The rite of passage chapter 8- The path of the flame
The sudden hush that swept over the crowd left Shonah questioning the gravity of her request.
A duel to the death?
She had thought such measures were reserved for the most severe transgressions. Yet, Odn had accepted her challenge, and now she couldn't retreat without facing the threat of exile. What had she entangled herself in?
Descending from the temple, Odn asserted, "As the challenged and chieftain, I have to choose the time and place. The duel shall occur at the Cliff of Farewells, and it shall begin now. Follow me."
In solemn procession, they made their way towards the opposite end of Derenna Wood, where the precipice awaited the fateful confrontation.
Shonah, still reeling from her audacity, trailed behind Odn, while Selior struggled to keep pace. "Are you out of your mind? What's your plan? Odn is a Gragoul, infused with the strength of a bear. You'll have no chance. It won't even be a fair fight!"
"A Gragoul?" She'd never encountered the term before. While Odn stood apart from the others, both in stature and physique, she hadn't realized there was a specific name for his condition.
"He's a person naturally endowed with greater physical strength. Crushed his bear in the trial. With the infusion, he could take on a werewolf barehanded, Shonah, this is madness!"
Selior had a point, but that wasn't helpful. "Do you have a better idea?"
"I don't know, perhaps let things unfold naturally and accept exile?"
"That's not an option for me, Selior," she retorted sharply. She recognized it was her fault they were in this predicament, but she was determined to make amends. She was staking her life on this challenge; she wouldn't hear otherwise. After instructing Selior to watch her, she hastened her steps, leaving her friend behind.
During the journey, voices from the procession called out to her. She glimpsed her family members: her mother, father, sister, grandparents, and even Màilo. Their calls trailed off, expressions filled with anxiety and dread. Perhaps they were devastated that she'd immediately thrust herself into another perilous trial, or maybe her altered appearance struck fear into their hearts.
But Shonah couldn't afford to dwell on their feelings. Her life hung in the balance. Offering them a nervous smile, she turned away, ignoring their renewed calls.
----------------------------------------
Finally arriving at the cliff, the procession formed a solemn ring around the arena, leaving ample space for Shonah and Odn to face off. The ground beneath them was a rugged expanse of rock and grass, ending abruptly at the precipice. It was called the Cliff of Farewells for a reason; anyone who plummeted from its edge met certain death. In times past, it had been a site for desperate departures when one's time was running thin, gradually abandoned over the years. Now, it hosted only the bloodiest trials and the most solemn challenges between clan members.
Though she could hear the voices of her loved ones, as well as Selior and others calling out to her, Shonah shut them out and closed her eyes. She felt adrift, engulfed in a sea of loneliness. It was as if the weight on her shoulders matched the lightness coursing through her body.
But all of this was wrong!
She understood it was wrong to embrace this sadness, to allow herself to feel vulnerable. Vulnerability was a luxury she couldn't afford. She had stared down a monster armed with nothing but a shard of flint and emerged blessed by Kesk'Rim himself.
Her journey wouldn't culminate on a mere rock, pitted against a man both larger and stronger. She would transcend this trial, just as she had surmounted every previous one.
With her resolve refocused, Shonah opened her eyes, drew in a deep breath, and strode forward to meet Odn.
The gravity of the situation hung heavy in the air as Odn remained focused on the impending duel, seemingly uninterested in her attempts to engage him. Shonah tried to maintain a formal tone as she addressed him, even though the idea of a fight to the death was far from something she relished.
"There's no need to go so far, chieftain," she spoke, attempting to steady her tone. Yet, even as she addressed him, she couldn't ignore the sheer magnitude of the man before her, his body adorned with honor tattoos. Odn, for his part, paid her little attention. He began to shed his ceremonial attire, revealing his imposing, muscular form. Finally, he responded to her.
"After how you addressed me in front of the village, I see only two choices for you, Shonah. Stand by your words, face me, and meet your end here, or withdraw your challenge and join Selior in exile with your family."
