Shackled

Contested

Akef beckons Tikal to his side. Whispers and grumblings are heard about the cave as she approaches. "We all know that our Chieftain chose a wife that was unable to bear a son. Her failure has left us with a case we have not dealt with in our history. A potential female leader."

The rumblings of disgruntled chattering increases. I hear a lot of distaste on the topic. This will be Akef's first challenge to uphold his promise to Osirus. He speaks up to prevent the disorderly conduct from increasing. "Although it was our wise leader's decision to appoint his daughter as the new leader of our people, it is ultimately up to the goddess Bazra to decide if she is worthy." True... I can only truly test her if she connects to me through the artifact.

Before Akef can reach for the mask, he receives some resistance from the crowd. "We cannot allow this! She is weak and inexperienced!" one man screams.

He receives support in his dislike of the current situation. "Yes! How can a teenager lead a tribe of nomads? A challenge is necessary for passage!" My people have never had this in fighting. Especially not a right of passage by combat.

"A challenge of what sorts, Ditet?" he asks the rebel.

"Seriously?" Tikal asks angrily. Akef calmly hushes her. He passes her a look as if to say to trust him.

"I'd gladly fight to the death to prove the child cannot lead us!" Ditet admits. "She can barely defend herself..."

Despite Akef's advice, Tikal climbs on the altar table to look down to Ditet. "We are not a tribe of savages!" Preach child. "We do not she unnecessary blood. If you want a challenge, then you can let our goddess decide if you are worthy. My father taught me to respect our traditions and you are hindering that!" Well said, young one. Her poise even in her grieving time is impressive. "Come! Take on the Mask of Bazra! If she accepts you then you may lead!"

After hearing that offer, Akef shouts, "Princess!"

She settles him this time, saying "Let him come... if the goddess so declares that he may lead then I will not defy her." He looks at her, terrified at her confidence but amazed that her father had the same faithfulness to me.

Ditet makes his way to the altar. Akef asks, "Are you sure about this?"

"Just give me the damn mask!" he yells. "I will prove to you that the gods do not approve of the weak. They would never let a FEMALE child lead their people." Has he not considered the fact that he worships a female deity?

"So be it," Akef shrugs. He turns to the crowd before lifting the artifact from its nest. "Our brother, Ditet, has declared his belief that he is the true successor and will now don the Mask of Bazra." He turns to the angry tribesman. "I pray you are not wrong, for your sake..." he mumbles to him. Ditet stands before Akef and awaits the mask. It is slowly lowered onto his face.

You are unclean! How dare you claim to be fit! Regret is an understatement of the pain you will suffer!

The child looks to the heavens. Perhaps hearing my anger from this fool touching my mask, knowing he's caused harm to his own wife. "You see!" he screams. "I was right! The gods do not care for a fledgling ruler! My determination has declared me Chieftain!"

"Take off the mask!" Tikal suddenly screams. She's already in tune with my energies. Mostly from her father reaches out to her. My scolding is coming, child... he can't escape this due to his ego.

"Are you upset girl? Mad that your plan —"

"No! You can't hear her!" If you're listening little one... step back. This may get a little hectic and gruesome. "Please, my lord! Spare him for his transgressions!"

"What are you talking abo — What? Why... is this..." The artifact shimmers. My reach has been restored since severing it from Osirus. The temperature of the artifact rapidly rises as if it were being hurled into the sun. Ditet panics immediately but he tries to not show his struggle. He flicks his head to shake the one-sided mask off of his face. That fails... As his skin begins to boil from the intense heat, he can no longer hide that agony I'm causing him. His hands try to pry the golden accessory off but that fails too... they burn along with his face. Suffer you brute, as your wife suffered from your mental and physical assaults!

The kinda hearted child punches the tall man in his gut and he buckles to her level. She grips his hair and drags him to the pool of water. The dunk releases a hiss and bubbling that echoes throughout the cave. I'll release him from my grasp... just know that this was not a solution, child. The artifact sinks slowly once it separates from his disfigured face. Tikal throws Ditet back towards the altar and catches the mask before it gets out of reach.

She stands from having her arms shoulder deep in the water. The mask is cradled in her hands as she screams over Ditet's screaming. "Doctor! Quickly!" The medics run to Ditet's aid. Look at you, giving orders already! They escort the man screaming in agony from the cave. The council members look on seemingly unaffected by the antics unraveling before them.

Tikal watches them pull him away with worry plastered across her face. "It was his decision, Tikal," Akef whispers. He turns to the crowd once more. "Are there any more interruptions that we must endure because of pride or lack of faith?" Good question... There are more mumbles and whispers in the crowd. "Hearing none, we will proceed... Tikal, are you prepared to endure the trial that you just witnessed our brother fail?"

"Yes... for I was chosen by my father to lead," she says confidently.

"Then prepare yourself, young one," Akef says. He grabs the mask from her hands. It is as clean as it was when they prepared it for the ceremony. The vizier gently places the artifact on the face of his best friend's daughter. A strong wind whips through the cave and the kid doesn't flinch.

Your bravery is impressive, Tikal. I can sense no fear within you. I approve of your will. Now, I shall be your guide...

"Thank you. I am your willing vessel," she submits. The artifact shatters. It's pieces reform about her body as gold wristbands and anklets. The outline of the mask lightens the skin on her face slightly.

"Well done, Chieftess," Akef congratulates her. "It seems your father was correct in choosing you."

"I had no doubt in my mind," the wise youth responds.

Akef lifts her to his shoulders. "She has been chosen! Let this day be remembered as we welcome our first Chieftess to her chosen path! May she lead us to the most abundant lands! Let us celebrate!" Most of the crowd erupts in cheers and roars.... most...