The Warrior Queen of Avianous

Anxious and determined to be the best, the hard-headed Tiamara must leave her tribe and explore Metratin to know what it truly means to be strong for not herself but others.

The Warrior Queen of Avianous

 

By Shaun Denard Pugh

 

“She became an unmovable power. No opponent can stand against her in a duel. No army would be able to stop her. Anything that she faced would falter before her might. Now, she is a power that can’t be challenged.”

 

Chapter 1

 

The cold air keeps the skin strong as they were told since the time of the tribes coming together. “Cold skin makes great skin impossible to cut through.” That is what each chief said, and the word passed on to the others. The sun shines brightly over the landscape as many continue to rest in the warm huts made by their hands. Each hut has a man, woman, and kids inside as they stay warm from the cold; there are several tribes resting in the area. They each have a legacy to carry on, but only one tribe has no warrior to carry on their name. From a tribe of two hundred members to fifty followers, the Mammoth Tribe holds onto the beliefs of what they consider honor. They fight fairly and kill the dishonorable; they take care of family and make strong warriors out of young men. More importantly, they always keep to the belief that a warrior is without equal until another takes their place or ends their life. This is the way of the Mammoth Tribe, but the time for them is nearly over. Most of their warriors have joined others while many men hunt for food to feed other tribes and farm the fields in the cold.

She opens her eyes and sees her father asleep. Now is the time to slip away and be among the trees. Her name is Tiamara of the Mammoth Tribe, and her father is the chief of old. She pushes through an opening through the side and looks back to make sure her father is asleep; this is perfect for her as she grabs her weapon made from wood. There is only a few more hours of rest for everyone until all tribes wake up. She rushes as fast as she can to the hidden spot where she trains. Upon arriving, she sees the opponents. Tiamara starts off her training with slashes, thrusts, and back slashes. Her opponents are wooden targets, weighing in at fifty pounds. Each attack hits a critical area of the body. She ducks and swings; she dodges and rolls. Nothing is holding her back until she hears footsteps coming to her secret spot. Tiamara ducks into cover and prays that no one has found out about her training ground. She slowly comes out only to see her father with his disappointed look as he stands behind her hidden spot.

He annoyingly asks, “Again?”

Tiamara sighs and comes out from hiding, “I was trying to…”

He harshly interrupts, “Just trying to train and be stronger? Trying to fight as the men do and prove your worth? You sneak out here and thought I was asleep? You swing this as your weapon in hopes of one day to carry my own sword and name?”

She firmly protests, “Father, I won’t end up dead. I can prove that I am able to stand as you once did. You are Bosh, the Terrifying. I can’t let my own father’s name be treated as if you are dead. You can’t treat me as a youngling forever. Train me to be a warrior and see me as one instead of your daughter.”

Bosh roars, “No! I shall not train you to be anything but be a good person. If you are lucky, one man may want you for his own one day. Return to the hunt and wait.”

Tiamara goes off with rage in her eyes. Bosh takes a moment to look at his hand and remember her touch. His late life partner died giving birth to Tiamara.

Her last words to him: “Give our daughter a name and life to be proud of.”

Bosh sighs and looks at the training ground Tiamara made before going back. As Tiamara returns to the hunt, a set of laughter occurs behind her back. She already knows who it is.

One of them says, “Look at Tiamara. See how she wishes to be as terrifying as her old man. She won’t be so terrifying to conquer…in bed.”

Tiamara stops before entering her hunt and turns around, “You keep telling yourself anything you wish, Eili. At least you should try to master the sword than using your own c**k to woo anyone that isn’t yours.”

Eili grips his hands and grinds his teeth. Before he can show Tiamara anything, a large warrior stops him from doing anything. His name is Wilful, and he is the chief of the Blood Rage clan.

Wilful says, “You be mindful of how you speak to the women here, son. Such words do not make you strong if all you can do is insult. Go and find wolves to kill. Be sure to bring them back for food.”

