Book 9 / Chapter 4
Assembly of the Chief’s
(Year 5, Month 6, Day 17)
Zeil stood uncomfortably in chains next to Chief Basarum, Lady Zera, and a few of their warriors at the base of the Temple Stairs. As they stood in the open area, there were four other groups standing in lines in front of them as Zeil could only marvel at the sight. Each line, was composed of an assortment of warriors and the chiefs of the other tribes of Zebrica, and ironically enough the appearance of each somehow resembled what their perspective tribe was known for. Chief Basarum and his warriors when compared to the other tribes seemed much more buff and strong making it apparent that their advantage was in their warrior’s skill and strength. The tribe directly in front of them were composed of skinnier warriors, but instead of the assortment of green beads of bone and glass, they wore a dashiki of small metal beads and disks resembling a form of chainmail while wielding spears made of finely sharpened steel that were obviously better than any weapons of the rest of the present tribes. At their front stood a chief that was slightly taller than Chief Basarum, but much skinnier. Because of this, Zeil could only assume this tribe was the Eastern Tribe known for their superior weapons.
The next tribe were just as skinny as the Eastern Tribe but instead of metal dashiki and weaponry, their appearance was an assortment of wooden beads made of different types of wood and even some dried plants. Along with that, they each wore a bandoleer made of plant fibers with an assortment of potion veils filled with different potions that were obviously used for fighting. At the lead of this tribe stood a much older mare who wore her own bandoleer of potions along with golden rings around her neck which seemed common for mares in this nation. Looking at this, Zeil knew without a doubt that this tribe was the Western Tribe, known for their potions and magic. Continuing down the line stood the fourth of the Zebra tribes who from a distance resembled a tribe of ghosts. Each warrior of this tribe like the assassin from the day before, were coated in a thin layer of pail dust with a dashiki made up of bone beads painted in black and white. At the front of this formation stood a shorter but more menacing looking stallion who wore a necklace made up of claws and bones. Though he knew it from the start, Zeil could tell that this was the Southern tribe since their appearance when compared to the savanna gave them a natural camouflage which was a simple strategy in any fight. The fifth and final tribe on the site was the most unusual of all. All the warriors of this tribe were of a different species, zebra, pony, gazelle, ibex, water buffalo, and giraffe. At the lead stood Chief Tanak who Zeil had already known was the leader of the Outer Tribes.
With all tribes assembled, Chief Basarum stepped forward as he panned his eyes over all the tribes and spoke with a somewhat official tone, “Brothers and sisters of the tribes of east, west, south, and the outer regions. Recognize me, for I have assembled you here for a matter of upmost importance.”
After that was said, Chief Basarum looked to the tribe on the far end as that chief stepped forward and spoke, “Chief Basarum, I see and recognize you. Know that Chief Chuma stands before you to speak for the Eastern Tribes.”
As soon as that was said, the eastern warriors standing behind him tapped their metal spears against the ground as they chanted three times. “OH NA, OH NA, OH NA!”
After that was said, Chief Basarum nodded as he looked to the next chief as she stepped forwards and spoke, “Chief Basarum, I see and recognize you. Before you stands Chieftess Mimea, who speaks for the Western Tribe.”
As that was said, her warriors reacted the same way as they tapped their spears on the ground and chanted, “OH NA, OH NA, OH NA!”
Seeing this Basarum nodded again as he looked to the next chief as the pale stallion steppes forward and smiled with a sinister grin, “Chief Basarum, I see and recognize you… I Chief Muji am here to speak for the Southern Tribes.”
With that said, Zeil could feel conflicting auras in the air as the tension was masked by the sound of Muji’s warriors as they too tapped their spears and chanted, “OH NA, OH NA, OH NA!”
Though Zeil could tell Basarum didn’t want to, Chief Basarum nodded as he looked to Chief Tanak who smiled and stepped forward, “Chief Basarum, I am Chief Tanak and I stand here with support of the races of the Outer Tribes. I too see and recognize you.”
Chief Tanak’s warriors didn’t react the same as the rest, instead of tapping their weapons three times they only taped once as they called, “HOO!”
Chief Basarum nodded and panned his eyes across the tribes, “Then as the chief who called this assembly, we can begin as soon as you are ready direct your tribes to rest.”
After that was said, Chief Basarum stepped back as the chief’s turned to their warriors and told them to relax. As that was done, Chief Basarum stopped standing with his high stance as Lady Zera spoke, “Traditions seems to suit you too well.”
