The Feast of the Taku

The sun began to slowly set behind the mountain peaks.

The sky changed colour from gold to orange.

Alberto sat in the centre of a large stone table, surrounded by towering statues of the Takuas.

They had held a feast to mark their arrival that night—a grand Apu Makani, a festival reserved for the highest honours.

The elder Naia stood. "Tonight, we welcome you as friends, as allies," she announced, her voice echoing across the courtyard. "The Takuas have not shared their sacred food with outsiders for generations, but you have earned our trust. Eat, drink."

A deep drumbeat echoed through the air, signalling the start of the festival.

The square, which was surrounded by massive stone pillars, came alive as attendants—strong Taku men and women—brought food on huge wooden platters.