Eili and his group walk off as he stares at Tiamara. They watch as Bosh comes back and orders his daughter into the hunt. Wilful and Bosh come to each other with respect despite their own reputation among their people; both men are strong, skillful, and vicious when it comes to battle.

Bosh sarcastically says, “I see your boy is trying to still win over my Tiamara with his words. I hope he doesn’t mind her making it hard for himself to take her.”

Wilful harshly replies, “Oh, I am sure my Eili will gladly accept your Tiamara as his wife if she only lays down her fists. Right now, that is hard to tell.”

They both laugh and spend some time together as Tiamara stays in the hunt. Her rage has yet to cool itself. The words of Eili, Wilful, and others are always there to remind her of her position among the tribes. She is a young woman who refuses to be conquered in bed and taken as a bride. Tiamara wants to be as her father once was. As she sits on the bed with her fists tightening and blind to her rage, Bosh enters to see her upset. He clears his throat to get her attention. She sobers up and looks at her father.

Bosh says, “Do not let your own wrath consume you when it comes to Eili and other men. They know you are my daughter, but they find you alluring to have if you stop letting your needs block them.”

Tiamara replies, “Father, I am not about to lay down for any of these men. None of them can have me as their wife nor shall they take me to their bed for birthing. Eili believes his own c**k is the greatest since Wilful had five children. If he spent more time with his sword skill than trying to woo me, then I would consider him proper for a warrior; however, he can’t even focus on his skills. You know he is a weak warrior and can’t produce enough of anything to satisfy me.”

Bosh waits for the end before laughing at her true statement, “And I hope there is one man for you to take into your own bed since you don’t like any here. For now, do what you will. No sword practicing while I convene with the other chiefs; the last time you came was an annoying session.”

She scoffs at his authority, “Those no-c**k-having men are just afraid of change. It is better if I show up more than let them speak of words that have no Mammoth balls in it.”

Bosh agrees just as he leaves the hunt. The smirk gives Tiamara a reason to smile as she goes outside to mingle among the others. All she can see is women cleaning rags, washing clothes, cooking food, and nursing the younglings. This is no way for her to live; she longs for battle against creatures of unimaginable size. As much as she spends time alone, Wilful's wife knows what she does and often tries to see it from her point of view. Tiamara comes to her hunt and receives a warm welcome with open arms.

Tiamara says, “I see you are looking out for the little ones while your husband and my father measure each other. How are things, Grepina?”

Grepina answers, “Oh you know me. I am great, but my eldest son, Eili, believes any woman wants him. He seems focused on you more. Why don’t you let him be your husband before you are beyond age?”

Tiamara harshly replies, “Eili can’t satisfy me even if I let him. He has others to take my place before I let him place his love inside me.”

They both laugh and keep their jokes to a low chat. Grepina sharply says, “Out of all the women your mother had to birth, you are the worse and best.”

Tiamara questions Grepina, and she continues, “You want to be as strong as your father was before he got soft. Before he had your mother, Bosh the Terrifying destroyed his enemies with ease and honored only those that fought with honor. It is for that reason why you are the best because it may give many women in the other tribes a reason to change. As for you being the worst, that is easy. You would rather be strong and dangerous than let someone love you. When shall you let love come to you? How long will you train?”

Tiamara keeps her private thoughts locked away, but she says, “Until I am the strongest warrior among the others and bring back the glory of the Mammoth Tribe, I shall only let a man have me when he is worthy. Until then, no thanks.”

Grepina sighs and wishes her the best before Tiamara leaves. Upon stepping out of the hunt, she encounters him again. Eili and his group tie up several wolves by the hut. Tiamara leaves until she feels a grip on her arm from Eili.

Eili asks, “So, you are ready to be made into a woman than be a warrior?”

Tiamara sighs with rage, “Take your weak hand off me before you are too fragile to lift a fork.”

Eili shoves her into the ground and mounts her. The position is embarrassing for her, but Eili makes a huge commotion.

He shouts, “Look at the Mighty Tiamara! She knows her place and what to take!”

