Page 294 of Sky’s Edge

Therefore, in his next ship, he populated it only with females.

It set sail.

It disappeared and did not return for the turn of three seasons.

Only then was it seen on the horizon, gliding over the surface of a calm sea toward the shore.

When it arrived, in it was only one female.

She was taken to the chieftain.

She was given food and mead and guided to sit at his feet in their lodge, where he sat his throne.

And she told him they arrived at the Isle of the Sacred. They were welcomed. They were given food that was the most delicious ambrosia that had ever touched her tongue. Wine that tasted of nectar. They were given homes. And clothes. And jewels.

She shared the food was plenty, and once the mist was navigated, the skies over the isle were sunny, the air warm.

She shared those who lived there were not born, they were made.

She shared they were not one species, they were the species.

She shared they were not a clan, they were a tribe.

She shared all who had peace in their hearts, hearts they kept open, were welcome in the tribe.

She shared they were The Watch.

And last, she shared the gods were enraged.

They did not create the dirt for beings to spill blood on.

They created the forests to provide shelter from storms, to build dwellings, not to craft weapons.

They gave us fire to provide warmth, not to be used to cause terror.

They created beings of might for them to lead, not to subjugate, amass power and usurp land.

And beings would not enjoy the magics of the Sisters of the Tribe unless they learned to exalt righteously in the gifts the gods had bestowed on them.

She shared that this was the first test, and the chieftain’s decision would guide the way for centuries to come.

The chieftain asked about their powers.

She told him they were not of one species, but all of them, for all the species were of the Tribe. They held magic. They could conjure. They could glamor. They had great speed and strength. And they could shift, but not to one beast, to any beast they chose.

She also shared that these powers had been given to her, and to all the other females the chieftain had sent to the Isle of the Sacred.

The chieftain asked what they watched.

She told him they watched over all on the great blade of earth the gods had granted to them.

The chieftain asked how they did that, and why.

She said this was the concern only of the gods and the Sisters of the Tribe.

She said it was a test of faith.

The chieftain heard no words of faith.