Chief Basarum nodded then looked to the Eastern Chief as he called, “Now that formalities are done, Chief Chuma, it’s good to see you again friend. I think the last time was during your wedding celebration was it not?”
Chief Chuma smiled and approached as he replied, “It was, and soon I will be welcoming a little one into my tribe. My wife is with foal.”
Chief Basarum smiled, “Congratulation, it’s good to hear.”
Lady Zera approached, “A little one? How wonderful, should I look to your future and tell whether it will be a colt or filly?”
Chief Chuma smiled but shook his head, “That’s alright Lady Oracle, I will leave it to fate to tell me when he or she arrives.”
Zera nodded, “Suit yourself.” She leaned closer to her husband and whispered, “It’s a colt.”
Not hearing her words, Chief Chuma gave the mare a confused look as Basarum couldn’t help but chuckle at the little spoiler. As he laughed, the other two zebra chief’s approached with Chieftess Mimea speaking, “Chief Basarum… I was quite concerned when you of all zebra decided to call this assembly. Of us all, you are particularly a stickler for tradition, so if you called it, then it must be important.”
Chief Basarum nodded as he replied, “It is…”
Before he could say more, Chief Muji spoke, “I heard a rogue assassin tried to take your life yesterday… terrible event it was… don’t tell me that that was all it would take to call us all here? I figured that warrior tribe would have a little more backbone then that.”
Chief Basarum gave him an angry expression as he replied, “Don’t act like you didn’t send him yourself. He was of your tribe.”
Chief Muji gave him a threatening glare, “So… I'm responsible for every exile I banish who decides to take his aggression out on other tribes? I hardly see how his actions are any fault of mine. And further more… that seems like a powerful accusation you’re making… chief of the north… exactly what are you saying? Because if you are accusing me of what I think you are… then all you need to do say it, right here and right now.”
As that was said, Chief Muji gave his adversary a provoking glare as Chief Basarum held his composer as he replied, “I will not be the chief that undoes the effort of Chief Jumb Rafi. I will never choose war, when a simple discussion is all it takes… nor will I be cowardly enough to send an assassin to fight my own battles.”
Chief Muji was slightly annoyed with the response as he hid his anger and replied, “A wise action… seems your muscles haven’t replaced your brains after all.”
As the two stared daggers at one another, Chieftess Mimea looked to the chained Zeil as she took a second to examine him from afar. After a few seconds, the mare smiled as she nodded and spoke to Chief Basarum, “If I may… why did you call us here Basarum?” She gestured towards Zeil, “And this stranger… is he the reason?”
Basarum nodded, “He is… but not here… let us go down to the meeting room to speak. I'll fill you all in on the situation.”
After that was said, the four visiting chief’s followed Chief Basarum as they left the area in front of the temple and went around to the side door that lead into the temple’s meeting chamber.
Thirty minutes later in the temple’s bottom chamber. All five chief’s sat around the table with two tome’s sitting in the center of the table as Chief Basarum finished telling Zeil’s story of what happened at the Wooden Pergola Forest. Just as he finished, Chief Muji stood in anger, “THIS IS COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE!!!”
Chief Basarum nodded, “I agree.”
Muji spoke again, “We all know outsiders can't be trusted!”
Basarum nodded again, “I agree with that also.”
Muji spoke one last time, “What this changeling says is the pinnacle of disrespect to not just the Mage but to Zebrica as a whole!”
Basarum nodded one last time, “I also agree with that too.”
Chief Tanak could only chuckle to himself, “Not that I don’t like seeing Basarum and Muji agree on the something for a change. We should still consider the thought that Sir Zeil could be telling the truth.”
Basarum sighed, “Not to show disrespect Tanak, but the thought that this changeling is a knight also seems too strange. A knight, a master of the Ibex temple, and the Mage?”
Muji added, “And let’s not forget that fact that he has been throwing around names such as Rafi and Zecora. It’s obvious this is a changeling trick. He is using these stories to try to convince you to giving him the power of the mage.”
Chieftess Mimea shook her head, “One cannot simply be given the power of the mage. One can only be born with it, have it awoken, and taught to harness it.”
Muji nodded, “Then that makes it even more obvious that it’s a lie.”
Chief Chuma spoke up, “Don’t jump to conclusions too soon Muji, let us not forget the evidence that was presented as proof.” He looked to the Northern Chief, “Basarum… this book, have you checked its authenticity?”
