With Kadar's help, we finally began to settle in Sous. It wasn't long before word spread about our presence, and the city's intricate political dynamics started to reveal themselves. A few weeks after our arrival, Kadar invited me to attend a meeting of the city's clans. It was a gathering of Sous' most influential leaders, both small and large clans, who regularly convened to discuss matters of the town's development.
The meeting hall was a large, open space with a central firepit, around which the clan leaders sat, each representing their family's interests. As the discussions began, it quickly became apparent that not everyone was as welcoming as Kadar. While many focused on trade and town matters, some clan members raised objections about my presence in Sous.
One older man from a prominent clan stood and spoke, his tone filled with skepticism. "Kadar," he began, "you have taken this outsider, Roy, and his family under your wing. But we must question—what role does he play in the future of our town? He is not of our people, nor does he share our ways. How can we trust him with matters that concern only Sous?"
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the hall. It was clear that while Kadar had adopted us into his clan, not everyone was ready to accept it.
Kadar, ever composed, rose to his feet. His voice was steady but commanding, silencing the growing whispers. "Roy may be an outsider," Kadar acknowledged, "but I have given him and his family the protection of the Qitt Clan. By tradition, he is now part of my family. I do not expect you to trust him immediately, but remember that Sous has always thrived because of its openness to new ideas and people."
Another clan leader, a younger woman from a smaller clan, interjected. "But surely, Kadar, you understand the risks. He is not familiar with our customs or our laws. Shouldn't we assign him land outside the city, where he can live but not interfere with our internal affairs?"
After a long pause, the decision was made. The council decided that while I was now a member of the Qitt Clan—Kadar's clan—I would be given land outside the main city walls. This was a compromise that allowed the other clans to maintain some distance while still respecting Kadar's decision to adopt me.
"Roy," Kadar said, addressing me directly in front of the entire gathering, "you will be given land outside the city, but you are now part of the Qitt Clan, and with that comes certain responsibilities. You will work to prove yourself in Sous, and over time, the others will see your worth."
Though it wasn't the ideal outcome, I accepted the council's decision. The land outside the city would give us space and a chance to establish ourselves without immediately being thrust into the complex dynamics of Sous' politics. More importantly, being part of the Qitt Clan meant I had protection and a place within the town, even if the journey to earn full acceptance would take time.
As we left the hall that night, Kadar pulled me aside. "Don't worry about the others," he said, his eyes firm but kind. "In time, they'll see what I see in you. But for now, focus on building your home and taking care of your family. Let the rest come naturally."
I nodded, grateful for his support. Despite the challenges ahead, I knew that we had found a place where we could rebuild our lives, and with Kadar's backing, I felt a renewed sense of determination to prove myself worthy of his trust.