Quoted By:
“We blondes have traditions, you know. The men want to be lead by someone worthy. Do you know our word for <span class="mu-i">Ruler</span>?”
<span class="mu-b">”Yes- it's translated as One-Who-Leads. Pretty self explanatory.”</span>
”Not quite. Blondespeak uses different words then Mainlander- the “tyrant” is One-Who-Rules-With-Strength. The “slaver” is One-Who-Leads-With-Coin. The “king”? One-Who-Leads-By-Blood. Brun cannot be a King. He must be a Ruler. It is not enough for him to be born into his position- he must lead in all ways. He must be the best at fighting, the wisest, the fastest, the best with women- though not quite as good as me, heh. But do you understand?”
<span class="mu-b">”I'm not sure. Does he need to... prove himself?”</span>
“Exactly. But who you ask? His brothers. Hence, we come to you. I must admit- I didn't want to spring this on you, for you to think I only adopted you for this old tradition...”
<span class="mu-b">”So the one who wins these contests... they become the leader of the tribe?”</span>
“Not necessarily. All of the chief's sons are candidates, and those who are his son-in-spirit, and the sons of those high enough to be the chief's own brothers-in-spirit. The winner will always be chosen by the current chief. That is the way of succession. This is the way we choose our rulers- the best will always win out- not the most rich or strongest or most closest related by blood- but by the contents of who they are. What really matters.”
<span class="mu-b">”So you want me to compete against him?”</span>
“Yes, Akule. And in the next few days it will be the hottest and longest day of the year- the time of ordeals. I wanted to tell you now so you have ample time to prepare, it would not be fair for Brun to know but not you.”
That must be why he's become so competitive lately. He must want to look good for his father... though you think it's all a game. There is a literal zero percent chance Zuj would pick you of all people to lead the tribe- both a foreigner and adopted son. He will always choose his biological son. You are just here to make Brun look good to all the other young men in the tribe, to “earn” his place of privilege and power.
“...Will you compete?”
<span class="mu-b">”Of course.”</span>
“Oh... Thank the Gods. I was afraid you'd think yourself unworthy- just because you are not a blonde. I want you to know you are ever part as much my son as Brun is. But I want to warn you now, this trial is very dangerous...”
>You are confident
>Remain Cautious
>Worry about Brun- it will be dangerous for him too
