31: Spartan Rite of Passage

Silver's eyes widened as he heard his father's announcement, a mix of excitement and nervousness coursed through his veins. The dining hall erupted in a cacophony of voices with each family member expressing their surprise and concern. Silas' declaration had caught them all off guard, considering his well-known affection for his youngest son.

King Abel, Silver's grandfather, leaned forward in his seat and he furrowed his brows. "Silas, are you certain about this? Silver is still young, and the rite of passage is no small feat."

Silas met his father's gaze, his voice steady and resolute. "Although he's not the most talented, he's already old enough. He needs to get stronger since the Technotopians are definitely not going to wait for us."

"I also believe in him."

Silver's heart swelled with pride at his father's words. He had always dreamed of undergoing the rite of passage, eager to demonstrate his worth as a Morningstar and a Spartan. The thought of embarking on this journey filled him with a sense of purpose and determination.

As the Morningstars continued to discuss the matter, Silver's mind raced with possibilities. He knew that the rite of passage would test his skills, both physical and mental, but he was ready to face any challenge that lay ahead.

"I am more than willing to undergo the rite of passage," Silver spoke, his voice cutting through the chatter. All eyes turned to him, and he met their gazes with unwavering resolve. "I have trained hard and I am prepared to prove myself worthy of the Morningstar name."

"Hmm." Abel gazed at Silver with a thoughtful expression, and then he chuckled softly. "Spoken like a true Spartan."

Although some of the family members present wanted to say something, since the King had spoken, his word was law and they all kept their thoughts to themselves.

Meanwhile, Silver felt joy and happiness. He was ready to embrace his destiny and take the first step towards becoming a true warrior of Sparta.

Silver's mind raced with excitement as he recollected the details of the Spartan rites of passage. He had heard countless tales of the brave warriors who had undergone these trials, proving their worth and earning their place among the ranks of Sparta's finest.

There were three Spartan rites of passage, and a Spartan could choose which rite of passage he or she wanted to challenge.

The most common rite of passage, the death match in the Spartan colosseum, sent a shiver down Silver's spine. He had witnessed these brutal contests before, watching as Spartan youths fought against prisoners in a battle to the death. The thought of facing such a challenge himself filled him with a mix of fear and anticipation.

The second rite of passage, spending a month in the forest near the Spartan capital, appealed to Silver's sense of adventure. He had always been drawn to the untamed wilderness, eager to test his skills against the dangers that lurked within. The prospect of bringing back a formidable beast as a trophy only added to the allure of this trial.

But it was the third and least chosen rite of passage that truly captured Silver's imagination. The idea of spending a month at sea, battling against the unpredictable waves and facing the monstrous creatures that inhabited the depths, sent a thrill through his veins. He had heard whispers of the terrors that awaited those who dared to venture into the northern waters, and the thought of confronting them head-on filled him with a sense of exhilaration.

As Silver pondered his options, he couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and determination. No matter which rite of passage he chose, he knew that he would face it with the courage and resilience that defined the Spartan spirit. He was ready to prove himself, to show the world that he was worthy of the Morningstar name and the legacy of Sparta's greatest warriors.

Silver's heart raced with anticipation as he contemplated the three rites of passage laid out before him. Each one presented its own unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and he knew that whichever path he chose would shape his future as a Spartan warrior.

As he weighed his options, Silver couldn't help but feel drawn to the third rite of passage - the month at sea. Although it was the most dangerous, Silver was most definitely sure that his fame and reputation would soar amongst the Spartans and his family, the Morningstars.

He could prove to his family that although he was far from being the most talented among his siblings, he could still achieve great things like some of his siblings.

The prospect of battling against the elements and facing the monstrous creatures that lurked beneath the waves filled him with a sense of exhilaration and purpose.

He could almost feel the salt spray on his face and the rush of adrenaline coursing through his veins as he imagined himself standing at the prow of a ship with his sword pointed at the sea and the monsters that lay beneath it. The thought of proving himself in such a challenging and unpredictable environment sent a thrill down his spine.

Silver knew that the month at sea would test him in ways he had never been tested before. He would have to rely on his wits, his strength, and his courage to survive the dangers that awaited him. But he also knew that if he succeeded, he would return to Sparta a true warrior, respected by his peers and feared by his enemies.

As Silver was lost in his thoughts, his mother, Eleanor Morningstar, turned her attention to him, her eyes filled with a mixture of pride and concern. "Silver, my son," she said, her voice soft yet firm, "have you given any thought to which rite of passage you wish to undertake?"

Silver looked at her, and then he scratched the side of his head. He could feel his family's gazes upon him, especially that of his father's and grandfather's.

It was not strange that his mother asked him what rite of passage he wished to undertake since she knew all too well that he had been thinking of the time he would have to undergo his rite of passage.

Despite his initial inclination towards the month at sea, he knew that rushing into such a momentous choice would be unwise.

"I have been considering my options for a long time now, Mother," Silver gave his reply, his voice steady and measured. "Each rite of passage presents its own unique trials and opportunities for growth. I believe it would be best if I take some time to reflect more on which path will best serve my development as a Spartan warrior."

As his father and grandfather heard his words, they exchanged a knowing glance with their eyes glinting with approval. They expected him to have an answer to his mother's question, but it seemed that the youngest child of the Morningstar family was wiser than he seemed.

"A wise choice, my grandson," Abel's voice reverberated in the dining hall, "The rite of passage is not a decision to be made lightly. It is a journey that will test your mettle and shape your future as a warrior of Sparta."

Silas nodded in agreement, "Your grandfather speaks the truth, Silver. Take the time you need to consider your options carefully. Your rite of passage would take place in a month's time… You still have time."

Silver nodded, and then he took his unfinished piece of chicken leg and devoured it with the adrenaline that was coursing through his veins.

As Silver tore into the chicken leg, his grandfather's voice resounded.

"In light of the recent battle at Nocturne's Edge and the tragic loss of our brave warriors, we will hold a burial ceremony to honor the fallen Spartans who gave their lives in defense of our great city."

A hush fell over the dining hall as the family members nodded in solemn agreement. Silver remembered the sorrow and joy of the families of the fallen and returning soldiers, and he reluctantly stopped eating his chicken leg.

But it was Abel's next announcement that truly captured Silver's attention. "We'll also hold a Legacy Ceremony for Commander Kael, to ensure his name and deeds are forever remembered."

Silver's eyes widened at the mention of Commander Kael, one of Sparta's great commanders whose exploits had become the stuff of legends. He had heard countless tales of Kael's bravery and tactical prowess, and the thought of honoring his memory filled Silver with a sense of awe and inspiration.

As the family members began to discuss the arrangements for the ceremonies, Silver found himself lost in thought, imagining the grandeur and solemnity of the events that lay ahead.