Season of Sacrifice (Blood of Azure Book 1) by Jonathan Michael (best ebook for manga txt) 📕

reserved for faith in the definition of truth. This is what drove Susy from that world and why he oversees our world, keeping us safe. Attempting to understand everything will inevitably suffocate a civilization. A very wise man once told me ‘Established science is irrefutable, but the power of faith cannot be ignored.’ This is something I try to hold true to, always.”

“Yeah, I’ve heard of the realm of blue waters,” I interject, not one bit convinced. “I don’t believe in magical lands nobody can prove exist. Nor do I believe in the possibilities of a Hybreed. Nobody has or will ever have the ability to perform all four of the seasonal talents. It’s a foolish depiction, is it not?”

Arden shrugs his shoulders and continues without verbally acknowledging my question. “Susy continues the circulation of the seasons, which, in turn, allows life on Azure to endure. It is believed he can change the weather patterns at a moment’s notice, which is why the foliage might change early, or the snowfall is soft some winters, or the flowers bloom a couple months late. It’s all in his hands.

“Ages ago—”

“Arden…” Lady McLarin interrupts. “How much of a history lesson is this going to be? He’s here to have a good time.”

“I’m almost finished. I’m almost finished.” He rolls his eyes at his wife. “Ages ago, during the first days of Azure, our society was far more scientific and factual. We always celebrate him on the solstices and the equinoxes because, scientifically, that is when the seasons are recognized to change and what the Old Races believed to be true. However, there was no organized faith back then, only facts. It was sort of common knowledge. But then, groups started forming that noticed the variations in the weather. Word spread rapidly there was nothing scientific about the seasons. There was no given date for when the first snowflake would fall or when the first cherry blossoms would bloom. There were already testimonies of Susy at this point, so this fueled the Advocates and their worship. These congregations began joining together to worship in what they called the House of Seasons and preached their beliefs that Susy was the one in control of the weather and, ultimately, the seasons. Eventually, enough disciples congregated to blossom into the Seezuhn religion.

“The amazing aspect of this faith is all the disciples gathered from peaceful preaching alone. No wars. Faith is a strong force, and it can cause men to be weak if they misinterpret its purpose. There were no forced conversions leaving destruction in their wakes. The pursuit of knowledge has been the only cause of war in our histories. It leaves me feeling proud to be part of such a faith.

“There were resisters, however. Resisters who truly believed in nothing except what they could see in front of their faces, nothing that could not be proven in an equation or experiment. Most of the resisters voiced their concerns that these Advocates were uneducated and ill-advised and brushed them off as something that would never outlast or outperform science. It turned out science was not as powerful as faith.

“And that is how the Seezuhn religion began.”

“That’s all very interesting, Mr. McLarin, but you didn’t give much detail about where Susy came from. Who is Susy other than some mythical deity from an unknown world? It sounds fantastical to me.”

“You know, Elder, you ask some rather rational questions for a boy of your age. Ten?”

I nod. “I suppose I’ve always had a strong curiosity. My parents are always telling me to pipe down.” And they’re always telling me Susy was only a man, but I wouldn’t say that to Mr. McLarin.

Arden laughs. “Back to Susy. He is the most important part…” The carriage comes to a halt. “…but I’m afraid that’ll have to wait. We have arrived at the House of Seasons.” Arden steps out of the carriage and turns to face me. “Established science is irrefutable, but the power of belief is what drives this world.”

We step from the stag-drawn carriage to the entrance of the House of Seasons in Redoak. It’s not as grand as the one in the Crimson Capital, but not too far off. The main cathedral is about four stories high with four smaller cathedrals branching from it. Each could hold a large enough capacity to be its own House of Seasons. In the starless night, it’s tough to see all the embellishments these houses of worship parade, but I’m sure it’s astonishing. Aside from the typical dramatic and brilliant appeal, it is donned in a flamboyant array of autumnal decorations.

Lining the walkway to the entrance are numerous torches glowing in an assortment of colors. And not the typical variety of thunder lanterns, but flaming torches. Mesmerizing. How they do it, I don’t know, but the fires escaping each stalk vary from a dingy yellow of dead grass to a red as vibrant as the untainted Scarlet River, and various shades of yellows and oranges in between. The façade of the building is also adorned with flaming wall sconces in various locations. In addition to the autumnal flames, in the courtyard are four large-leaf maples, each the size of a mansion, showering down maple leaves of all colors. A non-stop flutter of leaves as if the trees have a limitless supply. Majestic.

We walk the well-lit path into the house of worship or, today, the grand ballroom for the Autumnal Festival. Arden, Shae, Stone, and Jaymes each greet the Advocate who welcomes every guest in the same manner.

“May the spring rains nourish your frame…”

“The summer sun enliven your mind…” Arden tunes in.

“The autumn foliage serenade your heart…”

“And the winter frost attune your soul.”

It must be very tedious to repeat the same lines over and over to each guest. I’m a bit uncomfortable chanting sayings I don’t understand, so I smile, nod, and explain to