Chief Basarum nodded, “I have…” he shifted both books on the table to face him as he opened the back covers and continued, “I brought out the book that Mage Magi left, and compared it to the book that Zeil brought.”
Chief Muji nodded, “And?...”
Basarum continued, “Both books are exactly identical, to include the text inside, the spells to protect their contents and the fact that they are made with real leather which is rumored to be the flesh of the first mage. However the book presented by Zeil is older and more weathered. And the final page which bears the names of each mage since the first has an extra name on it, while the previous names are the same as the tome left to me by Mage Magi.”
Chief Chuma asked, “And is that extra name Zeil’s?”
Chief Basarum shook his head, “I can't say, only the mage can read the text. Even if I tried to decipher the symbols, the book would only rearrange them to make it difficult.”
Chief Muji smiled, “And I don’t need to remind you that if we asked the changeling he will just lie and tell us it’s him.”
Chieftess Mimea thought to herself as she replied, “Hmm… Time travel… I’ve known there are spells out there for such actions, but I’ve never heard of one that a zebra or changeling was capable of. Without the use of a unicorn horn I can't see how such magic can be possible.”
Chief Tanak asked, “Basarum? What about lady Zera?”
Chief Chuma smiled, “Yes what does the Lady Oracle have to say about him? Did she look into his future?”
Chief Basarum sighed with disappointment, “I confronted her about this last night, and she stated, that she had been trying to see his future since the day he arrived. But no matter how hard she tried, it remained hidden from her view. She never held concern since he seemed honest and pure, she assumed he wouldn’t be a threat.”
Chief Muji smiled, “There ya see? Since she saw nothing that means he has no future! Simply put at the conclusion of this meeting we kill him and be done with it.”
Chief Basarum shook his head, “Not exactly, any who know the secret of the three forbidden spells are tried and charged for a crime against existence. That punishment lends a scolding of the placement mark, a fifteen year confinement in a welded iron cell, then execution by unknown means to follow.”
Muji continued, “Unknown?”
Chief Chuma added, “The execution has never been carried out. All have committed suicide prior to that point. Being locked away with nothing to look forward to but death for fifteen years has a bad effect on the mind.”
Chief Tanak thought to himself, “Then… how is it that Lady Zera hasn’t seen his future?”
Chieftess Mimea explained, “The mage’s power is the same power that Lucifer carried. It predates all races and magic. The oracle sees with magic she inherited at birth, meaning that the mage’s power can conceal his future from her sight.”
Muji continued, “Reason aside, I still refuse to accept this. My brother was the last mage, he was a noble and respectable stallion. To consider this changeling as anything similar disrespects his memory.”
Chief Chuma nodded, “The loss of Mage Magi was a terrible one, but it’s been well over twenty years now and we must move on. Fact of the matter is that we need to come to a decision. Right now there is a soul chained up outside that is waiting for either his fate to be fulfilled or to be condemned. So… if everyone is ready… perhaps it’s time we move onto the vote.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Agreed, I'm ready… what about you Tanak?”
The water buffalo nodded, “I’ve been ready since we started this meeting. Any others need more time to decide?”
The room responded with silence as Chief Basarum nodded as he stood, “Then… it’s time we move to the vote. From hear each chief will stand and state both their vote and reasoning. Once a vote is stated, it cannot be changed. Will we accept that Zeil is the next mage and move onto training him to become so?... or will we decide that he is a criminal for knowing the secret of the three forbidden spells and condemn for the crime against existence?”
Chief Chuma asked, “The real question is are you ready chief? You know, should we vote him the mage, it is you who will be training him, after all… you were chosen as the Enchanter of Light.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “I will agree with whatever the results of the vote. Despite my opinion, I honor the decision of the assembly. It is tradition after all that the assembly’s word is final.”
Chief Chuma nodded, “Very well, then as Tradition states, we will start with the Outer Tribes.” He looked to Chief Tanak, “Chief?...”
Seeing that all eyes were on him, Chief Tanak stood, “I’ve only met Sir Zeil recently, and though it was only brief, I learned a lot about his personality. I’ve learned he is kind hearted, responsible, carful, respectable, and though he doesn’t talk much about his past, he has seemed honest with what he has spoken of despite his modesty. So I for one believe he is truly one chosen by the mage, and I Chief Tanak of the Outer Tribes, vote that we train him to fulfill his role as mage of Zebrica.”
