Chapter 14

The sun was gone, it's last light fading quickly in the west.  Throughout the Eyrie, the atmosphere was electric.  At the appointed time, the great drums began their slow, rhythmic beat and the people of the Eyrie left their homes and made their way to the Ring of Ceremony, where a great bonfire had been lit.  They gathered around the edge, clans mingled together as one tribe.  The silence was broken only by the crackling of the flames and a few, short, whispered conversations.  Fors stood with the other members of the Star House on the north side of the ring.  Looking to his left, he could see Wenna and Kreston standing together. 

Just the day before, he had watched as Kreston stood before Torin, placing his sword, knife, bows, and arrows -- all made by his own hand according to the Law-- before the Star Captain for final inspection.  Other hopefuls had made similar presentiments as well.  But unlike them, Kreston had stood tall, his carriage fairly glowing with pride and confidence.  Even considering his own prejudice, Fors recognized the boy's impressive accomplishments over the preceding months.  He had steadfastly refused to allow himself to hope, but it was plain to all who had watched the youngster, that the traditions of the Star ran thick in his blood.

Still, the Star Man knew through the bitterness of his own experience that the results of the Night of Choosing were far from being foregone conclusions.  There would be some, Fors grimly acknowledged, whose names would not be called; who would leave this gathering devastated by disappointment.

Fors glanced around.  The Ring of Ceremony was a bowl-shaped geologic anomaly, with steeply-sloped sides that over the decades had been worn into places for people to sit or stand.  It was open on one end, facing the valley that lay at the foot of the sheer drop of the southern escarpment.  It was large enough to hold nearly the whole tribe, making it the perfect place to gather on this night of solemn ceremony.

Presently, the flow of people into the Ring ebbed and stopped.  All who could gather, save those on watch, were present.  An unknown signal was given, and the drummers shifted from the slow, steady beat of The Call to a series of rapid strokes which abruptly stopped.  A small chorus began singing the Eyrie's anthem, "Tribe of the Mountains."  It was a stirring piece of music, which spoke of how the people of the Eyrie were linked both physically and spiritually to the great peaks and beautiful valleys that defined their homeland.  It also described the tribe's commitment to knowledge and peace, and the desire that all mankind would once again thrive together.  Though he was far from being a singer, the anthem never failed to spark strong emotions in Fors' heart.  In the final chorus, the entire tribe joined in, raising their voices to the stars.

As always, as the song ended, Fors closed his eyes, his delicate ears following the dying echoes as the sound of their voices flowed into the valley below.  Jarl stepped forward, and after a moment of silence, spoke.

"People of the Eyrie, we have gathered this night, as we have gathered on similar nights throughout our history, the Twelve Clans together as one tribe; strong, united, and free.  Two and a half centuries ago, a collection of scientists, engineers, and space-farers numbering less than 100, gathered here, to glean the knowledge required to live on other worlds.  But on a dark day, the world they had known was destroyed.  Their homes, their families, taken from them in a matter of hours.  But despite the fear they must have felt; despite the sadness in their hearts, they chose to survive.  Because of their courage and valor, this Tribe of the Eyrie survived the dark days after the war; and in the decades since, we have grown strong. 

"We are a principaled people, guided not by lust for power or blood, but by the two things we hold most sacred:  Knowledge and Wisdom.  And above all, Peace.

"This night, we celebrate our history and heritage.  We salute the courage of our ancestors, and re-commit ourselves to those ideals that will define our future.  But also on this night, we act to preserve that future by choosing those who have been tested and found worthy to carry forward the traditions of those groups that work daily to ensure that not only will we survive, but flourish as well.  Join with me in the Oath of Allegiance!"

With a sound like muted thunder, the entire tribe rose to their feet and led by Jarl, began to speak:

"I pledge my allegiance to the Tribe of the Eyrie; to the principals upon which it stands.  Knowlege will I honor; Peace will I offer.  To my Kinsman do I commit my life, my blood, and my sacred honor.  Forever will we stand united in strength, for as long as the mountains stand around us, in liberty, in justice, and in freedom."

Following Jarl's direction, the tribe returned to their seats.  Jarl began to talk about the tribe's current status, recounting the results of the annual tribal accounting that had been done in the spring.  At one point, Jarl's voice rose almost majestically.  "Kinsman, as you know, our tribe began with less than 100.  But as the result of this year's accounting, I am elated to report to you that for the first time in our history, the population of the Eyrie has surpassed 5,000 people!"

After a moment of stunned silence, the circle erupted in a long, sustained cheer.  Jarl, seemed to enjoy the moment, allowing it go on for several minutes.  When the sound faded, Jarl continued. 

"The growth of the tribe is joyful news.  But let that joy be tempered with the knowledge that now more than ever the need for the food, shelter, clothing, and medicines that sustain us is greater than ever before.  We must work ever harder in the short summer months to produce and craft enough to last through the long, unforgiving winter.  It is good to celebrate, but let us never waver in our efforts to do that which must be done."

With that, Jarl stepped back and each one of the members of the Tribal Council came forward reporting on those items relevent to their offices.  When Torin's turn came, he spoke about the journeys of the previous year, rejoicing in the fact that for the first time in nearly 12 years, all the Star Men who had been dispatched had returned, safe and sound.  He spoke about the discovery of the medicine cache and what that could mean to the future health of the tribe.  In conclusion, he noted that the number of violent encounters with the Beast Things continued to decline to its lowest level in three decades, postulating the hope that the lowlands were becoming safer for travel.

When the Council reports concluded, Jarl honored members of the tribe for significant accomplishments and contributions.  Among the children, the accomplished scholars were called forward and recognized, as well as teachers who had distinguished themselves.  Jarl then paid tribute to the memory of those who had passed from life in the past year, concluding with a moment of silence.

Then came the moment that all had awaited with great anticipation.  One by one, each member of the Council came forward and handed a scroll to Jarl.  As the Guardian read the names, young adults came forward, each one bursting with excitement and pride.  The House of Healers chose 6 novices, the Sentry and Defenders named 11, the House of Laws selected 7 extraordinarily bright students.  One by one, they came forward, taking their first steps on the path of their future, their excitement tempered by the very real knowledge that this path would be long and tortuous.  And some of them would not reach its destination.

Finally, Torin stepped forward, handing his scroll to Jarl.  As he had with the others, he unbound the ribbon and rolled it open.  Fors fervently hoped that Kreston would not have to wait long.  And he didn't.  Jarl cleared his throat and announced the first name of the Star Novices.

"From the Hawk Clan, Kreston!"

The young man rose and with dignity strode across  the circle, taking his place before the Guardian.  Fors, his own heart pounding with excitement, looked over to Wenna.  He could see reflected in the firelight her tears of joy.  One by one, the other three selectees came forward and stood shoulder-to-shoulder.  Fors, along with three other Star Men, then stepped forward and placed around the necks of the new novices a star of polished brass and its leather string.  If all went well, about three years hence, they would receive the silver star and heavy chain of a Star Man.  Fors hung the star on Kreston's neck, then offered the warrior's clasp and his congratulations.  Kreston looked deep into the eyes of the older man, and then replied softly...

"Thank you...Father."