Her family? What had they to do with this?
As if sensing her confusion, Odn continued, "Your family is responsible for your actions, just as I am accountable for the actions of every member of the Strength Clan. You have insulted our traditions, shown disrespect, and challenged the chieftain. They will bear the weight of that responsibility. The choice is yours, and it will be the only mercy I extend to you."
While a mixture of rage and astonishment surged within her, Shonah recognized that he had deliberately invoked Selior's true name, likely aware that she was privy to their arrangement. It was all the more reason for him to want her out of the way. Taking another deep breath, Shonah realized there was little left to discuss, aside from the mechanics of the duel. Although she had witnessed a few death duels in her life, no one had ever explained the intricacies to her.
"How does this work?"
Odn assessed her, then responded candidly, "The guards will form a barrier at the front of the procession to prevent any escape. The area between here and the cliff will be cleared. The fight commences once the guards are properly positioned." She turned to see the assembly of people aligning themselves to witness the spectacle, with the guards stationed at the forefront.
"Once it begins, there's no turning back, and the only way to leave is by killing your opponent," he warned, his words laden with the weight of the moment. He wasn't offering her an easy way out, merely ensuring he could claim he'd given her the choice. Odn wanted this fight, so she would give it to him.
"I didn't risk my life to end up in exile. Let's begin whenever you're ready." Stepping away, she put some distance between them.
Arriving at her designated spot, Odn extended his arms and declared, "May the spirits bear witness to the battle of those deemed worthy to interpret their will!"
The crowd's murmurs grew louder as he prepared himself. "The line is set," one of the guards announced. The anticipation hung heavy in the air.
"The duel may begin!"
As soon as those words reached Shonah, she barely had time to turn back toward Odn before he had closed the considerable distance between them. The tribal chief extended his arms, attempting to seize her, but Shonah swiftly evaded him. She felt the familiar sensation of lightness that had accompanied her since the ritual, noticing how her evasion carried her much further than she anticipated.
Odn, momentarily taken aback by her agility, quickly regained his composure. With a powerful thrust, he launched himself forward, scattering rocks in every direction, and closed in on her again. This time, it caught Shonah off guard. She barely had time to raise her arms in defense before Odn aimed a low strike at her legs, causing her to topple.
Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.
She struggled to rise, feeling the weight of something pressing against her abdomen. Odn had landed on top of her, and in one swift motion, he grasped her leg and flung her towards the edge of the cliff. Shonah found herself teetering dangerously close to the precipice, a perilous position indeed.
Coughing twice, she swiftly regained her footing. While she certainly felt something, it didn't compare to the searing pain of her encounter with the werewolf. It was more of a discomfort, an odd sensation that accompanied the newfound resilience of her body. The extent of the ritual's effectiveness had taken her by surprise.
She turned her gaze back to her opponent, finding Odn staring at her in wide-eyed disbelief. The guards and onlookers in the crowd mirrored his astonishment. It wasn't just her who recognized the inexplicable transformation that had occurred within her. Odn once again shook himself out of his stupor and charged towards her. This time, Shonah was ready. As he neared, she leaped up, soaring over Odn and landing gracefully behind him. It was astonishing how effortlessly she could perform feats that had previously seemed impossible. She felt as if her body belonged to someone else entirely... and perhaps, in a way, it did.
Turning swiftly to strike at Odn, she was met with a sudden blow to her freshly altered jaw. The force rattled her head, causing Shonah to stagger back. Unfortunately, her momentary loss of balance didn't go unnoticed. Odn closed the distance once more, raining a flurry of blows onto her face and abdomen. Shonah struggled to regain her bearings, the slight discomfort was now starting to feel more like pain, radiating through her belly. The force of Odn's blows was staggering. A punch to the pit of her stomach followed by a swift kick to her face sent Shonah crashing to the ground.
