The Festival of the Flame
Everyone born on the island already knew the story of the flame, every detail was ingrained into their minds by the age of ten, but today was the one day a year when even the most skeptical among them couldn’t help but believe every word. The beating of the drums, the rhythm they created, seemed to beckon all as the crowd gathered around the council temple. Travelers from the mainland rushed from the pier where the ferry had only just arrived, praying they hadn’t missed the opening of the gates. Children ran ahead of their parents, pushing to the front of the ever-growing congregation, hoping to be the first to catch a glimpse of what lay within the temple walls. The energy of everyone was one of true faith, compassion, and love. At exactly noon, the grand bell tolled and the gates of the council temple opened, welcoming the children of the Earth. Today was the Festival of the Flame.
The grounds of the temple were transformed from their normal serene gardens and ponds into a space of celebration, though anyone from outside the walls would have never known. Banners of all colors flew high, balloons were tied to every post, and the walls were lined with tables and tables of food. The temple itself, made of stone and covered in vines, stood several stories high at the far end of the grounds, watching over the sacred land. The five elders of the council, dressed in their formal robes, stood on the balcony of the temple, welcoming the people of the island and travelers from the mainland alike.
Tradition held that the festival was to begin at exactly noon on the day of the summer solstice every year. The gates were to open, the children of the Earth were to gather within the walls, and everyone was to be shown the love and compassion that was offered by the flame. Food and drinks were offered to neighbors and strangers alike, everyday issues were left behind as one’s status and hierarchy were forgotten, everyone was merely human on the day of the flame. The afternoon was to be spent creating new friendships and nourishing old ones. Music was played and stories were exchanged until there were no more stories to tell.
When the atmosphere of the festival lulled, people turned to the most important aspect of the day and conversations shifted to the flame. Then, at exactly eight p.m., the elders of the council would migrate from the stations on the temple balcony to the center of the temple grounds. All voices quieted as everyone turned to watch the elders make their way to the stage. As they climbed onto the wooden platform the crowd shifted to surround them, hanging onto every moment as energy became holier in the presence of the highest council members. Not a sound could be heard beyond the chirping of the birds and the running of the river as everyone waited for the elders, who were now standing in a line on the stage, to speak.
“Welcome children of the Earth, to Kaen Island and to the Festival of the Flame.” The elder standing in the middle spoke with a voice as deep and as soothing as the ocean. His arms were spread open as if waiting to receive a hug, as he greeted the diverse mass of listeners.
“Today we share these sacred grounds with you in the name of the Flame, just as the Earth declared it in the beginning,” the elder continued, “Our flame, the gift of the Earth in all her divinity, has been lit for many millennia, fueling humanity’s compassion and love the entire time. It brings us peace and harmony and helps us to remember the Guardians, our saviors from the Time Before.”
One by one the other elders stepped forward and held up an ancient clay mask. The elder furthest to the left held one painted in blue, beside him was the elder holding the white mask. To the right of the middle elder, an elder held a green mask and beside him, the last elder held a black one. They each stepped forward and spoke.
“The Guardian of Skies. Keeper of the sun, controller of the weather. We thank you,” the first elder spoke.
The next chanted, “The Guardian of the Mountains. Symbol of strength and courage. We thank you.”
The third elder continued, “The Guardian of the Valley. Nurser of nature and protector of animals. We thank you.”
“The Guardian of the Underground. Keeper of the shadows, watcher of time. We thank you,” the furthest elder said.
Finally, the elder in the middle walked to the statue in the center of the courtyard, which was wearing a mask of gold, and raised his arms.
“The Guardian of the Flame. Child of the Earth, hero of mankind. We thank you.”
Everyone on the temple grounds went still, but only for a moment as immediately after they erupted in cheer, showing gratitude for their Guardians. Kids ran to the statue looking up in awe. Adults recited stories of the Guardians they had heard from childhood. Some just smiled, thankful for the Guardians.
The elders returned to the temple at the far end of the grounds, leaving the crowd to enjoy the rest of the festival. Silence filled the temple as the doors were closed. The masks were returned to the marble busts of the Guardians and the elders met at the table in the center of the temple.
“It is irresponsible for us to hold this celebration,” one elder says.
“Brother Thomas, I understand you’re worried, we all are, but we cannot let the people know what we know. If we had canceled this festival, Kaen Island may have fallen into chaos,” another elder replies.
“Do not ‘Brother Thomas’ me Asha. This was dangerous. A large gathering like this is sure to bring the attention of the Lost One.”
One of the other elders speaks up, “Please Thomas, do not speak of that now. It is the day of the flame. Let us rejoice.”
“Not you too Rose,” Thomas says, somewhat in disbelief.
“Guys, I think Thomas might be right. We’ve heard the Lost One is returning and we all know this will be the first place he will destroy. It wasn’t right to allow all of these people to come”, a fourth elder joins the conversation.
“See! Thanks, Isamu,” said Thomas
“It’s too late to be talking about this. These people are already here. Instead of arguing about not having it, how about we discuss how we are going to find the guardian,” the final elder asks.
“Brother Leo, we are not even sure that these rumors are true. All we have heard is that a light was seen from the Lost One’s cave, that could mean anything. If he has returned then we must wait for the Guardians to come to us. We must place our faith in the Earth and listen to the Flame and all will be fine.” Asha looked to each elder and spoke in a tone of finality, hoping to end the conversation.
Just as Thomas was about to speak up once more a loud crash came from the kitchen. The elders grabbed their staffs from the wall and made their way toward the noise.
As they neared the kitchen they heard voices seemingly in an argument.
“Dude, stop being so loud. Here Kat take this”
“I don’t know Michael. This is such a bad idea. We should go.”
“I’m with Kat”
“Don’t be such a loser, Helen.”
“Don’t be mean Toby.”
Another crash came. The elders pushed through the door. They circled the intruders holding up their staffs to keep them in place.
“Who are you? What are you doing here,” Asha asked.
“We’re so sorry. We were… Looking for the bathroom.” The girl spoke, though she seemed more unsure with each word.
“Kat, stop talking,” the one who appeared to be leading them spoke, “We were just trying to see the masks of the Guardians up close, maybe you can show us the way?”
The elders were stunned by both the honesty and the audacity of these teenagers, but only Asha spoke.
“No one is allowed in this Temple. You need to leave.”
“Are you sure we couldn’t just get a look at them? They just seem so cool,” another teenager spoke.
“No. Now move this way, you will be leaving now.”
The elders led the intruders out of the kitchen and to the main doors. Just as they were entering the main room a gust of wind rushed through the closed temple. The elders stopped, looking between each other and the teenagers.
“What’s going on?” One of the young adults asked.
The elders, not sure what was going on either, simply looked to Asha for answers, but before Asha could answer the room darkened as the lights were blown out. To either side of the group, the masks of the Guardians began to glow their respective colors and levitated from the busts. They moved toward the group, each one stopping in front of a teenager.
“What is happening?” The shy one asked, scared.
The elders understood and bowed.
“Welcome home, Guardians.”
