Kavio
Kavio stood in the shadow between two giant stones at the top of the steps, watching the people climb the hill for the feast. He couldn't find Dindi among the crowd, but he did recognize many faces. These were people he had seen years ago, during the time he was held captive here.
The Tor of the Sun was the biggest hill village. A wall of tree trunks circled the hilltop, guarding clusters of dome-shaped houses that looked like eggs in a nest. On the highest part of the hill, a raised mound of earth held the War Chief's compound. There were several houses—a longhouse, beehive huts, a kraal with horses, and a gold smithy. All the buildings were painted yellow, with golden disks shining in the walls and on the rooftops. When the sun hit them, they sparkled like homes built by the fae.
Steep stone steps led up to the High Table, a wide black stone slab resting on two logs. From the top of the steps, Kavio could see everything. Just below the High Table was the dancers' platform. On both sides of the stage, mats were set out for guests. These rows of mats reached nearly to the outer wall. Important guests sat closer to the High Table and arrived later.
The common people had already filled the farthest rows. The Initiates marched proudly to their spots. They puffed themselves up at the cheering and praise from the crowd.
Kavio looked at the Tavaedi Initiates again, sure Dindi must be among them. He was curious to know what Chroma she had shown. Still, he couldn't find her.
A deep drumbeat rang out.
War Chief Hertio stepped out in front of the High Table, where all could see him.
"Give honor to the brave Initiates!" he shouted.
The crowd clapped.
Then the warriors marched in, painted for battle. They lifted their spears in triumph.
"Give honor to the warriors who fought to defend our people!"
The crowd roared. The warriors sat on their mats. Next came the Tavaedies, in full costume. They moved with grace, even in a simple walk. The crowd shouted for them too.
Two dozen Zavaedies followed. They climbed the steps to join Hertio at the High Table. The crowd clapped and stomped with joy. Kavio stepped deeper into the shadows to let them pass. Some of them glanced at him in confusion, unable to see his face behind the mask.
"Revile our enemies!" Hertio cried. "They tried to destroy our young ones. But we gave them death and slavery instead!"
The Blue Waters prisoners were dragged in, their clothes in rags. Their arms were tied to long beams of wood. Even bound, they looked dangerous—especially Rthan. His huge body was barely slowed by the heavy beam on his back.
The people shouted insults. They threw stones and food scraps. Rthan ignored them. He looked past them like they were nothing.
The guards set the beams upright on the stage below the High Table. The prisoners were tied again, this time with their arms raised high above their heads. Everyone would see them suffer during the feast.
Hertio lifted his arms for silence.
"We also have a visitor," he said. "A guest from another tribe. He will be staying with us for a while."
Kavio tensed, ready to step into the light.
"He comes from the Rainbow Labyrinth. Give honor to the Cloud Dancer!"
Kavio froze.
A man in a Rainbow Labyrinth costume walked proudly between the rows of mats. His head was bare. It was Zumo—Kavio's cousin. He wore a smug grin.
"And now, I want to welcome an old friend," Hertio went on. "Give honor to the Herb Dancer!"
Kavio had been too distracted by Zumo to notice the other man. But there he was—walking quietly behind Zumo. Danumoro.
They both climbed the steps. They passed close to Kavio, but neither of them noticed him in the shadows.
They greeted Hertio with kind words.
"Finally," Hertio said, "I want to present the man to whom we owe a great debt. A man who helped us win the battle. Step forward, my young friend."
Kavio walked out of the shadows. Hertio clapped him on the back and turned him toward the crowd.
"My friends," Hertio shouted. "It has been twenty years since the Bone Whistler was defeated. Twenty seasons of peace since many exiles from the Rainbow Labyrinth found shelter here. Now a new exile joins us. I am proud to welcome the strongest magic dancer in Faearth! A young man who became a Zavaedi younger than most finish Initiation. The only known Zavaedi with all six Chromas. The only living son of a faery and a mortal. The son of the White Lady, last of the Aelfae—"
Zumo shot to his feet.
"This is an outrage!" he shouted. He pointed at Kavio. "That man is an exile! Offering him shelter is an act of war against my tribe!"
He held no weapon, but many Yellow Bear Zavaedies jumped up and drew theirs. Even Brena, Kavio noticed with some surprise, had drawn a sharp dagger from her belt.
"Zumo!" Danumoro said. "We are guests here. Don't start a fire you can't put out."
"You knew!" Zumo said.
"No. I'm waiting for the full explanation, same as you." Danumoro gave Kavio a long, hard look.
Hertio seemed calm. Maybe even amused. He turned back to the crowd, who were waiting for him to finish the announcement.
"Give honor to the Rain Dancer!"
The crowd exploded with cheers. They clapped faster and faster. The Tavaedies stood and began a spontaneous victory dance.
Hertio bowed, smiling. Then he returned to his seat at the High Table.
"Kavio," he said, "come sit beside me. Be our guest of honor. Let us feast!"
Below, on the stage, Yellow Tavaedies came out in bear masks and fur cloaks. They began a savage dance around the prisoners. As they passed each captive, they slashed the men's chests with three-clawed knives made from real bear claws.
The prisoners screamed in pain.
At the High Table, guests lifted bowls of cider and drank to victory.