After leaving behind the people of Anacostia, my wandering nature decided to take me to a place I'd longed to visit. I wanted to see the capital, to visit Polis. I had heard stories from my father about the grand tower, the vibrant amount of life and of course its haven for trade.
The woods surrounding the capital were off limits to hunters. These were The Commanders woods and only Heda could hunt there. Beyond that my arrows could take their aim.
I had been tracking a large stag for over an hour. He was fast and wise, evading me at every turn. Eventually I tracked him to a stream. As he paused to drink I made my approach. I watched him for a while. He was bold and majestic, but mature enough to have led a long life. To kill something before it had a chance to experience the world was against my way.
I held my breath as I took my aim, my heart was beating rhythmically as I exhaled and released my arrow. It was a direct hit, my aim as accurate as ever. He bolted into the trees. I followed the trail of blood to find the beast on the ground, his breathing shallow. As I took my knife to ease him into death, his head lashed up at me, one of his antlers catching me in the face. He nearly knocked me out, but as the blood dripped from my head I had a duty to forget my pain and relieve the stag of his.
"Yu gonplei ste odon!" I uttered these words as my knife ended his life. My apologies great beast, but this is the way of our world. Your flesh, your fur, your bones will be used wisely.
There was never a moment I felt disconnected from my kill, from the land around me. The way of Ingranronakru was about balance, we take only what we need and respect what nature provides. I was always incredibly proud of my people, their strength of heart, the fire they carried .
As wiped most of the blood from my face, my head throbbed with pain but it was a small price to pay for a hunter. Standing to my feet I breathed in the forest air, taking time to contemplate my next step.
From here my journey to trade in Polis began. I'd finally see the great Capital of my ancestors, the seat of The Commander. From here my life would never be the same.
