No Matter How Far

5. Nowan Murukisé

 "Tafari!" someone called before he could reach the gates. He turned to see the master of military strategy hurriedly striding towards him. Although the man had many years of experience more than him, technically, they were equals, but Tafari gave him a diffident bow nonetheless.

"Great master," he said.

"I am glad I caught you before you left. I forgot to give you something."

Tafari looked at him quizzically.

"I have received my medals. What else is there?"

"This." The master pulled a flower from a pocket in his robe and handed it to Tafari. The magnificent flower held a striking beauty, not unlike others he collected.

"A gift from the headmaster. He cultivates them. His own breed is only found here at the University. We heard of your quest." He said with a pleased smile. Embarrassment heated Tafari's face, but he tucked the flower into his pouch with the other two. He told preciously few people about his goals and only other students. The thought of the masters finding out disconcerted him. Tafari schooled his face.

"I thank you, great master and the headmaster, for this gift," Tafari said, keeping his voice level. The other man did not show if he had given any hint of his feelings.

"Have you given thought to where you might go after leaving us? Are you planning on returning to your homeland?"

"I have yet to decide, great master."

The pleased grin spread wider on the master's face.

"It is fortuitous that I caught you then. You see, I know of a group who could use a person of your considerable skills."

"I am not sure. I must continue on, with my...with my duty." The man put an arm around Tafari's shoulder, huddling him close.

"Yes, I understand. Adventure. Glory. A worthy name is what a young man like yourself seeks. I am correct?"

"Yes, great master. That is my goal."

"Good, these people will help. With them, you will find adventure and glory. The Nowan Murukisé are a company of such adventurers, and they seek out new challenges. It would be a perfect place for you until you decide you go home."

Tafari pondered this notion. A group of adventurers?

"Mercenaries, great master?"

"Oh no, nothing like that. They fight in service of the Ma'ké of Kalanduguba. They help the citizens of this great nation and those of the Ma'ké's allies." Tafari considered again. Who was he to question if the great master thought it was a worthy pursuit? Besides, he had few options at this time. Tafari agreed.

"Good, good. Their headquarters are just outside the Ma'ké's pavilion, on the city's north side. Of course, you could tell them I sent you, but I believe your graduation sash would be proof enough of your credentials." The master smiled broadly and nodded emphatically when Tafari informed him he would take up his suggestion. "Glory will be yours!"

Finding the headquarters of the Nowan Murukisé was reasonably straightforward. During his years at the University, he explored the great city at his leisure, whenever he wasn't too inundated with studying and researching. Not even the less than savory areas of the city, and this city had many, were unknown to him. He ventured to every corner. The Ma'ké was the leader of Kalanduguba and of the nation that shared its name. A descendant of Aristotle the Enlightened, his massive estate covered nearly the entire northern section of the city. A sprawling wall circled the entirety of the pavilion, a foreboding sandstone barrier with crenulated towers spaced along its length. A road lined with paving stones, wide enough for thirty people to stand shoulder to shoulder, separated the wall from the rest of the city, wrapping around the entire compound. Soldiers with cold hard eyes peering from underneath burnished helmets stalked the tops of the border with long spears or stood sentry at one of the pavilion's three main gates. Their helmets were shaped like the heads of roaring lions with black plumes imitating a lion's mane. At the tops of each tower, archers waited, heads covered with hoods in the shape of birds and arrows notched to their bows.