In the restless dawn that follows Horohan's departure, the Alinkar tribe is a cauldron of unrest. The once-sturdy bonds that held the tribe together are fraying at the edges, and uncertainty clouds the air. Tensions run high in the heart of the camp, the aftermath of the diplomatic crisis casting long shadows on the faces of the tribe members.
The council of elders gather in a semi-circle. They deliberate the future of the Alinkar tribe, the air heavy with the weight of their words. For them, the solution seems clear—a new heir must be chosen.
But Urumol the chieftain of Alinkar refuses to entertain the idea. His voice booms across the tent, echoing the conviction of his stance. "Horohan is of my blood, and no one else shall bear the title of heir!" he declares.
In his mind, the solution to the crisis is as simple as it is pragmatic. "If Horohan wishes to live as a woman, then so be it," he argues, his gaze unwavering. "She will marry, bear children, and through them, the bloodline of Alinkar will continue."
Whispers of dissent ripple through the council, but the chieftain stands resolute, his decision final. He sees the hand of the Jabliu in the current predicament—a cunning play to weaken Alinkar and strengthen their own position. The thought of Naci, the firebrand daughter of Jabliu's chieftain, fuels his determination. "The Jabliu have taken Horohan from us," he asserts, his voice a crescendo of resolve. "We must arm ourselves, march to their lands, and bring back what is rightfully ours!"
Outside the tent, the members of Alinkar go about their day, but the undercurrent of unease is palpable. They have heard the chieftain's proclamation, and the air vibrates with the anticipation of conflict. Warriors sharpen their blades, their eyes reflecting the fire of impending battle, while some exchange worried glances, wondering if this path of confrontation is really justified.
The sun continues its ascent in the sky, casting long shadows across the camp. Away from the center of commotion, Temej and his mother, Kelik, are perched on a small hillock, the rhythmic sound of their eagles' calls filling the air.
Temej throws a piece of meat into the air. His eagle swoops down, catching it mid-flight, and returns to its perch on his arm. He turns to his mother, his expression thoughtful. "Do you really believe Naci would go to such lengths to destroy Alinkar?" he questions, his voice laced with skepticism. "She was here for just two days, and if she had such intentions, she could have done it more subtly."
Kelik, her face lined with the wisdom of the years, chuckles at her son's earnestness. She tosses a morsel to her own eagle, watching as it devours the treat. "Ah, Temej," she responds, her tone teasing, "our Naci isn't one for subtlety. That girl is a tempest. If she wanted to bring Alinkar to its knees, we would have known it by now."
Their laughter rings out in the quiet morning. The eagles ruffle their feathers, content in the presence of their human companions.
Temej's gaze drifts across the vast landscape, his thoughts turning to his older brother. "I wonder when he'll return," he muses, a hint of longing in his voice. The memory of his brother, drafted by the powerful Moukopl army, lingers in his mind, but worry does not crease his brow. "He's a skilled warrior. The Moukopl are lucky to have him."
As the breeze rustles the grass beneath their feet, the sound of footsteps climbing the hillock reaches their ears. Turning, they see the Alinkar shaman, his robes whispering against the ground, his staff in hand, making his way towards them. The air around him vibrates with a quiet energy, his presence commanding silence and respect.
Kelik's eyes meet those of the shaman, and a flicker of understanding passes between them. She turns to her son, her arms wrapping around him in a tight embrace. "Be strong, my child," she whispers, her voice steady despite the emotion in her eyes.
The shaman reaches the top of the hill, his gaze solemn as he looks at Temej. He begins to recite verses, his voice resonating with the ancient powers. The words are blessings, invoking the protection and strength of the spirits. The eagles, sensing the gravity of the moment, spread their wings, their calls echoing across the valley.
Finally, the shaman's voice falls silent, and he meets Temej's eyes with a weighty gaze. "Temej, son of Alinkar," he intones, "the time has come for you to take arms for your tribe. You are called upon to fight for your brothers and sisters."
A day has passed since the chieftain's declaration, and the camp of Alinkar is abuzz with activity. The once quiet air is now filled with the sounds of preparation and anticipation. Warriors clad in leather and metal ready themselves and their horses, the rhythmic clinking of armor accompanying their movements. The atmosphere is thick with tension, the uncertainty of when they will strike hanging over them like a shadow.
