The Land Below our Feet COMPLETE

OATH

Jardos stood silently by the door with his arms crossed over his chest while Pahoka-Xe listened to her servant reciting the list of names displayed on the large document before his attentive eyes.

-Thank you, Elaien – The Guider spoke, once the final prospect had been announced – You are now dismissed, my child.

The young boy bowed down briefly to her and then walked hurriedly out of the room, leaving them alone.

-We have quite a numerous generation this time – She observed, turning towards the direction where the trainer stood.

-It is only suitable – The large man commented, shrugging off – These are trying times after all, and we need as much fresh blood as we can get, Guider.

-Very well… - The old lady nodded at him with satisfaction – Have them all gathered at the auditorium by sunset. I will perform the ceremony tonight, so we can start marching by dawn.

The senior warrior squared his shoulders and tilted his gray head at her, a final statement burning on the tip of his tongue.

-I have one last name I would like you to consider, Mother – The warrior proclaimed in a loud, confident voice – It is a little bit early, but I truly believe that he is ready to take his vow.

-Oh, and who could that possibly be? – Pahoka-Xe asked, her eyes shining at him with intrigue.

-Akoh, your former servant... – Jardos replied, staring back at her resolutely – He has been working his back off all this time and I think he is prepared to fight now.

-He is just a child – The Yahurian leader carefully pondered – Are you really convinced about this?

-I am – The sturdy man answered with a serious tone – He is not just a kid anymore though… Akoh is exactly the same age Ussi was when he took his oath. You turned him into the youngest pledged Yahurian back then, and he would later prove to be the greatest Commander in Yahur´s history.

-You were a fairly good Commander also, Jardos – Pahoka-Xe responded, tiredly taking her mask off and smiling at him – Don't think so poorly of yourself. You will always be one of my best.

-I know – The large man agreed – But I also know my limits and I have no trouble accepting them. I am fully aware of Ussi´s superior talents… I've always been. After all, I was one of the first to spot his potential, ever since he started serving under my command… And trust me, I see a lot of his strengths in this new child.

-All right – The white-haired lady smirked at him – Bring him in then, let us give this apprentice of yours a trial run and see how he does.

When Akoh was abruptly thrown inside the dark room, he had knelt at the sight of the Yahurian Guider.

-Aig Yahurah Nahe, my son- Pahoka-Xe´s voice reached his ears clearly in a cheerful note.

-Ahir Yahurah Kah- He replied firmly, nodding at her and straightening himself - How can I be of service today?

-Come here – The old woman said, extending her hand and signaling for him to approach – Let us see if Jardos is right about you.

Akoh stole a worried glance towards the silent warrior standing a close distance away, who just gave him a brief nod, before nervously standing up and walking up to where the Guider sat.

His steps echoing in the silent chamber as he reached the masked woman and carefully grabbed the hand that she offered him. A muffled yelp escaping from his startled being when he suddenly found himself standing under the sun in an open field.

-Where are we? – He instinctively asked, taking a look around and instantly receding with shock at the sight of the familiar place. His memories rushing forward in a stream of confusion and melancholy.

-You are home – Pahoka-Xe replied, tugging at his hand and leading him through the village's streets. Akoh´s eyes wandering all around in disbelief.

-W-Why are we here? – The astonished boy stammered as he spotted two hazy figures walking ahead.

–Because this is the day you lose your innocence. This is the day you become an orphan - The Guider explained, gesturing at the incoming figures.

Akoh´s throat got unexpectedly dry as the indistinct shapes kept nearing the place where they stood. He focused on the characteristic joyful walk of the tall person on the left, while he also noticed the outline of what he recognized as a large basket on his head, a smaller form trailing on the right, clearly holding his hand.

-Father was a baker – The boy found himself muttering, his eyes fixated on the blurry silhouettes – Mother died giving birth to me. But that never diminished his love for me. We were out selling our bread when the tribes attacked our village… He didn't even see it coming. One moment he was walking by my side, and the next one he was lying on the ground with a spear driven through his eye.

