Suneka's heartbreak was just as uncurable as Hereke's miserable mood. The whole time the horse boy sat on the sidelines and brooded deeply, even during the big competition he didn't want anyone close by. From a distance he watched Raen and Kosam, and a certain envy of his friend was evident. Hereke no longer understood the world. For the past six months he had had the feeling that Suneka was slowly tilting - they had even kissed at the last harvest festival - but since last night she was suddenly cold as ice.
Didn't their kiss mean anything?
Hereke hit a willow post with his fist, he was tired of it. He had waited long enough. Probably longer than anyone had ever done for a woman. What about that girl? Even the most ill-tempered horses were easier to handle than them. Maybe he should forget about her, that would be the easiest thing to do. His mother had told him many times that girls who were overly shy are not good for a man. She hadn't meant to accuse Suneka of anyt
Thanks be to the volunteer! And we, who were there in Tena-lo-Ghan, take the risk of being judged by Zaizura! It is up to you to replace us and to take our places with pride if the will of Zaizura should meet us! With Hyaun in our hearts we will humbly receive your punishment! ”The concern of everyone present was reflected in Lako's pale face.It had become their fate to wrest this decision from fate."Hyaun help us!" He said weakly and gave the floor to the high priest.Gahin stepped forward and spoke in a soft, calm voice: “Liberation will take place in two days! So prepare for it. Each of us knows that our Setna gives their life for their people. He lives for our salvation, and if it is so destined for him - be it through Zaizura's will or some other higher force - then he will also die for us! Our trust in Hyaun must be strong. He is with us and will name a new bearer of the gift! Be assured that He will continue to hold His protective hand over
At the same moment the Palansetna priests, the personal servants of Setna, were preparing for their difficult task in Tena-lo-Ghan. They were gathered in the prince's house, where they had also spent the night, in the faint hope that the prince's condition might change after all. Of course, he hadn't changed. And now they waited for the one who would accomplish what they all feared. He was the volunteer. The only one of all those involved who could count himself lucky in a clear conscience to do the right thing for the good of the people."I'll do it!" He had said at the meeting of the Board of Governors. He was a very skilled fighter from among the warriors, and his determination was known to all.But where was he now? Had he changed his mind? The palansetna became restless, morning was already advanced and it was not advisable to wait any longer. The inevitable would only be pushed back further and further, the problem would not be solved.Finally, the high pr
Then there was nothing left but waiting. Waiting for death.It wasn't long before the volunteer began to groan. At first quietly, but finally he was clearly gasping for breath. His eyes, which no longer seemed to see anything, rolled into their sockets, his Adam's apple jerked violently upwards from below. Some of those present lowered their gaze, it was mainly the priests, for the warriors continued to pay their last respects to the volunteer by looking at him until his last breath.His body began to sag and that was when he slumped onto his side from his upright position. The priest at his side wanted to see him, but the Hyaunset suer quickly raised his hand. It wasn't that far yet.Indeed, gurgling sounds came from all of their ears, and white foam emerged from the volunteer's nose and mouth. An uncontrollable twitch went through him, his hands clawing the mat. He reared one last time and then fell back lifeless on the mat. Then it was quiet.Only now
PrologueFate was watching him, every move he made, he knew that very well. It was just waiting for him to make a mistake so that he could punish him afterwards. Because fate was inherently malicious. Still, he couldn't help it. He had to do it.But actually he was forced to, it wasn't even his own will. Or is it? Raen shook his head, who was still watching in this mess. The war confused people's minds. In war, the good deeds were indistinguishable from the bad.********Roman paced restlessly up and down the door. He nervously chewed his thumbnail. Behind the door his wife Alea was in labor. It was not his first child who was just about to make its way into this world; his wife had given birth to a young daughter two years ago. Roman sat down, but immediately jumped up again. It was earl
“ We should leave here and leave Shari? ”Her eyes filled with tears.Roman nodded again. He didn't like the idea of having to give up his homeland, either, but it was the only way to save the people of the clans north of the Junghal Mountains after the fall of the provinces in the south. If the enemies took the pass over the mountains and advanced into the central land, the river would be a difficult obstacle to overcome."It must be. Pray to Hyaun that we can return soon. ”-“ That we will return at all, ”he added in his mind, but managed to smile confidently. He handed the infant to Alea and teasingly stroked her cheek. "You did well." Roman jerked his chin in the direction of the child and Alea beamed proudly. It was a little balm on his tormented soul.After that they were silent for a while, the midwife was also silent and looked worried. Her future was uncertain.Outside the orange sun rose slowly over the snow-covered h
