Issahil

The sky was grey and cloudy, heavy with the promise of rain, as we gathered in the sacred clearing for Alpha Elihas funeral. 

It had been exactly seven days since he passed and according to customs, we were sending him off on the seventh day after mourning him.

The air was thick with the scent of pine and damp earth. The ceremonial pyre stood tall in the centre of the clearing, adorned with fresh flowers amongst other things. 

I stood at the forefront of the gathering, with Alpha Matthias by my side. I hadn't shed a single tear, not since the day my grandfather had passed on in front...