The dark brown eyes of the stranger weren’t themselves intimidating. It was the raw power they conveyed .

I felt naked and vulnerable in front of him as he could see trough everything I tried to hide and for a moment I was scared the manual could be felt through my Clothes.

Not bad for someone from the wilderness. I realized, to my relief, that he couldn't.

You are on your way to the scarlet realm already. You might even reach the fifth step of the qi condensation stage. The nasal voice in my head sounded patronizing and put a damper on my imagination.

Cultivators weren't more wise or noble than mortals. Another good lesson to learn early.

My lessons with third uncle covered etiquette thankfully. So despite my thoughts I hid my feelings.

Many thanks senior! I sent while bowing and clasping my hands in salute.

“Good! You may refer to me as senior Ma, Junior Hansa.” he said sounding quite satisfied. Senior Ma then reported his impression to the taxman in a low voice.

The old official was the one that made the decision if I could join the military. Even if it was a foregone conclusion; protocol was an important factor in the Empire.

Feeling nervous inside but smiling outside I led the group inside as others tended to the horses and the ox carts.

Clan leader Sorokin seemed relaxed as he greeted the taxman and senior Ma and led them towards the main hall as I walked beside them.

The retinue of warriors and scribes went to each of the houses in search of hidden taxable goods and the officials went to the school were our ledgers were kept.

The banquet was held as soon as the official part was done and everybody could relax a bit while the village centre was filled with the tents of our guests.

While the food was less plenty than in the summer it was still tasty as Sour Cabbage, squash stew and mutton filled our bellies. The heated wine relaxed and warmed from the inside and a festive mood slowly filled the hall.

Some of the Soldiers said it was the best time to march and the scribes might complain about sleeping in tents but the wine always make the trip worth.

Tongue loosened by wine I started to ask question about Cultivation beyond the basics but senior Ma blocked the attempts.

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He was more curious about myself and the Clan, and in hindsight he might have looked into clues if something fishy was going on.

Still my answers about my family and clan made him seem somewhat envious; I later found out why. Our conversation came to an halt; not knowing what was left to say I wandered of to say goodbye to my clan.

Sorokin was eating some stew when I came upon his throne.

“Ah the time for the goodbye! You are representing the clan remember that. Take care boy and stay out of trouble.”

Saron added some more tips for the “Savant Axe” before he hugged me and slapped my back.

Even Ohnir came and grumbled his goodbyes. He was still mad but he came to understand that we didn't intend to humiliate him.

when I came to the elders I was emotional and I was quite touched. With tears in my eyes I said goodbye to some I knew I might never see again. Grandfather was touched as well, he spent the recent days visiting us often as if to carve my face into his memory.

The shamans gave me a charm each. One to protect me and one so the spirits would always recognize me.

The dogs came and people made some room for them. Charcoal promised me to take care of Nee and I respectfully met the top of his head with my brow.

I made my rounds. I was making jokes, clasping hands, sung with some and danced till it was time for me to head home.

Meditating for the last time in the house I grew up in; content and slightly drunk I closed my eyes and chanted the verses of the water lily technique.

When the morning came I was already ready my things packed into my pack; I donned my hunters cape and the hatchet and bow. The people I am going to meet in the city already knew where I come from and I want to show them that I was proud of that.

Then it was time to go. My family met outside on the wooden porch.

I remember Nee joking with tears in her eyes:

“Here I thought I was the first to leave the clan. At least you bested me once Twerp. I'll miss you.”

I grinned and hugged her tightly. My parents managed to say so much without words.

The gentle brushing of my cheek from Mom and her eyes told me of her love. While fathers hand gave me confidence and his hug was strong and firm. it told me of his pride in me.

MY younger sibling were sniffing but tried bravely to hold their tears. I however couldn't. I hugged them, tears freely flowing now.

Regaining my composure and turning my back I made my way towards the Village centre.

When I met up with the tax man's caravan the preparation for departure were almost complete. The horses were fed and brushed and the oxen under the yoke of their car.

We departed from the south exit while the robbers and wing mouse made their daily trek towards the woods. Filling the air with fire, while the earth was covered in misty haze.

Cold winter air that smelled of decay filled our nostrils and the breath of beast and man came out in clouds

We made good time till we left the wooden road of the bogs and entered the sandy path towards the Narra Clan. In my pack was a letter from my mom well wishes to friends and family and another letter from Sorokin; regards for our allies and friends.

The Narra Clan Village was dvided in half by the same stream that ran behind our Village. Their Moat filled with water and only palisades protecting the houses. They looked like grass covered arrowheads that were left by some unknown giants.

The Narra Clan were famous trader and fishermen the bogs north of them their source of herbs and peat while the swamp that surrounded the rest filled with paddy fields.

They too had a main hall, a village centre and a school, which was not surprising since they came up with the idea of building schools in the three clan meeting. Their streets were cobbled with stone and reminded me of the source of their wealth.

The Narra became the broker selling Hansa pelts and herbs into the city and the Brohar secured water and landways while food and money flooded north.

They even sponsored the Brohar Clan School all those years ago. A fine political move, Grandfather once told me. It knitted the fates of the three clans further together.

What was once poor illiterate tribes were now subjects of the Empire and starviation became a rarity.

After our dealings in the beautiful Narra Village we then made our way. I will soon for the first time in my life, see a city and enter the military.