Finally, the seemingly bloodless lips moved: "Are you Hyaun-Banskeid-Roman-Ra-Roido-adh-Chor-Shari - warrior Hyauns, son of Roido from the Shari clan?"Roman blinked. “Yes, I am.”“My name is Solrhan, I am a disciple of the venerable oracle Soghul of Tulga and I bring you a message!” A hand, as transparent as the skin around his bright blue eyes, parted the fine, white material of the cloak and held out a letter to him. It bore the unmistakable, black seal of Tulga. “It is a message that is only meant for you, Banskeid Roman. No one else is allowed to read it or know anything about its content, except you. You know what I'm talking about? ”Roman nodded and held out his hand. The folded paper touched his palm as light as a feather, but his hand began to tremble, heavy as if under a steel load. The thoughts were racing in his head. Why did he of all people get a message from the oracle? He was just a simple warrior, as insignif
When he looked up, the first ice-cold drops of sleet burst into Roman's face, but he barely noticed . His mind whirled like a swarm of angry bees, ready to stab relentlessly. And they did. Raen! His just born son, should he think differently? One who stood against fate? One who broke tradition? The enormity of these words sent a shiver down the scalp and back of Roman, and involuntarily he ducked against the rain as if the drops were blows. Nobody could face fate and challenge it without being punished by it! The oracle must have been wrong. It should! Little did it know that Raen had been born less than a Ka-hour ago today.Or is it? Oracles know more than ordinary people. They speak to the gods, are in possession of truthfulness. Every fiber in Roman resisted what his fingers were holding. He looked at the prophecy. Although the paper was already wet, the ink remained legible. An oracle was always right. This realization shocked him more than the fear of war. It would turn
When King Katthike saw the pool of blood around the dead prisoner, he began to rage. He knocked down the guard next to him with a single brutal blow. His legendary anger was unleashed before those around him had managed to get to safety. Excited, he ran in a circle around the body of Hy, lying on the ground, limping badly. His stocky muscular figure sent out hot waves of anger and everyone present crouched in fear when he came near them.“To hell with you all! How did that happen? ”He roared into the silence of the dungeon room, and his powerful voice echoed off the walls."Am I just surrounded by useless and miserably stupid idiots?" He came to a stop in front of the second soldier and stared at him with his ice-blue eyes. The soldier immediately lowered his gaze and stammered: "Your Majesty, e-he ... somehow he overpowered the guard and h-stabbed himself with his knife!"The king grimaced and bared his teeth as if wanted like a wolf at his opponent
Then there was nothing left but waiting. Waiting for death.It wasn't long before the volunteer began to groan. At first quietly, but finally he was clearly gasping for breath. His eyes, which no longer seemed to see anything, rolled into their sockets, his Adam's apple jerked violently upwards from below. Some of those present lowered their gaze, it was mainly the priests, for the warriors continued to pay their last respects to the volunteer by looking at him until his last breath.His body began to sag and that was when he slumped onto his side from his upright position. The priest at his side wanted to see him, but the Hyaunset suer quickly raised his hand. It wasn't that far yet.Indeed, gurgling sounds came from all of their ears, and white foam emerged from the volunteer's nose and mouth. An uncontrollable twitch went through him, his hands clawing the mat. He reared one last time and then fell back lifeless on the mat. Then it was quiet.Only now
At the same moment the Palansetna priests, the personal servants of Setna, were preparing for their difficult task in Tena-lo-Ghan. They were gathered in the prince's house, where they had also spent the night, in the faint hope that the prince's condition might change after all. Of course, he hadn't changed. And now they waited for the one who would accomplish what they all feared. He was the volunteer. The only one of all those involved who could count himself lucky in a clear conscience to do the right thing for the good of the people."I'll do it!" He had said at the meeting of the Board of Governors. He was a very skilled fighter from among the warriors, and his determination was known to all.But where was he now? Had he changed his mind? The palansetna became restless, morning was already advanced and it was not advisable to wait any longer. The inevitable would only be pushed back further and further, the problem would not be solved.Finally, the high pr
Thanks be to the volunteer! And we, who were there in Tena-lo-Ghan, take the risk of being judged by Zaizura! It is up to you to replace us and to take our places with pride if the will of Zaizura should meet us! With Hyaun in our hearts we will humbly receive your punishment! ”The concern of everyone present was reflected in Lako's pale face.It had become their fate to wrest this decision from fate."Hyaun help us!" He said weakly and gave the floor to the high priest.Gahin stepped forward and spoke in a soft, calm voice: “Liberation will take place in two days! So prepare for it. Each of us knows that our Setna gives their life for their people. He lives for our salvation, and if it is so destined for him - be it through Zaizura's will or some other higher force - then he will also die for us! Our trust in Hyaun must be strong. He is with us and will name a new bearer of the gift! Be assured that He will continue to hold His protective hand over
