Chapter 19: Scorched Sky, Silent Field
The following morning, the field buzzed with excitement as Windorians gathered eagerly for the annual hunting season. News of the foreign participant had spread like wildfire, sparking lively debates among spectators.
Some analyzed tactics, predicting outcomes based on past performances. Others placed bets, ranking contestants from top contenders to last-place finishers.
Predictably, opinions varied wildly about who would emerge victorious—but there was unanimous agreement regarding the bottom rank: Liora Belle.
Whispers and murmurs filled the air as children darted between adults, oblivious to the tension brewing around them. When Liora and Elowen arrived, all eyes turned to them.
The crowd fell silent, gazes fixed intently on Liora, whose cheeks flushed under the scrutiny. High Chief Altan stepped forward, breaking the tension with his commanding yet warm voice.
"Good morning, all Windorians and esteemed guests. Today marks a special occasion for us all," he began, addressing the assembly. "For the first time ever, our sacred tradition of the hunting season includes a foreign participant."
"Let us welcome this change as a symbol of unity and camaraderie with neighboring kingdoms. As humans living under the same sun and moon, facing shared threats and aspirations, we must strengthen our bonds during these challenging times. With that in mind, let us commence this year's hunting season. May the best prevail!"
His speech was met with enthusiastic applause, cheers, and whistles echoing across the field. The generals mounted their horses alongside Liora, poised and ready to begin. When silence finally settled, Altan raised his arm dramatically.
"Let the hunting season begin!" he bellowed, the horn blasted until it echoed throughout the kingdom, prompting another wave of celebration as the participants bolted forward, galloping toward the forest where their unsuspecting prey awaited.
The dirt and dust kicked up in every direction as the thunderous hooves of horses raced across the open plains, each rider disappearing into the dense woods that bordered the starting field.
One by one, the generals entered their chosen hunting grounds, their movements sharp, efficient, and calculated. Behind them trailed Liora, her horse galloping steadily toward the farthest woods as per Elowen's carefully devised plan.