The Xiled

1

The grand council hall was silent, and the heavy atmosphere was thick with tension. The high stone walls of the palace seemed to reverberate with the murmurs of the elders, seated in a semicircle around the Chief's throne. The soft, flickering light from bioluminescent plants cast long, eerie shadows, revealing their stern faces in the dim glow.

Koda stood before them, tall and unwavering, but the weight of their eyes pressed down on him. At his side, Ryden, the stoic knight, remained silent as ever. Queen Althea sat beside her husband, Chief Arlan, her regal presence calm, yet alert. Prince Kaelan and Princess Kira sat beside their parents, their gazes focused on Koda. The prince, a mirror of his father, wise beyond his years, yet bound by tradition. The princess, however, seemed to understand Koda in a way that no one else did.

Chief Arlan's deep voice broke the silence.

"Koda Dragonheart," he began, his tone heavy with the weight of tradition, "You've caused quite a stir among the tribe." He glanced briefly at Elder Torin, who crossed his arms, a scowl etched on his face. "You've crashed fliers, snuck into the city, and... tested the boundaries of our customs. Do you have anything to say for yourself?"

Koda stood tall but didn't speak immediately. He knew that every word he said would be carefully measured.

Elder Torin's voice rumbled like distant thunder, full of disapproval. "This mischief cannot be ignored. You break tradition at every turn, disrespecting the very ways that have kept us strong."

Elder Varek, ever the manipulator, nodded in agreement. "A boy like him has no place here. It's a wonder we're even discussing his future."

Koda held his ground, briefly glancing at Queen Althea, whose steady gaze met his in silent encouragement. "I've never meant to disrespect," Koda said, his voice steady. "I've only sought to understand. I came from a place where survival was all we knew. Here, I seek more than survival. I seek my place."

Elder Jarek, wise and measured, added in his calm tone, "Koda speaks truth. He may be an outsider, but he shows promise. He has fought, learned, and grown stronger with every challenge. He is not like the others."

Queen Althea's voice was soft but filled with authority. "Koda's actions may seem rash to some, but they are the actions of a boy trying to find his way. He has potential, and we would do well to nurture it rather than crush it."

Koda briefly glanced at Princess Kira, who, despite her calm demeanor, seemed to understand him in a way no one else did. She gave him a slight nod—a silent reassurance. His heart quickened, but he remained focused.

"I'm not yet ready for what's expected of me," Koda admitted, his voice steady. "But I will be."

Chief Arlan's gaze sharpened, though his voice softened slightly. "You are not far behind, Koda. You've made progress. The others, the orphans, they are not far ahead of you. But you will have to prove yourself worthy of becoming a true Mokari."

The room fell silent as the weight of Arlan's words hung in the air. Koda stood, waiting for the next move. The council had spoken, but there was more yet to come.

"The coming-of-age ceremony is soon," Arlan continued after a pause, his voice firm. "During the ceremonial combat with the wyverns, you will have to prove your worth. You must defeat the wyvern of your destined bride if you wish to claim her. If you do not, you will not be able to marry. Do you understand?"

Koda's heart skipped a beat. He glanced at Princess Kira again, and the silent understanding between them was clear. But still, his mind raced.

"I do," Koda replied, his voice strong despite the pounding in his chest.