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Birth of a Covenant Legend: Chapter 2
Posted By: Ryst Airasee<RystAirasee0208@AOL.com>
Date: 31 December 2004, 6:43 AM
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{Author's Note: In this story, the word "Sangheili" will be used for both singular and plural circumstances.}
CHAPTER 2
High Charity hung in the cold void of space. Its floating guardians--a massive Covenant Fleet--hung lazily against the black. Clusters of Seraphs rushed to and from the Holy City. Right below was a gas giant, with stations hanging in its thick yellow-and-orange clouds.
A lone Phantom soared in towards High Charity. Upon seeing it, three Seraphs broke away and flew by its side, so close that it seemed the ships would scrape against each other.
"This is Sangheili Rejuvenator Ront 'Gehumee," the white-robed Sangheili said calmly. "I come bearing an egg that needs the High Prophets' blessings."
There was a pause, then, "Fine. I will escort you."
Two of the tear-drop shaped ships broke away, leaving the Phantom and lone Seraph to fly towards their destination. When they reached the hangar, they had to wait while the energy shields around the main doors faded.
Two mechanical arms extended from the ceiling and took hold of the Seraph. A small hatch in the bottom of the craft opened and a Sangheili Zealot dropped out. The Phantom landed nearby.
"Welcome, 'Muyfamee," chorused a squad of Unggoy. "Kill any bad, nasty Humans lately?"
"Back to work," demanded the Kig-Yar watching over them. "It's not your turn for the nipple yet, or idle chatter." Then its face turned apologetic and it said, "Terribly sorry to waste your time, Excellency... carry on."
'Gehumee dropped out of the Phantom, cradling the egg to his chest. "Thank you for your time, Mighty Zealot."
The golden-armored Sangheili clicked its mandibles twice in rabid succession. "I was getting tired of flying that craft anyway. Now, follow me."
The hallways the Sangheili had to pass through were long and lit by soft, white lights that were engraved into the floor. 'Gehumee noticed that the farther they went, the darker it got. His pupils dilated to bring in more light and enable better vision in the darkness.
They passed through a sliding door with a purple symbol carved into it. "This is the final hallway... then we will be in the waiting room. Stay to the right of the halls... don't want to bump into any Honor Guards," 'Muyfamee told the robed Sangheili.
Sure enough, a line of the ornately clad Sangheili exited another room and walked casually down the hall. Some of them had removed their helmets and were obviously enjoying the chance to stretch their muscles; it was a break from standing still for hours on end. One of them eyed the egg in 'Gehumee's hands with interest.
They stopped in front of a door that had a tiny console in front of it. 'Muyfamee pressed a few buttons on it quickly, then slammed his palm over the glowing purple top. The door began to open in sections, like a mouth being opened.
The waiting room had metallic purple walls with a blue tint to them. The only Covenant present besides the two Sangheili was a pair of Lekgolos, who seemed to be awaiting their Brotherhood Ceremony.
A Sangheili in green armor cocked his head towards them. "What is the reason of your meeting?"
"Ront 'Gehumee is a Rejuvenator. He comes bearing an egg that has been wished to be blessed," the Zealot told him.
"Who are the parents?" asked the green Sangheili, tapping a few holographic panels on the console in front of him.
"Juek 'Iskramee and Tyia 'Lihamee," replied 'Gehumee.
The green Sangheili tapped a few more panels before sliding his hand over the terminal. The holographs disappeared. "The High Prophet of Truth will see you now. Proceed inside. As for the Zealot... you may return to your duties now."
'Muyfamee nodded and turned. 'Gehumee headed to the huge doors that were the entrance to the Council Chambers, passing in front of the Lekgolos. Air hissed as it leaked from the corner of the doors, and they slid open slowly.
'Gehumee walked forward, ascending a small flight of stairs, casting glances at the Honor Guards that flanked the main walkway. The pedestal he was standing on began to glow purple. Light shown from over head, casting white over the Prophet of Truth.
"Welcome," Truth said, tapping his fingers together before setting them on the sides of his Gravity Throne.
"Noble Prophet of Truth," the robed Elite said reverently, bowing. With both hands he held the egg up and began reciting the traditional verse. "The parents who passed this egg have forever served you. They are loyal. They wish for your blessing, in hopes that their child may be forever loyal."
"They ask, and it shall receive my blessing," The Prophet of Truth said, moving forward. With careful hands he took the egg, passing one over its surface. "Faith will keep it strong. Faith will guide it. Its loyalty will lead it to greatness. It shall uphold the Covenant with my blessing."
The Prophet of Truth paused, giving 'Gehumee time to come in so they could recite the final verse together. "Our vow in faith will keep us safe, whilst we find the path," they chorused.
"It is done," the Prophet said. "You may return the egg to its parents now."
--- --- ---
The Prophet of Mercy watched the robed Sangheili leave. When the door had closed, he emerged from the darkness. "I felt something..." he said.
"Yes. A pure energy, growing inside the egg. It is unlike any life force I have ever encountered..." Truth replied. "We still have to conduct the Brotherhood Ceremony. I will allow your... I need time to rest."
--- --- ---
The creature in the filthy lair stirred once again, its mind awakened. Slowly, it rose up to its full height and opened its gaping maw, exposing the rotting skulls that served as its teeth. Its tendrils flailed as it raised the slab of stone and began reading the ancient writing off of it.
"Times of darkness,
Times of peril.
Through it all our savior born
We will follow, forever true
And continue on towards the glorious salvation.
The Prophet's Will
The Arbiter
One so great, he will rise above
The Prophet's Will
The Honor Guard
One so great, he will rise above
Undying loyalty to the one
Of midnight black and pure, untainted silver."
"Those fools... the religious leaders... they never look. They never even try. They claim to have unending wisdom... but what good is that when their vision is blocked? They think the coming of the Treasured Instrument... this 'Augur'... can only mean prosperity. But had they sought the final Mural, they would see the truth..." the creature said to itself.
The creature's tednrils stopped flailing, and dropped the slab as if it had forgotten it was once holding it. "The Augur will not begin an age of joy. He will begin an age... of torment."
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