Pain shot through her again, it was clear that Odn wasn't holding back; he meant to end this fight and kill her. Yet, amidst the pain she was starting to feel, a determination surged within her. The truth of her power coursed through her veins, igniting a fierce resolve. Shonah would not allow herself to be thrown around like a helpless pawn. She was the fire, chosen by Kesk'Rim, and it was time to embrace that destiny. With newfound determination, she pushed herself up from the ground while being repeatedly hit by the man. The blows no longer seemed to affect her, and the pain that had been so intense before had vanished. Shonah felt an incredible surge of power within her as if the flames themselves were protecting her. This was the gift Kesk'Rim had bestowed upon her.
Emerging from the ground, she locked eyes with Odn, who stood frozen, his gaze fixed above her. He wasn't looking at her eyes but at something above. What could it be? She was about to seize this distraction to strike, but then she noticed a flicker of light. Reacting instinctively, she leaped back, putting some distance between them. Yet, the fire followed her, flickering and dancing in the air.
It took her a moment to realize what was happening. Her hair was ablaze, flames twisting and curling in the wind. It didn't harm her. Instead, it felt like an extension of herself, a manifestation of Kesk'Rim's blessing. The village watched in a mix of awe and disbelief, their gasps and murmurs filling the air. Her parents, Selior, what must they be thinking? She pushed those thoughts aside. Right now, all that mattered was the fight before her.
With her newfound fiery crown, she turned back to Odn, who was still caught in his astonishment. She couldn't waste this gift. It was an extension of herself, a connection to the spirit of fire. She advanced cautiously, every step punctuated by the dance of flames above her. As she drew nearer, Odn finally seemed to break free from his trance. He recognized the change and his expression turned resolute. Raising his fists, he prepared to strike. This time, Shonah was ready. She was the fire, and she wouldn't let it be extinguished.
Shonah swiftly countered Odn's punch, matching the speed of his wrist. With a surge of strength, she hoisted the chieftain off the ground and slammed him forcefully onto the opposite side. Before he could recover, she delivered a powerful kick to his shoulder, sending him rolling across the rocky surface. Odn grunted, determinedly planting his fists on the ground to rise once more, though notably slower this time. Shonah patiently waited for him to regain his footing.
Odn rose, swaying slightly. Shonah raised her voice for all to hear, "Odn, that's enough. Yield and let me become the chieftain. I won't exile you or harm your clan."
He took a moment to regain his balance, then replied in a lower tone, "I've made too many sacrifices to yield to an aberration like you. You'd dismantle the traditions of this village, and I won't allow it. You can't understand."
"And for this belief of yours, you'd risk not only your life, but the lives of others as well? What's been created here is a cycle of unrealistic expectations. I would have risked my life just to avoid being in the Clan of the Unbrave, Odn. The burdens placed on each of us are unjust. This village doesn't function this way. Let me try to see if things can improve."
Odn spat a clot of blood onto the ground. "Without traditions, this village loses its purpose!"
Bracing himself, he planted his arms into the ground, his hands sinking into the bare rock. With a powerful heave, he yanked out a massive boulder, large enough to dwarf three people. Odn, muscles straining, hurled the colossal projectile towards Shonah. She stood her ground, unflinching, as the rock hurtled toward her.
The boulder shattered upon contact with her skin, fragments flying in all directions. Odn must have closed the distance between them the instant he threw the stone, appearing in front of her. Though she had anticipated the move, Shonah held her ground, every muscle locked in place.
Odn's fist slammed into her, pushing her slightly but causing no real harm. Her fiery hair continued to blaze, casting a radiant glow as she relaxed her stance.
"I won't ask you again," Shonah declared, her voice unwavering. "Surrender and leave me in charge."
Odn's hand trembled, evidence of his injuries. He was hurting more than her after their exchange of blows, but he clenched his fist to steady it. "I won't yield, monster. Not now, not ever. You'll have to kill me to prevent things from going my way!" He panted, clearly lacking the strength to continue.
Shonah shut her eyes, drawing a deep breath, and the words of Kesk'Rim echoed in her mind: "Fire can illuminate the right path... or consume it." There was no turning back now; a choice had to be made.