At that moment Chief Muji rolled his eyes, “Figures the water buffalo would partner with a changeling.”
Tanak gave Muji an angry look and sat back down as Chief Basarum spoke, “Alright Muji? We all know your vote but in keeping of tradition… state your official reasoning and vote.”
Sighing in annoyance, Chief Muji stood and spoke as if he were addressing a larger group, “My brother Mage Magi, was set to be the keeper of darkness and to fulfill his role as the Mage of Zebrica. But this… mockery that stands and claims the same roll is nothing more then an insult to him, his legacy, and the rest of us. I refuse to acknowledge Zeil as anything other than a changeling trying to con his way into learning the secrets of the mage. I Chief Muji of the Southern Tribes vote that we burn this fake tome before us, and execute this imposter before he has a chance to insult us further. I know my brother wouldn’t stand for this, so why should we?”
As Muji sat back down, Chief Basarum nodded, “I suppose that’s as good a reason as any…” he looked to the Eastern Chief, “Chief Chuma? Your next, what is your vote?”
Chief Chuma stood in his place and spoke just as the chiefs before him, “Unlike Chief Basarum and Chief Muji, I hold no personal connection to the previous mage or the previous Enchanter of Light. And unlike Chief Tanak, I have yet to speak with Mr Zeil or to have a chance to gauge his personality. So, of all the chiefs here, I feel I am voting more blindly then all else. All I have to judge on, is hearsay and witnesses of Zeil’s actions and attitude while here in Zebrica. He claims he is a master of the ibex temple, a knight, and the future mage of Zebrica. Because these are his words, I can't judge them properly. However, witnesses stated he arrived from Captain Crimson Sail’s ship, and was addressed by Princess Skystar of the Hippogriff Kingdom as a friend to her nation… is that right Chief Tanak?”
Chief Tanak nodded, “Yes, and Zeil said nothing about these claims until I confronted him about them. So it shows his modesty on the subject.”
Chief Chuma nodded, “Not to mention the few times that he has reportedly saved the lives of a Northern Tribe filly and the Northern Chief as well. So, it is with this, that I Chief Chuma of the Eastern Tribe, deem Zeil’s claim truthful, and vote to accept that he truly is the future Mage of Zebrica. As well as suggest that he be trained to fufill the duties set forth by the position.”
Annoyed by the vote, Chief Muji tapped his hoof on the table in frustration as Chief Tanak smiled, “So… its two to one now… Chief Basarum? Your next.”
As Chief Chuma sat down, Chief Basarum sighed as he stood and spoke, “Zeil arrived at my tribe as all outsiders do. And like all outsider’s I didn’t trust him the moment I saw him. But, in the short amount of time her, he assisted the tribe on standard actions thereby earning his keep. He has developed trust with most of the tribe and even saved the lives of Sister Kante and myself when we were threatened on two separate occasions. If you were to ask any of my tribe’s brothers or sisters they would claim that he is practically a brother to this tribe even though I refuse to allow him to claim such a title. If any outsider could, I feel that Zeil could change my entire view on the outside world… However… despite what he has done for the tribe, how many lives he has saved, and the honesty he has shown… he remains an outsider, and one who knows too much about the mage and the three forbidden spells… so I still don’t trust him.”
The room was surprised by his words, as Chief Basarum continued, “I Chief Basarum of the Northern Tribes, Vote that we do not train him to become the Mage of Zebrica. To place the darkness of the mage in the hooves of a stranger is too great a risk. And I don’t want any part of it. Though I don’t like placing the decision to train him or kill him as our only options… I still feel that he committed a crime, and we must follow tradition, no matter how harsh it may seem.”
Chief Tanak tried to speak, “Basarum? Are you serious? He saved your li-“
“I will not pass the title of mage to an outsider so easily! I owe him my life but not the lives of my entire tribe… and I won’t change my mind or my vote on this matter. I don’t think I have to remind you why.”
Chief Tanak sighed as he mumbled, “Zee Zee… even you have to let that go someday.” He spoke up, “If that is your vote… then it is final. And so… its all down to Chieftess Mimea, she will be the tie breaker for this vote…” he looked to the mare, “Chieftess?”
