Chapter 9: The Feast of the Clans

The stars glimmered like shards of polished glass scattered across the endless night, their silver light mirrored in the roaring fires that dotted Sundial Mesa. The air was alive with music, laughter, and the rhythmic pounding of drums. Around the fires, the tribes feasted together in a rare moment of unity. Plates overflowed with roasted meats, spiced grains, and sweet herbal brews, while warriors swapped tales of bravery and loss, their voices mingling in an unsteady harmony.

Kael sat on the outskirts, his back pressed against a jagged stone. The vibrant life of the feast buzzed around him, but he felt like an intruder. His untouched plate lay beside him, piled high with sun-fruit and charred meat, the mingling aromas doing nothing to stir his appetite.

The ceremonial hunt was supposed to have been his triumph, his moment to prove himself. Instead, it had become another failure, another mistake for Marek to use against him. The whispers of his recklessness clung to him, curling into his thoughts like smoke. He's not a leader. He'll get us all killed.

A burst of laughter pulled his attention to the largest fire at the center of the mesa. The Ember Tribe warriors spun orbs of flame in dizzying arcs, their traditional fire-dance captivating the gathered tribes. The crowd roared as the flames climbed higher, roaring like miniature suns.

Kael's jaw tightened as his gaze locked on Ryn, who moved effortlessly among the dancers. Ryn, who had mocked him during the hunt. Ryn, who had called him reckless. Now, the Ember warrior laughed easily, his movements confident, his voice carrying over the crowd like he was untouchable.

"You're going to glare a hole into Ryn's head if you keep that up," Tayo said, dropping down beside him with a plate precariously balanced on one hand.

Kael didn't respond, his fingers curling into the fabric of his tunic.

"Fine," Tayo continued, taking a bite of roasted meat. "Be a rock. But at least eat something. Sitting here starving isn't going to make anything better."

"I'm not hungry," Kael muttered.

"You're never hungry." Tayo set his plate down and turned to study him. "Look, I get it. The hunt didn't go how you wanted. But sitting here like this isn't helping. You need to—"

"Kael."

The voice broke through their conversation, sharp and familiar. Kael turned, his chest tightening as he saw Frenna leaning heavily on Lirien. Frenna's face was pale, her bandages visible beneath her tunic, but her lips curved into a faint, teasing smile.

"You're supposed to be resting," Kael said, standing quickly.

"And you're supposed to be eating," Frenna shot back, her voice hoarse but playful. "Looks like neither of us listens very well."

Lirien adjusted her grip on Frenna, her silver braids gleaming in the firelight. "She shouldn't even be out here," Lirien muttered. "The healer said—"

"The healer said I needed air," Frenna interrupted. "And this counts."

Kael's gaze flicked to the fresh bandages on her side, guilt twisting in his stomach. "You shouldn't push yourself. You almost—"

"But I didn't," Frenna cut him off, her expression softening. "I'm still here, Kael. That's what matters."

Kael hesitated, his throat tightening. "I'm the reason you got hurt in the first place."

Frenna reached out, gripping his arm firmly despite her weakened state. "We all made mistakes out there. It wasn't just you."

"But I was leading," Kael said, his voice low. "It's my responsibility."

"Then take responsibility by learning from it," Frenna said simply. "Don't let this hunt define you. You're better than that."

Kael blinked, her words cutting through his self-doubt like a blade.

"Come on," Lirien said, her tone brisk. "You've said your piece, Frenna. Let's get you back to the healer's tent before someone drags us both there."

Frenna chuckled weakly but let Lirien guide her away. As she disappeared into the crowd, she glanced back and called, "Eat something, Kael. You'll need your strength."

Kael watched them go, his chest heavy but lighter than it had been moments before.

"See?" Tayo said, nudging him. "You're not as terrible as you think."

Before Kael could reply, a sharp voice cut through the hum of the feast.

"You've got to be joking."

Kael turned, his body tensing as Ryn approached, his expression dark. The Ember warrior's gaze flicked between Kael and Frenna's retreating form. "That's what you're doing? Playing the hero now?"

Kael clenched his fists. "I wasn't—"

"You should be the one in bandages," Ryn snapped, his voice loud enough to draw a few curious glances. "Not her. You led us into that mess, Kael. And now you're just sitting here, acting like you're the victim."

Tayo stood, stepping between them. "Back off, Ryn."

"Stay out of it, Tayo," Ryn said, his eyes locked on Kael. "Let him explain why Frenna almost died because of him."

Before Kael could respond, a sharp, mournful horn blared across the mesa, cutting through the tension. The entire camp froze, the laughter and music dying instantly.

A scout emerged from the shadows, his leather armor dusted with sand, his face grim. He moved toward the central fire, where the elders sat in a semi-circle, their faces illuminated by the flickering flames.

Talar rose to his feet, his weathered face calm but watchful.

"King Chief," the scout began, bowing deeply. "I bring news from the eastern border."

The murmurs began immediately, hushed but urgent, as the scout continued.

"Kavaran soldiers," he said. "They've been spotted patrolling dangerously close to the border."

Kael's heart dropped, the tension between him and Ryn forgotten.

"How close?" Talar asked, his voice steady.

"Too close," the scout replied. "They've crossed into the outer canyons. We believe they're watching us."

"They're testing us," Marek's voice rang out, calm and deliberate. He stood, his golden cloak catching the firelight, his expression grim. "The Kavarans are looking for weakness. If we show hesitation, they'll take it as an invitation to strike."

"What do you suggest, Marek?" Risa asked, her sharp eyes narrowing.

"We prepare," Marek said firmly. "Strengthen our defenses. Show them that we are united and unafraid."

"And if they attack?"

"Then we meet them head-on," Marek declared.

Kael's gaze shifted to Talar, who remained silent, his expression unreadable.

"We will discuss this in council," Talar said finally. "For now, let the tribes return to the feast. Fear will not serve us tonight."

The crowd began to disperse, but Kael remained frozen, his thoughts racing.