would benefit the Mother, protecting Her from a scourge of sorcerers from the Outside descending upon Her. It would offer restitution for his crime that his mere death would not.”
Oval shrugged. “It is for the chieftain to decide.”
Mooriah held her breath as everyone looked to Crimson. The chieftain turned to his sons, seeking their input. Rumble spoke up first.
“The penalty for his action is death, we must hold fast to justice.” He crossed his arms, eyes flashing.
Ember tilted his head. “I believe that the prisoner’s blood would sully the Mother. Better he offer a redress and benefit Her in some way and then be exiled with the knowledge that if he ever returns, he will be killed.”
Crimson tapped his chin, considering. “Impure blood such as his should not be further spilled inside the sacred Mother. I will leave him in your custody, sorcerer. And you,” he motioned to Ember, “ensure that he never returns.”
Mooriah held back the sigh of relief. She shot Ember a grateful look. He gave an almost imperceptible nod. Though she was taking on this new task, she still had to find the time to meet with him and help him. It was more obvious than ever that he would be the far better choice for chieftain.
She turned to her father. “When should we begin?”
“As quickly as possible.”
~ 6 ~
Ritual of Banishment: Prevents the unwanted from entering protected ground.
The blood of the banished is sufficient. Attempting to use any other activating agents is unwise. The focus of sincere intention will prevent unwanted consequences, but any distraction or confusion may exile those you do not intend.
—WISDOM OF THE FOLK
Years had passed since Mooriah had been outside of the Mountain Mother. The only sunlight she saw usually came from far overhead from the vents and airholes in various caves. The streaming light up ahead at the end of the tunnel through which she followed her father was beginning to give her a headache. She used the bone needle in her pocket to pierce her finger, then murmured the words of a blood spell to help her adjust to the brightness.
Behind them, two guards carried Fenix on his litter. Ember brought up the rear of the party to carry out his father’s command and ensure the Outsider was properly exiled and forbidden from returning.
They emerged on a plateau, with paths leading down either side of the peak on which they stood. She shivered as a sharp wind blew across her skin. Though there were no seasons inside the Mother, evidence of the weather still reached them. They celebrated the upcoming First Frost Festival every year, along with the Celebration of the First Bud, when the plants in the farming caves sprouted in the spring.
Once on the plateau, Yllis set down his pack and retrieved a heavy cloak from within, as well as a pair of boots then handed them to Mooriah. She accepted them gratefully, for her teeth were chattering. The boots were a bit too large but served to protect her bare feet from the weather.
The guards set Fenix’s pallet on the ground, but he stood up at once, flexing his arms and legs. Out of the reach of the wards embedded within the rock walls, he had healed himself almost instantly. The bruises were gone, and the blood still encrusted on his limbs disappeared. His tunic and trousers were still stained, but the rest of him was whole and hale.
Holding their arms at their sides, the guards retreated without another word. That left Ember alone in the entrance to the tunnel, squinting at the land beyond. His eyes were also unused to the brightness of day, though, with a warrior’s stoicism, he showed no sign of the effects of the cold on his bare chest and legs.
He turned to Mooriah, his eyes still narrowed against the light. “The Ritual of Banishment,” he said, speaking low. She nodded. She would not need anything from her satchel, just her knife and the blood.
Ember eyed her warily but stood his ground. The wind ruffled his waistcloth, revealing more of his well-muscled thigh. A shiver raced through him, uncontrollably, and she rushed to perform the ritual so that he could return to the warmth.
“Your hand,” she said to Fenix. He looked at her curiously then extended his hand.
She sliced a shallow cut in his palm and allowed his blood to spill into her clay bowl. She did the same to her own palm before looking to Ember whose jaw was clenched. “This