"Come, sit," offered Shaluhk. "Uhdrig will say the blessing, and then the ancestors will speak, and a name will be given."

"We'll hear the ancestors?" asked Athgar, taking his seat.

"No," corrected Kargen, "only Uhdrig has that power."

"Sit down, Kargen," said Shaluhk, "and then the ceremony can begin."

The great Orc sat, and Laruhk burst into laughter.

"What is so funny?" Kargen asked.

"Only my sister would dare order around the chieftain," said Laruhk, between laughs.

Shaluhk gave him a withering stare, and his laughter subsided.

"Shall we begin?" asked Uhdrig.

"Yes," said Shaluhk.

"Since long ago," began the shamaness, "our ancestors have watched over us, to guide and offer us wisdom. Many have been the Orcs that have trod this land, and their blessings have seen fit to enrich our lives, granting us bountiful hunts and bestowing the gifts of love and life to bondmates."

Athgar saw Shaluhk look at Kargen, and the great Orc blushed.

"Today," Uhdrig continued, "we offer this sacrifice that we might beseech you, our glorious ancestors, for your wisdom once more." She held up a pot of liquid then took a small sip, passing it around the circle, each taking a measure in their mouths, and then passing it on. It returned to her, and she placed it aside, closing her eyes.

Athgar could feel the anticipation. The room was quiet, save for the sounds of the village that penetrated the walls.

Uhdrig soon started speaking very quietly, the words tumbling from her mouth like a stream. He recognized them as words of power, though he had no idea what their effect might be. There was the familiar buzzing in the air, and then the hair on the back of his neck stood on end.

"What name will you choose?" asked Uhdrig.

Athgar was confused. Who was she asking? He looked to Shaluhk, but the younger shamaness merely put her finger to her lips, silencing him.

Uhdrig nodded her head in agreement, though no sound could be heard. "A good name for a strong hunter," she said. The shamaness opened her eyes, looking at each visitor in turn, saying nothing until her observation was complete. "The ancestors have spoken."

"And by what name shall my son be known?" asked Kargen.

"His name shall be Agar," proclaimed Uhdrig.

"A good strong name," said Shaluhk, "does it please you, Kargen?"

"It does," the chieftain replied, letting out a chuckle.

"What's so funny?" asked Athgar.

"It seems our ancestors have seen fit to name my son after you, dear friend," said Kargen, "for Agar is your name in our language."

"Nonsense," objected the Therengian, "you've always called me Athgar, not Agar."

"Ah, but we use your language for your name, as is only proper. Athgar means 'he who is strong', does it not?"

"It does," admitted the Therengian, "though I've never felt I was particularly strong."

"Strength is not always physical," offered Uhdrig, "there is also strength of will, and you have demonstrated that in abundance."