Book 4 Chapter 19

It was only a few days later that a large procession left the Waythe clan valley, sent off amid cheers and well wishes by those that were chosen to stay behind. Amid the happy crowd, there were more than a few jealous grumbles from those that had wished to go to the once-in-a-generation event.

Despite this, they all watched proudly as Dun took the lead, followed by a large group of his clan. They moved with little organization, hauling whatever they could between themselves. Behind them were Tirr and the member he had chosen for the Clangang. Besides them though only a small part of his honor guard had come with them.

The rest of his guards had been left behind, partially to help against any further Beast attacks, especially since they had already dealt with another one since Tirr’s little training camp began, but mostly it was because Dun had hinted that bringing a group that large may give the impression that he was trying to intimidate the other Clans. A more aggressive stance than Dun was willing to take at first.

Tirr didn’t see why they shouldn’t be intimidated, considering he and Garm were enough to decimate the tribe by themselves, but he listened to the older man’s request anyway. So, after splitting down the honor guard as fairly as possible to avoid any of the representatives’ bickering, those chosen set off behind Dun as he led them through the mountains and towards the old valley deep within.

They traveled through the day, passing over valley and hill, before spending the night camped along the mountain pass. They set off again at first light, and it was just as the sun was directly overhead that they finally reached their destination

Down in the old valley of the tribe, some clans were already hard at work., setting up their camps and preparing food before night fell. As they followed Dun down into the valley, the other clans turned to them with curious eyes, watching them as they passed.

A few, seeing the strange armor and uniforms worn by Tirr’s guards, sneered… Their voices were full of hostility as they called out, jeering at the passing group.

Tirr burned with rage and he could tell many of his guards felt the same. He turned to say something when a booming laugh and a hard clap on the shoulder interrupted him.

Dun, having stealthily moved to the back, gripped Tirr’s shoulder tightly as he pulled the young god along. “Come on!” He shouted to Tirr’s Guard. “You don’t want to be putting those tents up in the dark!”

Many of Tirr’s guards frowned in displeasure, including Iesa, who had half a mind to burn the fools where they stood. However, seeing Dun pull Tirr steadily along, they followed obediently. Only Lin seemed unaffected, her smile only deepening as she memorized the faces of all those who laughed…

As Dun pulled Tirr along, he leaned down, cutting Tirr off before the young god could complain. “Don’t give them what they want…” Dun said quietly, keeping a smile on his face as they walked. “They’d love for you to pick a fight right before the Moot. Instead of paying attention to the loud ones, keep your eyes on the quiet ones…”

Dun nodded subtly to a few of the tribesmen, all of which seemed to just be quietly watching, their faces neutral. “Clan Havo… If we want this to go the way we want, we need to say on their good side.”

Tirr grunted, glancing at the people Dun had pointed out. “Didn’t you say they wouldn’t support us anyways? Why should I care what they think?”

“Because I’d bet a week’s worth of meat that Krawl will dispute the Clangang and try to have the whole thing thrown out…’

Tirr’s eyes widened, “That’s not what you said…”

“Easy… “Dun calmed him, “It won’t work… Krawl and Jacta only act like the traditions matter when it suits them. Havo though, they’re true traditionists. Heard they even have some writings dating back to the original tribe. Havo might not support you entering the tribe, but they will support the Clangang and its results.” His hand tightened and he gave Tirr a warning look, “As long as you don’t go and do something stupid ahead of time…”

Tirr nodded in understanding, burying his frustration and continuing after Dun. They soon arrived at the Waythe Clan’s section of the valley, a large clearing between impressive cliffs and its own little creek. Having arrived didn’t mean it was time to rest though. Dun quickly set about giving orders as his clansmen started to set up the camp, preparing tents and fires they would need for the nights ahead.

Tirr’s tent was the very first one put up, a large canopy held up by four poles, the largest in the entire group. He went inside almost immediately, keeping Maria and Garm with him as he rested and tried to forget his frustrations. Yet it wasn’t long before a loud, belligerent voice came from outside.

“Dun!” The voice called drawing Maria and Tirr from their tent. They found a middle-aged man with a weaselly face and thin body, yelling with a sneer that seemed permanently stuck. Behind him was Mali, the young man who had ambushed them on the way up the mountain, as well as a few others that Tirr didn’t recognize.

The man, who Tirr guessed to be Mali’s father and the head of the Krawl clan, scanned the area, his eyes eventually locking on Tirr’s. He gave a condescending snort as he continued, “Get your flatlander loving ass out here Dun and explain why you’ve wasted all our times calling us out here!”