Both Tanak and Basarum sat back down as the Chieftess thought to herself for a few seconds before standing and speaking with authority, “Twenty years ago… the Mage Magi came to this tribe as instructed by the mage before him. He came here to be trained by the Enchanter of Light who at the time was Chief Basarum’s father and chief of the Northern Tribes. Upon completing his training, he set out for the final trial of which… he was never seen or heard from again. But… that’s when it started. As you all recall the following summer, we were hit with a drought that caused many of our tribe brothers and sisters to starve. And after that, it continued. The fall of the marble oases in the land of the black sand, the sinking of the Isle Demeter in the Atlantian Sea. The return of Nightmare Moon and the Draconequus Discord in Equestria. The large scale invasions of the Storm King, the return of the Dark Alicorn of Eden take your pick. All, action brought onto the world not by misfortune… but by lack of balance. The Mage of Zebrica is the weight meant to balance the scale. And without him… we have all suffered. As the Chieftess of the Western Tribes I know what magic runs this world and what will become of it should this imbalance continues. We sit as we discuss who Zeil is, but we have yet to ponder what it means for him to be who he claims? I cannot say he is a noble stallion, nor can I claim that what he learns in training will not be turned against us in the future. But, if what he claims is true, then we have already made this decision. Though it may be in another’s time, he has already become what he is here to become. And if we risk changing that… then we risk far worse then merely teaching an enchanter to wield a magic that he does not and will never hold. So… As Chieftess of the Western Tribes, I vote that we teach Mr. Zeil to become the mage, so that if he is who he claims, then he can finally bring the balance that we have longed to see again.”
Chief Muji slammed his hoof on the table as he stood and spoke, “YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!?!”
The Chieftess replied with a stern look, “That is my vote, and it is final.”
The angry chief pointed at her, “You can't do this!”
Mimea glared back, “I can and I will.”
“I will not allow my brother’s legacy to be ins-”
“THIS GOES BEYOND YOU AND YOUR BROTHER’S LEGACY!” the angry mare looked to Basarum and added, “Or you and your foalish intolerance of those outside Zebrica!” she paned back over the room, “What’s happened in the past happened! You need to stop being selfish and think of somezebra other than yourselves! Need I remind you that my village until recently had been suffering from a plague? It was the same ingredients delivered by Captain Sail that allowed us to make the medicine needed to stop it from killing more of my brothers and sisters. To discover that Zeil came from that very ship cannot be a coincidence. An enchantress such as I know fate when I see it, or magic when I sense it. If Zeil claims to be the world’s first changeling mage, then I can say that he must have a reason for it. Lucifer’s power isn’t bestowed to just any random creature, it is always passed to the one of his own creation who is better suited to bring balance when it is needed most. My vote is casted… it is final…. and so?...”
Chieftess Mimea looked to Chief Basarum as the disappointed chief sighed before speaking, “The vote is casted… so… the assembly has decided.” He stood form his seat, “The vote is passed, three to two. Starting tomorrow, I Chief Basarum of the Northern Tribe will begin training Zeil to become the Future Mage of Zebrica.”
Chief Tanak asked, “You sure? You voted that he wouldn’t be the mage, can you still train him with that opinion of him?”
Chief Basarum nodded, “If it were any other circumstance, I wouldn’t… but he did mark me as the next Enchanter of Light, and the assembly decided that he become the mage, so it seems I have no choice.”
Chieftess Mimea nodded, “Then I hope you train him well Basarum. All of our tribes depend on your guidance.”
Basarum nodded as he looked over the table, “Then this concluded this assembly. Let’s go up an-“
Chief Muji stood as he spoke, “Wait… First… I must ask.”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Yes? What is your question?”
Muji sighed, “Basarum. Are you really going to do this? Though we do not agree on much we both hold personal feelings for the last mage and his actions. Do you really want to disrespect my brother and your father by continuing this?”
Chief Basarum nodded, “Magi was a good friend… in those days I considered you both brothers. But… as we know, times have changed. The final trial claimed your brother, and my father’s failer claimed him. But what Chieftess Mimea says remains true, and… I feel it’s time we move on even if I don’t like it.”
Chieftess Mimea nodded as she stood, “Then this assembly is officially concluded. Chief Basarum, know that like every mage, we of the Western Tribes will lend any support needed to see his training through.”
Chief Tanak nodded, “As will we, the mage effects all of Zebrica, and the Outer Tribes are no different.”
Chief Basarum nodded as he stood, “Understood, Thank you. I will report his status as the completion of his training nears. Till then, I hope you will be patient. It took eight years for Mage Magi to be ready for the final trial, so I can only assume Zeil will take that long.”
