Chapter 160

In a valley at the heart of the Mountains of the Moon the hour stood at noon and the land around was quiet. A warm breeze moved through the forest, carrying the scent of sunlight. Far-off clouds parted swiftly; the sunlit peaks of the Mountains of the Moon unfurled before the eye like a splendid painted scroll.

This valley was the chosen ground for the highland clans’ summer rites.

Three days had passed swiftly. Nearly a hundred thousand mountain folk of every tribe had made ready for the rites that came only once every few years. Countless young men flexed their fists, eager to show their strength in the melee and win the favour of the girls they desired—even if they could not claim the seat of King of the Mountain Clans.