Book 4 Chapter 24

There was silence for a moment, the crowd staring at Dun in muted shock. Even as he stood there smiling, they waited for him to say it had been a joke, that he had spoken wrongly, that they hadn’t just heard what they thought they had. But slowly the seriousness of his words set in…

It was impossible to tell exactly who started it, even for Tirr’s inhuman hearing, but soon the whole valley erupted into chaos, making the previous uproar look like a minor disagreement. Men and woman beat their chests and stomped their feet, unable to convey in words the complicated feelings that came up at even the suggestion.

Dun smiled through their rage, his eye passing along the different clans, making note of who seemed to be the most resistant. Clan Fui was the most silent after his own. Though some among their number seemed upset, seeing Kos’s calm demeanor kept them from making a fuss…

On the other hand, when it came to complaints, Krawl and Jacta took the lead. Neither clan hesitating to spit and curse at Dun’s name, not caring if they were at Moot or not. Their leaders were even louder, crying out for Dun’s bloodline to be killed for even suggesting the idea.

Though Clan Havo was more restrained, many among them still yelled and cursed. Those who chose who kept quiet still carried displeased expressions, their stances clear. Even Fari stood looking uncomfortable, her previous warning to Rev forgotten. As she frowned towards Dun, a question at the tip of her tongue, she noticed his eyes, calm and confident….

She was confused for a moment, but only a moment. Her eyes narrowed sharply, and her tongue clicked with displeasure as she turned away. Reaching into a pouch at her side, she withdrew more of the mysterious powder and tossed it into the fire.

It flashed with a roar, scaring the surroundings into silence as they covered their eyes. As the flames calmed, Fari’s angry face was revealed. She turned to Dun, trying to keep her voice even. “Clan Waythe puts forth its proposal, are there any other arguments you would like to make before someone denies you?”

“No that is all…” Dun bowed respectfully, but the way his eyes danced with mirth made Fari click her tongue once again…

She turned her back to him, looking across the other clans, “Is there anyone who would wish to deny the proposal from Clan Waythe!”

Her question was met with another roar, people yelling out their denials as if it were a race. Yet it soon quieted down once again as Rev stepped forward eagerly, his face twisted into a sneer as he glanced towards Dun.

“Clan Krawl denies Waythes proposal…” He said confidently, glaring at Dun as if daring him to argue. Seeing Dun quiet filled him with glee… Unfortunately, he was too preoccupied to see the look of scorn on Fari’s face as she stepped back, yielding him the floor.

“No matter Dun’s flowery words and language…” Rev started, his voice rising, “The truth comes out in the end! He dares to suggest that the tribe allows these Flatlanders, to join. That we let them walk with us along these mountains, given to us by our ancestors suffering and sacrifice. He suggests we let them join us, as if ancestors willed it to be so just because he brought them here…”

His expression turned pained, and he clutched at his heart, “Well I say, that what he suggests turns against everything the Tribe stands for! That what he’s proposing goes directly against the sacred duty that’s been passed down to us through the generations!”

“Guard these mountains!” Rev yelled, and the words stirred something in Tirr. But he was caught by surprise as the crowd yelled the words as well. Even some among Clan Waythe copied the shout, and Tirr realized it was ingrained into their minds so deeply they couldn’t resist. Rev swelled with their cheers and swaggered towards Dun. He stopped less than a foot from the man, spitting in his face as he spoke again. “Guard these mountains, and let no one pass… Those were the orders passed down to us.”

He turned away from Dun as the crowd cheered again. Those from Tirr’s honor guard looked around in confusion not understanding what he was talking about, but all of Clan Waythe was quiet as they went through their own internal struggle. Even Dun’s expression held a certain amount of concern, though he quickly smothered it…

As Rev continued to rile up his clan and other supporters Tirr found the words from before ringing in his ears. “Guard these mountains, and let no one pass…” The words held an undeniable feeling, yet as Tirr reached out to identify it, to try and grab hold of it… It slipped away as quickly as it appeared…

By the time he had awoken from his thoughts, Rev had finished his speech and Fari was asking Dun if he wanted to speak again. “No,” He said casually, “I’ve said more than enough…”

“Then we will go to vote…” Fari said with a sigh, “All those opposed!” She called as she raised her own hand. Rev raised his arm as well, followed quickly by the clan leader of Jacta. It didn’t take a genius to see the result and Fari quickly called “The proposal is denied!”

A cheer ran through the crowd as more jeers and curses flew at Dun as the man stood still as stone. Yet as Rev looked over at the man gloatingly, he was shocked to see the former mercenary smiling at him.

“This proposal is a matter of life and death for the Tribe!” Dun called out suddenly, causing the crowd to quiet instantly. Dun's voice echoed through the sudden silence, his words practiced and assured. “Since it didn’t pass through vote, it will pass by blood!”

“No!” Rev screamed, his hand moving to draw the axe at his side. But members of Havo had already stepped between them on Fari’s orders, having seen through Dun’s intentions long ago and expecting Rev’s reaction.

“I put the proposal to Clangang!” Dun roared back, showing his own fury for the first time as his eyes steeled. “Let our blood feed the mountain…”