Just Another Day

The following day, the elders of the clans gathered the Kurach together at the bonfire to introduce the various warriors chosen and the games that would be played. One warrior gave a sheepish grin and small wave. Various cheers and words of encouragement were shouted as each warrior was presented and his task announced. When this was done, the elders dismissed the Kurach to go enjoy the first parts of the festival.

Merchants and vendors who had arrived earlier had their wares on display, such as rugs and clothing made from wool, cotton, and skins, clay pots, woven baskets, tools, charms, and many other things, and eagerly welcomed visitors to their venues.

There was some friendly taunting among the clans as to who would win the games, and a bit of wagering and betting went on as well. A few of the more prideful came to blows, but the guards were quick to break it up before anything serious happened.

The warriors who would be competing were not allowed to mingle with the crowd until after the individual in question had completed his part of the competition, and were sent away to private quarters. The truce between the two Sylvan tribes was still fragile. Should one of the competitors be disabled by dishonorable methods such as sabotage, it would mean a lot of families and cubs would be in the middle of a battle. Neither side wanted to risk that.