"Whatever," Reya sighed away Austin's appreciation, her expression still unmoving and daggered. Austin did not understand this woman. "Follow me; Stryker has called for a Summit, and wants you to join."
"A 'summit'?"
"A meeting composed of the our Meadow's leaders, the Overseers," Reya answered in slight annoyance, as they headed to the Oak House[the house built into the base of the tree at the center of the Meadows] right below the Great Oak[the name of the giant tree at the center of the Meadows], where Austin already spotted Aaroon, Alyssa, Stryker, Cleo and some guy he'd have yet to meet, already heading inside. The guy was maybe 17, with dark brown eyes, a scarecrow's thin frame, dreaded, unkept locks and dark chocolate skin tone. He wore shorts, showcasing scrawny bird legs, a green t-shirt and sneakers.
"That's Caesar. He's the other Overseer we mentioned earlier,"Reya said, tracking Austin's gaze, as they went inside the Oak House.
The bottom floor had a kitchen, full with Preppers preparing tables and cooking dinner, as a delicious scent wafted through the air, causing Austin's stomach to rumble. The dinning area had 5 long table, with about 80 chairs. To the far left of the bottom floor was an armory of swords, hand-carved wooden bows, string, daggers and wooden spears, with about 3 or 4 standard modern, bullet proof vests. Why the need of such vests, Austin couldn't even guess, especially when he didn't see any guns or bullets anywhere.
"Do not speak out of line, especially in front of Caesar," Reya suddenly said, stopping Austin from following the others up a set of stairs to the second floor, with a hand to his shoulder. "He has a tendency of being an asshole to newbies. Also, try not revealing you're an owl… Though if he already knows, well, try not to do anything to remind him of it. This is imperative. He doesn't like people who bear that crest. He has… a personal issue with those who wear your crest."
"What does that mean?" Austin asked, curiously.
"It's unimportant right now."
"I think it's important that I know."
"At a later time, perhaps," Reya seemed to be growing impatient. "That's if you survive this Summit. Don't do anything that'll land you dead. And definitely don't do anything that'll cause you enemy of any of the Overseers."
"How am I supposed to know how not to do something if I don't know what it is I'm supposed know how not to do!" Austin groaned, annoyed.
This caused a Prepper to look at the pair in distaste before resuming what they were doing.
"Look, just don't do anything," Reya relented with a sigh. "Just answer the questions you're asked and whatever you do or don't do, do not make a scene."
With this, Reya lead the way up the wooden plank staircase, with Austin following close behind.
On the second floor there were windows and mostly open space, with a circular table and 6 chairs around it, near the center of the room. This was where the Overseers sat, and where Reya took her seat after instructing Austin to stand before them. The order made Austin feel like he was standing in front of a judge in a court after committing a crime, though he had no idea where such a reference feeling came from. He did know that he did not like the feeling though.
"Before beginning this SUmmit this evening, let us take role," Stryker said, beckoning Caesar, who had a clipboard, paper and pencil in hand. "For formalities, Caesar, would you?"
Caesar nodded, standing up, clipboard to his face, as he read "If you are an Overseer, please raise your right hand." When everyone but Cleo and Austin did, he continued. "All Overseers are present… Check. If our lead Bandager is present, please raise your right hand." Cleo raised her left hand, before realizing her mistake, let it down, before lifting her right hand, blushing in embarrassment. "Our lead bandager is present… Check that. And our purpose of this Summit? Is the initiate present?"
It took Austin a few moments to realize he was talking about him. "Oh, uh, yes, ahem, I'm here," Austin stuttered with his right hand raised.
"Good. Defendant is present. Checked," Caesar looked to Stryker and said "Attendance has been taken. We can proceed with the Summit."
"Good," Stryker said, as Caesar took his seat. "With formalities out of the wau, let us begin this one's Summit and Approval of Initiation Ceremony. First up on the agenda tonight is the picking of duty. Austin, have you made a decision on what duty you wish to pursue here?"