The midday sun shone on a large walled manor that sat upon the precipice of a gently sloped hill. A lively cascading village surrounded it on the hill that stretched out below the manor walls in an orderly fashion with a second wall enclosing the whole village from the valley beyond. Two broad gates stood at either end of the settlement allowing passage into the village with winding paths leading up the hill each side of the kilometre long slope. The village itself was a rather peaceful place with farms stretching out at the base of the slope. Most of its inhabitants being farmers, it was mostly an agricultural town that exported its produce around the region.
Ulfberg doubled as the central trading area making it the most influential settlement in Raven Valley with metals from the northern mines coming in and the imports from the southern port town of Talen Lake. It was situated on the tallest hill in the middle of the wide grassy valley in a good economic position with cascading forested mountain peaks on either side. The only two safe entry points from outside being the northern pass and the southern Lake making it the main export for any smaller towns dotted around the valley.
A raised training field at the edge of the manor sat joined with the wall below on the southern side. It had an unimpeded view of Talon Lake beyond creating an ideal location to train or even meditate as most warriors within the manor did most mornings.
On the deserted training field, a bare chested Alvar Asulf wiped the sweat from his brow after brushing the blonde strands of hair that fell out of place. He was finishing up his exercise routine that he had tirelessly been doing for the last 3 hours. All the other young trainees had already left after finishing up their own training leaving Alvar to practise by himself like usual. Although it often left him exhausted, it was a necessary practice as his clan were a Martial Clan. In order to join the ranks of the warriors of the Clan, one must enter the preliminary stage in order to cultivate. Children of a certain age would be required to complete the exercise routine daily, something all members of the Asulf Clan had practised in the beginning of their Martial path.
It worked in conjunction with a Ki Gathering technique as the basis of all cultivation. If one couldn't keep up the routine for an extended amount of time, with the aid of the technique alone, the amount gathered would be limited to a much smaller size. Usually not enough to complete the Gathering techniques required for the Ki cycle, as Ki is the result of physical energy, mental energy and atmospheric energy combined into one as his father, Tiber had described. Both the special exercise routine and the Ki gathering Technique were awarded by the royal family of the Extreme Light nation for exemplified service in Battles long gone, to the founders of the Iron Raven Sect resulting in the foundation of the Iron Raven Sect. The founding member of the Asulf Clan was a core disciple of that Sect giving the Asulf Clan considerable standing within the management. This allowed for resources to be distributed to the Clan for training the new generations of Iron Raven Sect, guaranteeing a steady flow of fresh talent from many Clans like the Asulf Clan from the surrounding valleys.
Alvar had been practising this way since his 10th nameday. He had reached the initial stage of the Body Refinement Realm like the other young warriors of his age in the Clan through training his body alone. At the coming ceremony held by the Clan Leader his Great Grandfather Ragnar Asulf hosted four times a year, Alvar suspected that they would be awarded the Ki Gathering Technique. He had longed for it since he first saw his father practising his clan's Steady Fist technique as a young child.
He was not the strongest among the younger generation but he was the most hard working. He hoped to make his father proud in the customary younger generation demonstration. The Clans Steady Fist technique was passed onto him in his 8th nameday by Tiber to practise as even without using Ki, it was a great art for self defence. Evidently it was the same technique his father used with Ki creating devastating blows that could dent Steel.
“Hey! Are you awake? I’ve been trying to get your attention since I stepped onto the trainingfield.” Ivory Asulf tapped Alvar on the shoulder, suddenly breaking his thoughts and startling him slightly. She was his slightly older cousin with half a head on Alvar, currently the best talent the Asulf clan had. Although she was at the same level as Alvar who had yet to receive the Ki Gathering Technique, she excelled when it came to the Clans Steady Fist and Swift Foot techniques. Even reaching the Expert realm of mastery. She was sure to shine in the coming gathering. “What had your head so in the clouds?” She asked in amusement.
“The coming gathering, I’m worried about disappointing my Father in my Steady Fist Stance Displays.” Alvar confessed with a weak sigh before picking up his towel to dry himself off. He knew that he wasn't the most talented in the family, if not at the bottom of the younger generation. He was lucky not to embarrass himself on stage in his own opinion.
"Hey, you think too much. You'll be fine. When it comes to the Fist technique, I dare say out of the younger generation, you have practised the most." Ivory replied Trying to cheer Alvar up. She often would give pointers when she saw him train. They would often practise spar since they first started training. The result was Alvar often getting beat into the ground with ease.
"Thanks, I just can't seem to master it though. Only by obtaining the Familiarity Stage with it will I be satisfied." He replied stubbornly as he pulled on his clean red tunic and adjusted it into position before clasping his belt and pouches around his waist.
"Come, I was sent to retrieve you. Master Sten wants us to go with him on the trip to the mines. Sounds boring if you ask me." Complained Ivory as they made their way off the training field. Every once and a while, they would go out with the adults to see how they dealt with situations in a variety of circumstances. It was required of sons and daughters of the clan to learn about the clan holdings. Today, they were to leave under the watch of one of the Clans Second Tier Cultivators, Sten Strygrasulf. An Oathsworn that swore their life long allegiance to the Clan for protection and cultivation resources. The Clan would routinely hold Valley competitions for talent to recruit into the clan. Sten was one such recruit joining the Clan during Tiber’s generation.
