We will let The One help us decide what path we will walk."
The Marat departed then, peaceably, though there continued to be much talk among them, and though the Wolves seemed to retreat down the hill cautiously, many fangs bared, low growls warning away those who came too near.
A few moments later, Tavi and Fade stood with the three Marat alone. Doroga gave his shoulders a shake and blew out a long breath. "Very well," the Marat said. "Hashat. What do you think is an appropriate trial?"
The Horse headman shrugged her shoulders. "The usual for this horto."
Kitai drew in a quick breath.
Doroga grimaced. "You know what I'm trying to do."
"The Wolf is right about one thing. You challenge tradition with this, if not the law. If you stretch things too much, you will lose the support of your own Clan, and mine. Best, I think, if you stay close to tradition wherever you can now."
Doroga looked at Tavi, then at Kitai. "Are they old enough?"
Tavi stepped forward. "Wait just one second, here. I did what you said you wanted me to do, Doroga. What have I gotten myself into?"
Hashat turned to Tavi. "Aleran. You are alive, and not a meal. For that, you should give your thanks to Doroga, and be silent."
Tavi snapped, "I don't think so. This place almost exploded today. I'm being used. I think it's polite to at least tell me how. And why."
Hashat narrowed her eyes and laid a hand on the hilt of her saber, but Doroga shook his head. "No. He is correct." Doroga moved back to his stone and sat down, heavily. "Valleyboy, you have agreed to a Trial of Wits with Kitai. The victor in the trial will be considered to hold the favor of The One in the question you raised."
Tavi frowned. "You mean, if I win, then I'm right, and my people are not the enemy of the Marat."
Doroga grunted assent. "And my Clan, and Hashat's, will refuse the leadership of Atsurak, who moves against your people."
Tavi's eyes widened "You're kidding me Half the Marat horde just vanishes' Just like that'" He turned to look at Fade, his heart beginning to pound "Fade, did you hear'"
"You haven't won the trial," Kitai said, spitting the words "Nor will you "
Doroga frowned at his whelp and then said to Tavi, "It is my wish that you should win I can take my people from this conflict But it may not be the desire of The One "
"I know it isn't mine," Kitai said The young Marat nodded to his father and then said to Hashat, "Is your offer still open'"
The Horse headman glanced at Doroga Then nodded to Kitai "Of course "
Kitai nodded at that and then stepped close to Tavi, multicolored eyes narrowed "Wits or strength, it doesn't matter to me, Aleran I will beat you " Then he shot Doroga an angry glance and stalked off down the hill
Tavi blinked "But I would have thought he'd want to help you " He glanced at Doroga
The Marat shrugged "My whelp will try to defeat you As it should be It is a good trial before The One "
"But " Tavi swallowed "Trial of Wits' What is it'"
Doroga said to Hashat, "See to it that they are prepared " Then he turned and walked down the hill after his whelp
Hashat folded her arms over her chest and eyed Tavi
"Well'" Tavi asked "What am I supposed to do'"
"You will leave this night, to return with the Blessing of Night from the Valley of Trees," Hashat said, simply "Who returns with it first is the victor of the trial Follow me " The Marat started off down the hill, lean legs taking long steps
"Blessing of Night, Valley of Trees Right, fine " Tavi turned to follow her, but stopped as Fade caught at his shirt Tavi turned to the man, frowning "What is it'"
"Tavi," Fade said "You must not do this Let me face the trial "
Tavi blinked "Uh Fade It's a Trial of Wits, remember'"
Fade shook his head "Valley of Trees Remember that "
The boy frowned, turning to Fade "What do you remember'"
"It is what the Marat call the Wax Forest" Fade looked past Tavi to the retreating Hashat, his scarred face haunted "One of you will surely die "
Chapter 27
Fidelias stopped, panting, as he and Aldrick emerged from the heavily forested regions northeast of Bernardholt and reached the causeway that led down the Valley and ultimately to Garrison. His feet, though he