldiers stood guard over the crowd and ensured that everything was in order.
Throughout the day, we visited and stopped in several villages along the route. We prayed and sang in their chapels. We brought offerings from the parish where the celebration began. Many people from these villages joined the pilgrimage, driven by their beliefs.
Near dusk, we arrived at the capital of the South-Central Region, where we would pause for the first day. Many people from nearby towns came to the capital to take part in this great celebration. Merchants were setting up stalls with various products in the streets used for trade.
Most people gathered near the city's cathedral, where various typical dances from different ethnic communities and traditional songs were performed. The city emanated energy, and everyone calmly waited for the moment the day would end so they could begin the celebration in honor of the Moon.
As the sun almost set, a group of deacons and attendants began to lead the crowd in a new melody as the moon began to illuminate the starry firmament.
----
Dear peaceful Moon, the peace that comes with darkness.
Your gentle light shines in the darkness, revealing the beauty hidden in the world while everyone rests.
You are the guardian of the cycles, the beacon of serenity and the promise of renewal.
Oh, protector of the night, we are grateful for showing us the beauty of the stars and the secrets of darkness.
We honor you for the enigmatic peace you offer beneath your silver mantle.
----
Unlike the joyful songs and intense musical sounds of sun worship, this celebration dedicated to the moon was much more peaceful, though equally filled with devotion. The instruments played softer, more melodious chords, creating a beautiful harmony.
When the almost full moon reached its maximum height, lanterns were lit, which, along with strategically placed mirrors, illuminated an impressive silver sphere that mimicked the moon. This sphere was placed outside the Cathedral so that as many people as possible could enjoy this magnificent lunar representation.
"The Moon!" "It's beautiful!" "It looks spectacular!" "Look, Mom, the Moon!" excited shouts echoed outside the plaza.
This moon, which everyone is now worshipped, clearly showed how this star appears from an Earthly perspective. Furthermore, the lighting offered an experience like observing the full moon up close, astonishing those who saw it.
The singing and dancing continued. Likewise, a group of cardinals approached with a similar offering to the previous worship, but instead of burning the offerings, they presented the Moon with a silver vessel containing the blood of the sacrifices. Like the previous vessel, its lid was decorated with the moon in its various phases.
Only an hour passed before people began to slowly retreat to their homes. Those who were ready to set up their tents in some permitted places within the city, while the rest were welcomed by local citizens near the Cathedral or the regiment.
The next day.
Before sunrise, the chants in homage to the Sun began again. Some ashes and blood were left at the cathedral, and we set off with both sacred vessels on the long road to the Central City.
Along the way, we passed quickly through the villages; long stops in each one were no longer possible, but many people joined the pilgrimage. In addition, Central City sent an extra group of wagons and soldiers to assist those who might have difficulties along the way.
There were some incidents along the route, but thanks to the preparations and help of the pilgrims themselves, everything was resolved as smoothly as possible.
The joy of the crowd was palpable, as the chanting and playing of instruments continued throughout the long journey. Priests and deacons offered support to the people with jugs of water and food, while vehicles from nearby towns helped those who were tired or injured.
After several hours of walking almost nonstop, Central City could be seen in the distance. A beautiful path of lanterns illuminated the path, as if welcoming us after a long journey.
The city's inhabitants came out with jugs filled with fresh water and food. Everyone joined in with renewed joy in the chants honoring the Sun, and they were also preparing to pay tribute to the Moon.
"This festival is wonderful!" Umza exclaimed with a broad smile as Nyia nodded beside him.
"I think so too," I replied as the crowd applauded us in celebration of our arrival.
A space opened among the people for a group of Cardinals and Bishops from the basilica to advance. At the front was High Priest Simte, sporting the brightest smile I had ever seen in my seven years of life.
"Welcome, Son of Heaven," Simte said as he approached and bowed slightly.
"We have arrived safely, High Priest," I replied, imitating his gesture. "Here are the offerings for the gods," I commented, pointing to the jars the cardinal from the regional capital was carrying.
"The gods will be pleased with these offerings," he said in a ceremonial tone, while everyone was filled with emotion.
.
----
.
[A/N: CHAPTER COMPLETED
Hello everyone.
Chuta experience firsthand the celebrations that took place during that time. People believed in their gods with such devotion that they enjoyed every celebration they could attend to the fullest.
He helped a little, but only in the creation of sacred books and the creation of new instruments.
As an unnecessary fact of the day, the Incas, who are the culture with the most available records, had a wide variety of instruments: wind, percussion, and even some primitive trumpets.
----
Read my other novels.
#The Walking Dead: Vision of the Future.
#The Walking Dead: Emily's Metamorphosis from Visions of Future Saga.
You can find them on my profile.
----
First section about me.
I want to tell you that I'm feeling pretty bad mentally.
This is mainly due to personal problems, but yesterday something really stupid happened to me that left me feeling pretty bad.
I had a chapter scheduled to be published yesterday, but due to a mistake on my part, it didn't.
The worst part is that I'd been posting nonstop for 74 days, and this damn chapter ruined all my efforts.
I know it's probably not that important or decisive, but I've spent over two months trying not to let you down, and not to let myself down.
For those reading this, I'm sorry for wasting your time reading this, but I wanted to leave this somewhere as a backup.
I'll keep counting the days from 74, even if fewer appear on the page.
That's all. Sorry for bothering you again.]