The guard house where they were to meet Sten was on the northern side of the manor, it didn't take them long to reach the gate where Sten's party waited on their Chariots and Metal beast warhorses, patiently in the middle of the spacious courtyard before the portcullis.
All the Metal Beasts were at the peak of the Metallization process that parallels the preliminary stage of cultivation. The beasts naturally absorb Atmospheric Energy that gets stored within the body. After an extensive period of time, that Energy starts to metallise. Beginning first with the skin then the metal spreads to the muscles, internal organs, bones and marrow. It gives the beast an incredible boost to strength depending on the metal that manifests. The resulting metal has incredible elastic qualities without losing most of the qualities of the metal except the rigidity.
"Ah good Lass, you found him." Sten called out as the duo came into view, seated on his silver grey charger near the front of the pack. Both Sten and His Silver Beast in padded Iron Leather Armours. "Any longer and we would have left you. Had not young Ivory insisted on getting you, I'd have just left you here to deal with the consequences of your grandfather for failing your duty. I'd thank her if I were you."
Ivory didn't slow as she pulled Alvar along by his hand, reaching one of the Chariots that carried a lone Arne with the other carrying Egil, Helga and Norne. Both Chariots were hitched to 2 Iron woollen Mountain Goats the size of horses. These goats were specially bred by the Clan. They were at the peak of the metallization Stage.
Alvars face turned the same shade of red as the sun kissed hair that Ivory had. Embarrassed for being called out after being late again. It was a common occurrence as Alvar would often be lost in practice, nearly missing a variety of events including his own name days.
"Sorry sir, I was-" Alvar didn't get very far before Sten cut him off.
"Practising, yes I know you Alvar, now. Are we ready to leave?" Looking over the rest of the troop, Sten ordered the gate guards to open up. The troop started checking their straps as the gate swung inward.
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"Did you fall asleep while meditating again?" Egil light-heartedly teased as he held his chariot reins tightly while Norne and Helga on each side held the rails and laughed along at Alvars expense. Even Arne on Alvars chariot couldn't help but laugh as the two late comers took their positions on the chariot readying themselves to leave. "You could sleep through the sky falling."
"I- I didn't fall asleep! I was deep in thought.." Alvar defended weakly as he held the Chariots side rail. Preparing himself for the ride down the hill and out into the grassy meadows below.
"Quit it, Egil, before I knock your head in." Ivory berated with one clenched fist waving at Egil in a threatening manner taking up the middle position with the reins of the chariot in her other hand.
This caused the other boys to laugh at Egil now for getting in trouble. Ivory was the best Disciple of the current generation so none of the other children usually messed with her. It made her the de facto leader of them. By now the gate was open and the pointman started out the portcullis.
"Alright Troops, forward march!" Sten gave the order to the rest of the troop. Spurring his Warhorse forward, Sten started out the gate with the rest of the horseman.
“Heya!” Both Ivory and Egil flicked their reins causing the chariots to lurch forward. The metal mountain goats pulled them along out the gate into the lively settlement beyond. The final few warhorses joined the end of the convoy as everyone left the compound.
The path through the outer village was a straight thoroughfare to the exit gate. Crowds of onlookers young and old alike marvelling at the impressive tall steads that rode passed. It was a rather common sight to see a few steads passing through on their way out of the village on official Asulf Clan business. The residents used to that occurrence so would keep the road clear lest they get caught up in Clan business. While the Clan was fair in their governance, no resident wanted to get on the bad side of the ruler valley.
Sten waved now and again on his way past residents as did the other guards. Ivory took the lead with Egil’s chariot falling to the rear. Alvar looked around the town in wonder. He didn't leave the manor much as when the other kids would go out after training. He would stay behind training as he always took training as priority over recreational activities.
The convoy soon left the village proper out the northern gate. Their destination was a mining town near the northern pass. Sten gave out orders for the convoy to speed up. Alvar and the rest held on tight as Ivory and Egil both complied with the order. The wind picked up as the Chariots raced down the hill after the thundering Warhorses onto the open meadow heading north on the main road through the valley.
Alvar idly watched Ulfberg grow smaller in the distance as the chariot sped along the packed earth road.
“What do you think they need Sten to be dispatched for?” Wanting to pass the time, he asked no one in particular.
“I heard something about a cave-in down the mines from one of the guardsmen while we waited for Ivory to get back." Arne replied while staring off at the valley walls in the distance.
"Not sure why they would have sent Uncle Sten for just a cave-in down the mines. There must be more to it. Cave-in can be dangerous but they don't require a warrior." Ivory speculated aloud as she drove the large mountain goats through their paces to keep up with the warhorses.
"Maybe we get to deal with a group of bandits, I can put my skills to the test and send those bastards packing!" Arne replied eagerly. His free hand clenched in passion. Arne was always looking for challenges to prove himself.
