Vastillan Memories: Trillan Lives: Novel One

You ripped your way into the world, screaming and crying, covered in blood; just the way this story begins. A land of peace quickly turning into a land of violence. With the heart of a nation falling to bloodshed, despair pumped through the veins of this whole country; even making its way to The Kingdom. Far away from The Palace however, deep inside the Western Mountains, the Chiefs and Generals were getting ready for a gathering of all the Mountains.

Tizwyn, the harsh General of The Western Mountains, was walking alongside two of her best soldiers to their Chiefs chambers. Tizwyn was shorter than your average Mountain Dweller with hair almost as long as she was tall. She kept her fiery red mane pulled back into a long braid no matter if she was in battle or not. Tizwyn had her protective gear on anytime she left her home, so she was dressed in her plate armor with the Western Mountain insignia square on her chest and shoulder. Her armor was in perfect condition, repaired after every battle, to show her care for her home and Chief. Her two soldiers were a bit taller than her, both with long black hair that blended in with their long graying beards. The three of them walked up to the big oak doors and after knocking loudly they were told to enter. Kelmir, the Chief, was still in his sleeping robes while reading a book in his study. The two soldiers stayed outside the door while Tizwyn walked in with a heavy sigh.

“Sir, it’s almost time to go to The Old Tree and meet with the others. ” The heart of the continent, known as Trila, was the Old Tree, thought to be a place of serenity. A place that held the first breath of life, connecting it to every tree in the land; letting us all live our Trillan Lives.

Every time the moons were missing from the sky the settlements of people that lived in each mountain range would congregate at The Old Tree to discuss any trades or other business it took to keep the peace between them, as well as pray to the Gods that created them.Tizwyn was not only the General for her soldiers, but was also the Chief’s right hand woman and was always keeping him on time even before he was Chief.

Kelmir shut the book with a grin and looked up at his fight hungry General who was trying to be patient. Standing up he started to mutter to himself in a language that she did not recognize. Walking toward his huge closet he spoke to his General, “Give me just five more minutes.”

As Kelmir was getting dressed in his private chambers Tizwyn walked over to where he was reading then picked up the book he was so invested in. Her face contorted in confusion as she tried to read the pages and couldn’t. “Are you reading in Highborn?” She asked, slightly offended. Tizwyn hated anything Highborn, including the Royal Family. She had too many instances with The Highborn screwing her over, and everyone knew that the Royal Family could care less about the common folk; especially out here far from The Kingdom.

“Beautiful language, Highborn. That book was written by the last King. Now that was a man who understood the beauty of leading.” Kelmir responded with a chuckle, knowing Tizwyns’ sad history. As Kelmir put on common clothes Tizwyn looked around his chambers, slowly pacing, letting her mind wander to old memories of her and her Chief. The two of them had grown up together, the best of friends; though this was before he became Chief. Tizwyn found herself at the threshold of his actual bedroom, staring at the bed, thoughts of disobedience filling her head.

Blushing slightly she shook her head and looked up at Kelmir, who was coming out behind his changing screen. Kelmir walked past Tizwyn with a small smile and went straight to his desk to stuff parchment paper and ink into his pocket. Grabbing his quill he went to speak but was cut off by his friend and personal guard.

“Sir, I advise you to put on some protective gear. The Northern Dwellers have made some bold moves of late.” Tizwyn warned her Chief, being very matter of fact. A while ago Tizwyn had a battalion that had been ambushed by a group of what the Northern Mountain Chief called rebels, but what Tizwyn thought was a sanctioned attack. Some Mountain Dwellers from the North had traveled outside the range to attack any groups of Western Mountain soldiers coming home. It was a bloodbath, and the only reason it stopped was Tizwyn. During the battle she led the battalion to safety through old tunnels that ran underneath the Mountains rather than through them to the settlements. The Chief sighed sadly and stepped toward her.

“I will not fight my brothers, no matter what Mountain they come from Tizzy. You should learn the same.”

