Surprise Ceremony

As the sun rose the next morning and the various tribes and clans awoke, they were each visited by a group of gorillas meant to escort them to the council building. The chiefs knew that they would come but were surprised by the early hour.

Everyone followed their escorts and gathered in the newly expanded clearing to the north of the council building. They were in the same pattern as their settlements, going from west to east there were the stallions, the frogs, the wildebeests, the foxes, and then finally the lynxes. Between each tribe or clan was a row of gorillas formed by their escorts.

Most everyone was surprised to see that the wildebeest clan was suddenly so small and what surprised the other chiefs was Ratten standing at the lead and Eefran was nowhere to be found. Each chief came up with their own conclusions and wondered how the gorillas would act towards the wildebeests.

The doors to the council building's stage opened, letting Oli, Rathe, Vloz, and Ania catch everyone's attention. Oli took center stage and spoke with a giant smile, "Everyone, you must be wondering why we've gathered you all here today."

A pause followed Oli's statement, letting the crowd think and mull over the young gorilla's words. Some speculated that it was only an announcement for everyone while others like the chiefs considered the incident involving Ratten. They wondered if this would become some kind of public humiliation, hoping in their hearts for that very thing.

"I wish to make an announcement, from this day forward we shall form the first town of the Iron Territory, Iron Town! At this point, we will ask each chief from your supporting tribes or clans to come up one by one and pay respects to our territorial ruler, Master Rathe!" Oli pointed to his left as Rathe stepped forward before continuing his speech. "He promises to seek justice for all and be fair in all acts. He only asks for your loyalty and your willingness to work alongside us. Now, will Chief Hollen of the Thick-skin Stallions please come forth?"

Everyone calmed down when they realized it was just an inaugural ceremony of sorts like every ruler had done in the past. They cooled their heads and paid attention, expecting a decent show without much content. Typically, these would include a show of strength, giving the people an idea of how powerful their new ruler was. Ratten and the wildebeests relaxed a little bit when they heard this. They knew that things would still be tricky for them, but they were glad that this entire ceremony wasn't just to do with them.

Hollen began his march to the stage with all eyes on him. His footsteps on the stage stairs were tranquil and light. This was exciting for him because, after this, his tribe would be cemented to the town with a sturdy foundation and a thriving relationship with the gorilla clan.

The stallion chief stood two krin in front of Rathe, with Oli standing one krin to the left and one krin forwards at the diagonal. Oli began to speak like he was reading a script, "Chief Hollen, in our short time spent together, our clan and your tribe have faced threats and enjoyed celebrations. We look forward to your tribe's prosperity under our rule and ask for your loyalty and willingness to serve this town alongside us. Do you accept such a responsibility on behalf of your Thick-skin Stallion tribe?"

"On behalf of my Thick-skin Stallion tribe, I accept all responsibilities," Hollen agreed happily.

"And in the future, in the case that the town and territory fall into dire straits and need your sacrifice in order to survive, would you accept such a responsibility on behalf of your Thick-skin Stallion tribe?"

"On behalf of my Thick-skin Stallion tribe, I accept such a responsibility," said Hollen.

This question was what stuck a thorn in the ears of the populace, but to their amazement, Hollen agreed without hesitation. The stallions didn't waver whatsoever and stood resolute, completely in agreement with their chief. Back when they were saved, they had already made such a promise in their hearts.

"We are glad to hear of your tribe's willingness to grow alongside us. Thank you, Chief Hollen. For your promises, we offer you this, though it isn't much," all of a sudden, Rathe swung out his left arm and a decently sized bag of gold coins dropped to the stage floor. "These one hundred gold coins are to help your tribe grow at the rate it deserves, at a rate deserving of a patrician tribe, which you now are within Iron Town."

Hollen bowed and picked up the bag of gold with his mouth before he returned to the tribe. All eyes were green with envy, longing to receive the same treatment. Every tribe and clan immediately began to respect the gorilla clan highly, knowing now that the gorilla clan really would do their best to care for those under them.

"Now, will Chief Gar of the Long-tailed Lynx clan please come forth?" Oli continued the ceremony without wasting a single second. Like Hollen, Chief Gar marched up to the stage and stood in that same spot. Oli bowed his head and recited his script again, "Chief Gar, I don't know you very well, at least not yet. From our few exchanges and experiences together, we know that you and your clan seek to be the greatest hunters and warriors. Also, I've heard your unique tail-wielding abilities are astounding and will be of great use to the Iron Territory. We look forward to your tribe's prosperity under our rule and ask for your loyalty and willingness to serve this town alongside us. Do you accept such a responsibility on behalf of your Long-tail Lynx clan?"

"On behalf of my Long-tail Lynx clan, I accept these responsibilities," Gar easily agreed, knowing that they would receive one hundred gold and the title of a patrician clan to Iron Town.

Oli continued the same speech as before, almost robotically, "And in the future, in the case that the town and territory fall into dire straits and need your sacrifice in order to survive, would you accept such a responsibility on behalf of your Long-tail Lynx clan?"

"On behalf of my Long-tail Lynx clan, I will accept such a responsibility," Chief Gar answered.

"We are glad to hear of your tribe's willingness to grow alongside us. Thank you, Chief Gar. For your promises, we offer you this, though it isn't much. These one hundred gold coins are to help your tribe grow at the rate it deserves, at a rate deserving of a patrician tribe, which you now are within Iron Town," when Oli finished speaking, the sack of gold was already in Chief Gar's mouth.