The laughter of the men, women, and few children is more than she can bear. As he gets off her, Tiamara stands up slowly and collides her fist into Eili. The attack shocks all and silences everyone; Tiamara puts up her hands and stands ready to fight him. The crowd forms around them as they look at the duel in the center. Grepina calls to her, but the words fall on death ears. All men urge Eili to put Tiamara in her place and break her. Tiamara tries to punch again, but Eili slams his fist into her stomach. She nearly curls into a ball as Eili roars for more cheers. Tiamara stands up and urges Eili to come at him. With quick legs, she side-steps and trips him. Eili is face down in the soil. Now, Tiamara mounts him the same way he did her. A hush falls on the men and women as Tiamara declares her victory.

She roars, “Look at Eili, the C**k Wielder! He can only keep himself up if you position him correctly!”

The stunt is hilarious as everyone enjoys the position he is in. After Tiamara gets up and steps back, Eili is beyond furious. He picks up a stick and attacks Tiamara; she blocks the stick with her arm and receives a bruise. He swings again, but she dodges the attack. Tiamara and Eili each hold a stick. The crowd is loud and anxious until the chief leaders come to stop the fight. Wilful and Bosh call the two to stand down, but they ignore their words; they charge at each other only to stop when Bosh holds his sword in between them; Eili and Tiamara drop their sticks. Wilful snatches Eili by the neck and drags him into a random hunt. Bosh shoves his daughter to their hunt as the crowds disappear. The day is full of entertainment, but it ends badly for two young fighters. After they step inside their hunt, Bosh slaps Tiamara for her reckless behavior.

He shouts, “Tiamara! What were you thinking?! Why did you fight Eili?!”

She tearfully roars, “He tried to take me against my will and disgrace me in front of the others! I am and will not let him have his way just because he is the son of Wilful!”

Bosh heavily sighs and says, “This constant need to prove yourself is tiresome. Why must you use your fists more than your skull?”

Tiamara replies, “Well, if my own father would train me to be better than the others, I may have a husband by now, but he is still suffering from a dead woman that gave birth to a warrior.”

The cold, stone look comes over his face; Tiamara realized her words were not the best ones to pick. Bosh tightens his fists and steps to his daughter. She tightens her fists and expects a hit. Instead, Bosh changes his tone yet remains firm.

He speaks with a calm temper, “You will watch your tone and words when you speak of your ill of your mother. She died bringing you into this world, and until you decide to leave this hunt, you shall be respectful. Now, get out and stay out until I welcome you back inside.”

Tiamara stomps off in a fit of rage and goes to her training site. All she can remember is the disgrace from Eili, the backhand from her father, and her mother’s passing. She holds in her tears and lets her rage cloud her mind. Upon arriving at her secret spot, she crushed her fist into the tree stump. Tiamara lets her rage spill out as she breaks a few sticks and throws some rocks. As fast as she picks up a stick, Tiamara drops it. Her fists slam into a tree until she cuts her skin on them. The rage now turns to tears. Shortly, she cries and is full of sorrow. Her need to be the best is hard. It is even harder with no training from her father. She takes a moment to be alone and lets her mind focus on more training. After she is done with her moment of sadness, she continues her training. By midday of Wekinday, the other warriors continue with their day as they hunt and brag about their fights. The women are taking care of home. As for Bosh, he continues to look at the amulet on his wrist.

He thought, “The time is now. Timira, please forgive me. By Gor’s wrath and might, let our daughter be the greatest to face anything in all Metratin and Avianous.”

Tiamara returns home and her father stops her from stepping inside the hunt.

She asks, “Dad, the air is getting colder. We must be inside unless freezing to death is your plan.”

Bosh says, “No, we must be outside. The time is upon us. And you must be ready.”

Bosh presents her with a heavy fur coat; he takes Tiamara out into the wilderness, and they go back to her training site. The sun goes down with many warriors returning home to their hunt and embracing family; however, two people head out into the cold with two torches lighting their way. Once they arrive, Bosh gives her a long, wood weapon with a sharp rock. She looks at it with careful eyes and asks what is going on as her father lights up the surrounding area.

