4— Intruders

The moon was out. Stars arrayed in the sky illuminated the darkness. The kayaans were ready. They were all at the center of the village ready for the feast. The elders were getting ready for the feast rites. Each one of the twelve elders had a bat on their shoulder and their faces colored with black chalk. Merriment was ongoing and everyone was anticipating the feast rites. It was the most anticipated feast in the Kayaan kingdom as it meant new dawn. They were all looking forward to the presence of the new Commander. The priestess stood before them next to the altar. Ralph, her apprentice stood in his small form next to her. Ever since he started growing under her wing, this was the most exciting thing he has had to witness. The young apprentice couldn't wait to be in the position of the priestess one day so he too could perform the rites one day. Lily was in her cave unsure whether to attend her feast. Her nerves were getting the best of her and her heart wouldn't stop throbbing. She had fought and anticipated this day for years but here she was scared to move an inch from her cave. "Where is the new Commander?" This was the question on everyone's mind as they all became impatient waiting for Lily. Murmurs broke out between the elders as there was still no sight of Lily. The priestess whispered to her apprentice, "find Lily!" Ralph ran as fast as his small legs could carry to Lily's cave. He took a calculative step making sure to take shortcuts he knew to her cave. "You're needed at the center of the village," Ralph announced when he made out Lily lying in her dark cave. Reluctantly, Lily stood and followed the young apprentice. Her heart didn't cease its throbbing as they made their way to the feast. Each step she took, she was anxious for what the future held for her. Yes, she was excited and fulfilled to become the next commander but a part of her was anxious. "I was just as nervous when I was told I would be the next priest." Lily cast her gaze to the apprentice and he added, "everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear. Don't let fear stop you." The new commander smiled behind her mask. His words helped give her courage and morale. The priestess was a good teacher, it was obvious her apprentice was learning fast. There was silence as all orbs made contact with Lily when she arrived. Ralph returned to his place next to the priestess while everyone stood cheering her on. They all hurried to her and soon she was on their shoulders as they sang songs of victory celebrating her. Their cheering came to an end when Lily was put before the priestess. Everyone became quiet again as the new commander was brought to kneel before the old priestess. The crowd concentrated with much interest and scrutiny. No one wanted to miss a part of the feast. The old priestess took a bowl filled with Oxblood and put it round Lily's head three times. Then she gave the bowl to Lily. "Drink up." She ordered. Lily obeyed and scrunched her face as the liquid went down her throat. The crowd yelled as Lilly returned the empty bowl to the priestess. The priestess took a blade-like object and made it take off Lily's mask. Lily was quick to stop her. She had a lot hidden behind that mask. She couldn't let anyone see the scars on her face especially now she was their new leader. She needed to earn their respect and not have them making jokes about her scars. Lily pulled down her mask just enough to reveal her forehead. The priestess cut her forehead and inserted a white powdery substance into the cut. Lily didn't mind the pain, she quickly covered her face fully. The elders came before her and blessed her with the blessings of a bat. She would see all that is in the dark about the kingdom. She would soar like a bat and be invincible to her enemies. The priestess helped her up and took Lily's right hand up. "Your new leader, commander Lily!" The priestess announced at the same time hitting her staff on the ground. The kayaans cheered for their new leader and carried her on their shoulders celebrating Commander Lily. This was a new Dawn for the Kayaans kingdom.