"Begin the baptism."
Valienne straightened, turned to the priestesses, and raised both hands.
The rows of priestesses lifted their heads in perfect unison and began a low chant.
At the center, directly beneath Rheanne's statue the massive pool of shimmering liquid began to glow brighter.
The surface rippled, and soft waves spread outward in perfect concentric circles.
Two priestesses stepped forward, lifting Selena's stretcher between them.
They carried her to the pool's edge and lowered her carefully onto a raised marble platform that extended over the water like an altar.
Valienne moved to the head of the platform, raised her arms, and raised her voice above the chant.
"In the name of Rheanne Himelle, Flame of Protection, Sovereign of this world... we call upon your light."
The priestesses echoed her "We call upon your light."
Valienne placed both hands on Selena's forehead, pressing her thumbs gently to her temples.
