After a long while, the sky burial concluded, leaving only my father's skull. I asked Kael for a favor: to help take it to the monastery...
That night, the hospitable tribes people held a bonfire gathering for me. Everyone was singing and dancing, filled with joy. Yet, I couldn't find that tall figure among the crowd. The revelry held no appeal. Without thinking, I reached for the little bell at my neck.
A young woman nearby saw it and exclaimed in surprise, "Tara? No, wait..." She looked at me, puzzled. "Where did you get that bell?"
I was stunned. "Why?"
Her dark, bright eyes darted around before she smiled. "Around here, that's a token of affection for a lover. It's very important."
The word "lover" made my face burn. I wanted to explain, but the girl said something in the tribal t