“With all due respect Sir but it is them who should learn.” She quickly responded to her Chief who just laughed at her bravery to speak to him so plainly.

“You watch your tongue, or have you forgotten that I am your Chief?”

Tizwyn looked up at her Commander and nodded, looking back down at the floor to show her submission. Tizwyn bit her inner cheek in order to not talk to him like a regular citizen given their history, which proved extremely difficult. While Kelmir finished his last little bit of getting ready, Tiz reminiscenced in her head about the way things were before he was named Chief. She remembered their talks by the fire, their laughs shared in the mess hall, and she even let her mind wonder on what his hands felt like brushed up against hers. These memories were just that, memories. Since Kelmir was crowned Chief they had certain rules and expectations placed on their relationship; Tizwyn was his General now. They couldn’t just be kids who grew up together anymore.

“Alright, now let us leave.” Kelmir announced he was finally ready to go just before opening his heavy chamber doors and leading his soldiers behind him. Tizwyn quickly followed, shutting the door behind her, catching up to the Chief and the two soldiers she picked to bring to the Old Tree.

The first soldier she picked was her right hand man, second in command of all the soldiers, Brigner. Brig had been to many Old Tree meetings, but his partner that Tiz let him pick had never been to one. This was Jellers chance to prove to everyone that he deserved to be a trusted soldier to go on The Old Tree meetings.

Once through the tunnels the group emerged, met by The Old Tree and Southern Mountain Dwellers. Birds circled the Old Tree singing to each other as they flew. This tree was said to be taller and older than the Sky People, an ancient and long gone race. The Old Tree is encircled by four very tall mountain ranges named after the four directions; North, South, East, and West. Most of Trila was flat, but the closer to the center of the land the more hills and mountains started to appear. Remnants of when this land collided together to form, long before history was recorded. Tizwyn immediately told her soldiers to check the perimeter. Her eyes scanned the North Mountain entrance afraid that the North Mountain Dwellers would try to attack her Chief, who she cared about dearly. The soldiers obeyed and started to move out in opposite directions while Kelmir was already talking to Uhmguard, the South Mountain Chief.

“Uhmguard, how good to see you in good health.” Kelmir greeted the Chief with a level of respect that is usually only given from citizen to Chief, not Chief to Chief. He always greeted the Chiefs as if they were equals because in his mind they were. It didn’t matter which mountain had more resources in one area over another, or if a Chief was sick, Kelmir would always respect his fellow leaders. Uhmguard smiled with a loud chuckle as he slowly walked forward, cane in hand. “I may be in good health but the Doctor says I still need this thing.” He sighed softly looking down at his hand carved cane. The handle was a skull with ruby red eyes, the staff having different markings from different Mountains.

Uhmguard was a tall Mountain Dweller with dark gray hair that was long and blended into his long, also gray, beard. His black eyes stood out against his ghostly pale skin. His old hands gripped his cane tight, since this became his method of travel and most prized possession. The insignia of The Kingdom was also carved into the center of the cane, representing a Kingdom that Uhmguard respected highly.

Tizwyn stood directly behind her Chief, scanning the South Mountain General, Ophna Slasher, who was standing behind her elderly Chief. Ophna was a famous warrior not only among the Mountains but also across all of Trila. She was everything Tizwyn wanted to be for her Chief and more. A few years ago there was an attack on South Mountains from a group of Hiders, a race shorter but deadlier than Mountain Dwellers. Ophna Slasher was the only one on the front lines and she managed to take down all of them, with the help of only archers shooting at them from a distance. She had scars all down her body from the fight, the most noticeable one was across her eye, causing her to be slightly blind on the left side. It was that day she earned the title of Slasher and General. Ophna was a bit taller than Tizwyn, but not by much. She had short black hair that came down to her chin at an angle and icy blue eyes that gave shivers down your back if you caught a glimpse of them. Ophnas’ eyes were scanning the entrances waiting for the East and North Chiefs to arrive.

