Fear

Children cried out as parents dragged them unwillingly into the cool chill of the large river running alongside the camp. Kyra had already bathed in the chill of the morning, it had been almost unbearable, but worth avoiding the bustles and cries of children that came with sunrise. The men left their weapons at home, the people would go without breakfast this morning. The elders were dressed in beautiful clothing which had taken years to weave and those Kyra's age gathered in groups speaking eagerly about what apprenticeship they hope to have, boys fought fake fights with sticks which at the end had been carved down to a point. And yet with all of the bustle Kyra's eyes stared only longingly at the tent situated at the far end of camp. Inside the warriors of six leaf falls would be discussing with the leader of who they would apprentice and he would either approve or reassign, that was were Kyra's fate lie, inside that tent where the voices were hushed and low, the only place Kyra longed to be. Their leader was the oldest of all the elders on both sides. Many say he should have died years ago, most of the warriors could not wait for his son to take over his place, they say he was too kind, he had made a truce when the enemy that as long as he lived, war would not strike. The people were ready for battle again, and Kyra was afraid that the old leader would not last another leaf fall, if she was taken on as apprentice now she would be a full fledged warrior in the midst of chaos. The old warriors knew this, that is why this time around they would choose very carefully. Kyra only wished that they never had to fight, but it was the way of their people, they say fear governs the land and the people must fight it with all their strength, fear kept the people going, fear kept the children hiding, fear is what makes your heart beat pounding against your chest, fear is what keeps you hiding in the shadows instead of facing your enemy head on and fear is what kept Kyra rooted in place, fear for the ceremony, fear for her fate.