“This is where we part ways,” Savekio had said the moment they climbed down from the mountain.
“What? Why?” Dreiki asked.
“I anticipate there’s quite a bit of nobility near the Tibur at this moment, and I’ve no doubt a certain Prince and his retainer are nearby as well. There wouldn’t have been a point to covering our tracks if I’m seen there with you.”
Dreiki’s heart sank. So Vilkus was in the Tibur forest?
“Where are you going then? What’s the plan?”
“The plan is to act like lambs. You lot are estranged travelers who seek refuge in the Tibur camp. Tell them that you have potions and herbal ingredients for trade, and that you plan to take part in the Siren Ceremony. They won’t turn you away after hearing that. And don’t try to lie to them either. They’ll pick up on that pretty quick.”
“And how long do we do that for? When do we meet up again?”
Savekio pulled a map from his pocket and showed it to them, “I will be located in the southwestern section of the Ingen forest near this cave. During the night of the Siren Ceremony, I want you all to lead the Malaki in that direction and bring them out as far as you can manage. Once you’ve hit your limit, send up a flare and I’ll come running. Now, my disciple, you have three questions before this test, choose them wisely.”
Even now, as Dreiki led his friends through the Ingen forest, he didn’t know if he had asked the right questions.
“Hey Argo, I’ve been thinking,” Rixam said.
“Yeah?”
“Do you think it would be a good strategy if we pretend I’m the leader here?”
Dreiki raised an eyebrow, “I’m not opposed to it, but why do you ask?”
“Well, considering there’s some sort of dangerous xio and the prince who would kill you if they knew you were being trained by Sa- Loktiir- then it’s probably a good idea to be as low profile as possible right? No one would bat an eye if I said I was the leader here. I’m the oldest, and I’ve got quite the imposing figure if I do say so myself.”
Dreiki nodded, “That’s a good idea, I think. And you’re not a bad leader either.”
Rixam tried to hold back a smile.
“I vote for Gornax personally,” Luna said.
“My vote goes to Rixam,” Gornax chuckled, “Between me and Argo I think you’re outvoted, Feathers.”
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“Well what does Ezo think?” Luna huffed.
Ezo nudged Gornax with his nose, its tongue spilling out of its maw as it panted excitedly.
“So the vote is tied in the end,” she said, with a playful smirk.
“Uh, I think I can vote myself…” Rixam said.
“Doesn’t sound like you’re very sure of yourself, ‘leader’.”
Rixam clicked his tongue, “Always startin’ shit, Feathers.”
“That’s just Luna’s way of teasing you,” Dreiki said, “I think having you act as a leader is a good idea. I don’t really think of myself as a leader anyway.”
“Don’t get me wrong, Argo, but I think you’re the only one who sees it that way.” Rixam said, putting his hands behind his head, “If Argo could run for leader, who’d vote for him, raise your hand.”
To Dreiki’s shock, everyone raised their hand. Even Ezo barked in approval, trotting in place.
“See?”
Dreiki smiled, “Thanks guys.”
“Don’t mention it,” Rixam said, “But I think we should be quiet about this stuff now. We’re getting close to their camp, and I’d rather not be overheard. I’m the leader, so I’ll do the talking, just blend in and keep your head low, alright?”
Everyone nodded in agreement as they continued on their way. Dreiki looked at the creepy dolls hanging from the trees by their necks. He recalled from Savekio’s lessons that they hung those dolls every winter to lure Malaki to this forest for their Siren Ceremony. It was a culling ritual designed to separate the wheat from the chaff.
According to Savekio, surviving the culling at a young age was considered the first step towards being worthy of a throne in Itaro. It was also a prerequisite for all natural born Tibur to become future leaders and monster hunters.
For outsiders older than the age of eighteen seeking to become a Tibur, they held an entirely different and far more deadly ritual.
The Tibur had good incentive to invite outsiders to partake in the Siren Ceremony. The souls consumed by Malaki would then strengthen the survivors of the culling game. The more fodder they could throw at the monsters, the more opportunity the Tibur had to awaken Ux within their own ranks. It was for that reason they would not turn Dreiki and his friends away if they volunteered their souls for the ritual.
Dreiki would have liked to think such a culling game was exclusive to the war-like xiozians. However, the more he read about humans, the more he came to understand how similar they truly were. Some had even held more barbaric trials than the xiozians could ever imagine. Newborns being thrown to the rocks if they did not meet the standard of their elders, separated from their parents as early as seven and conscripted into harsh and brutal hazing to become a hardened warrior. Whipped, starved, and forced to endure the harsh weather in nothing but a ragged cloak.
At least Dreiki had been allowed to wear more than just a cloak, and eat good food.
The group had trudged on in silence until they came across a clearing. In the center stood a stone obelisk which stretched higher than the trees. Around the clearing was carved a salt-rock circle with iron runes embedded inside.
Dreiki wondered if it was some sort of ward against Malaki, or if it was just a sundial they created for the winter. Perhaps both?
There were dozens of people milling about the camp, busily setting up decorations, practicing dances, and chatting the day away. There was a surprising amount of open brawls as well.
“This is it,” Rixam said, “Remember, let me do the talking.”
Dreiki and the others nodded as they followed Rixam into the clearing.