Groups of warriors gather around, discussing tactics and sharing stories, the flicker of the firelight reflecting in their eager eyes. The smell of sharpened metal and leather permeates the air as they hone their weapons, their conversations punctuated by the occasional clang of a blacksmith's hammer.
Away from the central commotion, Temej is crouched by a fire, skillfully skinning a hare. The smell of grilling meat wafts through the air as he places it over the flames, the crackling of the fire harmonizing with the distant sounds of preparation. Around him, young warriors watch, their stomachs growling in anticipation.
The absence of the veteran warriors, drafted by the Moukopl army, is palpable, leaving a band of young men to face the unknown. The unease is evident in their furrowed brows and clenched jaws, but they try to mask it with jokes and bravado. The weight of their responsibility, however, is a constant companion, whispering in their ears.
As Temej turns the hare over the fire, he listens to their conversations, offering a nod or a word when needed. They sit around the fire, the warmth chasing away the chill of the evening, their shadows dancing on the ground.
In the council tent, the chieftain, the shaman, and the elders are deep in discussion, their voices low and serious. The flickering light of the torches illuminates their faces, casting shadows that dance with the intensity of their conversation.
Late into the afternoon, as the sun casts a golden hue over the land, a cloud of dust rises in the distance. The Alinkar tribe turns their attention towards the approaching silhouette on horseback. A murmur runs through the crowd; some hold their breath, hoping it might be Horohan returning to alleviate the tension and avert the impending war.
But as the figure comes closer, the details of armor and the banner of Orogol become clear, dispelling any lingering hope of Horohan's return. The newcomer, clad in battle-worn armor, reins in his horse at the entrance of the camp, announcing himself as a messenger from the Orogol tribe, seeking audience with Chieftain Urumol.
With a mixture of curiosity and disappointment in their eyes, the Alinkar guide him towards the council yurt. The atmosphere inside the tent is tense as the Orogol messenger dismounts and steps inside, the elders and leaders of Alinkar regarding him with wary eyes.
With a bow of his head, the messenger gets straight to the point. "Horohan of Alinkar and Naci of Jabliu are currently in talks with the Orogol," he announces, his voice steady. "They are seeking allies, as the Moukopl have drafted a majority of the Jabliu warriors, leaving them weakened."
A hush falls over the council tent, the revelation bringing a new dimension to their deliberations. Chieftain Urumol's eyes gleam with a mixture of satisfaction and cunning. The alliance he had forged with the Orogol was proving to be fortuitous.
He leans forward, addressing the council with fervor in his voice. "This is the moment we have been waiting for," he declares. "With the Jabliu so weakened we are going to crush them. Now is the time to strike!"
The elders exchange glances, weighing the chieftain's words. Finally, nods of agreement ripple through the council. The decision is made. The Alinkar will march to war, their path illuminated by the prospect of reclaiming their lost honor and strengthening their position.
As dusk falls on the next day, the landscape is tinged with shadows and the final rays of the setting sun. The Alinkar cavalry, a sea of leather and metal, is assembled, ready to set forth towards Jabliu. At the forefront, Chieftain Urumol sits on his horse, his gaze stern and unwavering, a grim determination etched on his face. The air is heavy with anticipation, the warriors' hearts pounding in their chests as they grip their reins and weapons.
Temej, amidst the ranks, looks around at his fellow warriors, a knot of unease tightening in his stomach.
The Alinkar move out, the rhythmic beating of hooves and the clinking of armor filling the air as they make their way towards Jabliu.
As they approach the Jabliu lands, the sight that greets them is both heartbreaking and chilling. The Jabliu tribe, left with only women, elders, and children after the drafting of their men, stands defenseless. The fear in their eyes is palpable as they watch the Alinkar cavalry approach, the realization of their fate settling in their hearts.
Without any resistance, the Jabliu surrender, their hands raised in a plea for mercy. But Chieftain Urumol's face remains hard, his eyes cold. The hatred within him, fueled by years of conflict and loss, is not quenched by the easy victory. He orders the pillaging of the Jabliu camp, the Alinkar warriors spreading out, seizing what little the tribe has left.