“How good of you to join us, Ophna.” Chief Kelmir called Ophna to the conversation. She flashed a mandatory smile and nodded, but then returned her eyes to the entrances. This was not good enough for Kelmir so he persisted to talk to her. “How are your children Ophna?” He spoke softly, moving forward to reach for her hand in order to offer some sort of connection.

“Grieving, Sir.” Ophna kept her response short but did shake Kelmirs hand before moving backwards. Putting her hands on her battle ax she started to pace around the conversation happening, eyes fixed on the North and East entrances. Tizwyn wanted to offer her condolences to Ophna but didn’t know what to say to a strong warrior woman, or a mother who lost a child.

“I told her not to come.” Uhmguard whispered, or thought he did “But who would protect you my Chief?” Ophna responded with care in her voice, making both Tizwyn and Kelmir smile before seeing that the Eastern Chief and his soldiers were walking towards them.

“Linnel!” Kelmir bellowed loudly before speed walking to the Eastern Chief with wide open arms. It was tradition that all the soldiers trained together in their first year, no matter what Mountain they came from. It was thought to boost morale and help understand other Mountain fighting styles. Linnel and Kelmir were soldier buddies in their first year, and both happened to find their way to Chief. The two men hugged in a big embrace while laughing and immediately catching each other up on their personal and professional lives. Linnels’ General walked up to the other three and nodded her head, biting her lip nervously.

“Hello, I’m Rayla.” Ophna looked at Rayla with a bit of disgust, “Where is Tulia?” Rayla looked at the scary looking woman with a sad look. “She passed away last night in her sleep.” Ophna dropped her facial expression and slowly walked to Linnel to offer her condolences, knowing the grief of losing a family member.

Tizwyn held out her hand for Rayla to shake, which she did nervously. “That was Ophna, I’m Tizwyn. I’m the Western General.” Rayla nodded taking in all the new information before she put her bright blonde hair back into a ponytail. “This is nerve wracking isn’t it?” Tiz nodded with a small laugh. “I remember my first meeting. I was so nervous I forgot to pray.” Both women laughed but their laughter was soon interrupted by the entrance of the Northern Chief and General. Tizwyn made a face, putting her hand on her sword next to her, seeing that Yelnis brought four soldiers instead of just two. Ophna stopped in her tracks, also seemingly uneasy by this, and made her way back towards her own Chief.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Yelnis said with a cocky smile, knowing he was the last to arrive so that he was what everyone was waiting on. Yelnis was the tallest and youngest Chief among the Mountain Dwellers. He had never fought in any wars or battles, so he kept his brown hair short and had a slim to none beard. Rayla looked between her Chief and Tizwyn, unsure of what was happening. Tizwyn noticed the new Generals’ nerves and pulled her closer so that only she could hear her advice.

“So pretty soon the meeting will start, but now is your time to mingle.” Fear flashed across Raylas face, and she slowly nodded. “Well I can mingle with you right?” She chuckled with slight nervousness, looking to Tizwyn to explain who the others were.

“Well you know Ophna.” She pointed to the scary woman, who was walking back and forth behind her Chief. “Ophna Slasher? I didn’t know that was her.” Tizwyn nodded with a smile, seeing how impressed Rayla looked at the scary woman. Ophna definitely had a reputation of being scary, but seeing her and her battle ax strapped to her back was more scary than Rayla thought it would be. “And that’s her Chief, Uhmguard. He’s a very sweet, very old man.” Rayla nodded, soaking up as much of the information as she could. She felt she needed to take notes because there were so many people. “Who is your Chief?”

“Chief Kelmir of the Western Mountains.” Tizwyn stood up a little straighter and smiled as she spoke, looking toward her Chief who was now in conversation with Linnel and Yelnis. The conversation was quiet, which made Ophna nervous for her Chief, who was making his way towards the table. To the left of The Old Tree was a small table only built for four. The General’s and other soldiers were expected to form a circle around them or guard the perimeter. Ophna took off her battle ax and held it in her hand, standing up straight behind where her Chief was sitting. Hushed conversation between the two slowly started to dissipate as the other Chiefs sat down while their own Generals stood directly behind them as well. Kelmir stayed standing, leaning against the table and looking at all of them.

