Marcus had mixed feelings. He had no desire to do this. The trials are important, and he understood why but it is not what he wished for. He still felt that this way of life was not for him, even though the spiritual way of shamanism was somehow matching his own ambitions. If drinking the brew makes him see other animals, then maybe it is the right choice in the end?

“Can I learn something from this? I must admit that Sinh looked crazy. Not Shado crazy, but not far from it either. I want to see things with my two eyes and not with my brain and my third eye? I don’t even know what my third eye is? ” He contemplates to himself.

It was Lups turn. He has felt drawn to nature his entire life. Short of words he just stated his path.

”Lup, ready for Shamans Trial.”

It was the moment Sinh had been waiting for. Lups voice sounded like music to his ears. The brew he had prepared for tonight will not go to waste.

”Lup, I hope you are ready for this experience” Said Sinh with joy in his voice.

“I cannot wait for him to begin” he thought to himself.

Nobody seemed interested in the Shado’s work though. Did he scare them all? Will there be no Stargazers this year? Shado did not look worried for he knew what it meant to become a Stargazer. It is a huge dedication and life altering moment and the decision to join him and his apprentices are not for everyone. To become a true stargazer, the apprentices must cover their eyes with braided hair made from other bonobos to prevent the sunlight from reaching their eyes. They must sit with their eyes blindfolded for almost an entire season in the rainforest during daytime and are only allowed to take the hair away in the night. After this conversion, their eyes will be very sensitive to sunlight, but it must take place for the stargazers to adapt their eyes to the darkness that surrounds them during nighttime.

”So far we have had seven of our young challengers’ step forward and present themselves. I say this on behalf of the entire tribe that we are more than excited about the remaining five.”

”Do we have a stargazer among us?” asked Elen.

”I will take on that challenge. Shado. It will be my honor to work with you.” Kio had the potential to be a great spotter. He was always out with his father around the tribe’s territory. His father was also one of Neleems spotters and he had thought him a great deal of tricks. But apparently, he had seen enough of the ground and high life in the canopy.

”Only If you pass young Kio” said Shado.

”Sharpen your eyes and let the experience guide you.”

Four remaining. One of them was Marcus.

”I will join Lup and therefor I choose The Shamans Trial.”

He did it! Must be the surprise of a lifetime. He is not standing up against the tribe as they both thought he would do. Our boy has grown! Elen and Zahn were more than satisfied with Marcus decision. A sigh of relief had passed through them and it seemed as if it did not matter which path Marcus chose or whether he would pass it or not.

Sinh’s path seemed the most interesting and he could tell that his decision to try any of the trials had a calming effect on his parents. But Marcus was still not sure. He had a strategy.

”I will still question them before I go. Hopefully Lup does the trial before me. I must know why there are just four paths for us to choose. I will wait for my moment.”

Marcus took a step back. He looked over at Chim.

”I knew it. It will suit you and your leopard observations. Now maybe you will become an eighty-five” Chim said while giggling.

The night had become colder compared to when they started The Lava Ritual. There were no clouds in the sky to keep down the heat that slowly started evaporated from the ground. It was a full moon this evening that was shining bright and together with the glow from the lava that was on top of Red Mountain, it made the night feel special.

”Zoi, Nila and Quil. You three are the remaining challengers that has not stated your trials. What will your future hold?” Elen asked them curiously.

”I, Quil will go for the Speedster Trial. I have already talked about it with my family and we feel like this pathway, is the best way for me to contribute to the tribe in the most efficient way I can.”

”I am pleased, and from what I can tell from Neleems facial expression, so is she.”

“ There will almost be a handful of new students that will follow her guidance, if you pass your trials.” the queen said.

“Tonight, we will have two Shaman Trials which will be led by Lup and Marcus. Three Speedster Trials by Jon, Atu and Quil. Two Guardian Trials where Chim will face Maimut. Shado may have a new apprentice in Kio and of course The Troop Trial, which will consist of Lia and Lyn.”

”It must be said that Red Tribe has never had female that has passed The Guardian Trial before. It is not because we do not accept girls to become Guardians, but the main reason is that the males are often much stronger and, in that regard, have always defeated them in the one on one combat. There have been many attempts in the past by the girls to succeed in The Guardian Trial but all of them have failed. Maybe this year will be different?”

Nila and Zoi looked at each other. Both smiling amusingly, but for different reasons.

”With all due respect Elen, this year will not be different. At least not for me. This Maimut appears to be ready to take on the whole tribe and even our neighboring tribe, The Rhes at the same time. I must beat for Chim who has the nerves to go up against him. I want to join Sinh and his shamans. Therefor I choose The Shamans Trial”.

”I did not intend to be the last one that presents myself but nonetheless, I will. My name is Zoi and I just want to say that Shado frightens me, to my very core!”

All the challengers started to laugh. How dare she say such words? What she said was true and on every challengers’ mind but to express it out loud in front of the Elders and the Shado himself disrespectful and they all knew it.

”I would have chosen the Starsight Trial but I do not want to be in complete darkness for one whole season and the Troop challenge is something that I cannot take because the tribe has chosen which girls are ready and which ones are not. I deem that unjust….”

Marcus sensed that Zoi was holding back her true feelings. Was she not satisfied with the way the Tribe was organizing the Ritual? She was a bit like him after all.

”I better keep an eye on her” he thought to himself. She sure is interesting. Then reality hit him. The trials will start soon and there is no time to think about this now. Maybe we can talk after tomorrow after the ritual, when they both had hopefully become what they wanted.

”Anyways, all that is left for me is to take on The Guardian Trial. I want to be the first female warrior in this tribe. Maimut will be a challenge and I look forward to it already!”

”Hey, what about me? You do not see me as a challenge? Chim pumped his chest to try to make it look bigger and screamed over at Zoi.

”What does she mean only Maimut? I will show her and that big orange looking ape who is the strongest of us all.” Chim was furious.

The tribe seemed happy with the diversity of choices this year. Last year there were no females to try the Guardian Trial and Shado had three courageous souls to try The Starsight Trial. Elen thanked them all and expressed some last words before The Lava Ritual commenced.

”Before we start the first trial, I want all family members of respective challenger to say one or two words to their sons and daughters. May it be good fortunes or prayers towards the sky, for I think they would all appreciate it.”