Trouble in The Valley

"There weren't always dragons in the Valley," bellowed the voice of our beloved Elder Kasteon who stood hunched at the head of the table. His snow-white hair falls over his left eye, now replaced by a deep scar earned in battle with a beast of the Moors. "We were not always safe from the outside world. These dragons have protected us for thousands of years. Now, all of that is in jeopardy." He continued, "We MUST leave The Valley in search of a new home." pleaded Kasteon. "There is not enough food in the valley. The river, once mighty and full of fish, is now dwindling and can sustain our protectors no longer. They must leave and we MUST leave with them! I fear we cannot defend our home without aid from the dragons." Kasteon concluded with withered hands shaking, his voice trailed off as he sat back in his throne-like armchair carved of stone. Noble Visceroth, perched behind him, chirps and bends her might head to Elder Kasteon and gently nudges his arm as if to applaud his speech.

Elder Kasteon, the oldest of the five elders, is the magnificent leader of the warriors in the northernmost tribe. He was a great warrior in his younger years and led our people to victory alongside Visceroth, the Ice Dragon of Legend. One of the largest and most beautiful dragons of all. Visceroth is clad in gleaming silver scales which she shifts to blend into her surroundings flawlessly. She glistens in the sunlight like a thousand stars all linked as one in the night sky. Her amethyst eyes are penetrating yet gentle. Visceroth is truly a sight to see, majestic and regal in every way.

"Our people have been here since the beginning! We will find a way as always. We have yet to hear from the Nomads, we must await their return!" commanded Elder Norjea. "We sent them to investigate why The Falls have slowed. We will wait for news from Shareena before abandoning the home our ancestors built." With clenched fist, Norjea pounds the table before her, "We stay!" she demands, looking around the room for anyone who will stand by her. Norjea pauses for a moment longer, looking to Kasteon from across the large beaten table between them. It was as if she thought he would agree, but all he could do was bow his heavy head and fidget with a small piece of parchment that had been in his grasp since the beginning of the conclave. Norjea scans the room once more with pleading eyes. Only a few villagers nod and raise their hands in agreement. Seeing how few of us were eagerly by her side, she continues, "The Valley is a safe place. Our warriors can protect us. If the dragons must go, the them go. We are strong. We are resilient. We are resourceful. The beasts of the Moors cannot penetrate the Valley walls. They cannot fly. We have suffered drought and famine in years past. We overcame then, and we will overcome again." Norjea speaking softly compels, "Do not make a hasty decision before we have all the information. Shareena and the brigade of Nomads left just shy of a month past. We will hear from them soon; the full moon is near. We need to await her return."

Lisu, youngest brother of Kasteon and second in command, stands with raised hand. His hair black as the night pulled back with the feathers of his father's warrior companion who passed tragically in the War of The North alongside his brave father, and leader of the five tribes before his abrupt end. Lisu, with his sun-kissed skin stands tall next to Norjea who is rather stout comparatively. "Shareena has always returned promptly on her missions." Lisu began, "With having no word from her, nor the other Nomads, we must prepare ourselves for they may be lost to the Beasts of the Moors." The room is deafened with silence. Norjea is taken aback at the claim for her people, the Nomads, have always returned safe from a quest. Norjea is quick to anger, and begins to retort; however, Lisu gently places his mighty hand on her shoulder in comfort and reassurance as he continues, "Shareena is one of our greatest scouts and highly skilled in combat should anything happen beyond these walls. She is braver than most and swift and cunning... but... she has never been out so long with out sending word. With heavy heart, I am inclined to believe the worst and must react on the lack of information thus far." Lisu nods at Norjea with solemn content. Norjea places a hand on Lisu's and nods back at him as she settles back into her great wooden throne. "Shareena is my dearest friend and confidant. I cannot ignore the fact that she is still outside the walls seven days beyond her scheduled return. Much can happen to a small brigade in the Moors." Lisu warns. "On the battlefield, we never leave a soldier behind, we never leave a soldier's spirit to pass into The Unknown alone. I will show no less than this respect to Shareena and the brigade of Nomads for they too are soldiers with me." Lisu concludes with a mighty fist thrust into his bare, muscular chest.

Lisu's words are a shock to the Elders. Whispers erupt as villagers begin to assume Lisu's meaning. Kasteon raises his mighty staff, aghast at the words that have penetrated his ears, "Brother!" he exclaims. Visceroth roars beside him, quieting the newfound commotion. "I forbid it!" Kasteon urges with pleading eyes and anger in his voice.

"I will not stand by idly in this matter, Brother. My decision has been made. I will go forth and send word of what has come of the Brigade." proclaims Lisu. Commotion erupts among the villagers. Kasteon looks on with fear in his eyes. "I am not asking for anyone to follow. The roads are treacherous and dangers abound. You, dear brother, know this all too well. I have already prepared Cali for our journey." explains Lisu. "We leave at high noon. You cannot stop me Kasteon. My decision has been made."

