Inside the secret chamber.
Ayi Fa was taking the time to instruct Inid in the techniques of ritual studies.
"A true ritual is actually very simple: identify the subject, the prayer, the correct procedure..."
Ayi Fa said, "To pray to 'Grandmother Green Banyan,' you need to observe the phases of the moon and divine an appropriate time... At the same time, you must pay attention to the ritual diagram you draw. She favors lines that lean toward the feminine. There are also requirements for the sacrifice..."
Ritual studies were, in truth, a highly complex field of knowledge.
After explaining a few points, Ayi Fa suddenly sighed. "If it were that lord, perhaps he could communicate with the Age Controllers through his own spirituality alone... The essence of a ritual is 'communication'! As long as that goal is achieved, the process does not matter!"
Inid stood to one side, listening attentively.
Since Aaron had proposed a trade, it was only reasonable for her teacher to want to replenish her supply of "Purification Charms."
"This time, I will pray to 'Grandmother Green Banyan' for strength and create Purification Charms..."
"The best medium for a charm is a spiritual item, followed by pure metal. For carrying feminine power, silver is best... But 'Grandmother Green Banyan' is quite special. Green banyan leaves can also bear her power."
Ayi Fa placed seven emerald-green banyan leaves at the heart of the ritual and lit the candles.
Inid suddenly felt the surroundings inexplicably grow much dimmer.
Under the wavering candlelight, the pair's shadows swayed unsteadily across the walls, like the claws of grotesque monsters...
The fragrance of incense and essential oils spread through the room. Amid the undercurrents of spirituality, Ayi Fa chanted softly in Spirit Language:
"Old Dominator who rules this land..."
"Guardian of the Northland..."