The Final Step (event)
For an Anaanide to reach the final step is exceedingly rare, and as such, is an occasion accompanied by much revelry. The surrounding towns have been feasting for the past few days, and the air is full of songs and praises to the Great Judge, with Anaanide devotees from distant lands even traveling to join the festivities. I took no part in the celebrations however, spending the night before in prayer to ensure that my soul is completely pure as I take the final step.
Finally, as the sun rose to its full height, I emerged from the temple where I had been meditating and marched to the ritual site accompanied by an entourage of guides, friends, and family. Excitement runs through the air as onlookers observed my march, punctuated by shouts of joy and snippets of prayers.
A thousand paces from the raised platform where I am to undertake the final step, I knelt in prayer, beginning the ritual. Still kneeling, I walked toward the platform while chanting prayers of gratitude to the gods for allowing me to reach this moment. Around me, my companions join me in my chanting to the accompaniment of drums and lyres. Eventually, I reached the center of the platform, which was surrounded by several pyres prepared the day before.
As I finished my last prayer to the Great Judge, the surrounding pyres erupted in flames of red, green, and gold. I watched as the flames spun and rose, eventually joining into a multicolored pillar of flame. Beyond the inferno, I hear the chants rising into a crescendo as the flames converge upon me in a kaleidoscope of heat and color.
And now, my journey ends.