03-17-2016, 12:29 PM
The day is clear and bright, the sun hanging high in the cloudless sky. Even in the depths of summer, the air is pleasantly temperate despite a steady wind blowing across the already windswept expanse of the Tundra. The warmth of the season will soon lose its grip though, giving way to the icy chill of fall. All too soon, winter would be upon them, its arctic fingers digging firmly into the land.
For the moment though, they could enjoy the brief warmth. And, he thinks, there is no better time for the inevitable to occur. The damp chill of the caves behind him crawls across his skin, assaulting his nostrils with its musty scent. He gives the gaping maw only a brief glance before turning his attention to the broad plain strewn with a myriad of hearty grasses and shrubs. His call rings out clearly across the expanse, bringing the other men of the Brotherhood to him.
His gaze finds Offspring the moment he arrives, nodding to him in silent acknowledgement. When the rest have assembled, he speaks, addressing them in his accustomed manner.
”The time has come to welcome all of our newest into the Brotherhood. As you know, this involves facing the Caves. You will receive scars upon successfully facing whatever is thrown at you.”
He pauses only long enough to indicate the scars upon his left hip, an endless knot insignia etched across a large portion of his pale hide.
”These scars identify you as an official member of this kingdom.”
Again he pauses, a more lengthy hesitation this time as he finds Offspring’s gaze, holding it with his own flinty stare.
”Offspring will go first. Assuming he makes it through the caves, I will be stepping down. Offspring will be taking my place as king.” Pause. ”Should there be any objections, we will address them as soon as Offspring returns from the caves.”
For the moment though, they could enjoy the brief warmth. And, he thinks, there is no better time for the inevitable to occur. The damp chill of the caves behind him crawls across his skin, assaulting his nostrils with its musty scent. He gives the gaping maw only a brief glance before turning his attention to the broad plain strewn with a myriad of hearty grasses and shrubs. His call rings out clearly across the expanse, bringing the other men of the Brotherhood to him.
His gaze finds Offspring the moment he arrives, nodding to him in silent acknowledgement. When the rest have assembled, he speaks, addressing them in his accustomed manner.
”The time has come to welcome all of our newest into the Brotherhood. As you know, this involves facing the Caves. You will receive scars upon successfully facing whatever is thrown at you.”
He pauses only long enough to indicate the scars upon his left hip, an endless knot insignia etched across a large portion of his pale hide.
”These scars identify you as an official member of this kingdom.”
Again he pauses, a more lengthy hesitation this time as he finds Offspring’s gaze, holding it with his own flinty stare.
”Offspring will go first. Assuming he makes it through the caves, I will be stepping down. Offspring will be taking my place as king.” Pause. ”Should there be any objections, we will address them as soon as Offspring returns from the caves.”
There is never a day that goes by
that is a good day to die.
Hurricane