Cali, a great wolf from the Moors with agouti pattern and eyes of a rich golden hue as if forged by the sun's rays, was found as a small pup by Lisu on a journey to our allies in the South. Lisu believed it was a sign that the world cold come together again as told in the Old Books. The villagers know the stories well for they are told and retold to all the children in the Valley. They tell tales of great wonder and peace in the Old World, where no famine existed and all creatures, man and beast alike, were friend rather than foe. Tales of glorious sorcerers with fairy-like imps as companions would heal the wounded and take in the downtrodden. Alas, these tales are just fairytales for the children; however, Lisu has never believed them to be folklore. He has always had a fantastical outlook on the world. Always curious, always hopeful. This proves to be Lisu's greatest strength yet greatest weakness. He genuinely believes the time of the Great Awakening is upon us... always talking about the signs in the stars. Never labels any creature as friend nor foe, but of one world living in peace and harmony.

"NO!" exclaims Elder Kasteon. "I forbid it! I will not allow any more of our villagers to be thrust into the dangers of the Moors." Kasteon now standing with the aid of his staff and raising the parchment high above head. "It has been a week since we lit the towers signaling this conclave. Now that Shareena has not returned nor sent Cerene, the messenger rider, it is time you hear it for yourselves."

Kasteon reads solemnly from the parchment in his hand,

'Elder Kasteon,

I fear for my brigade. The Moors are in despair, more so than we thought. The beasts are no longer near the Valley. They appear to have retreated further west following the river, through the rough terrain. I plan to push into the Deep West as the beasts have for there is hardly any life here. Finding food is becoming more difficult as the days pass. The horses are becoming too weak to carry us. I am sending Ginari home with Alejalee and Kajam, along with six of the horses. I pray they make it home safe. The rest of us have set off on foot with the remaining five horses in hopes the food rations will sustain us.

Pray for us.

~Shareena'

"How dare you keep this from me!?!" Lisu explodes. "Shareena needs our help, and you wait a week to tell anyone!?! Lisu erupts from his seat pointing at Kasteon, shaking the battered table and knocking his heavy chair to the ground. Lisu is not easily angered; however, the news of Shareena in danger is far too much for his heart to contain. Looking around, Lisu urges, "Who will come with me? Our people are in dire need. Who among you is brave enough to accompany me to rescue our sisters and brothers?"

"No one is going after them! They have passed through into The Unknown; may their spirits find peace. There is no way for everyone to have survived a week's time in the Moors with no food nor water. We must leave with the dragons, or we shall suffer the same fate." Kasteon's voice stern, yet well meaning.

Lisu, refusing to believe the words of Kasteon, grows more angry. With disbelief, he looks to his brother, "You cannot be serious Kas. We never leave our soldiers on the battleground and now you say we leave Shareena in the Moors... ALONE!... Its Shareena! She is like a sister to you." Lisu pauses waiting for Kasteon to retort but no words are said. Kasteon slowly lowers his head and sits back in his throne, unable to look Lisu in the eye. Visceroth quietly purrs behind him. "you are wrong, brother." Lisu continues quietly. The villagers, now silent never having seen Lisu lose his temper, look on in amazement. "You are wrong." Lisu chokes out once more before storming out of the meetinghouse.

Norjea looks on with tears in her eyes, unsure of what is to come next, she begins to speak but only silence passes her lips. She looks down at the chair that now lay on the ground where Lisu stood. She takes in a deep breath, and shakily exhales. Whispers begin among the villagers once more. Kasteon still seated quietly with weary eyes down, Norjea starts quietly with shaky hands held high to settle the whispers, "Lisu is right. We cannot leave our own in the Moors. Shareena is still out there; I feel it in my soul. They are till alive. You all know her, and you know she would never give up. We owe it to her and the rest of the Nomads to set forth to conduct a rescue mission.

As for Ginari, young and wild as she is, Shareena chose to take her in and mentor her for a reason. Shareena has spent many days and nights teaching her the ways of the great scouts. If Ginari has not made it home yet, they all must be in grave danger. Who among you is wiling to accompany me?" Norjea looks around to the villagers and remaining Elders who have sat in silence the entirety of the conclave. Few villagers stand to acknowledge Norjea and agree to join her. Norjea smiles slightly and motions them to stand with her.

Standing strong with determination and eagerness on their faces, Norjea is joined by Avia of the Warriors followed by the twins from the Woodland tribe, Willow and Aspen. Next to stand with Norjea is Darsaveon, the wise and seasoned tracker of the southernmost tribe known as The Huntsmen. Lastly, Beru along with the little Inelle of the Nomads. Beru looks down at Inelle with raised eyebrow and lets out a long sigh. Inelle, standing with her little arms folded across her chest and trying to stand as tall as possible, lets out a determined, "To the Moors!" in her high-pitched voice. The words cut through the consequential tone of the conclave like a butcher's knife through the boar. Several villagers let out a snicker and a snort, including the remaining Elders of the Woodlands, Plains, and Huntsmen.

"Inelle!" Norjea roars. "You are supposed to be looking after the herd! You are too young to join us on this quest. You must stay back and help the others look after our goats." Norjea urges.

