LET THE GAMES BEGIN!

The way the Urgals celebrated was even more familiar to Aelwyn, and it brought a grin to his face. The brew the Urgals made was almost as potent as whisghi was back home, but had a flavor that reminded him of certain berries of his homelands. Arian particularly liked it, and was able to drink a whole keg of the stuff. The taste of meat and cooked vegetables was more than welcome after so long of forage and hunting. Yes, he loved to hunt with Arian in the forests and hills, but sitting in a warm dwelling with hot food and good company, he had almost forgotten how good it felt. But the best was to see the people they had freed able to sit without fear, cold or hunger. Seeing the little girl in her mother's lap, happy as she ate the lovely cooked meat made him feel better than he had in a long time.

It is always nice to see the fruits of your deeds, said Arian, her thoughts beginning to tinge with the warmth of the alcohol.

"So, tell us where you are from, Moonstorm," said Nar Garzhvog. Aelwyn glanced at him, considering for a moment. Arian watched her Rider as he considered.

"I . . . am not from this land. I came from a place far across the sundering Western Sea. How far, I know not. But I know it is far enough I will likely never see those lands again," he said with a quiet voice, Nar Garzhvog translating for him. The Urgals and people looked surprised at this.

"Our people came from across the sea long ago as well, Moonstorm," said Nar Garzhvog, surprising him. "You show your strength and courage by doing so. And more, you show honor by not attacking us." Other Urgals nodded their agreement, speaking in their language. Aelwyn gave a soft smile at this.

"So do you show honor for helping me and these people. Great honor indeed." Nar Garzhvog translated this, and the Urgals cheered, raising horns full of drink, seeming to toast him, which Aelwyn nodded to.

Three younger-looking Urgals spoke to Nar Garzhvog, who smiled and nodded.

"They ask if you will further honor us, and participate in our Games of the Skills," the Kull Chief asked, and Aelwyn raised an eyebrow. "They were the idea of the great Rider Firesword, so our young rams may show their prowess and earn the right for dams, but without battle and slaughter." At this, Aelwyn's eyes lit up. Arian looked up as she felt the excitement in Aelwyn's thoughts.

"I would be greatly honored," he replied. This brought cheers from the Urgals and many happy slaps on the shoulders.

"Excellent! You shall be the first human to participate in them!" Nar Garzhvog said as he raised his drinking horn and they cheered his name. "As soon as the storm clears, and we send these people to safety, we hold the Games!" Nar Garzhvog proclaimed.

XXX

It was a few days later, and the storm had cleared. True to his word, Nar Garzhvog had the slavers' horses prepared and the cart the slaves had been held in converted into a carriage to carry the people to Daret, the nearest human settlement. Aelwyn and Arian saw the people off, the woman who had helped him, Freyja, hugged him tightly.

"Thank you, Aelwyn. You are blessed in our hearts forever," she said, making him blush slightly at the warm praise.

"Be you well, and may the Gods always look after you," he said, then stooped to hug her little girl, Freda. Several of them petted Arian as well, thanking her strength and courage as well.

May the winds always fill your wings, she said as they waved off those they saved. Nar Garzhvog watched, arms crossed, but smiling. He glanced at Aelwyn and saw the pride in his face.

"Now then, Moonstorm. We begin the games," said the great Kull Chief, to which Aelwyn returned the feral grin.

XXX

The Urgal games took place on a large field near the lake. Spaces had already been set aside for the events, which they were still preparing. As Aelwyn watched, he saw several of the smaller Urgals, children, really, playing around with sticks. It reminded him so much of home, an idea suddenly clicked. He picked up a large branch from among the wood that had been set side, drew his short sword, and began to carve. In a short while, he had what he needed.

The end result was a stock a little shorter than his leg. One end was a wide, flat and relatively thin shape, while the rest was an oval shaft, ending in a rounded end where he held it. He also had carved a ball from the same wood. He gave the stick a few experimental swings, and smiled. He then tossed up the ball, smacked it, and then ran to catch it before it could hit the ground. The sound drew the attention of the Urgal children, who watched as Aelwyn smacked the ball, slapped it along the ground, rolled it and even bounced it off his elbows. The children chattered in awe as he let the ball roll down the stick, then flipped it up as it reached the end, before fiercely smacking it and sending it sailing. Arian, amused, raised her tail and batted the ball back, making him laugh. He caught it with the end of the stick, tossing the ball up and over into his other hand behind his back. The Urgal children cheered and clapped. Aelwyn smiled and bowed to them in an exaggerated manner, his braids almost touching the ground.