Temej watches in horror as the scene unfolds before him, the cries of the Jabliu people piercing the air. The brutality of the Alinkar warriors, under Urumol's command, is unrelenting. Temej's heart pounds in his chest, the atrocities he witnesses imprinting themselves in his mind.
Urumol's orders do not stop at pillaging. With a wave of his hand, he commands the massacre and torture of dozens of Jabliu people. The air is filled with screams of agony and pleas for mercy, but they fall on deaf ears. The ground is stained with blood.
Tseren, the Jabliu chieftain, battered and bloodied, falls to his knees before Urumol, his voice breaking as he begs, "Mercy, Chieftain Urumol! Have mercy on my people!"
Urumol, towering over him, smirks with cold satisfaction. "Mercy? For a tribe that planned our demise?" He scoffs, his voice dripping with disdain. "I know of your little scheme, rallying allies behind our backs. But rest assured, your fate ends before it even begins."
Tseren, desperation evident in his eyes, clutches at Urumol's armor, "It was never about the demise of Alinkar! It was survival! Please, I beg of you, take my life but spare my people!"
Urumol steps back, shrugging off Tseren's grasp, his expression unmoved. "Your life? You think your life holds such value?" He laughs, a chilling sound amidst the cries of the suffering. "No, Tseren, your life is not what I desire."
Tseren looks up, confusion and dread in his gaze, "What… What do you want?"
Urumol leans in, his voice a menacing whisper, "I want Horohan. Once he is back where he belongs, only then will I consider ending your pathetic existence." With a final, contemptuous glance, he turns away, leaving Tseren kneeling in the dust.
Tseren, staring blankly at the pillaging of his own tribe, feels the bitter sting of his dreams crumbling before him. Was this the future he envisioned when he dreamed of Tepr's freedom? The pillaging continues all night, the remaining people of Jabliu forever scarred by the atrocities.
Temej, feeling the bile rise in his throat, steps down from his horse and lies on the ground, the cries and screams echoing in his ears. He closes his eyes tightly, hoping to wake up from this sickening nightmare. But the horrors continue, the images burned into his mind, the sounds haunting his every breath.
Hours drag on, and the sun reaches its peak in the sky. From afar, Naci and Horohan, returning from their adventure, notice the smoke rising. Their hearts pounding, they push their horses faster, the dread growing with each gallop. As they reach the Jabliu lands, the sight that greets them is one of horror. The sacked Jabliu tribe, their remaining people beaten and seated in a circle, their eyes vacant, their spirits crushed.
Recognizing her mother, sisters and aunts among the prisoners, Naci, tears welling in her eyes, rushes to help them, her hands reaching out. But before she can get far, Alinkar warriors, hidden amidst the debris, aim their bows at them.
Urumol appears from the shadows, pushing Tseren, who is bound in ropes, to the ground. His gaze falls on Horohan, a twisted smile playing on his lips. "Welcome back, son," he greets, his voice cold, his eyes unfeeling. Horohan, taking in the scene before her, feels a chill run down her spine, the weight of her father's actions pressing down on her.
…
Back in the Orogol settlement, the atmosphere is starkly contrasting the dire scene at Jabliu. In the dimly lit yurt filled with the scent of burning herbs and the rustle of ancient scrolls, Konir is humming a playful tune. With his sharp, fox-like features and mischievous glint in his eyes, he moves around the room, his steps light and dance-like.
Amidst the scattered bones and paintings, he continues his divination, his fingers deftly casting the tools of his trade. The rhythmic humming and the flickering candlelight create an almost hypnotic ambiance, the shadows playing tricks on the walls.
A smirk plays on Konir's lips as the bones reveal the unfolding events, the Alinkar successfully pillaging Jabliu just as he had planned. The feeling of satisfaction and anticipation fills him, the thrill of his schemes coming to fruition making his heart race.
As he continues his divination, delving deeper into the weave of fate, he sees an omen that broadens his smirk into a grin. The shadows seem to dance with him, the room alive with the energy of his revelation.
"And now we wait for her comeback," he muses to himself, his voice laced with glee. The image of a particular visage fills his mind. "Ahhh, I can't wait to see her angered and desperate face again."
He leans back, his eyes gleaming in the candlelight, the playful song still on his lips. The room seems to hum with him, the unfolding fate of those involved swirling around him like an unseen dance partner.