Bosh answers, “That weapon is from all the sticks I found on you each time you came out here. The rock is from one of my traveling days that I found near the edge of a cliff. I told the weaponsmith to craft a sword out of it.”

Tiamara shrugs her shoulders until her father pulls out a mighty sword. The blade is long and rags cover the hilt. She marvels at her father’s great weapon; however, he keeps his eyes on her as they give each other a cold stare.

He says, “Pick up that weapon and keep your back straight.”

Tiamara does as he says while secretly smiling, but Bosh comes over to make sure her back is straight. It is a simple stance that he tells her to take. It didn’t take long before Tiamara saw her father take the same stance. Before she can ask her next question, Bosh moves at her with speed. With a strong back hand to the face, Tiamara goes down. Bosh roars at her to stand back up.

He says, “A mistake like that will cost you. Keep your eyes on not just the weapon, but the movement of what an enemy does. Now, try again and don’t fail.”

Bosh comes to Tiamara again, and she manages to hold herself up. Now, Bosh brings their weapons down and quickly uses the hilt as a surprise. He stops it just an inch away from her neck.

He says, “The blade isn’t the only part of the sword that you can use. Now, try again. This time, you will attack me.”

Tiamara struggles to find a weak point on her father, but she does try to attack him with everything she has. Every attempt to match Bosh is meant with a back hand to the face, a fist to the gut, or a trip into the soil. Tiamara is frustrated with wrath and lets her rage blind her. After several more attempts, she falls to her knees only to be told that she cannot rest until he says so. Bosh continues to drop his hands on her shoulders and swing his sword at her. In her fit of rage, Tiamara cries out and nearly sheds a tear. Bosh places his sword in the soil and comes to her. He grabs her by the shoulders and holds her up, forcing his daughter to stand. Tiamara looks into her father’s eyes with tears, blood, and weakness.

Bosh shouts at her cruelly, “Do you think your tears will stop a man from killing you? Do you believe any warrior will halt their advance because you cry out? Huh? Most men will take advantage of you and have their share of you just because you show weakness.”

He lets her go and continues, “This is why you can’t be a warrior. You gave up on me too easily and started to cry. This is no life for you if you can’t handle it; the path of a warrior is difficult and training must always be improved on. And you, Tiamara, are not ready. So, take up your toy and let’s go home.”

Bosh grabs his sword and hears footsteps running behind him; he leans to the side and counters against Tiamara’s assault with ease. As Bosh looks back at her, he finally sees how strong she is. Despite her tears, blood, aches, and pains, Tiamara of the Mammoth Tribe stands before her father. She is ready for more and wants to continue. Instead of attacking her, Bosh comes to her and hugs his daughter, letting her know that the training will continue tomorrow more after she heals. Tiamara can’t believe it. In all her years under her father, Bosh never gave her a hug until now. She wants to cry but wipes away the tears from her face. They take up their swords and head back home to rest up.

The sun comes up and today is Thuliday. Bosh wakes Tiamara up early and brings her back to their private training ground. She is eager to learn and looking forward to mastering her fighting, harnessing the rage within her, and how to be the best warrior of the tribes. Bosh watches her run to the training ground for more, and she stands waiting for him. He tries to speak, but Tiamara leaps at him with an attack. Though weak and impressive, Bosh sighs and looks at her with disappointment.

Tiamara asks, “What did I do wrong? I attacked you, but you are not satisfied. Why?”

Bosh answers, “A true warrior of the Mammoth tribe never shows disrespect to another fighter unless he or she is unworthy. The only time fighting like this is allowed is when there is more than enough fight to go around. You are a warrior with honor, and you will remember who to give it to.”

Bosh places his weapon down, and Tiamara follows in the same manner.

He says, “Today is a lesson for being not only strong but showing patience. You are not to be as reckless and blind as others. Keep your rage and wrath in check unless you end up like Gor himself. So long as you keep your rage in check, it can be useful under your control. Do you know of Gor and his life?”

