They were as varied in their beliefs and society as the Lowlanders. Perhaps more so because of the inherent isolation of the Highlands.
“I would find it interesting to visit with some of these Highland villages.”
Shea didn’t know about that. While she called the Highlands home, its people were hard and unwelcoming to strangers of any type.
“They see me as an extension of the Hawkvale,” Shea said, trying to understand the meaning behind Gala’s words.
“Very good. Perhaps there is hope for you yet.”
They’d arrived to where Shea’s friends had set up their event. Clark waved at her frantically from the outside of a large crowd.
“You should join your friends. The young one looks like he might burst out of his skin any moment,” Gala said.
Shea looked at them and then back at Gala. She wanted to continue this conversation.
“We will talk later.” Shea made the phrase an order rather than a question.
Gala inclined her head.
Shea turned to go and stopped when there was a tug on her pants. She looked down to find Mist standing behind her looking up at her with a worried expression.
“No sweetie, you can’t come with me.”
“Mist, stay here with Grandma Gala for now.” Gala looked down at her with a kind expression.
Mist frowned unhappily but let go of Shea’s pants. Her shoulders drooped as she wandered back to Gala.
Shea gave her a small wave before turning and heading for Clark.
“Are you ready for this?” Clark asked.
“Do I have a choice?”
He laughed. “Not at this point.”
“Then I guess I’m ready.”
Charles stepped up and waved for attention. “Excuse me. Excuse me, can I have your attention?”
The gathered Trateri continued to speak among themselves. Only a few noticed Charles’s attempt at getting their attention and even those went back to their conversations when it was apparent the rest wouldn’t quiet.
“Oi, the game master has spoken. Shut your gobs and pay attention.” Trenton’s shout made Shea jump.
Charles cleared his throat and nodded an acknowledgement of Trenton’s help. Trenton stood back and folded his arms across his chest to fix the rest of the crowd with a glare. Faced with the wrath of one of Fallon’s Anateri, the group quieted and turned their attention to Charles.
“Yes, well. Let me explain the rules. See the three white squares drawn on the ground. You’ll be placed into one of those depending on how many answers to a set of questions you get right.”
A set of hands went up. Their owners spoke before they could be called on. “Who decides the questions?”
“We do.” Charles’s answer was matter of fact.
“Who decides if we’re correct?”
Shea lifted an eyebrow. Who did they think decided that?
Charles’s answer was a little more tactful. “We do.” He waited a beat to see if there were any more stupid questions. “As I said, you’ll be placed into one of the three squares depending on your answers. There will be two ‘beasts’ that you’ll chase once we release you from your square. One is a decoy and the other is your quarry.” Charles gestured at Clark and Shea. They each lifted a hand to show they would be playing the beast. “Your objective is to follow the path they lay out and catch the beast. The first one to catch the correct beast wins.”
“How do we know which is the real one?”