A few of the adult Urgals had come to see, also chattering as they watched. Nar Garzhvog seemed surprised. "What is this, Moonstorm?" he asked. Aelwyn smiled.

"A sport from my homeland. It is called shanthu, and is much loved among the Tribes," he stated. Other Urgals came closer and chattered, some pointing, clearly asking questions. Nar Garzhvog translated, then looked at Aelwyn and smiled.

"They ask if you would be willing to show us?" At this, Aelwyn grinned wider.

"It would be an honor!" And at this, he gathered up wood to carve into sticks.

Soon, two teams were set up. Ten Urgals to each team, each with their own stick. Aelwyn explained the rules through Nar Garzhvog. Shanthu was very simple. The goal was to get the ball across a goal line on either side, past a Defender as well as the players. Players could move the ball with their sticks by either slapping it along the ground, tossing it up and hitting it, or carrying it no more than nine steps in either hand or on the end of the stick before hitting it to another player.

Arian watched as Aelwyn stood with one team, ready for the first play.

Watch yourself, little one. I am sure they like to play rough, she cautioned. He only grinned.

So do I, he replied. Nar Garzhvog, acting as the judge, tossed the ball up, and the game began.

Aelwyn lunged forward and slapped the ball along the grass, diving between the legs of one of the Urgals, coming up from a roll and flicked the ball up and hit it at the opposing goal. An Urgal managed to block the shot with his stick, then ran and slapped the ball forwards. Aelwyn laughed as the Urgals chattered and laughed. Shanthu was a rough sport, no mistake. Players could strike others out of their way and other such things, but everywhere, they were laughing and enjoying themselves. Arian watched like a cat, her chin resting on her crossed paws, silvery eyes following the ball back and forth. Aelwyn's laughter was music to her ears, his happy thoughts drifting into her mind like a pleasant spring breeze.

Aelwyn leaped, ran and showed his skill. There was more than once he literally leaped over a shocked Urgal to slap the ball into the goal, or he rolled under a tackle and came up with the ball. After a few rounds, the teams were tied even. Aelwyn had to give it to the Urgals, they were natural shanthu players. Once more, Nar Garzhvog tossed the ball, declaring the team that won this round would be the victor. This time, Aelwyn hung back, waiting for the front players to set their strategy. Aelwyn's team surged forward, as did he. The ball came rolling, Aelwyn caught it, flipped it up and smacked it top another teammate. The ball was intercepted, smacked towards their goal. The Defender tried to hit it, missed, and the game was called. Aelwyn laughed and wiped his brow. His team may have lost, but it was more fun than he had in so long. His teammates slapped him on the shoulder and cheered, just as excited at this new sport.

The whole Tribe had turned out to watch and cheered. Nar Garzhvog grinned and slapped Aelwyn on the shoulder.

"A fine show, Moonstorm. My people very much like this sport of yours," he said with a grin, which Aelwyn returned.

"And your people are naturals at it," he replied with as wide a grin.

"We will certainly be adding it to our games. Now, though, the Games proper begin!" he cheered, and they all got ready for the true test.

XXX

The first game was a race. A short sprint, but the distance was not small. The runners had to run from one marked spot to another, as quick and in as straight a line as they could. Much to Aelwyn's surprise, Nar Garzhvog himself was among the competitors. Seeming to note his surprise, the Kull grinned and at him and said "A Chief who sits on his throne and never shows strength is soon run off." Aelwyn understood and grinned.

"It would take a very large competitor to run you off," Aelwyn countered, making Nar Garzhvog laugh. With that, the runners got to their marks at the starting line, and at the sound of a drum, they took off.

Aelwyn was no slouch as far as running went, and was very quick, pulling ahead of the others quickly, but Nar Garzhvog took an early lead which he easily kept. He truly ran like the wind, and easily beat all of them. Aelwyn came in second, followed by the rest. Nar Garzhvog grinned at them. Aelwyn laughed, a little winded. "I repeat what I said. It would truly take a phenomenal competitor to defeat you."