Tiamara shrugs her shoulders, and Bosh answers, “Gor is the deity of Blood and Battle. Every warrior, fighter, knight, and person of religion knows this because of his story. Gor was once a mighty champion of humans. He drinks when he isn’t fighting and has pleasurable company to satisfy his burning itch. Before he was granted his immortally, he fought to be the best and greatest among all warriors; however, it was due to his blood lust and desire to battle that made him the last of all to achieve such an honor. Legend has it that he was the main champion that struck Chaosic, the Consumer, a vital blow that allowed the others to further weaken the creature.”

She asks, “Why tell me this? I care not for what Gor did.”

Bosh sighs and replies, “Gor was more of a fool than a real champion. He always had moments when his own rage and need for battle would blind him to the real threat. Only Patra and Dru saw it fitting to grant him immortality since he did help them against Chaosic. My point to you is simple: Never let your wrath or rage make you as blind as Gor. And because of your wrath, we shall sit here in the cold air and accept it. It makes your skin strong, but can it make your anger be cooler?”

Tiamara didn’t understand it, but she drunk in the words of her father. For a full two hours on each day, they sat in the cold and waited, listening to the sounds around them. As they perform daily tasks, the air blows by them and sends a chill down her spine. Tiamara sees her father at ease and relaxed; she calms her frustration more and looks at the snow. With a handful of snow, she rubs it on herself. Bosh laughs at her and admires the lesson in it. Once the morning time passes, they take up their weapons and continue training. From running around the area to lifting stones, Bosh grooms Tiamara in his ways of combat; the days of the training and learning extend from Momoday to Seediday. After two months goes by, Bosh looks at his daughter with newfound pride. She stands before him at the training site as he brings her a special weapon. She didn’t understand what was happening, but her father made it clear.

Bosh holds the long weapon and says, “I give you this weapon. It was made by our weapon smith in secret. Now, it is yours to use. I used your practice weapons and a unique stone I found years ago before you were born.”

From the hilt wrapped in cloth to the tip of the blade, Tiamara takes the long sword in hand and swings it a few times; she smiles greatly at how easy it is to hold. She hugs her father, and he does the same. Bosh is proud of her, but now, she will face her ultimate challenge soon. With a few more lessons, Bosh sees how well Tiamara has mastered her skill; they return to their hut only to see a crowd waiting for them. At the front, Eili stands with his group. Beside him, Wilful and the chieftains stand with him. They look serious and annoyed.

Bosh asks, “What is the meaning of this?”

Wilful answers, “My son here tells me that you train your daughter to be like the warriors. I find this hard to believe when all I see is someone that doesn’t belong here.”

Eili replies, “That’s right. She does not belong here among us. Her need to be one of the warriors is pointless. I, Eili, son of Wilful will prove to you all why she isn’t worthy. If she dies, then we will give her a warrior’s burial. If she defeats me, then she must go and never return.”

Tiamara steps forward, “You c**k driven animal! Your wish to fight me proves nothing. I won’t waste my time on you. Go and use your honeyed words on a weaker person.”

Bosh raises his hand and says, “You invoke the rite of passage for a warrior? Is that what you want your son to have Wilful? Why not send him on his passage of the journey than trying this one?”

Wilful laughs, “Ha! We all know that the passage of the warriors means a duel until victory is earned, be it defeat or death. As for the passage of the journey, any true warrior can take it. The passage of the warrior is one that must be earned by all warriors. Don’t you all want to see this woman prove her might, or shall the daughter of Bosh be reminded of why she can’t wield a sword?”

The crowd roars and cheers as many women urge Tiamara to take the fight. Though a few stand with Bosh and Tiamara, others beg her to just submit herself to an honest man like Eili and live with the knowledge of being strong. Tiamara grips her blade hard until Bosh takes her by the arm.

He looks at her and says, “You can win. I know this isn’t what you want, but it is the way of our people. Now, go and claim your first duel. The honor of the Mammoth tribe demands it.”

Tiamara gives her dad a huge smile and steps forward, “I, Tiamara, accept the duel from Eili. The Mammoth tribe isn’t dead, and they are strong as always. The daughter of Bosh will win here before all who see us. In the name of Gor, I stand ready to show you why I am strong.”

