Ikrei P.O.V.

We were resting in a small clearing beyond the hunter town inside the Andara Forest.

Lady Freslia came over to our squad after surveying the surroundings.

“Everyone looks better with a change of clothes.” She said scanning the group.

“It was getting burdensome to wear shabby scraps when going about.” Ciel clarified.

Everyone but me agreed with nods.

I would have settled for clean clothes, not the elaborate dark blue cloak I was wearing with matching shirt and pants to boot. My belt looked out of place being brownish in color.

“I believe proper introductions are in order, let’s start with you Ciel.” Freslia indicated.

A slender, pretty faced blonde girl stood up. She was a looker, well-toned muscles just enough to catch your eye. Nevertheless, after being around Freslia and Alzra, my standards were being skewed beyond normal reason.

“My name is Ciel, I am trained as a beginner scout and like you I have awakened in this dreaded nation. I’ve been friends with our rapacious hero over there for a bit. I’ll say no more since you know Andurian women like things private.” She said politely and sat back down.

The one she pointed out was the handsome looking young man in front of me. He had a strong build, I could definitively use some of his bulging muscles.

“Well, my name is Krigsain and Ciel and I used to train under the tutelage of her grandfather. Mostly in secret at late hours of the night on this very mountain range even. I’m whatever you need me to be, scout, tanker, spear head and a bit of a healer. I’ll be looking forward to being your training partner. He said while glancing at us, the two remaining boys.

He skillfully played with a knife. He had the aura of a leader, I thought.

So young and dexterous yet I am so far.

“These type of encounters can develop an inferiority complex.”

Before I could react the boy next to me spoke. Looking at him without the shabby clothing I noticed he was skinnier than me. He had taken a book out of his bag. Yes, most certainly the bookworm type.

“I’m Iru and I was personally scouted by our lady Claimere here. Living in the Malgrunian Kingdom is stifling to somebody like me. And I’ll keep my talents to myself but I can be a healer in this party if the need arose. I like books, tea and a good chat. Just not about cooking please.” He saluted everyone again.

“I’m Ikrei and I awakened in an incomplete state by chance as the Will of all wills responded, so I am the non-awakened one here. Grew up near this forest all my life, hunted and scavenged for everything I could lay my hands on and I was almost forcefully dragged here by yours truly.” I said as I pointed my index finger at the Claimere.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

“Ahem.” Coughed Freslia.

“Since we are starting from scratch let’s talk basics, what are the seven precepts of the Andurin? Each one of you that answers must also give your condensed understanding of it so far.” Freslia said and sat down on a nearby rock to listen.

“My type of game. I’ll start. First precept is choice, above all things choice. Meaning the all-encompassing power and beauty of creation. Look at all the colors of the world, only the eyes of the truly awakened can see them and like the many colors so are men, the more varied the colors the more beautiful it all is. “

“This combines with the second precept, creation is one and creation just is. The origin is one, we all come from it and it exists inside of us and without us. We are creation but we are not the masters of it.” Iru said cheerfully.

“That was a mouthful and those were two precepts Iru.” Nodded Freslia

“Not bad bookie bookie. You do have some brains in there.” Ciel said.

“My turn, the third precept, bring unto remembrance forgo arrogance and ignorance, within yet without.”

“That is to remember things that were, the reincarnation of the soul through learning, the power is inside you yet far from you, difficult to attain.” Ciel said.

“Very good goldilocks, never thought you had it in you.” Pestered Krigsain.

I just sat there silently hearing and rethinking everything I knew from my father and my own understanding.

“The fourth precept, eyes be opened. That is to awaken and see the world for what it is.” Krigsain plainly.

“That was rather crude and simplistic, you brute.” Ciel said laughing.

“I just do it, no need to wobble and dabble. You just lack instinct.” Krigsain countered laughing as well.

“Next.” Said Freslia with her fist on her chin.

“Fifth precept, existence is illusory yet binding. The world beyond is greater than the world that is. To know there is more yet constrained in this mortal coil.” I said while looking around for approval.

“Not bad newbie not great either but you will do for now.” Iru said next to me.

Somehow that made me very glad.

“Sixth precept. Life is a furnace, the path unending. Meaning, the cycle of reincarnation is as eternal as you will it. Sacrifices must be made, prices to be paid and like the fire of the furnace, we, the metals of spiritual existence are continuously reshaped and reformed perpetually in cycles eternally growing.”

“I dumbed it down this time for the newbie here and the brute over there.” Iru explained.

That brought a chuckle out of Freslia.

“Seventh precept. Live and let live, be your brother’s keeper and freedom is paid in blood.”

“Summarizing some of it for you, do not harm those that do not harm you. Guard and protect each other, walkers of the path, the Kotari. There is strength in numbers because of what you are and what you know. You will always be hunted. The tribulations come and go but your bonds are eternal.”

“There is more but this will suffice for now. Remember to read The Seachar, the seven books that represent each precept when you have the time.” She said that looking directly at me.

“Gather in a meditation circle and recite the principles in the Andurian tongue. Meditate diligently. Ikrei watch and learn the tongue of your ancestors.” She ordered me.

“Go ahead, I’ll keep watch, we will leave at sundown.” Freslia said to everybody.

I sat in a lotus position like everyone else forming a circle and slowly but surely let myself immerse in the chanting. Listening attentively and trying to repeat the words little by little. Not being so lonely, forming part in a small gathering and having someone to share this new undertaking was immensely refreshing.

It was a pleasant feeling.

And like that the hours passed until sundown came.

“We rested enough. Ciel, scout ahead but not too far watch out for everything. Let’s get going guys. We are moving south through the forest.”

“We are going home!” Said the guys excitedly.

A home, a new home? There’s an idea.