He could not hunt yern as part of his demonstration. The animals were too big to trap and transport to the Open. Drilli had suggested breem. They were small, quick and shy of humans, which meant they would probably stay within the half-circle of gathered Siyee, but they were still challenging enough that killing them with missiles from the air would impress most people.

Drilli had trapped several every day so Tryss could practice hunting them. She had also decorated the harness, painting it in bright colors so it would be more visible at a distance. He was finding he was not too comfortable with the idea of being the sole object of everyone’s attention at a Gathering, but when she pointed out that the paint actually drew more attention to the harness than to him he felt a little better.

He had moved the harness from the cave in which he’d been hiding it to his family bower this morning, keeping it concealed in a large string-reed sack. At Drilli’s urging he had explained to his parents what it was, and that he was going to show it to the Gathering that night. His parents’ reaction had been mixed. His mother couldn’t see why ordinary hunting methods weren’t good enough, but was excited by the thought of him presenting his ideas to the Gathering. His father, on the other hand, appeared impressed by the invention, but was worried about Tryss making a fool of himself—and his family.

As am I, Tryss thought wryly.

He was prepared to take that risk. Almost everything was in place, so he couldn’t back out now. He didn’t want to, anyway. Though the thought of the demonstration filled him with trepidation, Drilli’s confidence in him was infectious. Whenever he doubted, she was full of reassurances. He was ready. All that remained was to ask the Speakers for time to address the Siyee.

He’d left this to the last moment. Once he did, word would spread that he was going to demonstrate a hunting invention. He’d be plagued by questions and probably taunted by more than just his cousins.

The sun was low in the sky when he approached the Speakers’ Bower. The Siyee leaders were standing around the entrance and several regarded him suspiciously as he drew near them.

He hesitated, aware that his heart was racing and his stomach was fluttering with nervousness.

“May I talk to Speaker Sirri?” Tryss forced himself to ask. He looked through the bower entrance but could not see anything in the dark interior. A shadow moved into the opening and Speaker Sirri stepped out.

“Tryss. We have many important matters to discuss before the Gathering begins. Can this wait until tomorrow?”

“Not really,” he said, aware that other Speakers were staring at him disapprovingly. “I’ll be quick.”

She nodded, then shrugged. “Come in, then.”