I could, Arian quipped, making Aelwyn mentally laugh. Nar Garzhvog grinned at his praise.

"Perhaps, but the blade not honed grows dull," he replied, and Aelwyn nodded his agreement.

XXX

The next game was the Hammer-Throw. The competitors took up a large sledgehammer and had to spin and hurl it without stepping outside of a ring. Again, he was struck how similar it was to a similar thing back home. One at a time, they picked up the hefty hammer, spun around in the ring while holding it by the end of the handle, and let it fly. The one who hurled the hammer the furthest was the winner. When it came to Aelwyn, he could see some of them doubted he could lift it. He cracked his knuckles, took a handful of sand and wiped his hands with it, then grabbed the handle and gave a test. Yes, quite heavy, but he could manage. He took a deep breath, bent his knees, then pulled. He pulled back and began to swing. Round and round he spun in place, holding the hammer tightly. He huffed as he spun, grunted, then yelled as he let go. The hammer sailed up, out, and landed with a heavy thump in the grass. Aelwyn rolled his shoulder a little as they went and measured. It was a pretty good throw. His beat most of the other Urgals. Nar Garzhvog nodded as he stepped up. "A good throw, Moonstorm. Very good," he said as he then took up the hammer, grunted, and spun and hurled it in two rotations. As expected, the Kull's throw exceeded Aelwyn's, but not by a huge margin.

Arian, who was watching, twitched her tail and hummed.

Very impressive, little one, she said, and he smiled at her praise.

XXX

Next was the Long-Jump. They were allowed to get a running start first, then leap and stones would mark where each landed. Aelwyn went first, this time, and his leap was most certainly very good. It was almost the length of one of the Urgal houses. The Urgals murmured in surprise at the leap. Aelwyn smiled softly to himself as he returned and watched the others. He was surprised when the others failed to make it even halfway to his own jump. Then, Nar Garzhvog stepped up to the starting line. Aelwyn watched, as did Arian. The Kull took off in a powerful sprint, shocking Aelwyn at his speed. When the Urgal Chief leaped, Aelwyn felt he truly seemed to fly. He came down with a hard thump almost right on top of Aelwyn's own marker, shocking everyone. He blinked in surprise. Nar Garzhvog looked at him and grinned.

"I think you humans call this a 'tie', do you not?" Aelwyn was silent, then smiled.

"But your toes are ahead of my mark, therefore you beat me," he said cheerfully. This was true, but Aelwyn also saw no good in showing up a Chieftain in his own lands. Nar Garzhvog smiled at him.

"Perhaps, but very impressive for a human," said the Kull as his people cheered. Arian hummed as she tilted her head, feeling Aelwyn's thoughts, and understood.

How sporting of you, she replied, and he said nothing. He knew it was not about winning. It was so much more than that.

XXX

Next was the Stone-Throw. They picked up a heavy stone ball, and had to hurl it as far as they could. It was made of a particularly dense, heavy stone. Aelwyn watched the others throw, and they were rather impressive, he had to say. Aelwyn stepped up, stooped and hefted up the stone in his right hand. He hefted it up to his shoulder, ran forward, spun and threw. His stone sailed fairly well, but landed about in the middle of the others. He watched as Nar Garzhvog hefted up his stone easily and hurled it further than any of the rest. The Urgals cheered their Chief, who smiled at Aelwyn. "Very good, Moonstorm," he rumbled. Aelwyn smiled back and inclined his head.

"On can always improve," Aelwyn replied, making the Kull grin wider.

XXX

The next event was the Javelin Throw, and this one got Aelwyn excited. Arian hummed as she thought back on his skill with the spear.

They're in for a great surprise, she thought with amusement, and Aelwyn didn't hide his smile. He watched as the others threw their javelins, and the throws were impressive. However, this was one place he wasn't going to hold back. Nar Garzhvog watched with crossed arms, looked at Aelwyn and grinned.