Suneka's heartbreak was just as uncurable as Hereke's miserable mood. The whole time the horse boy sat on the sidelines and brooded deeply, even during the big competition he didn't want anyone close by. From a distance he watched Raen and Kosam, and a certain envy of his friend was evident. Hereke no longer understood the world. For the past six months he had had the feeling that Suneka was slowly tilting - they had even kissed at the last harvest festival - but since last night she was suddenly cold as ice.Didn't their kiss mean anything?Hereke hit a willow post with his fist, he was tired of it. He had waited long enough. Probably longer than anyone had ever done for a woman. What about that girl? Even the most ill-tempered horses were easier to handle than them. Maybe he should forget about her, that would be the easiest thing to do. His mother had told him many times that girls who were overly shy are not good for a man. She hadn't meant to accuse Suneka of anyt
I'll help you!" She wanted to get up.“No, stay calm here, I'll do it. I'll be right back. ”“ Should I stay up here alone? ”She asked, half joking.“The pigeons won't hurt you, and otherwise I won't see any other creatures here. I checked it carefully earlier, ”he said, pointing to the ladder with a wink.“Good, but hurry up!”In fact, a little later he was completely out of breath with the mats and blankets. He must have flown up the stairs! Kosam took the mats from him and rolled them out next to the chests, then she spread the blankets and crawled under them. Raen took off his boots, turned off the light, and slipped under the covers with her. They finally fell asleep, snuggled tightly together.The next morning they woke up to the cooing of the pigeons. The first daylight fell through the windows over the platform. Raen and Kosam beamed h
I'm sorry ... um ..." What should he say? That his curiosity had been stronger than her attraction? That would have hurt her badly, and besides, that wasn’t the case either, only he had let himself be too easily distracted again. Perhaps because he was afraid to take further steps. The sheer excitement of kissing and hugging had given him far more happiness than he could have imagined that morning."I ... I ..." he stammered awkwardly.Kosam turned away."Stop, please wait!" He grabbed her arm.She looked at him."I just thought that was great!" Idiot!"What did you think was great?" She asked gruffly. “The dangerous gymnastics on the ladder?”“No. I mean that ... well, the one before that. ”Fool, just say it!Her gaze remained unchanged."Well, the kiss!" He finally managed.She didn't answer, and Raen took all his courage and touched her shoulder. His hand went up to her neck and ch
Raen was in seventh heaven all day. Kosam sat next to him and didn't leave his side. They had a great chat and discovered that they had a lot in common. In doing so, they forgot everything around them. In between, Suneka said goodbye in a strange bad mood and went over to her sister. Hereke initially stayed with Raen and Kosam and merely shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know what she had either. Perhaps she didn't like Kosam, which he didn't understand because he found her very nice. In the end he longed for Suneka and went after her. Her mood seemed to have improved a bit by now, because she laughed out loud when he made a joke and sat down next to her.Time flew by, and soon it was dawn. The big drums and other instruments were set up on the podium in front of the temple, and when clan chief Lako declared the dance to be open to applause, everyone was suddenly on their feet. The mats were swiftly cleared aside, and the first low drum beats vibrated in the full stomachs of
Hello Tor Ban Raen, there you are. You weren't at the morning meal at all. ”“ I was probably too late, ”he replied in monosyllables. 'You're late for anything, Raen, you sheep's head!' he grimly reprimanded himself. But Banskeid Laghat was so nice and already showed me a bit of your chorten. You have a beautiful view from the wall, you can seeall the way to the great mountains. ” Banskeid Laghat was a fully fledged warrior and was allowed to carry his own sword. Raen glanced at the heavy handle protruding from behind Laghat's back. When would he get his sword himself? It just took way too long!"What got over your liver?" Asked Kosam, who had noticed his scowl.'Give it up,' he thought bitterly, 'you're too young. Forget her!' Aloud he said: "We have to go to the temple now, Banskeid Laghat!" But his tone was apparently a little too commanding because Laghat looked at him crookedly.Raen was annoyed. He just turned
“ Was that your own horse earlier? Beautiful animal. ”“ Yes, isn't it! Her name is Jakori and she is very trusting. You can ride her if you want, then we'll take a walk into the forest and I'll show you ... "Raen fell silent. 'I talk too much,' he thought. 'She's definitely not interested in horses.'Kosam looked at him questioningly. “What do you want to show me?”“Oh, just a few stones in the forest, nothing special.”“I'll be happy to accept your offer.”“Yes? Really? Are you interested in that? ”“ Of course. I also like to go on horseback, it's fun. ”Raen smiled blissfully. "I think the day after the race we can definitelyride out together." Raen answered with another dazzling smile from Kosam.Later, when he was in bed, he could hardly sleep. He kept thinking of the girl with the black hair and couldn't wait to be with her again.