The group settled around the great fire at the centre of the camp. Children lined the outside, some paying attention while most played their own made-up games. Adults made up the centre of the gathering, with the Chieftain, Kaehfu, and a Shaman nearest the fire. The Shaman motioned to a young initiate, who ran from the circle and disappeared into a tent.
The Chieftain turned to face the newcomer squarely.
"Isawda, is it? Please, sit, and listen to what I will say now. You will have time tonight to rest, and ask questions of those in our humble camp, but I must insist in the morning that you travel quickly back to your own town. You are needed, and your destiny is awaiting you there, not in the sands. Both your mother, and our Shaman, have been shown this in visions, and is the reason for our haste. We have a Ritual prepared for you, however, so that in the morning when you begin your journey home it will take only a third of the normal time to get there.
"Isawda, your mother was a woman who was strong, compassionate, and loved by all in our camp. She had no enemies, except perhaps Fate, who stole her away from us too soon. Let me introduce you to Gaur t'Lan, Lobias and Jasmine's father." He gestured to a heavily muscled man who would have been considered near to Elder status, had he not been in such excellent physical condition. Gaur flashed a quick smile, and nodded his head, but made no other movement.
The Chieftain continued, while the Shaman's initiate returned with a bundle of blankets.
"As you have no doubt already been told, Myrius left something for you. It was her wish that you have something, and we honour her memory by fulfilling her dying wish, and you honour us by coming this far to retrieve it."
The Shaman, dark wild hair framing a square jaw and piercing green eyes, pointed a finger at the only Biata in the circle. "I have my doubts that you are her true son. I, too, spoke with Myrius on her death bed, and she gave me specific instructions for the proper test of which to show if you are her blood son or not. You have passed in sight already, as she stated your were Biata. But her true kin? We shall see. If you fear not, hold out your hands for her simple test to be taken."
The Shaman unwrapped the blankets to reveal a very large egg! It was pristine! The smooth surface of dark blue tones sparkled like a jewel in the sunlight.
The large egg settled into Isawda's hands. He tested the weight, but otherwise did nothing, unsure of what this was to prove. Glancing about, he finally settled his gaze on the Shaman, who was frowning.
"Perhaps you are not who we seek, after all."
As the Shaman was about to step forward to retrieve the valuable item, a small light flared for a brief moment on the egg shell. The sparkle turned into a shimmer, and begin coalescing into a thin line around the centre of the egg, creating a line of bright yellow light that seemed to come from within. Suddenly there was a loud crack. Part of the egg lifted away, revealing itself and the delicate work of art located within.
The Shaman spoke in an awed, hushed tone, but the frown did not leave his face. "You are Myrius' son!"