"Moonstorm, show us what you can do," he said, and Aelwyn grinned wolfishly. He flicked the javelin up into his hand with his foot, dashed forward, twisted and hurled with all his might. The Urgals watched as the spear sailed high and fast, further than any of the rest. What shocked them was not just how far it went, but the loud crack when it landed, hitting a stone. When they went to inspect, they were shocked that the stone the spear had hit had been broken in two. Even Nar Grazhvog was stunned. The startled Kull looked at Aelwyn, who serenely smiled.

"The spear is my best weapon," he said simply, and Nar Garzhvog laughed.

"Indeed! I doubt I can best that!" he cheered, but went to throw anyway. As he predicted, his javelin didn't even go halfway to where Aelwyn's had landed. Arian hummed happily. She knew very well how skillful he was with the spear, and had never doubted he would best them in that. Aelwyn let out a breath, starting to tire, but happy with his efforts.

XXX

The last event was Wrestling. Nar Garzhvog told Aelwyn he could pass the event up due to being a human, but he politely refused.

"That would be unfair," he replied, but Arian could feel confidence in his mind. She knew he had something up his sleeve. The event took place in a small arena, a square made from branches. The one who either was thrown out of the ring, or was pinned for a count of three, was the loser. Aelwyn watched the Urgals wrestle, and some of it was fierce, he had to admit. After four matches, it was his turn. Aelwyn cracked his neck, stepped into the ring, and so did his opponent, a large Urgal who leered at him subtly. Aelwyn smiled back, gave a very soft bow, and got into a stance. Everyone was tense as the drum sounded, and the Urgal yelled and charged. Aelwyn backed away, danced to the side, gauging his opponent. The Urgal circled, made a feint to the right, and lunged to the left. Aelwyn caught his arm, twisted and swung himself down, around and his opponent to the ground where Aelwyn grabbed him around the neck with his free hand and pinned him. Nar Garzhvog pounded the drum, once, twice, and a third.

"Moonstorm wins!" he declared, and the Urgals were stunned. Aelwyn let his opponent up and sat. The Urgal rubbed his neck and arm, looking shocked. Aelwyn bowed his head in respect. Arian hummed and grinned, teeth showing.

Very impressive, little one. He smiled as he got to his feet. The Urgals talked in surprised tones at his win. Aelwyn sat on Arian's paw as he watched the other Urgals wrestle. That was most impressive, little one. Aelwyn glanced sideways at her.

They are big, but far from slow. However, that can work against them. That one's momentum and mass meant I could slip down and behind and use his own weight against him. He ended up being his own hammer that hit him, he explained, images drifting back to him of similar bouts against human opponents. Arian was amused. Soon enough, he was called again to wrestle. This time, the Urgal was far more cautious, circling and trying to gauge him. Aelwyn moved carefully, but fluidly. He could see the caution in the Urgal's yellow eyes, and he grinned inwardly. He made a fake strike, and the Urgal dodged back. Aelwyn shocked him when he hissed like a snake and lunged, grabbing his foot and twisting him off his feet with a fierce yank. The Urgal, though, didn't let himself get dragged down, and caught his fall with his hands, and tried to kick Aelwyn off.

The young human instead moved to get on the Ugral's back. The Urgal twisted down and back, just managing to break Aelwyn's grip, leaping back up and lunging. Aelwyn grabbed him by his waist, pulled back and threw him. The Urgal sailed and landed at the very edge of the ring. Aelwyn charged and got on top and shoved his body down. The Urgal realized what he was doing too late, the Urgal's foot slapping the grass outside, and three drumbeats signaled another win for the human warrior. Aelwyn panted as he got off. He offered his hand and smiled as he helped the stunned Urgal up. The Urgals chattered at his latest win, even as he sighed and his shoulders drooped. The Urgals were as strong as they looked. That took more out of him than he thought. He walked over and sat on Arian's paw while he watched Nar Garzhvog easily beat his opponents. Sure enough, the last round came, and Aelwyn stepped into the arena to face Nar Garzhvog. The large Kull smiled at him.

"Do not hold back, Moonstorm," he rumbled, and Aelwyn smiled back and bowed lightly. They readied, and the drum boomed.

