Tree Singer 4

Mayten’s stomach squeezed tight, feeling as though someone had punched her. This couldn’t be happening. She began breathing through her nose as the warmth drained from her face. She would not faint. Not here in front of everyone.

Solis turned to the initiates. Mayten felt she might be sick as the leader’s deep brown eyes held her gaze for a long moment before shifting to Tray, then to Cather.

“What say you, Initiates?” Solis’s voice rang clear and strong. “Will you accept the call to this quest for your clan and for your king?”

Tray jumped forward in his excitement. “I will!”

A ripple of laughter went through the crowd.

Cather stood tall. “I will.” Her voice quavered but sounded resolute.

Silence stretched as the leader turned again to Mayten. Solis’s eyes were steel gray, she realized. Eyes that asked no question.

Only one answer would be acceptable to the clan leader . . .

And the rest of the clan.

Heat flushed Mayten’s face. What would happen if she said no? Her eyes flicked to her family. Her mother’s face was set, as if willing her to be strong. Her da and siblings brushed tears away.

But it was little Wollemi’s face that caused her to pause. His gaze held pure happiness and pride. In his eyes there was no greater honor for his sister than to be called a quester.

She glanced at Cather, who seemed to be pleading with her to say yes. Taking a steadying breath, Mayten straightened her shoulders. “I will.”

Her voice squeaked like a mouse, but it seemed enough for Solis. The clan leader raised her arms high and bowed toward them. “Thank you, Initiates.”

“Thank you, Initiates!” roared the clan, erupting into loud cheers and shouts.