-You are stronger now – Pahoka- Xe nodded at him, signaling the muscles that had sprouted all over his body after months of painful training – You could stop the killers this time if you wanted to.

As she said this, three more shadows started drawing onward with baffling speed and creeping up dangerously on the oblivious pair of merchants.

Akoh´s fists clenched tightly as he watched the harrowing scene unfold. A silent tear running down his cheek before he took a deep breath and slowly exhaled a conclusive sigh.

-No, Guider – He replied, shaking his head at her, then returning his attention to the impending tragic demise – This might be the day I became an orphan. But it is also the day I would become a Yahurian. I'd never change the mere thing that gave me a chance to fight and spare others from this very same pain… Not even for him. This is not my home anymore, Mother... Yahur is.

He closed his eyes resignedly at the forthcoming impact of the flying spear, and when he went to open them once more, he was standing back in the main hall, holding Pahoka-Xe´s hand.

-Congratulations Jardos, I can tell you have not lost your good eye – She commended him briefly.

-I told you – The massive veteran spoke, shrugging off proudly - He has Yahur´s best in him. Let us hope he actually lives up to it.

-Well, we will see to that, won't we? – The old woman replied jovially, before redirecting her attention to the young pupil – And you, my son… You have finally learned the true meaning of service. May your fate be righteous, and your purpose be fulfilled.

Akoh stood up shakily and bowed to the Guider, feeling completely unable to utter a single word. His head spinning wildly while he walked away immersed in a foggy numbness.

-Well done, rookie! – The hardened trainer nodded as he passed by him – It was about time we put a mask over that hideous face of yours. Now go join the rest of your brothers, the ceremony is about to begin.

-So? – Jardos asked, raising a brow curiously at his leader and tilting his head – What do you think?

-You were right- Pahoka-Xe laughed out lightly – Even his response was eerily similar to the one Ussi gave me when I confronted him with his parents´ passing, almost thirteen years ago.

-What did he say? – The warrior inquired with genuine interest, staring expectantly at her.

-He said that it had never been only about his parents… He said that he would endure their death a thousand times more, if that meant he still got to save the others.

That night, the hall was filled to the brim, the large room crowded with nearly a hundred recruits. Akoh had walked to the stage wearing his armor with a firm step and his chin high. His voice was unwavering as he knelt before the Guider, placing his spear before him and solemnly reciting the Yahurian creed.

-As battle is nigh and my fight begins, may my spear swerve war and my existence shield peace. As I am the servant of none and the keeper of all. I am the observer of order, I am the nationless warrior, I shall not lie or hold allegiances, nor shall I take sides or share mundane bonds...

He paused briefly, letting the weight of his own words sink in his mind, and feeling an utter pride bloom inside his chest as he resumed his vows.

- On this day, and forever after, I take this oath to preserve the fragile freedom of this land, and may my hand never wield a weapon if it is not in favor of that. I pledge myself to the Yahurian Order until the day I die, and may my brothers disown me if I were to dishonor my sacred task.

Pahoka-Xe´s eyes sparkled with kindness as she placed the cold metallic mask against his face and fastened it to his head.

-Rise, my son! – She commanded, gesturing for him to stand – May your fate bring glory to Yahur.

It was still dark the next morning when the Yahurian army gathered at the citadel's gate. Xibu and Pahoka-Xe were standing before the impressive troops. Akoh felt his heart beating at full force with the intoxicating thrill of his first mission. Even if he would only be assisting the accomplished warriors this time, he was still stoked to be marching along with the supreme group of fighters at last.

-Make it count, rookie! – Jardos whispered into his ear as the newly sworn Yahurian stood expectantly waiting for orders.

-Why aren't you coming with us? – The boy asked, side glancing at him, then returning his gaze up front.

-Because someone needs to stay behind and protect our home. Who would keep training the lads if I went?... Besides, I already had my fair share of tours back in my day – The warrior answered, chuckling loudly and patting his back – It is your turn to serve, kid. Now start moving your ass and make me proud.