As that was said, all chief’s excluding Muji nodded in agreement as they all stood and left the room through the only entrance. As the group exited the temple, they made their way around to the front of the monument and approached the area where their warriors were standing by. As the chief’s approached, they each stood side by side in front of their warriors as Chief Basarum called, “The assembly is concluded and we have made a decision. Zeil… Step forward.”
Although he was still in chains, Zeil took a few steps forward as Chief Basarum spoke, “Zeil, the crimes that you are accused of are dire… but we have decided that you are justified in their mention and will be released without charge. Also… Starting tomorrow, you will begin training under me. Just know, that this was a united vote by all five chief’s before you. It would be wise to appreciate their generosity.”
Trying to seem grateful without gloating, Zeil smiled as he nodded, “Then you all have my thanks.”
The chief’s excluding Muji nodded in acceptance as Chief Basarum spoke, “That concludes the Assembly. Warriors, await your chief’s instruction.”
With that said, the chief’s broke away from the row they were standing in as they each approached their warriors and gave them orders. As Chief Muji approached his troops, the lead warrior asked, “Chief, is everything alright?”
Chief Muji replied with anger in his tone, “We are leaving, make sure we are all here and ready to depart.” He looked twords Zeil, “I have something to say to this fake first.”
After that was said Chief Muji started trotting towards Zeil with a hostile expression on his face. Seeing this, Chief Basarum looked to the guards who were unchaining Zeil’s hooves as he yelled, “Hujambo!”
Hearing the call, the warriors quickly turned to the approaching Muji as they shifted their spears to the side making them cross between Zeil and the approaching chief as if to protect him from the chief’s anger.
With this stopping him from approaching Chief Muji stopped where he was as he spoke, “You… Zeil…”
Zeil nodded, “Yes chief?”
Chief Muji looked around to see that everyzebra in the area to include all the other chief’s warriors and even a few spectators from the Northern Tribes were looking at him as he spoke out loud so he could be heard, “You come here, and claim to be the next mage of Zebrica! Don’t make me laugh… your nothing but a fraud, preying on the ignorance of a naive tribe. You speak of familiar names like Zecora and Rafi only to play us a fool, you’re not even a zebra.”
After that was said, Zeil could feel worry coming from all who heard those words as Zeil replied, to the chief’s anger, “I only said what I was told to say by the Mage of Zebrica. I played no fool nor did I lie about anything I claimed.”
Chief Muji replied with a low tone so that he and Zeil could only hear, “What about Zecora?... did you lie to her too? Exactly what did you tell her to make her fall in love with you? or was that too a ploy just to feed on her love… I bet she doesn’t even know you’re a changeling… am I right?”
Although Zeil didn’t reply his expression said all it needed to as Chief Muji smiled, “I see… so you are what you claim to be… you’re no different from any other changeling in this world… a coward in disguise.” He chuckled for a moment then continued with a threatening tone, “I'll let you play your little game for now… but know this… my brother was the last mage… and if I find that you intent to use his magic to disgrace him or any of us further… I will return with my army, and I will hunt you down and kill you… even if I have to raise this village to ash. Get the picture?”
Although Zeil tried to tolerate the offensive actions from the Southern tribe chief, his words about Zecora still got to him as he replied with a threatening glare and a response, “Next time you send an assassin to this village… better make him worth my time.”
As that was said, Chief Muji wanted to fight his way through the protecting guards but the expression on Zeil’s face caused him to back down as he turned and trotted away, “Watch your back changeling…” he looked to his warriors, “Southern Tribe! Move out!”
With an angry step, Chief Muji trotted alongside his warriors as they trotted away from the temple and out of the norther tribe’s village. After he was gone Chief Tanak laughed out loud as he started to approach Zeil. Seeing that this chief was less hostile the warriors allowed Tanak to pass as the water buffalo patted Zeil on the back with his usual strength as he spoke, “Now that was a sight to see! Even when threatened you have a tongue sharper than any spear. You will make one heck of a mage someday Zeil. I have a good feeling about you.”
Zeil smiled as he rubbed his back and replied with an embarrassed tone, “Thanks, I… don’t really know what came over me?”
Chief Chuma approached as he spoke, “Looks like the essence of the Darkness showed itself. Even if for a moment. Luckily you didn’t attack him, that at least shows you bear some control over it.”
Zeil nodded as he replied, “Yea, I had a little practice containing it a bit… although, its isn’t easy… and that’s been the first time it has shown itself in a long while.”
