The rite of passage 4- The beginning of the ritual

Shonah's declaration sent waves of astonishment and excitement through the crowd. Voices buzzed with chatter, heads turned to exchange thoughts.

Shonah couldn't blame the people for their reactions. The bear test was notoriously challenging, and few returned successfully. The Strength clan, consequently, boasted the fewest members in the entire tribe. Typically, only those born into families already part of the clan would attempt this trial. They received specialized training, advice, and a wealth of experience—a privilege Shonah, unfortunately, couldn't access.

Her father's expression was a mix of astonishment and something she couldn't quite read. It wasn't clear if he was expressing approval for her choice or grappling with terror. He had supported her decision to undergo the ritual, but perhaps he hadn't anticipated this specific test. Maybe he thought she'd opt for the Seeker clan or, at most, the Fang clan.

Yet, Shonah had no alternative. Her plan hinged on success in this specific test. The favor of Daum'Gdur bestowed increased strength and stamina to its recipient. Even knowing that Selior was the one behind the ritual didn't change the fact that she still needed this particular blessing. Indeed, Shonah knew that joining the Strength clan and acquiring Daum'Gdur's favor would grant her the physical prowess needed to challenge the established norms in the village. The ability to match, or even surpass, the feats of the current clan members was an essential step in her plan to revolutionize the tribe's traditions.

Shonah's gaze shifted from her parents to Odn, the tribal chief who observed her with intent eyes. She couldn't help but wonder if he, too, was speculating about her intentions.

It was likely.

When she finally looked away, Odn addressed the crowd, his voice booming over the residual chatter. "The spirits have heard! The choice has been made!" he declared, commanding attention. "From this moment forth, none shall interfere with Shonah. At the turn of the next moon, she shall embark on her chosen trial. Considering the nature of her quest, it falls upon me to escort her to the borders." Odn sought out Shonah's father with his gaze before concluding, "The chosen one shall have fifteen moons to complete her test. On the fourteenth, we shall journey forth. That is all. May the spirits be with you."

"May the spirits be with you," resonated through the crowd, a collective response.

Shonah stood, watching as the people dispersed. Last went her father, followed by her sister, and next to them... Mailo. Their eyes were wide with fear, they were afraid for her. The vision of their faces filled Shonah with mixed emotions. On the one hand, she was happy to see how much they were caring for her, but on the other, she was terrified of never seeing them again.

The longer she held their gaze, the heavier the weight in her stomach became. If she lingered, staring at their distraught faces for even a moment longer, Shonah knew she was in danger of changing her mind. To prevent that, she resolved to turn away and step into the temple, leaving her loved ones outside, their eyes fixed on her.

As she entered the temple, she struggled to reassert her resolve. She had made her decision! Now, all she had to do was wait for Selior, who, as Sel Kam, would provide her with everything she needed: clothes, flint, and hopefully, some good directions...

Shonah found herself in the first room of the temple, seated in the only available chair, wrapped up in her thoughts. There was a nagging feeling that she had forgotten something, but she couldn't quite put her finger on it. As she strained to remember, she was interrupted by Selior's voice.

"I will prepare Shonah for the spirits, Odn. May tomorrow be promising, and may the spirits be with you." It almost made her laugh, hearing how Selior addressed Odn compared to the previous night. Outwardly, he had to play the role of a tribal druid and not reveal his true identity.

"Very well, I entrust her to your care, Sel Kam," and Shonah heard the sound of Odn's footsteps moving away.

A short while later, Selior entered the first room.

"A BEAR?" He looked at her in disbelief, "A bear? Are you out of your mind?" He tossed his leaf cloak onto the ground in frustration.

Shonah took a moment before speaking. The mistreatment of the druid's cloak still did not leave her indifferent. "It's the only way I can bring about change here."

"And how do you expect to bring about change, if I may ask? By sacrificing yourself?" he replied, his tone dry.

She didn't know why, but she couldn't help but laugh at his response. Perhaps Selior was right; maybe she was crazy.

"Oh, come on now. She chooses the most perilous trial and then laughs... O great Medriot..."

"Who?" she asked curiously. She didn't think Selior believed in any entities and found it a bit hypocritical. He was often quick to criticize their spirits while believing in some other beings.

"Never mind. That's not important right now. What matters is figuring out how I can keep you from getting killed..."

