Blood Bride (Aarabassa World) by Catherine L Vickers

his ears. He vaguely remembered the women taking over his care, once his mood had lightened a little. They had provided him with a tasty red wine that he had drunk uncontrollably. Now he suffered the consequences, but not regrettably. He sensed he could not have slept so peacefully without it and wondered if they had put in special herbs to give him some restful comfort.
    A tray of refreshing fruits, creamy cheeses,  bread and a jug of cold milk were next to his straw mattress. He gulped the milk down almost choking at a greedy speed. He tore at the moist bread, still warm from baking, but did not have the stomach for any cheeses. When his belly was satisfied he rinsed his hands and face from a brightly painted bowl, with the water provided from a similar painted jug. This was very welcome and assisted in the opening of his heavy eyelids.
    Clean garments of pale yellow leggings and a light green sleeveless tunic had been laid out for him. This he appreciated more than anything, his traveling clothes were damp, dirty and very pungent. He dressed in the style of a Cherok male and felt amongst good people at the efforts they had all made to help him in his time of grief. 
    Opening the light bamboo cane door, an elderly female greeted him with a nodding head and beautiful smile. She held his hand and led him to the Chief who waited patiently for his arrival in the large hall where he had met the other leaders on the previous moonwake. He recognised some of the leaders present and knew the seven sons of the Chief, but there were also many new faces. In all there were around thirty people gathered. The assisting woman seated him in a chair next to the Chief and motioned with her hand to the other females present. They instantly started to serve warm drinks to each man seated. The Chief in turn smiled at the women and placed his hand on Leon’s arm.
    ‘You slept well, my son?’ the Chief enquired.
    ‘I did Chief Dallheim. I don’t know how I achieved such a refreshing rest but I feel well this moonwake,’ Leon replied.
    ‘Our women brew many potions. They have cure for everything. They give best of care.’
    ‘I am indebted to your people Chief. My spirits are lifted and I feel ready to continue with my quest,’ Leon said.
    ‘My Council of Leaders are gathered. They inform the other villages of this news you carry. Our Council now begin.’
    At the Chief’s instructions, all the men stood, held hands and bowed their heads, chanting together.
    ‘Let our leaders be wise and strong 
    Let our people live long 
    Let us unite and grow
    Let us use wisdom to care for the land
    Let us begin and embrace our brothers.’
    Long benches, stretched down each side of a wooden table. The seats creaked as everyone seated themselves, once finished with the opening ceremony. Leon, seated on a single chair, pushed it back to enable him to stand so he could speak loudly for all to hear.
    He explained the situation of his people, the kidnap of his younger brother, the threats and demands of the monshaad Emperor and the travels of the Changeling. He told of the Changelings intentions to try negotiating his brother’s safety. He spoke of his older brother who was journeying to the other Lightland realms to gather other leaders to attend a meeting of the Lightland’s Council. 
    The Cherok people considered the protection of their lands of the utmost importance. They had learned many lessons from the Serpent Wars and neither forgot nor forgave. They could quickly raise an army of fast riders and skilled bowmen, preparing for battle in an instant. None seemed surprised at this news and all agreed to protect the creatures of the Lightlands at all costs. Prince Phellip, seated at the other side of the chief, came to place himself at the end of the bench, next to Leon. He stood up to acknowledge Leon’s speech.
    ‘You are Prince I also Prince. We good friends. We hold Ceremony of Brotherhood. Unite people to face battle. Stand together as