“Friends, let’s remember we are all Mountain Dwellers during this meeting, and should treat each other with a certain level of respect, even if there’s disagreement.” Sitting down with a smile, Yelnis stood up and began to talk. “I want to start the meeting with a moment of silence for those fallen in the recent bout with the rebels, and I want to offer my condolences to Tizwyn personally for her needing to be in that position.” Tizs’ eyes widened a little bit in shock but she stayed silent, biting her lip to hold her opinions to herself. Ophna however let out a small chuckle with a shit eating grin, looking at Tiz to see if she was okay.

“I couldn’t help but notice that you brought more than the agreed upon number of soldiers, Yelnis.” Uhmguard spoke in a shaky voice after the moment of silence was over, coughing loudly into his rag after he spoke. “I was afraid there may be an attack on my life today, but enough about me. It is good to see you here Uhmguard, I was hoping that The Three had not claimed you yet.”

Both of the Chiefs gave a slightly uncomfortable chuckle before Yelnis sat back down. There was another moment of silence before Linnel spoke. “Should we start with trade or school?”

During the meeting Tizwyn listened closely, wanting one day to be Chief. There had never been a female Chief before, and she thought it was far from time that happened. Her eyes flashed from the conversation to the Northern General. She knew Illia well since they were in school together. They used to always be paired up together, but not because there was a strong bond, but because they were equally blood thirsty. Illia was the same height and build as Tizwyn, but with brown hair instead of fiery red. She left her hair down to show off how curly it was, which was a natural phenomenon in the Mountain Dwellers. Tizwyn listened to the Chiefs as they talked about caring for The Old Tree.

Legend says that the roots of The Old Tree spread all across Trila and are connected to every other tree in the land. The Old Tree is said to be where life on Trila began, and it is said that this is where Trillans get their life force. It is the Mountain Dwellers duty to take care of The Old Tree. Taking care of it meant to feed it both physically and spiritually; though The Northern Mountains had not been doing either.

“I think it is time to change who is in charge of The Old Tree.” Linnel spoke sternly looking at everyone who was nodding in agreement, except Yelnis. Whoever was taking care of the tree was also in charge of speaking to the King, and the Northern Mountains have had that duty for a long time. He went to speak in protest but Kelmir spoke quicker, “I would take this duty and honor it with my life.” Tiz sighed softly to herself, knowing this could have made him a target for anything that Yelnis was planning. Everyone nodded in agreement which left Yelnis the odd man out.

As the meeting came to a close all of the Chiefs circled The Old Tree, kneeling down before it, as tradition demanded. Each General and soldier also knelt down before the tree, next to their respective higher ups. They all stayed silent, all of their heads bowed down towards the ground. There was no sound to be heard other than of one’s own breath, but then Chief Uhmguard starts The Holy Prayer in a soft spoken, almost shaky, voice. “We ask The Three to please bless us among The Old Tree-”

Interrupting him, a blood curdling scream, which made everyone’s head snap up. Once everyone’s eyes focused on where the scream came from they all saw Ophna laying on the ground with an arrow in her back in between her shoulder blades.

“Attack!” Tizwyn yelled as loud as she could before making her way to Ophna. Every soldier drew their respective weapon. Yelnis and Linnel were cowering underneath their Generals for protection while Kelmir and Uhmguard huddled around Ophna.

“Just pull it out.” Ophna yelled, gripping her battle ax and bringing the handle to her mouth, her teeth clenching on it as Tizwyn ripped the arrow out. Just at that moment another arrow whizzed by, landing at the base of The Old Tree next to where Uhmguard was standing. Ophna slowly stood up, blood rushing out of her wound and soaking what little she was wearing. Tizwyn helped her stand up, carrying her on the left side, holding a shield with her right

“Everyone get to safety!” More arrows shot down from the sky, the shooters hiding extremely well. As everyone was running to their tunnels, in order to hide from this wide open land, an arrow shot straight through Jeller’s throat. Tiz wanted to stop and help her trusted soldier but not only was it too late, she had to get her Chief and Ophna to safety.

