Prologue

The night was cold, bitterly cold. The wind was howling, the kind of wind that cut into flesh. Deep in the mountains, hidden from the world is the Usodori Meideir clan. One of the famed Merdeir warrior clans of song and legend that has migrated to Nashanna in an age long forgotten. While renowned for their strength and ruthlessness, on this night the full moon shone upon the Meideir clan as they stocky reflected on the most brutal defeat of their centuries-long history.

In the village of the Usodori, men and women wearing torn and bloody armor were silent, staring in front of them. As was tradition, after a battle all that participated gathered in the center of the village to hold a live council in front of a large fire. When the battle’s end resulted in victory, it resulted in wild partying and heavy drinking. However, on nights like this, when the Usodori has been defeated, none wanted to venture a word. Especially when their Khan had fallen in battle.

No one said anything, they just stared at the fire and embers. Those that were not warriors were off burying the dead, led by the elders and veterans. By daybreak a new Khan would have to be elected. Of course that would require spoken word and at the moment, none were volunteering. A woman wrapped in a hood and robe joined the silent vigil, a Priestess of Zadiam, the Great Spirit Bear. After a few moments, the priestess spoke.

“ It’s done. Uria hunts with our ancestors now.” One of the warriors looked hard at her.

“ Aye. And it was a burial that should not have occurred on this night. Why did you send uf off into battle when we were in the disfavor of Zadiam.”

I did not know Zadiam was angry with us, nor do I know the reason why,” the priestess defended herself calmly. “ The Great Bear of the Stars has not spoken with me for several moon cycles.”

“ And you dared stay silent? You let us ride into battle?!” another snapped, glaring at her, half of her head covered in bloody bandages. “ You should have told us of Zadiam’s disfavor before. If you had, our Khan wouldn’t be amongst the worms and dirt right now.” Before the priestess could answer, a loud scream of anguish split the air. Those gathered in front of the fire craned their necks as did several others nearby.

“ Saishi must have started birthing. She’ll probably have a hard time of it, and with her brother recently buried…” the priestess trailed off. She would have preferred to be there, helping to deliver the baby rather than be the one to confront the host of angry defeated warriors.

“ Aye,” said the first warrior, looking solemn. “ And since we have angered Zadiam it’s likely neither the baby or her will survive. Unfortunate too, bad enough we lose our Khan to the Halls of Gumaria. But we must also lose his sister and his kin and as they were not warriors, they will not be reunited.”

“ What occurred to draw Zadiam’s ire so?!” asked yet another warrior. This one was relatively unharmed compared to her comrades. Small in stature but mighty in temper and reputation she marched to the priestess and stood toe to toe glaring at her. Most would think twice before addressing one that served the Great Spirit Guide. However this warrior displayed only boldness.

“ What Uria did-” The priestess started before the warrior slapped her. This caused a stir, the others stepping between the two. Slapping those that interpreted the will of The Great Spirit Bear was taboo. However the priestess recovered quickly, straightening up and in a loud dignified voice addressed the assembly.

“ Sons and daughters of the Usodori! Hear my words!” She placed a hand to her stinging left cheek and winced before continuing. “ You Amy rest easy for it was none of you that caused the wrath of Zadiam but Uria himself!” This sparked outrage with men’s rn women bellowing their anger and disbelief.

“ Never!”

“ You lie!”

“Uria was our Khan! He would never!” The priestess had to gesture for them to be silent and had to practically yell to be heard over the protests.

“ Uria had an affair with the Khan of the Kappa clan! This was brought before me by Zadiam himself! Uria went ahead with the battle because the demanded penance was his life. I tell you the truth, in dying Uria has resisted the favor of our Great Ancestor!” This caused even louder protests for several minutes. This time the priestess waited until the protests became murmurs and glares aimed at her.

“ If that was so, why did you not inform the Council of Elders?” Asked one of those in attendance.

