The courtyard was located in the dead centre of the compound, enclosed on all sides by the wooden-framed sliding walls that allowed entrance from any direction. Each side opened onto grey gravel into which intricate curves and whorls had been swept, representations of the mountains and valleys around the village.[1]

After stepping across the carefully placed stones laid there for such a purpose, those entering would cross a small curved bridge over a stream of water that encircled the inner square. The water was cold even in the summer, fresh from a mountain stream that flowed under the compound’s floor.

Within the square of water was a wide tiled area, devoid of anything except an ornate wooden chair standing in the shadow of the vivid blue leaves of the vivinder tree. Each Family possessed one vivinder, cared for from generation to generation. They were said to never lose their blossom.

The Kotaku was sat on the chair in the early morning light, a preoccupied look on his face Rial had never seen before. The Kotaku was normally a calm man who displayed little emotion save with the young, when he looked happy.

Brin stood off to one side and behind the Kotaku, out of his view but close to hand should he be called for. The look on his face was one of suppressed anger.

“Thank you for coming at such short notice, Rial,” said the Kotaku, looking up as Rial stepped forward and gave a deep bow.

“Of course, sir,” replied Rial.

Rial was very unsure of himself. He wasn’t certain how you were meant to behave in front of the Kotaku, not in a situation like this. He wondered if he was showing the proper amount of respect.

If there was anything untoward the Kotaku gave no reaction.

“Rial, would you be ready if you were asked to travel to the outpost?”

Rial stepped back in surprise, then gathered himself.

“Of course, sir. I am ready.”

The Kotaku laughed, a soft chuckle that seemed to join with the gurgle of the stream around them.

“Excellent! It is good to see such confidence.”

Rial heard Brin give a heavy sigh at this comment.

“You shall be going with Brin to the outpost, Rial. I am quite sure you have heard the situation from your friend Gryrne. Well, I need you to support Brin in whatever happens. I will not allow members of our family to be held by those filth any longer.”

As he spoke the Kotaku’s voice took on an edge that Rial had never heard before, cheeks reddening with rage.

“Help Brin get them back, Rial. Whatever it takes. Bring my daughter back.”

Rial hesitated to respond.

“What is it, boy?” said the Kotaku, softer now.

“Gryrne… he told me… he said they were not going to give Tamarla back…”

“Then you shall take her!”

The passion in the Kotaku’s voice shocked Rial. The man had leaned forward in his chair, eyes wide and teeth bared. Brin stepped forward.

“We will get her back, lord,” said Brin.

Rial had taken an involuntary step backwards in fear. Brin turned to him.

“Come with me, Rial. There is much to prepare before we depart."

Brin was guiding him away when the Kotaku called Rial's name.

"You do recognise the importance of getting Tamarla back, don't you Rial?"

Rial turned once more.

"Of course, my lord," he replied, aping Brin's method of address.

"Good. Because I don't know what I would do if you returned without her..."

Brin took Rial by the shoulders and led him away in a daze. There was an inference in the way the Kotaku spoke that Rial didn't know how to process.

[1] It was said that any changes to the patterns in the gravel would lead to the same changes out there in the wider world. Every child had entertained ideas of stomping one foot down into the gravel, but as far as Rial knew no one ever had.