Once inside the tunnels Tizwyn turned around and saw that arrows were still being shot down, meaning some people didn’t make it to safety. Ophna slid down to the floor, her back against the cool rock, Uhmguard in front of her holding her hand. “Ophna?” He whispered softly, looking between Kelmir and his trusted friend. “How’s it looking Tizzy?” Kelmir spoke with a commanding voice but Tizwyn could tell that he was scared just by the way he spoke. She turned around to face him and sighed softly. “It doesn’t look good for us Chief. You need to get to the war room, it’s the safest place in the Mountain.” Tizwyn got on her knees and leaned Ophna forward to look at her still bleeding wound. She shook her head and looked back to her Chief.

“Take her to the Doctor and take Chief Uhmguard with you. I’m going to see if I can get a look at who did this.” Tizwyn went to stand up before Ophna grabbed her arm, pulling herself up to a slightly standing position. “I will not abandon my charge. Uhmguard, go with Chief Kelmir to their war room, I will stay with Tizwyn.” Ophna groaned louder than she wanted as she started to walk towards the entrance where Tizzy was. Uhmguard went to speak in protest but realized it was useless to argue with his General. “Bring her back alive Tizwyn.” He spoke softly before turning and going with Kelmir deep inside the Mountain. The two Generals both drew their weapons, even though neither of them were ranged.

“I will get you back to your children Ophna.”

Ophna shook her head softly, smiling with a soft sad smile. “Or I join my baby girl with The Three.” Ophna whispered softly, not sure if she wanted to stay on this plane any longer. Tiz didn’t know what to say to that, so she started to walk out into the open field. She had a long sword in one hand and a shield in the other, using the shield as cover for any arrows they may encounter. The two came across some dead soldiers, their eyes staring up into the sky as if they could see the Sky People. Blood covered their faces and body, seeping into the land and roots of The Old Tree.

There was not a single attack while the two women were in the open field. Tizwyn was able to take time to close the eyes of every fallen soldier they found, including the two that she brought with her. Tears filled Tizzy’s eyes as she closed Jeller and Brigners eyes, two soldiers who she had worked for and with for what felt like decades.

“I think the attack is over.”

Ophna spoke, shielding her eyes from the sun while she looked to the top of the mountains, unable to see anything. “I want a closer look to find out who did this.” Hearing her words Tizwyn shook her head and wiped the tears from her eyes. “No need, I know it was Yelnis.” Ophna sighed softly in disbelief, knowing that Tizywn and Yelnis had never gotten along. Ophna set her battle ax on the small table, her body feeling weaker while she sat down. She wiped sweat from her face and looked at Tizwyn with an almost motherly look.

“Tiz, come on. He-”

“No look Ophna, there’s no Northern Dwellers here dead.”

Ophnas’ frown was interrupted and it turned into a curious gaze while she scanned the floor. She saw soldiers from every clan except the North. Shaking her head in disbelief she stood up, using her battle ax as a cane she started to make her way towards the Western entrance. Tizwyn followed her, her brain trying to wrap around what happened. If not Yelnis then who?

While their trusted General’s searched the field, Kelmir and Uhmguard headed deep inside the Western Mountain. Uhmguard had been inside the Western Mountain before, but had never gone to the top level; where the war room is hidden among the holiest of buildings. The two Chiefs walked rather quickly up the stairs from the bottom third level all the way to the top. Uhmguard knew the basic layout of the Mountain of course, since every Mountain had the same three levels. The bottom level, where The Chiefs were coming through, is where the common folk lived. Uhmguard followed slowly, his three legs moving at half his usual speed, up the stairs to the second level; which he was very familiar with. Every second level was taverns and markets, and hotels. Uhmguard had visited almost every tavern in town during his visits. Once to the third level Uhmguard only knew how to get to two places, so he followed behind Kelmir, who lived on this third level since he was Chief. Chief Kelmir walked faster than Uhmguard could keep up with if he wanted, but he stayed slow in order to stick with his friend and ally. Eventually the two of them made it to the war room, which was next to the Town Hall and one of the Temples.

