3

Ascension

BY KIRK A. JOHNSON

“IAM VERY OPPOSED to this. Never has one of such tender years requested this most solemn of rites,” Master Dramane argued.

Jasseh turned to Master Kakat, wondering when the old man would speak. It had been hours since they heard his petition, and the debate still echoed throughout the depths of the remote mountain stronghold. He fought his eagerness to speak, to argue his position to this august assembly. But when one stands in the center of Jaidon’s Dome—the oldest halls within the belly of the mountain, used by all the elders of proper age and wisdom to debate and discuss the issues of the day—reverence must be given.

“And when did age become a hindrance? When did it become a weighted stone used to keep us down in the dirt?” An elder yelled from his seat.

“Even Master Nyami waited till he was eighty and a hundred years!” countered another.

“The Divine hungers for wisdom! Age is no guarantee!” cried another elder from across the circle of debating voices.

Master Kakat finally rose from his seat and hobbled down to the two men, his lower jaw grinding like a camel’s. Jasseh felt the pounding of his heart echo in his ears. The ancient mystic always looked like that when he was no longer in deep rumination and judgment was about to be passed. The votes were even, for and against his Ascension. Luckily for him, Master Dramane was his former teacher, so he could not vote. Master Kakat would have to decide the matter.

“Master Dramane, would you deny that young Master Jasseh has accomplished some extraordinary feats?” Master Kakat asked. “Do you doubt that he truly understands what it means to Ascend? Why does his youth bother you so?”

“Most honored teacher, I’ve never been clouded by the accomplishments of my fellow adept, but—”

“Then, if you have no further objections,” Maste