“ I did but it was voted for the issue to not be spoken of. Uria knew what he had to do, but he wanted to die with his honor intact.” The priestess dipped her head to the Warriors that looked to her to guide them. “ I am truly sorry for not saying anything but I was forbidden. But with the death of Uria, we are once again in the favor of Zadiam.”

That caused the tension to lift a little bit, but you could still see worry. No one said anything, all anyone could hear was the late Khan’s sister scream as she continued to give birth. From the sounds of it, it was not going well.

“ Uria acted with honor till the end,” croaked an old voice. Everyone turned their heads to the right to see a small group of old men and women wearing gray robes. The one that had spoken was bald, his left eye covered by an eyepatch. “ Fear not; for we have found his successor.”

That got everyone’s attention. No one dared breathe as they awaited the announcement. The more ambitious warriors were hoping it was their name that would be said no doubt. The elder that addressed everyone cleared his throat.

“ As all of you as our witnesses and in front of our fallen comrades that watch from the Halls of Gurmaria, we are prepared to name the next Khan of the Usodori clan.” The elder paused for a few seconds as suspense built. “ Doraki Yoridori will be the new Khan.” A collective gasp rose from those assembled as everyone looked to the back of the crowd. A man with short black hair, brown eyes and a black pike beard, looking more surprised than anyone.

“ Doraki, younger brother of Uria, older brother of Saishi, do you accept?” The one called Doraki wasn’t the biggest or strongest of the warriors but he was one of the most clever in the entire clan. After a few seconds a smile spread across his face.

“ Council of Elders, sons and daughters of the Usodori, I never expected this honor. But I swear to you I shall lead us to the best of our ability. And the Usodori will rise to greatness once again!” Mummers of approval spread throughout the crowd. Doraki had been a popular choice, his ability to remain calm and his thoughtfulness often caused the Council of Elders to call on him on occasion.

“ What of the Kappa?!” Called a warrior causing all mummers to cease. “ When will we avenge our fallen Khan?”

“ We have suffered a terrible defeat on this day and with winter coming we need to focus on regaining our strength. When Spring comes we will two about this further.” Just then an older woman wearing the same hood and robe as the priestess walked to stand beside the Council of Elders.

“ Saishi has given birth to a healthy baby boy,” she announced. This caused cries of jubilation and praise to Zadiam. The priestess hurried away from the crowd, led by the older woman, a High Priestess of the Great Spirit Bear. She led the way to a small stone house and opened the door for her younger companion. The priestess stepped into the cramped house, the older one staying outside. The priestess walked to a tired looking woman laying on a cot in the main room holding a sleeping baby boy.

The woman had long flowing brown hair, blue eyes and wore a blue and white kimono, indicating her status as a warrior.

“ How are you, Saishi?” The priestess asked, kneeling next to her. The woman gave her a tired smile and looked towards her sleeping newborn son.

“ His name is Kimura,” she muttered.

“ Named after your father I see,” the priestess said, smiling at the sleeping baby. “ Doraki has been named the new Khan.”

“ Uria wouldn’t have picked anyone else,” Saishi replied softly. “ Both of my brothers have been Khan now. Maybe one day it shall be my turn.”

“ Perhaps,” the priestess said. “ Or perhaps your son.” Suddenly she stiffened, her eyes wide. She didn’t move, staring at nothing. Saishi didn’t say anything, she dared not see if the priestess was okay. She knew when her priestess was receiving a message from Zadiam. After a few moments the priestess blinked and looked back at Saishi.

“ I have just been contacted by the Great Spirit Bear,” she muttered. “ Only he who is sworn to truth shall save our clan.”

“ But what can that mean?” Saishi asked, furrowing her brow.

“ I do not know but this is what Zadiam has chosen to tell me.” Saishi heaved a sigh and looked at her sleeping son.

“ You have never been wrong, Yuko. If you say it, then it must be so. Only he who is sworn to truth shall save our clan.”