Nothing was too fancy about the room, other than it had a bookcase in it, along with a long table and chairs. It looked like a meeting room to the naked eye. When Uhmguard walked into the room he immediately fell into a chair, coughing loudly. Kelmir turned around in concern and glanced at him to see if he was okay.

“Oh crap.”

Chief Kelmir whispered in shock, seeing an arrow in the side of his mentor. He rushed to his side, taking off his own robes in order to add pressure. Thoughts of their friendship quickly flashed through Kelmirs mind, afraid to lose another friend. “Oh no you don’t. Uhmguard, talk to me.” Kelmir spoke in a worried voice, smacking his friend’s face quickly to wake him up. The two of them had been friends longer than Kelmir had been Chief. They met when Kelmir was just a guard to the last Chief of the Western Mountains. At Kelmirs’ first No Moons meeting Uhmguard was the first one to make him feel welcomed and accepted as a trusted member. He took Kelmir under his wing, and taught him what being Chief really meant. While Kelmir was applying pressure and thinking of how they met, Chief Uhmguard was falling asleep, or at least that’s what he told Kelmir he was doing.

“It’s not sleeping, Chief.”

Uhmguard slowly drifted in and out of consciousness, mumbling to himself and his trusted ally every so often. Everyone thinks that when you’re dying that your whole life flashes before your eyes. That didn’t seem to be the case with Uhmguard at this moment, or any of the other close calls he has had with death. In Uhmguards’ experience you think about your great successes and failures, and maybe your most intimate secrets. Currently Uhmguard was picturing his late wife, who had passed away a few years ago, with a smile while tears streamed down his face.

Memories of the two of them together filled all of his senses while he spoke softly, “Do you think I’ll get to see my Semmy?” Kelmir stopped what he was doing when he heard the Chief talk of his wife. His blood soaked hands stopped applying pressure and rested on his friend’s legs. Looking up at him he sighed softly with a sad smile.

“Do you want to die, Uhmguard?”

The sick and dying Chief laughed but it turned to a violent and bloody cough. He nodded slowly, closing his eyes and looking up at the ceiling. “Don’t tell Ophna, but I have wanted to die for some time now.” Kelmirs’ mouth opened to speak but he couldn’t find any words to comfort his old friend. Coughing up blood Chief Uhmguard went to speak and was too weak to even make a dying decree. His eyes fluttered shut while his breathing became more shallow, a smile on his face. Tears welled in Kelmirs eyes when he saw that his friend had stopped breathing.

A few moments later Ophna and Tizwyn walked into the war room, not expecting what they were confronted with. Chief Kelmir looked up at both of them, Uhmguards hand clutched in his own.

“I…” He went to speak but any sense of explanation or excuse went out the window when his eyes met Ophna’’s tear filled ones. Tiz felt her heart break but not for sadness from the loss of a friend, though that stung, rather from the loss she knew Ophna was feeling. Ophna, upon seeing her Chief laying in the chair lifeless, broke.

A loud guttural scream was pushed out of her from her core as she fell to her knees, her fists slamming against the floor repeatedly. Tizwyn got on her knees with her and went to grab her hands, struggling to grab them at first but eventually clasping them in her own hands. She pulled Ophna closer to her, so that her head laid on her chest. “Shh. It’s okay.” Tizwyn whispered softly, trying not to choke on her own tears, while stroking Ophnas’ long hair. Everything was quiet, as if everyone was too afraid to speak.

