Following the Skywolf

[SoF]

Ashes of the Fallen

After the battle, those who were there to see the death of Aedan, 27 raiders in total, were invited to the fortress for celebrations and a ceremony. Besides the raiders were the high ranked warrior caste and all of the noble caste. Aedan's remains were picked up carefully, burned and his ashes were put into a bowl. Countless candles were set up around his ashes in a great hall. We all praised the Anunnaki, prayed so that Aedan reaches the promised land only the most honored will see. The ceremony was brief, and after our prayers, the celebrations started.

The Great Sheik Darius ordered the rakia to be served and went to sit on his throne. After having his cup filled by a barely dressed woman he spoke, "First cup goes to the fallen warriors!" he spilled his drink on to the floor, all of us in the attendance did the same, "Let the celebrations begin!" suddenly the mood turned into a merry one. Everyone was happy except for Adrian Thrax. He didn't drink the second serving and spilled it on the floor again. Nomak gave a pat on his shoulder, but he still quietly left the scene. Didn't see him again that day.

Everyone else enjoyed the celebrations, though. Especially enjoyed the rakia and women, there were enough of them for everyone. A massive table was set up, all the finest delicacies were served. Countless slaves and servants were rushing about, the riches of the Fortress were gathered up and wasted here. After a while, Darius called for Jared Nomak and Bassam Hussaini. I watched them from my seat, couldn't exactly hear what they were talking about, but the Sheik was obviously praising them highly. Darius had a few women tending to him, and he was very drunk. To his praises, it appeared, Jared Nomak replied only with humility.

After celebrations, the next day in camp, all the raiders saluted us like we were heroes, especially the trio received high praises. I realized that the rest of the raiders were not forgotten, as I saw the women in their tents and empty rakia bottles all over the camp.

Another ceremony, privy to the raiders, was held after the women left the camp. The ashes of the fallen were scattered over the cliff, their remains joined with the river, and they started their new journey into the unknown. Maybe they were following the Skywolf in afterlife.