Interlude - 04

Interlude - 04

***Tirnanog, Thich***

***Evanne***

The priest stood on a podium, surrounded by several strong-looking warriors in full ceremonial armour. I was sure just a single one of them could have easily beaten all of the assembled congregation. Our former teachers stood to the side of the great hall, lined up like soldiers as they watched the ceremony with dead eyes.

All humans are not created equal! the priest announced with utter conviction in his voice, hushing the few whispers coming from the people around me.

His icy gaze wandered over the crowd, sending a chill down my spine and forcing me to lower my eyes in fear, afraid he would send his guards after me if he sensed so much as a shred of defiance. I wouldnt be the first time for a hapless recruit to be punished for daringly holding eye contact with a superior.

The weak have deceived you! the priest continued after his ominous pause. In the olden days, the settlers would say that the meek shall inherit the world. That the strong should protect those who cannot defend themselves. To stand together and face Tirnanogs dangers united.The source of this content nov(el)bi((n))

His eyes narrowed as if in contemplation. Not yet at least.

The priest once more scanned the crowd before he continued, You have no clue what your ancestors had to sacrifice to allow you to stand in this place here and now, but soon you will get at least a taste of it.

He looked around, smiling dangerously. Only those capable of claiming power and rising above the rest will survive! To slay those who yet cling to the feebleness of a society too weak to survive this world. For the weak must serve the strong who rule.

The priest gestured at the sandy fighting pit in front of his podium. So come forth if you think yourselves worthy of being more than a mere servant! Demonstrate your right to command your lessers, or stay silent forever more and accept your rightful place.

I clenched my fists and eyed the fearful expressions of those around me. If I wanted to survive in this world, I had to become stronger. Especially after Ivonne had disappeared, I was now the only person I could rely on.

Seeing this as the only way, I took a step forward.