Most warriors laugh and cheer for Eili. He accepts the duel to begin as they step into the center. An elder comes forward and opens the duel with a blessing.

He says, “By the power and blessing of Gor, we ask for this duel to be blessed in his name. May he witness the battle between warriors.”

Eili scoffs, “Why should this fight be blessed by Gor? I am the only true warrior here. Tiamara is needed to be in a bedroom for birthing.”

No words come from Tiamara. All she remembers is what her father told her as both warriors take out their weapons.

The crowd becomes excited, overjoyed, and anxious to see how it will end. The majority stand with Eili since he is the son of Wilful. Most tribesmen of the Blood Rage never quit until they die; a few groups stand with Bosh, and they wish to see the defeat come to an arrogant warrior. Tiamara takes her stance as Eili continues to boast of his victory; he charges at her with an eager smile, but Tiamara is ready. Like her father taught her, she leans to the left and goes forward. She doesn’t slash his leg, but the hit with the flat side causes him to stumble. The crowd is taken back by what Tiamara shows. Eili stands up and roars at her.

She waits for him to make a move. Eili rushes her, but this time, her hands are the weapon. Tiamara leans forward and jumps at him; she slaps his face and causes pain to rush all over his cheek. Wilful shouts at his son to do better; Bosh just watches with clear eyes and witnesses the skill being shown. Eili urges her to charge him, and Tiamara does so. She slams her sword against his long sword, driving him back. No one is chatting for Eili to secure his victory. Instead, they whisper at how trained Tiamara is. There are no dirty tricks nor any underhand tactics being used. She shows pure skill with the long sword and doesn’t hold back. Eili tries to trip her legs; however, that is a bad idea. Tiamara lets the trick work and slaps his shin with the flat part of her sword.

As Eili grips his leg, he shouts, “You are a w***e! Your mother was a w***e! That is why you will lose this fight!”

Tiamara stands up and replies, “You really should quit. I told you before that your technique is nothing but for show. How about you let a real woman take you to bed since you can’t fight?”

He rushes her with a hand full of snow and throws it in her face. The attack works as Eili slashes her arm. Tiamara pulls away and grasps her arm. Though Eili cheers for his attack, many shake their heads and speak ill of his method. Tiamara stands up and shakes off the pain. Eili attacks her, and she defends herself. Now, he steps on her foot and elbows her face to make her fall. The attack works, but now the people shout and curse his way of fighting.

Eili shouts, “She cannot even stand up to me! I am the future of fighting!”

Wilful roars, “If you are going to win, then do it with honor. Stop your under-handed ways and finish this.”

Tiamara lets out a cry of pain, but her father says, “Stand up, Tiamara. I didn’t teach you to lie down and die. Now, stand up!”

She grabs her weapon and pulls herself up. Eili rushes at her again with the intent to kill. Tiamara turns her body quickly and slashes his stomach. Everyone gasps as Eili falls to his knees in pain. He nearly cries for help until Tiamara rams her knee into his face; every warrior watches and waits for her to deliver the killing blow. As she holds the sword over her head and looks at the pitiful Eili, Tiamara drops the blade down into the ground just next to his face. The people are amazed that the sword is inches away from his head.

She announces and says, “You are unworthy of killing. You can’t even fight me fairly without using any dirty trick to win. Live as you are now among the people and warriors. Eili, the Coward, is born here on this soil.”

Tiamara looks at Wilful and sees her dad come over. She lets Eili up as he hobbles to his father. Wilful walks from Eili as he calls out to him. The fight is over, and many are still stun with disbelief. The idea of a woman with a large sword in battle is unheard of. Bosh looks at his daughter with pride despite the open wound and pain she has. The medicine men help Eili to a tent for recovery while one comes to Tiamara with a smile to patch up her arm.

Bosh announces to everyone, “You won with honor and gave Eili a horrible title to live with. He will come for you, but you won’t be here to face him. Because you won, you must leave the village tonight and journey into the territory to the south. I shall pack your supplies this once and guide you to the edge of our camp.”