Was he genuinely concerned about her?

Without thinking, she asked, "Why would you help me?" Perhaps she should have stayed quiet and inquired about the ways he could assist her. But she couldn't fathom why he would want to support her. After all, if she vanished, so did the slightest risk of someone discovering he wasn't a genuine druid. Moreover, he was putting himself at risk of exposure.

"Are you kidding me?" He looked at her as if she had uttered the most absurd thing imaginable. "You're one of the few people I've had a decent conversation with since I've been here. I wanted to rescue you and send you away from this backward village, just as I've done with others. But you want to stay. And that's fine by me, but at least stay ALIVE in the village!"

She was a bit taken aback. "What do you mean, others?"

"Well, didn't you find it a little strange that in all the time I've been a druid, you're the only one who's found out who I truly am? Every once in a while, some initiates like you would figure it out, and I'd make the same proposal to them."

The druid's words had left Shonah stunned. This meant that some of the tribe members might actually be alive and well!

Selior continued, "But unlike you, they weren't airheads and accepted. Now they should be in a more civilized part of Cartcussa. Congratulations, you are the only one crazy enough to turn down my offer"

"So you're saying that when we didn't find the body or when a person mysteriously disappeared... You were the one who convinced them to leave?" Her tone carried an accusatory note.

"Not all of them, but yes, some of them received my assistance."

"And you never thought of telling their families?" It was outrageous to think that many mothers and fathers had suffered for sons or daughters who had actually escaped instead of dying during the ritual.

He looked at her, puzzled for a moment, then replied, "Oh yes, and maybe even Odn himself. I'm sure he would have been overjoyed to mate me to the cloak of leaves I wear."

Perhaps he didn't have to be so explicit, but he could have found a way...

"Look, the people I helped made their own choice, knowing full well what awaited them if they decided to stay, whether the test went well or not. You can't fault them for a choice they made."

Shonah stood silent at those words.

Shonah stood in silence at his words.

"Now, please, let's refocus on you. Thinking about other people's decisions won't help you."

In the end, Selior was right. Shonah needed to concentrate on herself and the impending test. Then it struck her. That's what she had forgotten!

She hadn't prepared any food or utensils to hide in Derenna's woods, something she could retrieve after she was alone beyond the gates... It might not have been a decisive factor in passing the test, but it would certainly have made her life easier. Maybe all was not lost. Perhaps Selior could assist her. "How are you going to help me?" She concealed hope in her heart.

"For the test, you may wear only ceremonial clothes, a leather belt, and attach a polished flint to it. You will be inspected, and you cannot wear anything else."

"How exactly does that help me?" She interrupted him, not seeing much assistance in knowing how she should dress.

"Let me finish. You can't take anything with you, but what if I happened to mark a little place outside the walls where I left some of my things? That might be helpful for you, I guess."

"Why would you have a-" And then the idea struck her. "It's your refuge in case they find out you don't believe in druid values!"

"Guilty," he admitted, raising his hands. "I've been setting up my little shelter for several cycles, just in case there's ever a misunderstanding with Odn. To date, I've never needed it, and I hope I never will. But 'don't trust' is my motto, so I've made it comfortable and stocked with resources. You'll find things that might come in handy. Wait a minute, I'll go get the map to get to it."

It was amusing how the most valuable help she was receiving came from the village druid, whom she had never seen in her life except during the tribe gatherings. She certainly wouldn't refuse his assistance, especially when she had failed to prepare in time. She didn't know whether to thank the spirits for this stroke of luck as well, but she certainly had Selior to thank.

A short time later, the druid returned with a rolled-up paper. "Here it is. Memorize it now, because you won't be able to carry it."

Taking the map, Shonah looked him in the eye. "Thank you. Not many people would have done that."

"Nobody," he said, looking at her amused. "I may not believe in the power of your spirits, but I know how to help others."

Shonah looked up at him. "This is the last time I'll show you gratitude," she declared and finally set about studying the map she had just been handed. Awkwardly marked trees and rocks adorned it, recognizable only by small representations accompanied by their names at the bottom of the map.

At the edge, there was a slightly thicker line, indicating the outermost walls surrounding the safe part of the Derenna forest. This was further recognizable by the presence of the stone gorge that paralleled the walls.

