Chapter 65: Wield the Chosen

"Exile and Abyss." The game will be known as a survival game within the designated area. Men are for Exile and Abyss are for women. The men will do their mission within the east area hosted by Zayin and the women will be heading north leaded by Daleth, The Queen of Acsents . Her long hazel nut hair paired in orange eyes made her stunning. After laying the instructions the participants are given a day to explore the area before departing the following days.

The Tale Bearers got lead on town by Aleph. Aleph had lead them to the sea. The sea salt was refreshing. Aleph mentioned that he would join the fishermen to catch any marine life that founded their life. Aleph also detoured them at the largest carpentery within the capital. The wooden piece are made in detail. All the the artworks are made to preserve their culture. Their are sovieners with prayers and psalms. Aleph got them one accessories as a token before departing tomorrow. Aleph choosed a wooden wings with infinty linings. Aleph also took them to his favorite place.

It's the port full of water lilies. Aleph purchased his favorite squid and sea dishes for their dinner. Aleph knew that he will join the men by tomorrow's departure but the women will be taking another course. Aleph was unaware of what is set by his parents upon the scrimmage, knowing his parent's mischief, he wanted the Tale Bearers to feel at home.

Lehi neatly folded and organized Ophir's things within their room. Ophir joined him after receiving the manuals for tomorrow. Ophir can't predict how long will the game would last.

Ophir scooped Lehi closer to his body. He is memorizing Lehi's scent and warmth.

Natalina gazed outside her window. The sea reflected the lamp from each houses. It waved like a canvas painted in brush. Natalina analysizes the manual distributed to them. Hexel, Nevi and Urchin are already asleep. Kiel lay down beside his wife. All day, Aleph's been grilling him. Lila felt uncomfortable and shy but she put up with Aleph's mischief.

The horn was blown by Kaph a signal that the quest have started. The men followed Zayin. Zayin led the team on a tower with 24 floors.

"The rule would be you work as a team by which Kingdom you are in. There should be no sacrifices. The whole team should make it to the top. If you drop one team mates, you are out!" Zayin said as he distributed a white banner.

"You should sketch what you will pick from this box on the white banner distributed for you. And it will be your team's image and name all through out the game." Zayin instructed as he gesture each team to get one.

Ophir assigned Hexel to draw what they will pick and the drawing will be done by Kiel. Hexel came back with the word cricket in the round wood.

"By the way protect and keep the circular wood. It will serve as your ticket in every exit on each floor. The concept of what you will draw are based on insect. So sketch it well."

"Cricket a leaping orthopreran insect that is chirping notes." Kiel informed as they imagined how to draw it. Kiel tried to sketch a cricket but it turned out like a banana. Nevi and Ophir laughed at Kiel's drawing. When Zayin announced the banner to be raised Hexel grabbed it and raised it. The team shly raised their banner.

"That looks like a banana." Aleph commented. The whole congregation laugh at their drawing.

Daleth escorted the women on a castle in the middle of the island. The castle were made like in fairy tale.

"This castle have 24 doors. You need to complete the task behind doors. Stick with your team. You win as a team, You lose as a team." Daleth announced with high pitch note for everyone to hear.

"Use this white banner, draw the insect you will pick from this box. Protect the round wood where the name of insect you draw was scribbled. It will serve us your key for every door." Daleth followed up.

Natalina got elected by Lehi and Lila as their team leader. She picked the word worm. Lehi sketch it like a painting worth for bidding. When Daleth asked them to raise it. Lila proudly raised their banner.

"One more thing, The banner will serve as your exit ticket in every door you entered. Hush up ladies let us prove that women can be in charge of anything." Daleth claimed as she roared. The women all cheered up and made a friendly gesture to one another.

"Before going inside, ladies place be knowledgeable of the rules.

1.No cheating.

2.No crab mentality.

3.Be graceful."

Daleth warned, she pulled the trigger to signify the beginning of their game. The women waited for the iron gate to roll up before fully entering.

The catcallings and teasing about the banana banner got caught off guard by the sound of rifle from the north .

"Looks like the ladies have started. So shall we." Zayin said as he release a firework.

Ophir's team did not run at after the firework. They stayed outside and waited for all participants to enter the steel gate. Zayin stared at them confused but when he understood why, he can't help but wish for this team to win, even if they will be going against his son's team. He wished for Aleph to learn from them.

Ophir asked the team to hurddle up as he led them to a prayer.

" Our God who held the victory by freeing us from any slavery. I uplift this team to You. Give us the strength, endurance, and joy to win this race not to boast but because we are doing this for You. Keep us away from any temptation within the game. Don't let us lose from our own self. We remember You as someone who will walk this game with us. Amen."