Warrior of the Stars- Book one of the Jay Shang Chronicles

Chapter 7-One of Us Now

Chapter 7 - One of Us Now

Jay spent the remainder of his afternoon following Damon around the campsite learning about the types of training he would be doing and what kinds of weapons he would be using. He watched in astonished horror as squads of boys ranging from ages as young as five, up through fifteen performed training exercises in perfect synchronization.

Each of their movements were precise; perfectly timed to lock with their sparring partner's counters.

"That's our form of martial arts, Brendu. It's named after the God who created it. You'll be starting with them tomorrow." Damon explained. "You have to hear our legends first, and learn about the Old Religion. In order to be the best warrior you can be, you must understand what we stand for and who we worship."

Jay was quickly learning that what Meriki had said was true, that the Kimanche highly valued old legends and used them to rationalize their way of life. He just couldn't understand how any sort of old story could possibly have convinced so many people, from so many different cultures, to so vehemently convert to this strange and violent religion.

He also learned that the majority of weapons used by the Kimchanes required the use of both hands. The main three types used were dual swords, a double-ended serrated scythe, and longbows of varying draw weight.

Jay was drawn to the dual swords the most. He found them beautiful, with their blades of polished steel and linen wrapped hilts. Unfortunately, the swords were longer than Jay's arms and very heavy. He could barely lift them off the ground, let alone properly wield them.

They were stored in a double scabbard that could be worn in one of four ways; staggered on one hip, one sword on each hip, or slung diagonally or in an "X" across your back. The straps on the scabbard issued to Jay had a broken clasp, so he couldn't adjust it properly and it hung loosely from his thin frame.

The serrated blades of the double-ended scythe were wickedly curved, which according to Damon, were for hooking the limbs and internal organs of an enemy and then severing or ripping them out.

This and the dual blades involved a sort of twirling and flipping fighting style. Jay thought it looked like a deadly dance.

The longbow he was given was a half foot shorter than Jay himself. Damon told him his draw weight would start at twenty pounds and would go up as his strength progressed. His arrows were double-headed, making them impossible to pull out of a wound. It took him a couple tries to learn how to properly string his bow and his forearms had gotten slashed several times by the rebound of the cord.

Between that, the cut from Lynwee, and the incessant throbbing of his tattoo, Jay was feeling exhausted and lightheaded. He wished he had something to eat or maybe even a nap, but knew that wasn't an option. He settled for following Damon around as his tour of the camp continued.

***

Finally, night fell and Jay was escorted by Damon to a large bonfire in the center of camp. It was surrounded by twenty or so large, powerful looking men and women. He guessed that they were the elders and highest ranking officers in the camp. They all wore heavy animal furs draped across their bodies. Whatever skin that was bare was painted with strange, swirling symbols. They reminded Jay of claws climbing up and down their bodies.

Silence fell as Jay approached the fire. It continued for several long moments until a hunched figure wearing a feathered cloak finally spoke.

"Who represents this boy to the Gods of the Old Religion?" boomed the man's deep, resounding voice. Jay swore he could feel it vibrating in his bones.