"Sten also has some authority. This will likely need a warrior's persuasion." Ivory's blue eyes blazed and smiled in a haunting manner. It unnerved Alvar to see that look on Ivorys face. It was one he saw all too often before he was beaten black and blue. She enjoyed fighting the most out of all the younger Clan members. Since no one else agreed to spar with her because of that, Alvar often got left with being her sparring partner.
"There's no way it's bandits." Alvar retorted. "Likely they need verification of something in the mine to report it first hand to the clan leader."
"You're too serious Alvar. Can't you just have fun with it?" Arne sighed at Alvars more probable explanation. "I want it to be exciting, not that boring stuff."
"You really like to pour cold water on a flame, don't you Alvar. However right you probably are." Ivory complained along with Arne at his constant reality checking. "Doesn't your blood sing for battle? You are meant to be a Asulf Clan Warrior. Don't tell me you are giving up!" She laughed.
Alvar didn't rise to their challenges. He sighed and returned to watching the grassy fields fly past listening to Ivory and Arne continue to talk about deeds of famous warriors from the valley and beyond.
—
The dust billowed behind the troop as it approached the Mining town causing the riders to slow their Metal Beast Warhorses to a trot with Sten taking the lead. Once the troop entered the walls, the guards pulled off to the side at the clan guard house while Sten and the chariots slowed to a stop at the end of the courtyard. The mining compound was rather empty as work had ceased for the day due to the issue that had required them to be sent over.
Sten dismounted with grace that belied his giant build, standing next to his Silver warhorse. He gave the creature a gentle rub on its neck. A warrior and their war beast would often form a strong attachment to one another. They would go through many battles together.
"Alright young ones. Settle in the beasts and wait for me on the deck once you're finished tending to them." Sten ordered while Alvar, Arne, Norme and Helga dismounted their respective chariots. Sten then signalled for Alvar or Arne to come take his reins. "Here. One of yous take Gustr's reins while I meet Old Odgar inside. Don't, cause trouble."
Sten handed the reins to Alvar on his way past up the steps. Ivory and Egil disembarked last, still holding the reins and pulled the goats to a feedlot next to the operation centre's front porch. Clearly intended for any visiting mount's necessities. Alvar followed them to the side, pulling Gustr behind him. The grey Silver Beast snorted in clear annoyance at being led somewhere by anyone but its master. It's light blue eyes glaring around for any signs of danger.
The others helped unhitch the Chariots from the Iron Goats and place them out of the way. Arne helped Alvar unsaddle Gustr with difficulty as the Warhorse towered over them. Once they settled the beasts, they decided to rest after their hour-long ride. They sat on the steps to wait for Sten to return.
“If it isn't the lofty Asulf Clan. Lazing about while we of the Asulfannarr toil away in your service!” A slight ridiculing voice called out from a corner of the wide courtyard causing them all to turn to see who said it. A brief flicker of rage passed through a couple of their eyes before they realised just who had called out to them.
“Why work when we can get our lowly servants, The Asulfannarr, to do it for us?!” Egil retorted with mock offence at the young boy and girl that were walking up to them with wide smiles. The two broke into laughter causing Egil to also start laughing. These two were Thrya and Torsten. They were members from the branch Clan of the Asulf Clan, The Asulfannarr Clan. The two boys were always like that, taunting each other in mock fights whenever they met. Torsten and Egil clasped arms and pulled each other into a quick embrace.
“Welcome Cousins. I thought I wouldn’t be seeing you all until the ceremony later this month. Is the Clan leader well? I saw Sten walking into operations, are you all here to help investigate the cave-ins?” Thrya welcomed them all before walking up to Ivory and clasped arms with her in greeting with another quick embrace. She and Ivory were good friends and both being fighting enthusiasts would often spar whenever they met if the situation allowed it.
“Thrya, Torsten, Thank you for your hospitality. Yes, the Clan leader is still the epitome of health.” Ivory politely said.
“We haven't been briefed but I dare say so. Not having problems with bandits, are you?” Arne piped in.
“What? Of course not. We can handle any riff raff of that sort on our own. No, the adults said something about finding an unnatural cavern. I think we are planning a small exploratory expedition to see if anything of value to be mined down there.” Torsten replied with vigour. The children gathered together to listen to Torstens report. The branch clan was in charge of overseeing the Mining Operation which kept them well funded. They receive ample resources from the main clan to foster warriors of their own, allowing Torsten and Thrya not lag behind the others in training. The clan is situated in a large manor on the edge of the Mining town.
“A small expedition? Do you think they will let us go down?” Alvar asked with curiosity.
“It's a bit of a waste if they have us all come here for nothing, don't you think?” Egil replied.
“Yeah, who knows what we will find.” Torsten smiled knowingly with Egil. The two were scheming like they usually did. Which would result in all of them getting in trouble if they cause trouble.
“If we do, you all better be on your best behaviour!” Ivory glared at them both with a stern expression. Even the branch members followed her lead as she usually dealt with the aftermath of Egil and Torstens antics. The two straightened and laughed awkwardly.