Chapter 47: Performing the Ritual
Daeranyx POV
I exited the chambers of Corlys and Rhaenys and began my journey towards my own quarters. Within a few minutes, I had arrived and noticed the guard was still present. Acknowledging that he had eaten, I nodded and entered my chambers. I made my way to the balcony for some fresh air and to check the sun's position, determining whether I needed to hasten my journey to Skagos. Observing the sun, I concluded that there was still time before I needed to depart for Skagos, as it lies on the opposite side of the continent, and Anarion would require some time to get there.
After breathing in some fresh air, I began gathering the necessary ingredients for Anarion's ritual. The first items I secured were the three that arrived today. Following that, I added a quantity of phoenix ash collected after Vezofina's birth, Valyrian steel, and, as always, Dragonglass. Despite its abundant source in Skagos, it's prudent to bring it along. Lastly, I took a measure of Sheep Stealer's blood, as dragon's blood is the finest ingredient for nearly all purposes in this world, and this ritual is no exception. Having double-checked and triple-checked everything, I stowed them in a separate pouch for easy access.
I prepared to apparate to Skagos, and without even the faintest whisper, I arrived at the cave within Skagos's volcano where I had spent over a year. I sought Anarion's presence on the island but could not sense him. Thus, I proceeded to the cave nestled deep within the volcano to inspect the site of the upcoming ritual and perform a few cleansing spells, as the site would surely require preparation. Reaching the dark cave where Anarion and I had dwelled for the past year, I transfigured some stone into a torch and cast a spell to illuminate the cavern, allowing me to see the area I would be working on.
The cave is huge and vast as its vastness is necessary, for Anarion would not fit otherwise. Numerous webs and various objects became visible in the light of the magical fire I had kindled. Having done with enchanting my clothes with spells to keep them clean from dirt and dust that would be rising, I began casting one spell after another to tidy the entire area. Minutes passed, and I was almost finished cleaning the cave. Once that was done, I conjured furniture to hold the ingredients I would be using. Just as I was about to sit on a chair I had created, a roar of happiness echoed from outside, accompanied by the shaking of the volcano and not even few minutes and I could see the silver scales shimmering in the cave's dimly lit, magically sustained fire.
I approached Anarion, placing my hand gently on his snout and pressing my forehead against his to share the warmth that he constantly emits and to fell our bond. The cave was silent for some time except for the occasional clatter of stones dislodged by Anarion's tail. After a moment of petting and sincere words, we parted ways, and I moved to the side to allow Anarion entry. Once he was settled, I began organizing the area for the ritual. The first item I prepared was the dragon glass powder, which is highly effective with dragon and volcanic fire magic. I started the ritual by forming circles with the powder.
I began crafting a triple-layered circle around Anarion, as the number three holds great power, and I have no shortage of Dragonglass to worry about its scarcity. Anarion lay resting, having travelled a vast distance to arrive here. I believe any other dragon would scarcely remain conscious after such a journey in so brief a time. Thus, I chose not to disturb him and continued with my task. Time has elapsed since I commenced the circle around Anarion. Given his size, this was to be expected, and though I could expedite the process of making a circle of Dragon glass powder around Anarion using my magic, rituals are akin to a trade—a trade with the magic of the world. It hinges on how much you're willing to sacrifice to obtain the desired outcome. Hence, I minimize the use of magic in rituals as much as possible.
After completing the circle around Anarion, I took four large shards of Dragonglass from the table I had created to place at various points around the perimeter. I positioned each shard in the cardinal directions, as this alignment aids the ritual by harnessing the island's natural magic and volcanic energy. Subsequently, I ground wyvern bones into a fine powder to craft runes on all three circles that I have made around Anarion. With the bone powder lacing around Valyrian steel dagger, I inscribed seven runes on each circle, symbolizing growth, strength, endurance, fire, rebirth, blood, and life. These runes were etched to endow the ritual with the desired effects, in return for my sacrifice.
Having confirmed my intentions for the ritual, I proceeded towards Anarion with all the necessary ingredients to inscribe runes on him, ensuring that the ritual's magical power and energy would be directed solely to him. I retrieved a bowl capable of containing the potent magic of the blood I carried with me which is Dragon's and Basilisk's. Once placed upon the ground, I began to extract the Dragon and Basilisk blood. I first poured the Dragon's blood, followed by the Basilisk's after a short interval, watching as the two bloods swirled together in the bowl for dominance against each other. When the swirling ceased with clear winner as Dragon blood, I sliced my palm, allowing my blood to mingle with that of the two mystical creatures already present in the bowl.
After I began inscribing the same runes on the silver scales of Anarion that I had drawn on the ground, I proceeded with caution, knowing that even minor errors could drastically alter the ritual. Once I finished etching the runes on Anarion's scales, I meticulously checked for any mistakes. After several reviews, I took out the Bloodstem roots. Although I could have extracted Bloodstem roots essence and combined it with all mixed blood, I opted for a raw approach. Placing my hand on Anarion's body and clarifying my intention, I affixed the roots onto his scales with a sticking charm. This method was beneficial as it directly imparted the vitality and healing properties necessary for the ritual.
I began moving towards the edge of the circle, knowing that my presence within it could lead to unintended consequences I wished to avoid. I also needed to scatter phoenix ash over the runes on the ground to initiate the ritual, which I could only do from outside the circle. Reaching the spot where I had inscribed the runes with a Valyrian steel dagger, I started to sprinkle the ash onto each rune. Once this was done, I could sense the ritual magic was primed to act. All that remained was to direct it, or summon it forth—however one chooses to describe it—by reciting the chant, for that is the way to call forth magic.
Thus, I prepared myself and began to recite in High Valyrian.
"Ānogar glaeson, drīvo ēzi.
Zaldrīzes gevives, hen perzys bē
Tolī prūmio, gevie prūmā.
Mazdja ēzi, drāzmar bē māzis."
(Blood of the heart, from darkness arise
The dragon awakens, through fire reborn
Boundless spirit, ignite in life
Bloodline ignites, flames rise without end.)
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