A dotted line started from the center of the outer wall. It was evident that this was the path to follow to reach the shelter. The line, initially straight and continuous, alternated between slight turns to the right and left until it arrived at a large X near the mountain, marked several times in the same spot. That was where Shonah would find her destination.

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She reread the map multiple times, painstakingly rewriting it from scratch on the papers Selior had provided. She felt a sense of accomplishment when she finally managed to recreate it entirely without needing to glance at the original.

Having a task to focus on had been a blessing for her mood; the effort of committing the way forward to memory had occupied Shonah for a considerable amount of time. Setting the paper aside, she looked at Selior. "I know it by heart," she declared, a trace of smugness in her voice.

He observed her, a slight smile playing on his lips. "Well, I don't think I can do anything else for you, unfortunately. I can only advise you to go to sleep. You'll find the room after the trapdoor room. Just continue down the hallway, and you'll come across another door. Claim it as your own."

Though she was far from feeling sleepy, Shonah decided it was worth a try. In the trial run, shelter or not, she knew she'd have much less time to rest.

She rose from his chair and, in a swift movement, embraced the druid. "Thank you, Selior. I really mean it."

Almost embarrassed, he quickly and awkwardly replied, "Yes, yes. Now go and rest. You need the energy, and I don't want you weighing on my conscience."

Smiling at the druid, she walked towards the room. Just as he had told her, it was located after the trapdoor room. It was a fairly large room, much more spacious than the one she shared with her sister and two cousins. The bed at the end was wide enough to hold at least three people. The sheets were neatly folded and clean.

Shonah allowed herself to sink onto the bed, savoring its softness. She knew she wouldn't have the chance for such a peaceful rest in some time.

The next day she would confront her fate. The test her family had never passed...

Shonah promised herself that she would change this antiquated tradition. More importantly, she vowed to transform the entire way of life in her village. Everything hinged on passing the test. She would think about the rest later.

In an effort to clear her mind, she closed her eyes, willing herself to sleep.

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Sleep hadn't come easily. Shonah had risen multiple times, sweat beading on her forehead, breathless. It was hard to find solace knowing what awaited her. Despite her attempts to push her thoughts away before drifting off, her mind and body occasionally betrayed her during the night.

She'd woken so many times, slipping back into slumber almost immediately, that she scarcely comprehended when Selior roused her for the start of the test.

"Wake up. You wouldn't want to be late for the test you so eagerly desired, would you?"

With a grunt instead of a reply, Shonah rose from bed and began to don the ceremonial robes Selior had left in her room before stepping out once more.

The garments were snugger than what she typically wore, designed for better maneuverability amongst the trees. Shades of green and yellow alternated in the fabric, aiding in blending with the forest. A dark belt encircled her hips, with a polished flint affixed to it, the only item permitted before commencing the ritual.

Once dressed, she left the chamber and made her way to the first room of the temple, where Selior awaited her. The druid had his hands clasped behind his back, pacing back and forth in the limited space. He appeared anxious, nearly as jittery as Shonah felt. He had done more for her than anyone else. If she survived, she vowed to properly thank him. She yearned to help him escape this charade of being a druid.

"I'm ready, Sel Kam," she called him by his formal druid name, not wanting to risk anyone outside overhearing his true name.

Selior was on the verge of correcting her when he realized her intent. He took a moment to steady his voice and responded, "Very well, young promise. Follow me."

The sun was on the brink of rising, casting the first light of dawn across the dark landscape. As expected, Odn stood outside the temple, awaiting their arrival. He was accompanied by four other members of the Strength clan.

Shonah was grateful that her brief rest hadn't dulled her instincts. Instinct, along with determination, was a crucial ally, and she needed it now more than ever.

Surprisingly, Shonah felt entirely composed. She was taken aback by it, but when blessed by the spirits, one does not question, only accepts.

"It's time, Shonah," declared the tribe leader. "Follow us."

"It is an honor to be led by you, Odn," she replied, bowing her head before falling into step behind him, matching his pace.

From the temple, they made their way toward the village exit. The village, shrouded in darkness and devoid of any illumination, lay in a silent slumber, awaiting its inhabitants to stir. Shonah couldn't help but wonder if her mother or father had stayed awake. She knew they couldn't approach her during the test, but the thought of them peering out a window to watch her depart brought her comfort.

