Role

Chapter 7

The war drums sounded from the north, echoing across all Thera. The time has
come, the Rites had been called. Various Battleragers rose to their feet as
Thror appeared within the Village. One by one they entered the arena, each
with a somber look on their face. This was no small matter, for in the time
to come one of them would be named Commander of battle, another Drillmaster.


Salyeris could look to each of the entering battleragers, all people she had
come to know rather well. She could gauge who would likely shine, who was
there only to put the others to the true test of their worth. It would not be
an easy trial for any of them, but that was the point. Some thought
themselves fit to lead the village, but this would be a true measure of their
worth against their peers, and more importantly in front of Thror, who'se
stern gaze looked over all of them one by one as he spoke of the rules that
were to govern the Rites.

Soon the rounds of combat begun, many going to watch the fights, except
Salyeris. She sat, unmoving, in the circle as others fought to prove
themselves. Winners and losers were named, combatants taken fom the field one
by one.

Salyeris sat back through it all, a calm expression on her face as she
awaited her name to be called by Lord Thror. All the while in the back of her
mind was her encounter with Lady Neltouda not long before. There had been a
hint of something more to come, should she prove herself in the Rites. As
Thror finally called her name, she focused her mind again. Mauz, one of her
closest friends, was to be her opponent. One of the few she knew would pose a
true challenge. As he looked to her he said he'd have it no other way. She
smiled at that, for neither would she.