Chapter 8: The Competition

Across the chasm that had been Āviri Lake, the High Priestess spoke in a voice that reached the sky. "I, High Priestess, Priyansi, embassy for the mother goddess, D'Vati, come here seeking a new tiger for myself, my home, and my people. Who among you wishes to compete for the great honor of standing by my side as the next Crimson Tiger?"

Sound erupted from the crowd and with it, a warm wind began to gust through their ranks, carrying their voices back to the High Priestess. Q'Wasim made sure to roar out his assent, hoping Priyansi would hear it.

When the noise finally died down, it was time for the tribe leaders to speak. Each of them stepped forward into the mosan sand.

As was tradition, the Saanp Tribe was the first to speak. Their tribe's leader called into the morning light, "The Saanp Tribe will compete. We promote Nayan as our champion."

No surprise there. People said the athletic huntsman was a fine warrior.

However, things soon became less regular. The next leader announced, "The Khadga Tribe will not compete."

Q'Wasim made the mistake of looking at Kaxa. Her face was grim.

"It is nothing," he tried to assure her. A champion from the Khadga Tribe almost always competed. Their tribe's weapon of choice was a talwar sword. Q'Wasim knew that of the ten weapons, he had one of the biggest advantages against a sword, but Q'Wasim was not overly worried about the Khadga Tribe's refusal to compete. A Crimson Tiger had to be ready for anything. As such, he had done his best to prepare for all the champions and their weapons.

Q'Wasim continued to listen as the other tribes announced their participation. After each tribe had spoken, the High Priestess commanded, "Champions, come forward."

Q'Wasim did not hesitate. He moved towards Priyansi. His bare feet dug into the white mosan sand.

Only four people including Q'Wasim had stepped into the Āviri. That was half the usual number. As the crowd roared for their champions, Q'Wasim stole glances at his competition.

Closest to him was Nayan of the Saanp Tribe. He was the eldest of the champions as well as the smallest and the most agile-looking. Q'Wasim thought Nayan looked well suited for the Saanp's tribe's celestial weapons, a set of poisoned twin daggers. However, Q'Wasim did not know for sure.

Nayan, like most of his tribesmen, was a hunter and could be gone from the city for weeks, even months, at a time in search of his next kill. Because of this and the fact that Nayan was at least twelve years Q'Wasim's senior, most of Q'Wasim's knowledge about the warrior was hearsay.

The next champion, Saahas, was Nayan's opposite. Q'Wasim knew a fair bit about him. The Champion of the Trishula Tribe was tall, lanky, and the youngest of their group, closer to Kaxa's age than Q'Wasim's. Though, despite the young man's lack of experience, Saahas held his tribe's celestial weapon, the trident, with confidence. It was well-earned. Q'Wasim had sparred with Saahas quite a few times over the years. Saahas was good, very good. However, unless something had changed in the last few months, Chinmay was better.

Chinmay, Champion of the Vajra Tribe, nephew of the leader of the Takanda's elite guard, wielder of Vajra Tribe's celestial weapon, the mace, and Gaven's best friend, had been a pain in Q'Wasim's side ever since Q'Wasim had begun his training. Chinmay thought Q'Wasim was a waste of the royal sibling's time and Q'Wasim thought the same thing about him.

Regardless of Q'Wasim's low opinion of Chinmay, Q'Wasim was still concerned about facing the Champion of the Vajra Tribe. He had been Gaven's best friend for a reason. Chinmay was a fierce and dedicated warrior of Takanda and everyone knew that Chinmay was the crowd favorite to win today, including Chinmay himself who had just noticed Q'Wasim looking at him.

In response to Q'Wasim's perusal, Chinmay puffed out his chest. His eyebrows quirked up and he took in Q'Wasim and his armor. Then Chinmay smirked and returned his gaze to the High Priestess.

Q'Wasim gritted his teeth at Chinmay's dismissal, but before Q'Wasim could dwell on the insult to himself and Priyansi's hard work, the High Priestess spoke again and captured Q'Wasim's attention. Priyansi's voice seemed even louder than before as she proclaimed, "Last night, I consulted with the stars." Priyansi slowly gestured five of her hands at Chinmay. "Chinmay, Champion of the Vajra Tribe, it has been determined that you shall be the first to compete. Choose your foe."

Chinmay took a few more steps forward and bowed his head. "It is an honor, High Priestess," he said with false humility. Then he turned and looked at each competitor. His gaze lingered on Q'Wasim. The smirk reappeared before he faced Priyansi again and announced, "I challenge Saahas, Champion of the Trishula Tribe."

Q'Wasim glowered at Chinmay's back. He had done that on purpose! Q'Wasim could just imagine Chinmay's over-confident reasoning too. He wanted to fight Saahas, the competitor Chinmay respected most, so that the next round would be easier.

"Arrogant fool," Q'Wasim muttered to himself as the High Priestess spoke over him in that same carrying voice. "He has chosen his path. Chinmay, Champion of the Vajra Tribe and Saahas, Champion of the Trishula Tribe, show me your worth. Prepare for battle."

The crowd burst into cheers once again, but it was less animated than before. Everyone was too preoccupied by the sight of the two champions making their way down to the center of the Āviri where the blood-red battlefield awaited.