Tribal Queen Book 1

Chapter 15

A large bonfire was lit in the far part of the capital city, just inside of the protective walls. Vai gathered her strength as she prepared to perform the ritual for Reyn and Hunter. They would also be asking the Goddess Iaso for help with Zu's healing. Vai was one of the few left who knew all of the old rituals. As per Reyn's request, she started to write them down and teach Reyn how to do most of them. A younger generation would need to carry them on after Vai was long gone. Reyn was a goddess herself technically, so these rituals all belonged to her lineage. It seemed only right that Vai made sure that she knew how to perform them.

Vai was sure that had Reyn been older before her mother and father sent her to live among the mortals, she would have had a better understanding of all the rituals. Hell, she might have even been able to teach a few to Vai over the years. Hua had not had a chance to pass any of them down to her daughter. Vai still didn't fully understand why a God and Goddess would send their only child to live like Reyn has had to over the years. But it has been her strong will and stubbornness that came from her feelings of abandonment that have kept her going all these years.

Vai also had been sent to live in an orphanage when she was very young. This helped the kinship that has only grown since Vai first met Reyn. Back when she was a young lady who still went by her name from the Gods, Reyna. Vai smiled as she fondly remembered the young Queen, and how she had helped her find her way. Reyn needed guidance from someone who would teach her right from wrong, how to best use her powers for good and not let the power consume her. Like Vai had seen this happen to those who had been blessed by the gods.

Vai was one of those people who had been blessed by the gods, but she understood that with great power come great responsibilities. And it was her responsibility to make sure that Reyn had the proper upbringing. Reyn often called Vai 'mother' as a sign of respect for her status as an elder and a healer. Vail also considered Reyn the daughter that she never had. The tribe elders have been known to adopt motherless children to assist in the raising of them. This ensures that all the important knowledge is passed down from one generation to the next.

Members from several tribes who were close to the palace, as well as all the representatives were there with the chosen men from each of their tribes gathered around the fire. Vai raised her hands to signal everyone to be quiet and sit down. Guards were posted all around the area to keep everyone safe. They were also there to make sure that the clans all remain calm and did not start any fighting. The rituals tend to bring out a bloodlust in some of the younger males, depending on the tribe they were from.

Vail tossed a bag of herbs into the fire and the flames began to change in color. They show as blue or green as the scent from them enters the air. Everyone who is gathered around the fire begins to inhale deeply, these herbs will allow them to have a deeper connection to the gods during this ritual. The musicians who were behind Vai began to set a soft, steady beat. Vai started to move and sway with the beat, chanting very softly. As the beat became louder so did Vai's chants. A few people started to join in with her until everyone who was present followed suit.

Hunter emerged from one side of the fire to stand next to Vai, he was wearing only a pair of leather pants and had white paint on his chest and face. Vai took his hand in hers and nodded at him as he began to chant with her.

All of a sudden everyone went silent, Reyn then emerged from the shadows. She had on a long white skirt and a white top. She was wearing her traditional crown of deer antlers, her white hair cascading down her back. She had on gold jewelry and a gold chain around her waist that made noise as she walked. Vai took her hand and then raised it up as well as one of Hunter's.

"Our beautiful Queen Reyn has chosen to bond herself with Hunter. He will from this day forth be known as King Hunter." Vai said loud enough for all to hear.

The tribe members began to softly chant once more, some of them taking each other's hands in their own. Vai asked Willow to step forward, she had been instructed to carry the silk wrap that would be placed over the couple's hands. Willow loosely wraps it around Reyn and Hunter's hands as Vai takes a step back. Vail then takes a metal chalice that holds herb-infused water in it, pouring it over the hands as she says a few words asking for the Gods to watch over them.

"We also ask that the Gods bless them with healthy children. Heirs who will carry on with our traditions." Vai said loud enough to be heard over the soft chanting from the tribe members gathered around the fire. Reyn and Hunter then began to slowly move around the fire. Hunter following Reyn's example. She began to move to the beat of the drum and Hunter was mesmerized by her movements. When they came back to stand in front of Vai she placed her hand over theirs.

"All who are present bear witness to the bonding of these two." She then tosses another bag of herbs into the fire, the scent in the air becoming sweeter and stronger than the first one she had tossed into the flames. Hunter became slightly dizzy by all the sensations. When like an explosion in the back of his mind, he felt the bond between him and Reyn. He could feel her heart beating through their contact. He could feel her affection towards him and her excitement from the ritual. His eyes widened as the connection between them grew so strong that he almost recoiled from her touch. But the silk around his hand prevented him from doing so. He wondered if that is what it was used for.

Reyn smiled at him, the look in her eye told him that she must be feeling it as well.

"Even if you are apart, you will still be able to feel each other through this bond." Vai took a step back, Reyn and Hunter took a seat off to the side. "We now ask for a speedy recovery of Zu. He was injured protecting our beautiful Queen. May the Gods protect him and heal him." Vai then bowed her head and disappeared into the shadows beyond where the firelight was shining.

With the ritual over, the tribe members began to drink and danced around the fire into the early morning hours. Reyn took Hunter's hand, but before she could say anything Hunter witnessed her eyes rolling back in her head and she started to faint. Hunter's quick reflexes caught her before she hit the ground. Vai rushed over and took a look at Reyn who was in Hunter's arms.

"Take her to her chambers, she needs to rest."

Hunter shook his head and made his way to the Royal bed chambers. The guards who were posted at the door in Zu's absence both bowed to Hunter before they held the double doors open for the newly married couple. Hunter laid her down on the bed, he poured water into a large bowl, and took a clean piece of cloth wetting it. He then tried to cool her face with the damp cloth. She stirred slightly, her eyes meeting his, then she was out once more.

Hunter knew it was too soon after all she had been through for her to do the ritual. But with their bond being a very important set, he knew she was not going to let anything stand in their way.

Hunter softly kissed her forehead and then took off his shirt and climbed into bed next to her. He pulled her to his chest and held onto her as he softy ran a hand over her skin. She moved so her head was laying on his chest and his hand was now rubbing her back. He placed a kiss on the top of her head and slowly drifted off to sleep.