Even though she did not turn around, Crystal could feel Violet’s disappointment. It crawled along her spine, choking her from inside. Before the thoughts could constrict her completely, Chief Isla continued, “Then it is decided. You have a long journey ahead of you, my daughter. May your roads be clear, your sleep sound, and your heart determined.”

A low humming rose from the elders, holding a single note. Chief Isla stepped forward to the edge of the platform. She closed her eyes and began to sing:

I wish for you, my kin,

A happy fate.

I wish for you, my dear,

A happy trek.

I wish for you, my love,

A happy rule.

I wish for you, my heart,

A happy life.

I hope for you, my daughter,

Success.

I hope for you, my fourth chief,

Passion.

I hope for you, my sweet dear,

Kindness.

I hope for you, my one child,

Freedom.

I give to you, Crystal,

A quest.

I give to you, Crystal,

A call.

I give to you, Crystal,

A purpose.

I give to you, Crystal,

A village.

Many trials await you,

Many trials bring you down.

Many trials try to destroy you.

Many trials will be found.

But you must be stronger still.

But you must trust in your will.

But you must be greater than

You have ever been.

Than you have ever been.

Chief Isla opened her eyes. “Go now, young Crystal. Become the chief I know you can be.”

Crystal turned to leave, holding back tears. As she did, she met Violet’s gaze for a mere second. Violet turned away, opening the doors. She did not return Crystal’s gaze as the chief-to-be left the council. Crystal continued towards the exit as Violet closed the doors behind her. Once she reached the front doors, Violet walked by and stated, “We’re gonna talk.” Without another word, Violet opened the doors, revealing a crowd of villagers cheering.

“Long live the fourth chief!”

“Safe travels!”

“You can do it!”

Once the crowd saw Crystal, the cheering reached another level. Crystal waved to the crowd and descended the steps of the dome. The crowd split around her and Violet. Forcing down trepidation, Crystal smiled to the crowd. Children reached out their hands to her, and she tried to shake as many of their tiny hands as possible.

The crowd stretched from one end of the town square to the other. Where it once was empty, now it was completely packed. It seemed to Crystal as if the entire village had packed into the center of the town. And it’s all for you. You can’t let them down.

Crystal reached the end of the square and turned around. Remember your lines. “Hello, my people,” Crystal greeted, her voice booming. Crystal cringed slightly. Wrong greeting. “Thank you all for gathering here for me. I will keep each and every single one of you in mind as I embark on my journey. This will not be an easy journey, but I will come out the other side as a deserving ruler. My wish is to do right by all of you. I hope to achieve this.”

The crowd cheered. A group of children, two boys and one girl, rushed past their parents towards her. A ruddy haired boy with a cut on his arm rushed up to Crystal and hugged her. He barely made it to her waist. After him, a brunette girl who was only a few inches taller hugged her other side. Finally, the second boy, another ruddy haired child, approached without hugging. He was clearly the oldest of the three.

“Be safe, Cryssy,” the youngest boy said through tears.

“I will, Hudson,” Crystal reassured.

“She’ll be okay,” the oldest boy declared. “Violet is gonna protect her! She’s the strongest ever!”

Crystal could not help but notice a flash of anger in Violet’s eyes. Before she could say anything, the young girl on Crystal’s side spoke up, “You will protect her, right, Violet?”

Violet stepped up to the small girl and took a knee. “You know I will, Calla.” Violet looked up and met Crystal’s eyes. Crystal looked away. Violet turned to the oldest boy and said, “Now, Brodie, you can’t go around sayin I’m the strongest.” Violet leaned in close to Brodie and whispered, “We can’t let everyone in on the secret.”

Brodie smiled, giving a thumbs-up. “Got it.”

Violet nodded and stood up. A mother appeared and took hold of the three children. “I am terribly sorry, Crys—,” she apologized, stopping on Crystal’s name. “I guess I should say ‘Chief Crystal’ now.”

Crystal let out a small laugh. Did that sound nervous? “You are fine, Kirsten,” Crystal said. “I am not chief yet.”

Kirsten took her children away and Crystal turned back to the crowd. “Once more, I thank you for your support, and I hope to see you tomorrow morning at the western gate. For now, I must prepare for the long journey ahead. For Velestot!”

“For Velestot!” the crowd cheered.