Read Online Darkstone - An Evil Reborn (Book 4) by Guy Antibes - Free Book Online

Therya’s voice, an older sister, said through his door. Sulm smiled. To Vishan it looked more like a grimace. Their relationship would soon come to an end. It was time anyway. Vishan had learned most, if not all, of what Sulm offered. Shelves filled with books and scrolls now covered the paintings that once adorned his walls. Vishan’s rooms contained more writings than the rest of the house combined.
    “We are ready,” Vish said. He nodded at Sulm who placed the black cape, trimmed in purple, around his shoulders. Black for men and red for women. Purple for royalty. He walked from the room leaving Sulm to catch up.
    Yalla held the ceremony in a garden pergola surrounded by dwarfed palm trees. Most of Vishan’s sisters stood in a line waiting for him along with his two full brothers, six and nine years younger than him. A priest of Galla, the god preferred by most of the Emperor’s wives, stood dressed in a white robe, trimmed in red. Vishan didn’t care much for these priests. They seemed more like women than men with painted faces and their odd wigs with spiky bright red hair.
    He didn’t see any reason to object. Once Yalla registered the ceremony, it didn’t matter who administered it. Vishan managed a smile as he walked up with Sulm by his side. Peleor slipped along his other side. Only one man was required, but his sorcery tutor’s presence put a genuine smile on his face.
    “Under the auspices of Galla, the Great Goddess,” the priest looked into the heavens and sighed, “and our beloved Emperor Daryaku, we accept the presence of the boy Vishan Daryaku, as a candidate for manhood.”
    “Is there a sponsor for this boy’s advancement to a Man of the Empire?”
    Sulm and Peleor took a step forward. “We are,” they both said nearly simultaneously and then they both stepped back.
    “Come forward, Vishan Daryaku. Do you take upon yourself the mantle of a Man of the Empire?”
    Vishan lifted his chin and advanced to stand in front of the priest and invoked the ceremonial words.
    “I hereby declare you a Man of the Empire. In addition, I bless you with the curiosity of a scholar, the judgment of a sage and the strength of a lion.” He twisted Vish around. “I present to you Vishan Daryaku, Man of the Empire.” The priest smiled and then turned to Yalla, where he said with less ceremony, rubbing his long fingers, “Where is the feast?”
    Yalla laughed and took the priest by the arm, leading him into her home followed by Vishan’s giggling sisters with his little brothers in tow.
    Sulm clapped Vishan on his shoulder. “Congratulations, now you can troll the taverns of the city with the rest of the Men of the Empire!”
    Peleor folded his arms. “With such exaltation comes increased visibility and exposure to danger. Your relationship with your father only makes you a more tempting target, and your brothers will consider you more of a real threat.”
    Vishan’s smile faded.
    “However, tradition dictates that you take the risk and follow Sulm’s advice and visit some taverns, Man of the Empire.” Peleor grinned. “You already knew about the threats, so now let Sulm and I show you the seamier side of the city.”
    ~
    The dark wine swirling in the grimy goblet didn’t look so appealing after a night with his tutors. Vish didn’t have a taste for beer and so much wine sat like lead in his belly. He lifted an eyelid, while struggling to keep his head erect. He had gone through many servings of wine during their tour, while the establishments that they visited dwindled in quality.
    Sulm’s head lay on the table. Vishan twisted his head towards Peleor who looked into the dim recesses of the tavern. “Perhaps it’s time that we left. I’m not enjoying our night any longer.” He belched and felt sick.
    “Certainly. Sulm can find his way home when he wakes.” Peleor squinted and pulled out a few dreks and tossed them among the mugs and goblets. “A table until morning for my friend.” He nodded