The two circled, Nar Garzhvog quicker on his feet than his size would suggest. Aelwyn could clearly see his skill that had earned him the station of Chief. Nar Garzhvog lunged for Aelwyn's left foot, which Aelwyn raised and grabbed for the Kull's left horn. Nar Garzhvog twisted his head and almost hit Aelwyn with the other horn. The young man leaped back and circled the other way. Aelwyn weighed his options. He knew a few techniques that could win, but none would seem fair, given this was not a deadly combat. Thinking, he picked a few ideas and chose some. Aelwyn circled the other way, Nar Garzhvog following, not letting him get too far one way or the other. Aelwyn faked a kick to the left leg, and when Nar Garzhvog tried to catch it, Aelwyn grabbed his left horn. The Kull quickly swung his head back and grabbed Aelwyn's wrist, grinning. The Urgal Chief had laid a trap.

Very clever, Aelwyn admitted as his left arm was twisted into a lock. Aelwyn tried to lunge down and into the lock to escape, but Nar Garzhvog expected it, and tripped him, and took them both down into the dirt. Aelwyn tried to direct the fall, but the larger Kull had more mass, and pinned him and knocking the air out of him. Three drum beats, and it was over. The Urgals cheered as Nar Garzhvog released Aelwyn and let him sit up. The mighty Kull raised his arms and grinned as he was declared the winner. Aelwyn smiled as he stood up, brushing himself off.

"Very, very skillful. Well done," said Aelwyn, and Nar Garzhvog grinned at him.

"But you did very well, Moonstorm. For a human to best two of us is unheard of. I have no doubt your skills in battle are even greater," rumbled the Kull, and Aelwyn smiled and offered his hand, which Nar Garzhvog shook.

"You as well. And I have to say, your games are wonderful. Add some more to them, codify a few things, and you have something I think other races will gladly travel many miles to participate in," he said, and the Kull seemed surprised in the best way.

"You surely are unique among humans! We would very much wish to hear your suggestions," said Nar Garzhvog as Arian stood and the cheering Urgals prepared a feast to celebrate.

XXX

At the feast, Aelwyn told them a little about his lands Games of Feats, and what his own people did. The Urgals seemed especially intrigued by the idea of chariot races, as well as "The Feat of the Ring" as Aelwyn told them of the challenge to throw a javelin through a ring while riding a galloping horse. They also very much liked his idea to present the winner with something made of gold, silver or bronze for their placement. The Urgal blacksmith also seemed flattered at his praise that such work was well within her capabilities. Suffice it to say, there was much more feasting and celebrating.

XXX

Three days after the games ended, Aelwyn bid his new friends a fond farewell.

Nar Garzhvog stood with his people outside their village by the lake, and presented Aelwyn with a lovely necklace made from stones, beads and the claw of a bear.

"It is your reward for your fine performance in our Games, as well as a token of our friendship, Moonstorm," said the large Kull as Aelwyn took the gift and bowed. Aelwyn then brought up the shanthu stick he had carved and offered it to Nar Garzhvog.

"Likewise do I give this to you. And a tip: In my lands, common players have a strip of copper over the boss to reinforce it, but a Chief like yourself, by Law, has one of bronze," said Aelwyn as he presented him with the gift. Nar Garzhvog bowed and took the gift, smiling.

"Thank you, Moonstorm. Your game already is very popular. I have no doubt the Urgralgra clans will spread it far." He smiled back and Arian hummed. With this, Aelwyn swung up into Arian's saddle, and she stooped, raised her wings, and took off, heading to the northeast, the Urgals shouting their farewells.

You could have beaten him, little one, she said, and he only smiled.

That would have been rude, but also not a good idea. It was their first tribal games, and also, given their ways, I did not want to disgrace Nar Garzhvog, or possibly put him at risk of being deposed because a young male thought he was weak. She mused on this, and gave a positive in reply, warm feelings flowing into his mind. He smiled as he gently patted her neck. Besides, it's not always about winning. I may have lost a small match, but I think I won something far more important, he mused as he touched the necklace.

Author's note: I apologize for the longer wait for this, but I not only had things in life to deal with, but also had to do some work to refine ideas for the future direction of the story. Some revision was needed, but I also had to do some artwork, some of which I will post when able.

As always, read, review, and have a wonderful day.