Before long, Shonah was escorted to the wooden palisades that marked the boundary of the safe area within the Derenna forest. These towering barriers were at least twice the height of the village walls, standing before the expansive stone gorge that overlooked the untouched expanse of the Derenna forest.

As they approached the door, the four guards positioned themselves on either side. Odn, coming to a stop in front of it, turned to Shonah. "We have arrived." He looked her up and down before continuing, "The check will be conducted by Gerda while we open the doors." The guard named Gerda took two steps forward and, as she began to inspect Shonah, said, "It's standard procedure, Shonah. Please excuse me."

As she underwent the examination, Shonah couldn't help but wonder why this procedure hadn't been conducted earlier at the temple. Then she realized it was almost like a preliminary test. If they discovered any attempt at deception during the test, they would likely deem her to have failed. In a way, she understood their caution. However, it didn't diminish the discomfort of being checked in the middle of a forest...

Fortunately, it didn't take long for Gerda to confirm to Odn that everything was in order. Meanwhile, Odn and the other three guards had opened the gate.

"There's nothing more to tell you that you haven't already been informed of, Shonah. Once you pass through this gate, it will be sealed and not reopened until after fourteen moons, or if you choose to abandon the test before then."

Shonah nodded, fully comprehending the rules. In her plans, surrender was not an option.

Odn observed her for a moment longer, then motioned for her to proceed through the door. "May the spirits be with you," he said, joined by the other guards who also offered their wishes for the girl's protection by the spirits.

"May the spirits be with you," she replied as she stepped toward the gates. Her heart pounded faster than ever. There was no turning back now.

Before her, spread a sea of trees, stretching as far as the eye could see. On the distant left and right edges of this expanse, towering stone walls marked the entrance to the gorge she was about to venture into

Just as she took her first steps beyond the outer walls, a loud sound accompanied the closing of the gate. Shonah was now truly on her own. No one to watch her back, no one to keep her company. It was just her, armed with the memory of the path to Selior's refuge and a flint.

Shonah resolved to organize her tasks. She needed to be efficient and swift; by evening, she had to reach the shelter. She had no intention of spending the night out in the woods.

The first order of business was fashioning herself a weapon. A sturdy wooden branch would suffice. Luckily, this was one of the things that were not lacking within the forest. Spotting a tree with a branch suitable for her purpose, she jumped up and dislodged it from the trunk using her weight.

After securing it, she used the flint to carefully sharpen the end with strong, deliberate movements, taking care not to damage the branch in the process.

Years of preparation had paid off, and her makeshift weapon turned out quite well. It was sharp, fairly lightweight yet sturdy. It wasn't the same as having a proper weapon, but it was far better than having nothing.

The second most crucial task was to secure food. Shonah didn't know what she would find in Selior's shelter, but if she arrived late, she wouldn't have the strength to forage. So, she decided to take a moment to search for berries and roots. The initial part of her search was strikingly similar to the forest behind the walls, and she easily found many of the fruits she and Màilo used to collect together in their younger days. Using multiple leaves bound together to form a makeshift bag, Shonah carefully placed the gathered fruits inside.

With a heavy heart, she made the reluctant decision to venture deeper into the forest. The time had come to locate Selior's shelter. She had the entire day, but caution was paramount. She was uncertain of what lay ahead, and she had no desire to take unnecessary risks. There was no sense in tangling with a wolf or boar if her test was to face a bear. That would only needlessly jeopardize her life.

Once she located the shelter and established it as her designated rendezvous point for the evening, she would strategize how to track and confront a bear.

Shonah remembered the precise route she needed to take. But before setting out, she gathered some earth and leaves, applying them onto herself. She had to mask her natural scent with that of the forest. Since some animals were more attuned to sweet scents, she opted to avoid using berries and the like this time. Only earth and leaves would suffice for this purpose. While she hadn't performed miracles with Keio, he recognized her scent, and this time, with an animal, it might make a difference. It was worth a try.

After a short while, her once-blond hair was now brown, clumped with earth, and her clothes and skin were smeared, with leaves and grass adhering to her, further concealing her scent.

Finally, fully prepared to embark on her journey, she visualized the map in her mind and began to navigate through the trees.

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Passing countless trees, fallen logs, and bushes, and even hiding from a family of wild boars that nearly stumbled upon her, Shonah began to suspect that the measurements on the map were slightly off. According to her estimations, she should have reached her destination much earlier, yet the gorge had only recently started to widen.

