There was a sort of excitement in the air, hearing the emperor was in itself a rare occurrence. The emperor was someone who had existed since the birth of the Muscat family, he had waged war and subjugated the 10 surrounding countries in a matter of 2 centuries. Even Azrael owed it to him that his family had lost its kingdom and this was the same for many other nobles and yet they could not bring themselves to hate him; he was beyond their hate. How do you hate a force of nature? How do you hate a god among men? All they felt surprisingly was a sense of admiration and curiosity.
"My children...the time has come. It has come time for you to fight for your country but not just as soldiers; you are the chosen ones the Lords of Justice and War have selected to receive their blessings and carry on our holy will." A voice boomed, it felt like listening to nails on a chalkboard.
' My head feels like it will burst from the sheer pressure of hearing him talk...damn this is the emperor? I am far from being able to save them.' Azrael thought.
Azrael let out a nervous smile in the shadow of his veil. It was his philosophy to laugh because it was unbecoming for him to cry.
"So go forth my children. Go forth in the name of the empire. Go forth in conquest. We ride in the name of our lords. You ride in my name. What else is there to fear loved ?"The soul scratching voice let out and it was followed by a wave of joy and vitality rushing over the people before him.
' Did he just use his blessing on us? He is a very extravagant and benevolent Lord heh...'Azrael continued to lampoon inwardly until the emperor's presence left the plaza. A new voice then instructed the new apostles - after all they had been officially instated by the Emperor himself - to head towards the cathedral. Heading into it via the 4 entries was a group close to 1000.
Azrael chose the grand doors closest to him but had to stop as they listened to the elegantly dressed lady standing there finish issuing out instructions.
"Those who already know their schools of thoughts, please make your way to the respective sectioned places inside. If you are not familiar with them, make your way to the other designated space demarcated just outside the cathedral and we will help you out.
Usually it was hard for anyone to know their school beforehand. Most people had no viable method of finding out ; actual methods of doing so involved the intervention of another apostle of the corresponding school and this was an expensive venture but also very taxing to find 5 different apostles in the cases of some.
' I guess I am lucky in that sense...haha...yeah' Azrael muttered to himself. He had vivid memories of when he found out about his school. Or rather he had always known.
Azrael's father had been at war when he was born and his birth was quite the spectacle. It had solidified his position in his duchy at such a young age and proclaimed his fated duties. In the duchy, Azrael was somewhat of a god of myth; all as a result of his unusual birth. The midwives had been shocked; in the midst of that dark room filled with the screams of labour, amidst all the tension and pain, they found themselves rooted to the ground against all their drilled in instincts. The baby's head shone a brilliant light! As the mother pushed and the baby struggled to move on his own, the rest of his body outlined itself. He was more like a bundle of holy fire rather than a newborn child. Lost in their reverie the midwives subconsciously cried. The child's mother saw this scene in awe and trepidation and her anxiety was well grounded because, as the women would soon notice, her injuries were healing. Her body seemed to be repairing itself only for the baby to tear her apart again - a vicious cycle that left the mother wincing. The midwives rushed to put an end to this by pulling the baby, no their Messiah out. They succeeded and held this baby who seemed to be covered in wisps of flame ; he who was warm and comforting to the touch, as if their concerns and troubles were melting under his flames.
His mother watched on as she cried silently, feeling the last of her strength sap away from her. The midwives felt troubled but they knew they could not help; this was the price exacted for their saviour. Oracles of generations past told of this event, it was recorded in their myths ever since they first fell to the Muscat Empire. The room was quiet and dark save for the cries and radiance of Azrael. They cried not because of the death of the dame, no that was a privilege! They shed tears since they finally had hope !
Azrael had always been able to instinctively use his blessing from his birth. And from his ancestor's notes, he later found out this was the Sun School of Thought; that which the god of justice commanded.
He made his way to the area where he could see the character for Sun inscribed on a banner.
' The number of people here are much fewer than at the other stands....'
'It's probably due to the nature of the school...well I am not quite sure what that means yet but that is probably it' Azrael humoured himself. It was something he had seen in the very shoddy and brief notes his family still had.
He made his way into the crowd that on his arrival subconsciously parted itself. A couple of people sneered at him but they were far and in between. His charisma was evident.
In the room, a couple of men sat across 5 tables. There was also a much older lady and one stunningly beautiful lady that Azrael found himself drawn to. The men ranged from seemingly senile old men to youthful faces ; there were about six of them in total. What they did share in common was that everyone seated had the same piercing gaze. But the gaze was not just frightening, it was equally endearing much alike the watchful eye of a hesitant parent. Everyone gathered around these people who seemed to exert force on reality and the room was soon filled.
' Damn! I actually feel nervous! This is new. Or am I just excited? Yes that is it. I am finally on the starting line...' again his tears evaporated from his eyes as he let out a muffled chuckle.
Azrael shook his head lightly and devoted all his attention before him.