The most anticipated event began when the Shaman reached her bare arm into the fire, scattering green, blue, and yellow sparks into the burning wood.
"Everything begins and ends in the clan fire," Zukulum rasped. "Everyone, come closer. Warm yourselves by the flames, and we shall start our stories and songs. If you are ready to listen, I am ready to tell. Let me gather my drums and strings."
Eagerness rippled through the camp. Earlier the place had been so crowded there was barely room to breathe. Now it felt breezy and intimate, the circle around the blaze loose enough that everyone could sit or stand comfortably.
Many had clearly abandoned the rare quest to chase the rumor of the "Rare Beast" that Ren and Evie had faced.
The Shaman spoke a little more, voice old and rough, then yielded the fire to Sharina.