While our three heroes buried their collective mentor, Yelnis was in his war room with the most trusted members of the Northern Mountain known as The Northern Council. Yelnis looked out at the families that faced him, these families were the very ones that built this city and made him Chief. He took shallow breaths while he gathered his thoughts, his mind running wild. The Council gossiped among themselves waiting for the Chief to man up and confront them. Young Chief Yelnis finally broke his silence, almost loudly yelling, “Listen!” He waited for the chatter to subside and their focus to turn, which it did rather immediately. The Council was ready for him. “There was an attack during The Holy Prayer at today’s meeting, and I need to find out who is responsible.” While speaking his most trusted guards started to leave the building, making the council start to finally stir.

“No one is leaving this room until we figure it out.” The boy’s voice cracking while speaking, a cough in between sentences. “ I have reason to believe it was the Western Mountains, and somehow they will make an attack.”

The families just looked between each other for a moment and started laughing. Their laughter roared in Yelnises ears, making him red with confusion and anger. His anger stemmed from his youth, but it was still a force to be messed with. “Silence! What is the meaning of this?” The Council’s laughter subsided while one elderly Mountain Dweller stood up and started to speak as if he was the Chief. “You need to watch yourself around us boy. These families have been putting things in motion long before you ever became Chief.”

Yelnises face started to distort in confusion, concerned on how someone could have started a war underneath his nose. A war he would be blamed for. “I have to tell the King.” The boy immediately started to move towards one of the doors in this room that was his office, but when opening the door a guard stood ready for a fight. “Sorry Chief, but the Council pays me more.” The boy’s face fell in betrayal that a member of his own guard, who had to take oaths, would work for money and stature rather than honor and glory; the true Mountain Dweller way.

“Oh we have sent a letter to the King on your behalf… Chief.” The creepy elderly Mountain Dweller spoke, sitting back down. “Lock him up, we have business to do.” The Council began their meeting while their personal guard apprehended his sworn oath of protection and turned it into pain. He grabbed the Chief and dragged him downstairs to the other door, “To the dungeons with you.” The guard spoke while grabbing a torch and leading the way down to their prison cells. They passed many criminals and villains of their own stories, most put here by Yelnis himself. If there was ever a moment that struck true fear in this young Chiefs heart it was the prisoners cheering for him to be held here. The worst of all four mountains were held here in the North. Now he was one of those people, but having committed no crimes but being Chief. Since that seemed to be his crime, getting in the way of the Council.

Once in his cellar, after throwing just about anything he could, the Chief calmed down. He was able to sit on the cold hard ground and take in his cell mates. To the left he looked and saw a small Trickster looking down at him. Tricksters were just a little shorter than Mountain Dwellers, and they often infiltrated Mountains since they usually went underground anyways. The Trickster was shorter than most, with hair longer than most. She had her arms crossed, and her eyebrows furrowed. The big thing he noticed about her, other than that she was a woman, was the color of her skin.

“Well I’ll be damned, the Council won.” He looked at her with a sad angry look. Like he was angry, but at himself. “It seems for now they have.” Yelnis stood up and brushed the dirt off of himself. He walked toward the woman, and she backed up, even though there were bars between them. “Who are you?” The woman laughed softly, realizing that the rich and famous don’t pay attention to the little people. “You really don’t know your citizens. I was a tourist that decided to move here. Lots of us do, to be near The Old Tree.” Yelnis nodded, standing up straight. “I’m Chief of the Mountain Dwellers, which you are not.” “But aren’t I in a way a Dweller if I live, work, breath, and shit here?”

Yelnis shook his head at her disgusting language, shocked a Trickster was so rough around the edges. She was different then most, being a darker gray skin tone. Yelnis had only ever heard of gray skinned Tricksters being in books, long extinct like the Sky People.

“The name’s Greva Gembiter by the way, and since you’re just Chief of Mountain Dwellers I’ll just call you Yelnis, or Yel. But none of those silly Chief formalities.”

Yelnis frowned at her remarks, disregarding his title while throwing his own words back at him. He didn’t have the energy to fight back with her, rather he sat on the cot that was in the corner of his cell on the floor. “At least the King is getting some sort of letter.”