My boots were filled with water, and this made it a better day than most. I allow my students one prank per day to get back for the hell I put them through. Never testing my promise not to retaliate for any joke, they’ve always gone easy on me the morning of final exercises. In truth, I’m not sure I believe that promise either.
Three of my boys had been with me for seven years, and so would leave for the mountaintop at midday. Had it really been three times that since I took my own journey to seek the god’s will? After a night of eyes closed in meditation without sleep, what will these three see when the morning light hits their faces?
I began the ritual, asking who would present themselves to the god. Hama, Pendi, and Rud stepped forward.
“What do you pray the god shows you?”
“Bear.” Yes, Hama, you would look for Bear’s warrior spirit.
“Fox.” Ahh, Pendi, I know well your desire for cunning.
“Rabbit,” said Rud.
Rabbit. So Rud hoped to follow the same path I’d tread. Even after 20 years, a surprise, that one.