Inelle, unable to contain her excitement, ignoring Elder Norjea raises a tiny yet mighty fist to the sky and exclaims, "Onward, great steed!" then leaps onto the back of one of the goats from the herd. "Wahoo!" Inelle squeals as she rides out of the meetinghouse bouncing chaotically on the back of the obviously annoyed goat. The villagers all burst into a roar of laughter at the small red head well known among the tribes of the Village of The Valley for her mischievous nature.

Elder Sie of the Huntsmen tribe stands with the help of his wife, Nekela. Sie, well along in years, is the second oldest of the Elders. He fought in the Great War of The North with Kasteon. Sie did not return home unscathed. He lost his right leg to the terrible wound that became fevered on the battlefield. He owes his life to Visceroth who carried him home to be treated by our Shaman. Kasteon, you will always have me beside you in spirit; however, Norjea is right. We must send help to the Nomads. I would join on this journey if I were a might younger. Norjea, you my dear, are not the spunky Nomad of years past. I urge you to stay back as well. I will support any of my tribe who joins your cause. I will continue to pray for safe travels and return." Elder Sie pauses and turns to the villagers, "The Huntsmen tribe will stay in our lands in the Southern Valley. Any among you who wish to seek out a new home are welcome to join Kasteon. You are free to choose your own fate." the wise Elder concludes.

"Thank you, dearest Sie." Norjea nods. "You may be right. I am no longer youthful and agile as many years ago; however, I cannot leave my people outside of the Valley when they are in dire need of our help." explains Norjea. "I cannot in good conscious send a young group of villagers who have never been beyond the Valley walls on a rescue mission alone." Elder Sie nods and takes his seat once more, motioning to the remaining Elders to stand and make their intentions known.

Elder Leif of the Woodland tribe rises as the youngest of the Elders. "The Woodland people will stay in the Valley." he begins. "We have lived here for many years. I will not allow a scared old man to run from everything our ancestors have built, everything WE have built." Leif glances at Elder Kasteon who continues to sit in silence. "Kasteon, your dragons are dying off! You cannot continue to hide behind Visceroth! You helped build this great Valley to what it is today, now you want to run? Do you not have any faith in your warriors to protect us? Do you not see how many are willing to fight for our Valley safe haven? Perhaps you have grown too old to run the Northern tribe. Perhaps it is time for a new Elder... Lisu may have a whimsy about him, but he would never turn his back on us like you have!" Leif's chiseled face now red with anger. "Kasteon! Do you hear me?" Kasteon does not speak. Only a slight nod with pursed lips. "Norjea, you cannot make this trek. I will go with the others in your place. We need strong leaders to stay back and prepare for our return. I have been beyond the Valley walls once before. I know what dangers we will face. I will not let you down. I will return with your Nomads." Leif walks to the edge of the large table and stands with Norjea, placing a hand on her shoulder. "I will make you proud, mother." Leif concludes.

The last of the Elders, the Elder of the Plains folk; our farmers and fishers. Elder Aena stands to speak, her voice quiet, "My people are a peaceful tribe. We live off the lands, planting crops and fishing the Great River. We are not great warriors; we are not brave and strong. We value peace and the natural order of life and death. We cannot protect ourselves and we cannot sustain our crops with the river diminishing. We will go forth with Elder Kasteon to find new lands and build a new home. We must go with the dragons. Kasteon is right, the Moors are far too dangerous. If even Shareena cannot make it home, anyone who goes into the Moors is doomed along with her. May their spirits find The Unknown swiftly and peacefully. While I understand the lot of you feeling as if you need to venture out on this rescue mission, I cannot condone it. Nature is a cycle of life and death. The Nomads knew the dangers and took the risk. We Plains folk will not put our lives in danger for a few villagers. We will look to the greater good for the many." Elder Aena sits back and nods at Elder Kasteon. Kasteon smiles and nods back. Visceroth calls out enthusiastically.

"The greater good?!?" shrieks Elder Leif. "The greater good is going out to find our people and continue onward to fin the reason for the river diminishing. You are a coward! You --"

Norjea interrupts, "Leif! Enough! You cannot shame Aena into following your beliefs. She has made up her mind and will follow Kasteon and Visceroth. She has her reasons... There will be no further speak of the Elder's and their decisions. We must go now and prepare. Leif, find Lisu and Cali. They are not to leave alone." Elder Norjea motions to Kasteon, "We have made our decisions. We will follow our own fates. May the Gods be with you all." Norjea bows then turns and walks out of the great meetinghouse with her newfound followers close behind her. The silence was so loud it echoed in our ears.

This conclave will go into the books of our history as one of the most controversial yet. For the first time since the Great War of The North, the five tribes are divided. Kasteon will lead one group out of the Valley with the dragons in search of new lands to colonize. Norjea will prepare a small troop to ride with Lisu into the Moors on a seemingly impossible mission. Many villagers are stunned and unsure what, rather, whom to follow. Only one thing is certain, a decision must be made. To stay or to go. There is no safe decision for risk follows all.