Betrothed

The thundering of hooves disrupted the stillness of the forest as the horses rode side by side kicking up bits of rain softened earth. The forest floor sat damp from an earlier downpour but not slippery enough to slow down the riders. I had almost made eighteen sunlapses at the time and rode solemnly by my elder brother Neven, my thoughts venturing once again to my ailing father whose side i had been hesitant to leave but had had to because duty came first. My father had taught me that and Neven had made sure i never forgot it. It was my duty as the second son of the warrior chief to maintain the peace and order by marrying from the spirit clan of Munhri. The spirit clan sought protection in exchange and buyers for their charms and potions through forming alliances of sacred union. I had learnt from his brother that it was the first time the Eoyre clan had been summoned for a betrothal. The spirit clan initially formed alliances with the ambra clan but had since cut ties with them as they were a tranquil community and did not contend with the methods of the ruthless new ruler of ambra. Zeyne was a tyrant who had usurped umbra and then declared war on all the other clans in a bid for outright domination. As untimely as the betrothal was, Erjon understood that they needed Munhri on their side for the battle to come. Munhri was an invaluable clan for their knowledge of healing and elixirs and were rumoured to have a few gifted people with supernatural abilities. I was jolted back to reality as my horse, a pure black mare i sometimes called Taiba slowed her gallop to a trot. More light filtered through the trees which led me to believe the thick forest was coming to an end.

“We are now in Munhri territory.” Neven declared.

I nodded. I didn’t usually have much to say but I knew I might say a thing or two if I had to ride any longer after riding hard for almost two days and a night spent in a cave in the wilderness. I could make out the stone slab barricade surrounding the clan stronghold. The steady thrum of what I could only describe as soul music caressed my ears. Neven had heard it too. The way he sat rigid on his horse, his stance that of a warrior poised to strike.

“They’re expecting us.” Neven commented absentmindedly.

We barely paused at the at the gate as it started to slide open and I followed Neven into the village. A man well beyond his second prime awaited us at the gate beaming at my brother, with crinkles at his eyes.

“Munhri welcomes you.” The man said, gesturing with both arms.

“We are honored.” Neven replied, getting down from his horse and signaling for me to do the same.

“My brother Erjon.” he added, as I inclined my head slightly toward the man.

“Come here son, let me take a good look at my daughter’s betrothed.” I realized I was standing before Ayox, chief of the spirit clan.

“I take it you are to be commander in the battle and second chief to your brother?”

“That’s true.” I replied.

“Am under the impression that you will be a good husband to my daughter when the time comes.” He said, a note of silent warning in his words.

“I give you my word.” I assured him.

“Does the girl possess the gift?” Neven cut in.

“She’s still too young to know for sure.” Ayox replied.

“I trust that you will inform us at the first sign?”

The chief nodded solemnly.

“The binding ceremony will start at dawn, at an auspicious hour.” Ayox informed us.

“We will take our leave immediately after the ceremony, we must return to our sick father.” Neven replied.

“Of course son, but tonight, let us feast together to celebrate this union.”