Tiamara wants to ask questions, but he lets her know to wait. Momoday is over now that morning has passed and tonight will be her final time in the Mammoth tribe. The people go about their day and gossip over the rite of passage; no one didn’t think they would see the day a woman would defeat a man in combat and live to tell the story. There will be drinks, feasts, and stories about it for future generations as everyone warrior, chieftain, and priest speak of it each time anyone asks about it. At night within their hut, Bosh pulls out a bottle and invites her over to the table. He prepared Tiamara a bag for her long journey into the world.

Bosh pops the top and inhales the smell greatly. He smiles and says, “Mellow Rose Flavor wine. The drink I had when your mother, Timira, was pregnant with you. She and I each shared a cup together before she was three months swollen. Now, you get to have a drink before you leave from here tomorrow morning.”

He pours a cup for himself and her. They stand together inside their hunt.

Tiamara asks, “Father, this is for only those that kill a mighty beast or slay a dangerous foe. This is also open when a young woman is going to give birth. Why are you opening this now? I am not pregnant.”

Bosh laughs and answers, “You are receiving two rites of passage tonight and tomorrow morning. The first one is for you to celebrate your rite as a young warrior that will leave the tribe. The second is to be recognized as a warrior. For now, you are getting this drink because tomorrow will be the last day for us to see each other.”

They drink the flavored wine with ease, but Tiamara can’t handle it so well. Bosh assures her that this is nothing compared to what he had before in his traveling days. They laugh, talk, and speak of his days when he was faced with death or giving opponents an honorable end. Bosh cooks her boar meat with the same flavored wine covering the meat; it is a night for her to enjoy and remember for as long as it takes. After they finish eating, they sleep for the rest of the night. Tomorrow morning will be an important day for them to enjoy one last time; the sun is coming over the horizon, and it is time for Bosh to perform his last rite to his daughter. This is the way of all tribes within the community of warriors. He wakes her up and gives her the large sack of supplies for her to take. Before they leave, he sees her hesitant.

Bosh asks, “What is wrong? Why do you pause?”

Tiamara looks at her father with tears flowing from her eyes, “I’m afraid. I can’t face the world without you.”

He comes to his daughter and replies, “If a parent dies without the children ready to bury them, then they failed as teachers in this life. You are ready to go out there. You are twenty-one and anxious to face what comes to you. You do not need to wait. I am proud that you chose to defy how we live as a tribe. It is your way of thinking that has inspired other women to change. It won’t happen now, but there will be changes. And because of the changes you caused, you must go. And before you leave, you will always remember that I love you. Now, let us go to the edge of the camp so I can give you the final rite you are to receive.”

She holds her head up and wipes away the tears; they leave their hut to find a crowd praising Tiamara for being a warrior. Though tradition demands that she leave, the crowd of people show her support. They arrive at the main gate of the camp, and Bosh asks her to kneel before him. The chiefs and priests stand beside each other as they bear witness to what will be the first in all the years they watch warriors leave. With his own sword in hand, Bosh recites the words for the rite of passage for the warrior.

Bosh says, “For the honor of your tribe and victory by Gor’s blessing, the tribes of the north recognize you. The Mammoth tribe, the Blood Rage tribe, the Wolf Tribe, and the Seven Bear tribe honor you and welcome you as one. Stand up, warrior. You now are seen by all, and we bid you farewell to face Avianous.”

Tiamara stands up with a crowd of people cheering for her. Though the other chiefs and warriors find this rite pointless for her, they respect Bosh performing it. The people go away, and only the two remain. Bosh gives his girl a smile and nods his head. With a bag of supplies and a long sword, Tiamara of the Mammoth tribe sets out from the camp and travels further south. The last thing Bosh recalls seeing is his daughter hauling a bag and carrying a sword.

Bost whispers, “Go, my little Tiamara. Your mother and I stand proud of you this day.”

Author's Note

Here is the second sample of the great world Avianous. Yes, this does connect with the wizard king, but I'll leave it in the air for now.