Chapter Two.
Tonight is the full moon and, with it the celebration of the Lunar rite, down by the river where magic and the ethereal conjure the spirits of the invisible world. Everyone squats on the ground awaiting their excellencies. A chariot drawn by two white colts appears in the sky and descends effortlessly. With this, everyone prostates themselves. Next to appear from a nearby cove are the two priests and priestesses who are greeted by a congregation with heads bowed in solemn reverence. The head priestess Levenna raises her arms to the moon and shouts, “Adoni, Adoni, Adoni Pasteri, Reveri.” Then she waves her arms and there is a flash of lightning that illuminates the entire surroundings. She sits. Next, the king rises, thanks everyone for attending and says, “The religious rite is now commenced.” He sits down. Again the head priestess rises to her feet, by this time in a complete trance, and as she raises her arms the whole area is transformed. Spirits from the Lunar world dance everywhere. Then everyone rises and dances in unison to a frantic crescendo. Levenna waves her arms and shouts, “Catari, Carati, Catari, Labari, it is ended.” With that everyone and everything disappears and so ends the holy rite.
Chapter Three.
There is a problem that has been festering for months. A young fairy named Trudii has been courting Matilda for as far back as anyone can remember, but her parents have promised her to a family on the mainland. It has become so heated the king has called a meeting of the young couple, their parents, and Levenna. They are all assembled in the lounge area of the palace.
The king is the first to speak. “So, how can we resolve this problem amicably? The queen and I think Trudii and Matilda should be allowed to wed. What is your counsel Levenna?”
“It is quite simple. Trudii must prove his love. He must travel to the underworld and retrieve the golden sword guarded by Medusa.”
Everyone shouts with one accord, “He’ll never survive the ordeal!”
“That’s my judgment, and it will stand. Trudii, before you leave the island you must pay a visit to Prospero and get his blessing. A priest and priestess will accompany you as far as the entrance. After that, you’re on your own.” With that said, she rises and leaves.
Everyone sits bewildered but accepts the inevitable. The High Priestess’s judgment on the young couple spreads like wildfire throughout the island.
On the appointed day the islanders assemble themselves at the harbour. The carriage pulls up and out steps Lavenna, the priest and the priestess, while Trudii and Matilda await the boat. Before the trio climbs aboard the vessel, Lavenna gives her parting blessing to the young warrior. Matilda has to be supported by the well-wishers as she bawls her eyes out. Then there is a chorus of wailing from the bystanders who are all convinced they’ll never see their little hero again.
