The men and women along the basin of the old lakebed were silent as they watched the Jacta warrior being carried, most wearing hard expressions. Even those among Tirr’s followers were impacted by the heavy atmosphere. They quietly congratulated Doron as he climbed up but felt awkward being happy under the watchful eyes of the rest of the crowd. Only Tirr seemed unaffected, giving Doron a smile before calling for Iesa.

  Among the silent watchers was Fari… Seeing Doron mix into Tirr’s group, she let out a sigh before calling out to a young woman standing among her clan., “Koti!”

  “Yes!” The young woman responded, moving through the crowd who parted respectfully as she approached. She was dressed in the tribe's traditional clothing, a mix of leathers and furs that covered her tall and tanned body’s more delicate features.

  Besides a few hawk and owl feathers in her hair, a single necklace around her neck was the only adornment she wore… Something that most women of the tribe would scorn her for, but just a look at the sharp teeth along the leather strip was enough to show her prestige.

  What stood out to Fari though was the even expression Koti carried as she approached. Her eyes were cold, almost bored… As if it were just another day, and they hadn’t just watched the massacre the previous fights had been.

  Seeing how calm her daughter was compared to many of those around, a look of pride surfaced on the older woman’s face. “Your battle is next…” Fari started, giving the girl a small smile. “I have a few words for you as your Clan’s Chief…”

  “This warrior listens…” Koti responded politely.

  “It’s obvious that the other side contains great strength, but it's hard to say whether the next fighters will be as strong as the first too.” She glanced over towards where Tirr could be seen praising Doron. “It seems that one’s thoughts aren’t simple... The previous fighters held back just long enough to show just how big the difference was… And it’s hard to imagine that it wasn’t on purpose.”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

  “They wanted to scare us and they have, but Havo doesn’t just give in to fear… Maybe the first two were just for show and the rest are weaker. Or maybe the rest are even stronger… But in the end, it doesn’t matter…”

  Koti nodded as she listened intently, letting her mother’s word sink into her mind.

  “Since we don’t know their strength, then we treat them like they’re stronger than us… And we’ve been dealing with creatures stronger than us for generations! If they have the strength of a Beast, then hunt them like a Beast!”

  Fari’s eyes sharpened as she instructed her daughter, “Avoid direct conflict, whittle away at them, bite at their heels, and gnaw at their flesh. Let them rampage as you watch from a distance, they’ll wear themselves out soon enough…. When they’re lying on the ground half dead, finish it safely without giving them a last chance…” She reached out a hand grabbing the young woman’s shoulder firmly, “Do you understand?”

  “Yes Mother,” Koti replied, seriously.

  “Good, if it ends up being too much even with the tribe’s wisdom, simply retreat. Better to walk away and fight another day…” Fair sighed patting her daughter on her back, “Go…” As the young woman moved down into the basin Fari turned her voice expanding as she called for the contestants of the next round.

  On the other side of the basin, Tirr was giving Iesa a few parting reminders when he noticed a figure start moving down to the lakebed. “The next fighters from Havo?” Tirr asked Dun curiously…

  “Ah yeah,” Dun replied, looking somewhat surprised Looks like Fari is sending her daughter Koti in, She’s a mean one… Really fit for someone that grew up under that old owl…”

  “Doesn’t matter how mean she is, I’ll burn her all the same…” Iesa cut in proudly “. There’s no way I’m going to be the one to give up our win streak…”

  “Yeah, yeah…” Tirr waved her down as Fari call for the contestants. “Just make sure to remember the things I said, and you’ll do fine…”

  “Yes!” Iesa saluted before moving down into the Basin with large bounding steps.

  Maria came and sat next to the young god with Garm in her arms as she looked at him thoughtfully. “You’re worried?”

  “That fighter seems different… Tirr answered as he stared at the young woman moving down the opposite side of the basin. “Almost reminds me of Nerida, but more animalistic.

  Before Maria could ask him what he meant, a loud voice called out to the contestants before announcing that the fight had begun…