"So be it, then." In a surge of determination, she darted to Odn's left side, delivering a forceful kick. The gruesome sound of bones snapping filled the air, followed by a swift blow to his right leg. As the now-unsteady chieftain teetered on the edge, Shonah's fist found its mark in his chest with even greater force. The impact was enough to send Odn hurtling over the precipice. Biting her lip, Shonah watched as the former chieftain's body plummeted from the Cliff of Farewells, disappearing into the abyss below.
The outcome had been the consequence of the now-former chieftain's own actions, yet Shonah couldn't shake her dissatisfaction. She hadn't wanted to end his life; her sole aim had been to effect change.
She hadn't anticipated it would come to this. Her fiery hair returned to its natural state, cascading down to her shoulders. Shonah knelt, offering a prayer to the spirits for the fallen member of the tribe. She remained on her knees for a while, reflecting on the gravity of what had transpired. When she finally stood, she knew it was time to address the guards and the clans.
They remained in their formation, their eyes fixed on her with a mixture of astonishment, trepidation, and perhaps a touch of resentment. She couldn't entirely blame them; Odn had been a formidable leader in the village, and his loss would be deeply felt. Shonah knew she wouldn't win the goodwill of the guards by being kind, but by displaying unwavering resolve. As she stepped forward to address the entire assembly, she raised her voice, "By the laws that govern our village, I am now the chieftain."
Silence met her proclamation. The weight of the moment hung heavily in the air but she had dealt with so much more than little silence.
"As a first decision, the druid Sel Kam is reinstated to his duties. There will be no banishment, and no repercussions for him," Shonah declared. Selior's look of amazement and gratitude did not escape her notice.
"As a second decision, the existing clans are hereby dissolved. The four clans based on the initiation rite will cease to exist."
Protests started to rise from both the guards and the crowd, but Shonah had set the course and she wouldn't waver. Emulating Odn, she thundered, "SILENCE!" Her fiery hair blazed as she raised her voice, and the assembly fell silent.
"As of today, the initiation rite is abolished. It is not how we will honor the spirits. Anyone wishing to seek the blessing of the spirits at the appropriate age will approach Sel Kam and receive it, if he agrees." All eyes turned to Selior, who, taken off guard by the scrutiny, nervously replied in his affected voice, "If this is the chieftain's wish, so be it," with a smile on his lips.
"And how does our new chieftain propose to lead the village without clans?" Drimann emerged from the crowd, his chest puffed out, his gaze locked on Shonah.
Without hesitation, she responded, "The clans will be reorganized based on their affinity with the four spirits, rather than on specific roles. Each clan will have equal responsibilities. Those blessed in a certain way will fulfill specific duties, but no one will be restricted. The only stipulation is that each clan will share in overseeing all matters. I trust Sel Kam and the clans to collaborate and manage this effectively."
Taking a moment to gather her thoughts, Shonah turned her attention to Selior. "Return to the village. The ceremony for the new chieftain will be held at the next moon."
The lines broke, and most of the crowd hurried back to their homes. Shonah knew her actions would meet resistance. She had just slain Odn before their eyes and reshaped the rules. Fear would only take her so far. She needed to prove herself capable.
As the crowd dispersed, she felt a sudden embrace. Jial, her sister, had rushed to her side and held on tight. The emotion was evident in Jial's voice, her words laden with worry. "I thought you were going to die. Please don't do that again."
It struck Shonah deeply. She realized she hadn't considered her loved ones in all of this, hadn't taken their feelings into account. She'd been single-minded, focused only on what she believed was best for everyone. It was a form of selfishness, even if well-intentioned.
Looking up, she saw her parents joining the embrace. No words were exchanged, but the tightness of their hold spoke volumes. At that moment, Shonah felt a surge of pride. The first steps toward change had been taken. As the new chieftain, she was committed to transforming the village for the better, for her family and all its residents.