Her legs were starting to tire. Shonah was accustomed to extended walks, but she wasn't used to crawling, leaping over lower trees, and constantly seeking cover. Thus far, she had only encountered hares, crows, and wild boars, but she knew she wouldn't be so fortunate forever. She had to find that elusive shelter, and quickly...

After a bit more time, she decided to pause and catch her breath. She couldn't let herself be overtaken by haste. She needed all her strength in case danger lurked around the next corner.

The rustling of leaves made her jolt. Her heart pounded in her throat. What was it? Perhaps a wolf?

Then, a small, furry snout appeared before her, beady eyes darting about. A little hare had just emerged from the underbrush. Shonah fought the urge to throw a rock at the small creature. It had nearly given her a heart attack!

"You didn't happen to see a cave around here, did you?"

The creature turned toward her, evidently aware of her presence. It regarded her, head tilted slightly, and just as abruptly as it had arrived, it bounded away.

"I'll take that as a no," Shonah mused, watching the small animal disappear into the underbrush.

She waited a while longer, her senses on high alert. The sun had been high in the sky for some time now and would soon begin its gradual descent. She needed to press on.

Placing her hands on her knees, she rose and resumed her journey, acutely aware of how the hardened dirt on her skin chafed. Unfortunately, she would have to grow accustomed to it. That earth would serve as her second skin for the duration of the ritual, and she would need to reapply it every day to ensure it masked her scent. Uncomfortable, perhaps, but far better than the alternative...

Staying on the beaten path, Shonah made the decision to climb a tree and get a look at the horizon. Perched in the branches, she surveyed the landscape with a touch of satisfaction. Finally, it was beginning to change. The trees were becoming more scattered, and the mountains that flanked the hollow had vanished beyond the horizon. Shonah knew she needed to veer to the right to find Selior's shelter, but it was refreshing to finally see a different view...

Then, a thunderous sound, akin to a roar, reverberated through the air. Shonah pressed herself flat against the tree branch. She had never personally encountered a live wolf, but she'd heard their distant howls in the protected forest. This was nothing like that... her heart raced.

Perhaps, before even reaching the shelter, Shonah had stumbled upon her quarry... She heard more sounds, akin to cries of pain. They held a resemblance to the initial roar, yet there was something... less malevolent about them. Shonah couldn't find a better way to describe it.

As the cries transformed into a faint moan, Shonah mustered her courage. Rising up on the log, she intently scanned the area, determined to locate the creature. Suddenly, she heard new sounds, but what helped narrow her search was a resounding snap, followed by the crash of a falling tree.

Her eyes fixed on the log, Shonah finally spotted the origin of those sounds. At the base of the toppled tree lay the bloody head of a bear, severed from its body, which lay nearby. And next to the massive animal's carcass was another figure.

Shonah stood transfixed, her gaze locked on the scene. It stood on two legs, its stature so imposing that Odn would have appeared as a mere man in comparison. It was hunched, arms reaching down to its knees, covered in black fur. Shonah couldn't discern its face, as it was buried within the unfortunate bear's remains. But when it emerged, its visage smeared with gore, she saw it clearly. It bore a resemblance to that of a wolf, yet...it seemed twisted, broader, and more robust, its eyes aglow with a fiery red, like the blood dripping from its fangs...

Oh great Kesk'Rim, what have I stumbled upon?

Selior had warned her about the possibility of encountering creatures even more perilous than usual, but from what she gathered, they were typically much farther away... And yet, here, right before her eyes, stood one of these abominations...

The branch under her feet made a slight crunching sound as Shonah shifted her weight to continue observing. Without waiting to see if the monster had heard the noise, she readjusted herself on the branch. Her heart had been racing for the past few moments, and now it seemed to beat even faster. In fact, Shonah momentarily feared it might leap right out of her chest...

Time felt interminable. The sounds of that part-human, part-wolf creature were still audible, though gradually, it seemed to Shonah, they were fading. She didn't want to let herself hope, so she remained nearly frozen on the branch.

She had located the bear, but was it still suitable for the ritual? Had the wolf left anything behind? And most pressing of all... how was she going to make her way back without attracting the attention of that creature?

What was supposed to be a ritual test now felt more like a test of survival, much to Shonah's growing apprehension...