I look around. Didn't anyone else notice the new presence?
Some people seem to be reacting to it, but more in an adoration posture than a fearful posture, so I allow myself to relax a bit.
Soon after, a group of people come from the council tent and step into the open space in front of the chairs.
There is an old fox man in the middle, and he is surrounded by some helpers that form a semicircle around him.
The drums lower the volume of their beats, and the chanting around us stops.
The eerie mana I sensed is coming from the old fox man. His body looks like a regular, though a bit too thin, grandpa.
But the aura that comes from inside him is unlike anything I've ever experienced before. It's regal and overwhelming.
And then he speaks.
His voice sounds like it is coming not from his mouth, but from a place far away. Is this guy being possessed or something?
"I see that the thunder from the south has arrived."
I look around. Everyone, elders included, is on their knees. So I quickly follow their example and get down on my knees as well.
I guess that the aura is the Loa, possessing the body of this old guy and speaking through him.
"You are indeed right, Aurea."
Huh? Did he just read my mind?
"Yes, I did."
The eerie voice laughs, and the sound is like bamboo banging on rocks.
The old man's face shows no sign of emotion, yet when the voice speaks again, it's filled with amusement.
"You are welcome among my people, Aurea Annes, daughter of the Thunder Lady."
"Thunder Lady... do you mean Oya?"
"She didn't leave a name for us, but I sense you are correct."
"Did you meet her?"
"Yes. When we sensed a foreign deity using our channel of communication, we obviously went to check. She is a nice lady and a fierce warrior."
Yeah, that description fits her perfectly.
The old man turns to Yaci at my side.
"I can feel that you are pained, dear child. All of us are, you see. But now, look at your side. I'm told she is the thunder that will shatter all fetters. And yet, you can see she is still a little child."
My eyes and Yaci's meet, and we look at each other, trying to make sense of the Loa's words.
"Daughter of Thunder, I see you have many questions."
I look at the old man again.
"I need to free my mother before anything else."
"No, child... I'm told there are things you need to learn so you can truly free your mother."
Told? By whom?
"I'm not the only Loa, you see. And we talk to each other."
Not that damn mind reading again...
The voice laughs again.
"I know that there is a power you will need in your journey. And that power is, I'm told, at the feet of the Dragon Mountains."
There is a general gasp in the audience. I hear Yara's voice and turn to her.
"You sure don't intend to send this child to such a dangerous place..."
"She won't be alone, you see. You are to meet the wolf tribe and go together."
That was an undeniable command voice. A voice that didn't leave any margin for doubts or disagreement. A literal order from a god.
How dangerous are those mountains that the tribe who lives in the Barrens deems them too dangerous?
"Last time I was there, it wasn't more dangerous than the Barrens."
"Then why the worry?"
I gave up restraining my tongue, as the Loa can read my thoughts anyway.
"Because you'll need the approval of the dragons, of course. I'm told no one can enter their territory otherwise."
"And what kind of power is there to be gained?"
"That is for the future you to know."
"And my mother? And Yaci's mother, and everyone there?"
"Well, you can go by yourself right now."
Her voice suddenly turned dark and menacing.
"But then you'll be on your own. I'm offering you help, and the cost of that help is time. The choice is yours."
Damn.
"Do I have to give you the answer now?"
"There's no need. Your actions will be all the answers I need. You may mull this over for the next few days."
The old man then turns to Yara.
"The tribe will break camp in five days and go west, as was already planned. If Aurea decides to try the rescue by herself, follow the route that was already laid out."
Yara nods with a grave face.
"But if she decides to stay with the tribe, your goal will be further west. And in three years you will be back to Yrasema Oasis, and then you shall give all assistance to Aurea in her rescue."
"It shall be done." Yara has a weird look on her face. Is that worry I see?
"Yaci. Assist the Daughter of Thunder in all matters. She will be under your care from now on. Do you understand?"
"Yes."
"Good. Tonight is the first night of a new era. So, feast and celebrate to your heart's content."
With those words, the eerie mana suddenly vanishes, and the old man drops to the floor. His attendants rush to help him.
The drums resume, and Yara orders the celebration to officially start. Everyone around is merry and cheering, but my heart is in trouble.
I feel a hand on mine. It's Yaci. I look at her, and she has the same somber look that I probably have on my face.
"Three years..." I mutter, with my heart aching.
Yaci only nods, visibly trying to hold back her tears.
In moments like these, I always feel like words are too cumbersome and awkward, so instead I reach for her hug.
She takes me up on her lap and embraces me. We stay like that for some time, just holding each other.
Mother... I hope you aren't suffering too much down there.