Marked by Pedro Urvi Read Free Book Online

Sun Goddess, was still awakening with sleep in her eyes, the dryness of the air announced the probability of a blazing hot day.
    His parents had already left for the much anticipated celebration. Mirta had wanted to get there early to enjoy browsing the numerous goods and Ulis had no choice but to go along with her. Komir took a drink of water from the wooden cup, trying to dissolve the knot in the pit of his stomach.
    The Ceremony of the Bear!
    The event that would transform him into a warrior and would mark him for the rest of his life.
    Luckily, Hartz would be with him. He always felt better in the company of his oversized friend, not only for the sense of protection his companion instilled in him but because of his untamable spirit, his extroverted character, and his sense of humor that invariably cheered Komir up—even on the grayest of days.
    Hearing the familiar whistle Hartz and he used to call out to one other, Komir was brought back to the present moment. He stood up and hurried out to meet his friend.
    “Hello, Hartz,” he said, greeting him with a hug.
    His strapping friend returned the hug, lifting him off the ground.
    “Ready for combat, little pal?”
    “I will be as soon as you put me down!” laughed Komir.
    “Today will be a great day, I just know it. Tons of skulls to crush.”
    “And on top of that they’ll give you a prize for doing it,” Komir merrily added.
    “True—I hadn’t thought of that. Oh, I do believe this is going to be a great day!”
    Looking at Hartz, he thanked the goddesses for such a good friend. He and Hartz had not been friends for that long even though they lived in the same village and were the same age. In fact, until just a couple years ago they had barely said a word to each other outside of Udag. That had no doubt been due to Komir’s stigma within the community, even though Hartz had never confirmed that assumption. But Komir knew his buddy well and knew he was superstitious like everyone else and terribly afraid of the mysterious and the unknown.
    The friendship that now united them had not been born of camaraderie or proximity but had been forged as a result of a fortuitous and traumatic event that would join them together forever. It had happened two years before, during a hunting expedition organized by Ugor, Hartz’s father. Komir had been invited due to the friendship between Ulis and Ugor. Ulis had insisted Komir should take part in the hunt so he did, respectful of his beloved father’s wishes. During the hunt, Ugor was gravely wounded by gray bears and the two boys had had to survive an epic journey to save him as they were in the highlands, several days away from their village. It had been that chilling, desperate experience that had forged the unbreakable friendship they now shared.
    From then on they were like brothers.
    And the ostracism did not hurt as much anymore.
    The two friends began walking toward the village square where the celebration was about to begin.

From Wolf to Bear
     
     
     
    When they arrived in town both young men were astonished. Orrio, their tranquil village, was brimming with locals and visitors; every square inch was filled with people. The whole village was in a state of celebration and this liveliness was nothing like the town’s usual serenity. A multitude of people from all the villages and small communities belonging to the tribe had gathered to witness the ceremony. The Bikia, led by the young matriarch Auburu, were one of the most populous and influential among the thirty Norriel tribes. The town of Orrio was the Command Village of the Bikia and the center for festivals, rituals, and celebrations. And on this particular day, it was practically impossible to take a single step in any direction without bumping into someone else. It was hard to remember having had a crowd like that there for quite some time.
    Komir fought to control his nerves. He had anticipated being anxious about the ceremony because of the ruthless