What kind of celebration is this? Why invite the Death Gods over for a visit?
Dawn arrived about ten minutes later than usual today.
This strange phenomenon nearly drove the astrologers of the Arcane Academy mad. By tradition, they were responsible for all the advance preparations for the Summer Solstice Festival, and timing the important ceremonies was the highest priority. This was also the Eredar's first gathering as a people in over twenty thousand years. If they messed it up, they would truly be nailed to history's pillar of shame.
But no matter how hard the astrologers tried, they could not contend with a Lord of Dawn who enjoyed causing trouble. Although many people had guessed that Diakum the Saint was behind today's delayed dawn, few dared say it aloud for fear of triggering an incident of "blasphemy."
Such matters could always be made as serious or as trivial as one wished.
Although the Holy Light camp's tendency toward fanaticism was now being curbed across the board, and every clan, even the Light Cosmic Domain, was vigorously promoting theological study and debate to shift the People of Light's attention away from war and confrontation toward a more peaceful state, the Eredar's devotion to the Lord of Dawn was an "instinct" carved into their bloodline.
By now, Diakum the Saint's Faith Faction was showing signs of overtaking the Eredar's original Holy Light Doctrine.
Still, when trouble like this arose, it took those strong-willed old Arcane Mages to step in. When Governor Hutton sent people over to "demand an explanation," Headmistress Veilara personally came out and forcefully shut down those disrespectful officials.
Someone else makes a mistake, and you come blame us Arcane Mages? Have we spoiled you that much?
The students had calculated the timing over and over. It was enough