Chief Chuma smiled as he placed his hoof on Zeil’s shoulder, “That only means you are that much closer to controlling it. It would seem I made a wise decision on my vote. I think we are in good hooves.”
Zeil smiled as he bowed his head slightly, “Thank you Chief Chuma, as I said before, I appreciate the decision of the assembly.”
Before he could raise his head back up, Zeil felt a hoof grip his head as he opened his eyes to see Chieftess Mimea examining him closely, “Hmm… a strong chin, a noble tone… yes… I have no doubt.” She released him, “you truly have the makings of the Mage of Zebrica in you. I hope you can bring balance to the world Mage Zeil. We truly are in need of it.”
Seeing the hope in her expression Zeil smiled and nodded, “I will do my best Chieftess, for you and for Zebrica.”
She smiled, “And for Zecora I'm assuming… seems she chose a fine suiter in such a faraway land. Maybe now Chief Basarum can lighten up.”
Zeil was confused, “Wait what?”
The Chieftess smiled as she replied, “Oh don’t pay him too much mind. He is just angry that she chose to stay in Equestria instead of returning to finish her training. Though if you ask me, she finished a long time before she left. He was just too ashamed to admit that she surpassed him so easily.”
Zeil smiled as he nodded, “I'm not sure if that’s true, but I’d believe it.”
The Wise Chieftess nodded as she started trotting passed him, “If you ever find your way passed the Western Tribes during your training, feel free to stop by. We have been waiting for a long time to see the world’s magic in balance. So you will be welcomed by my tribe.”
Zeil nodded as he replied, “Thank you chief I'll keep that in mind.”
The mare nodded, “Chieftess… and you are very welcome.”
After that was said, the three foreign chief’s approached their warriors and prepared to depart back to their perspective tribes as Chief Basarum approached Zeil and spoke, “Well… looks like fortune is smiling on you… for now at least.”
Zeil felt skeptic, “You say that as if you’re disappointed.”
Basarum nodded, “Not disappointed… just skeptic. If Chieftess Mimea says you are who you say you are, then I believe her. But that doesn’t mean I'm going to enjoy teaching you. First off, what do you know so far about magic?”
Zeil thought to himself, “Well… balance in mind and body, advanced focus, potion brewing, potion quality, ice magic, water magic, standard and advanced remedies, and I’ve also met my spiritual guide if that counts.”
Surprised that he knew so much, Chief Basarum replied, “Okay, and who is your guide?”
Zeil hesitated before replying, “Well… Chief Rafi.”
Chief Basarum sighed, “Of course he is…” he rubbed his head in irritation and mumbled to himself, “If this is true, this guy is practically overqualified.”
Zeil didn’t hear him, “What was that?”
Basarum shook his head, “Nothing… for now your free to go. Take the day to enjoy your pardon, but be ready for training tomorrow.”
Zeil nodded, “Sure, what time?”
Basarum turned away as he replied, “I'll come find you when it’s time… just be ready.”
Without giving Zeil time to reply, Chief Basarum trotted away as Kante rushed up to Zeil and spoke, “Is it true? Are you really going to be the m-… I mean… you know who?”
Remembering that it was forbidden to speak of the mage Zeil nodded, “I am, I met the last one in another land and he chose me to be the next. That’s why I needed to learn magic from the Chief.”
Kante smiled as she replied, “Wow… that’s amazing and to think you’re the one teaching me how to fi-“
Zeil stopped her, “Don’t finish that… remember we can't talk about that here.”
As the two continued taking, Chief Basarum started trotting towards the stairs to the temple towards his wife as the oracle spoke, “You made a good decision husband… perhaps, while you train Zeil, you too will grow in some way.”
Chief Basarum paused as he replied, “Actually… if I'm honest, I don’t know how much I can teach. Most of what he needed to learn is known. I'm starting to wonder if he can take on the final trial now or not.”
The oracle looked towards Zeil as she replied, “It’s possible… I still can't see his future… however… I do see him in my future numerous times in the near future so his training may take a while.”
Chief Basarum sighed, “Then there is more to teach.”
Zera gave him a curious look, “You doubt him? Or… do you doubt yourself?”
Chief Basarum didn’t reply, instead he only continued up the steps to the top of the temple without a word. As he trotted away Lady Zera nodded, “So it’s both then…” She looked back at Zeil, “Zecora? What have you tamed in your absence? And in what way will he impact this world we live in?”