He was Almost Absorbed by the System

Chapter One Hundred And Forty One - In The Face Of Tradition

It had been far too long since the Village had received such a large number of Exiles, the Chief was both delighted and worried.  There was never anything wrong in having fresh blood introduced into the family lines, but people from the underworld kingdom also did not share the same views; such a large group could disturb the current balance of things.  He was not wrong in his assumption and he always knew that one day the village would face such trials and perhaps compromise, he just hoped that he would not be the one having to deal with the consequences.  The Record Keeper, on the other hand, was nothing but delighted.

The first point that the newcomers clarified was that they were not in fact Exiles, they had left of their own accord.  They did not and would not follow the traditions of the village simply as they did not need to village to survive.  If the village would not accept them and their views, they would simply move on.  As the Witch was not only in agreement, but hinted that he would follow the newcomers and as the Record Keeper had long disagreed with the current marital traditions for his own reasons, the Chief found he had no choice but to agree with their conditions.

It was announced during a full village gathering that the youngsters had opted out of the marital tradition and did not wish to be pursued by the Elders in expectation.  The other Elders were not pleased with this.  "We have followed these traditions for years, the old protect the young, the young serve the old, why must this change due to the views of a few arrogant brats?" Elder Barkridge demanded to know.  He had not long married his current wife, but on seeing the beautiful young man who was not yet of age and now the curvy young woman who was, he saw no reason not to wed again.

"I agree," Elder Calarook said as several of his fellows also voiced united opinions.

"Um, there is something important that I have not shared with you," Seven advised them, standing up beside the Chief.  Silence fell over the crowd, his softly spoken voice would not reach them if they continued to chatter and grumble.  The Chief nodded and allowed the young man to stand on the large stump that served as the podium.  "Some of you have asked why my family is named with numbers, what I tell you now is the reason for that and why you should respect out views.  We were raised to be assassins, paid to kill others."  Immediately, this caused a mixed uproar, some were fearful, some questioned their youth for who would send children to commit such bloody acts?  Some said nothing, wondering what this had to do with breaking village traditions.

Once the crowds quietened down a little, Seven continued.  "It was not a kind upbringing and all of us are more than a little broken.  We can't help but feel little or nothing for our victims for should we have dared to, we would have met our own deaths.  In fact, if you insist on pushing us too far, I cannot guarantee that you will not find yourselves on the ends of our blades.  We need time in order that we can find our own places in the village as we would prefer it if we could stay.  But we absolutely do not feel that we need too.  We know we will survive on our own so if you truly cannot accept that we will not be forced into following nonsense traditions, we will simply leave."

"What nonsense?" Elder Rootfern asked.  "These traditions were put in place to make the Village stronger and ensure its continuation.  Do not attempt to belittle them, just because you disagree with them!"

"Our marital tradition," Elder Blackthorn stood in Seven's place and began to argue, "was indeed put in place for such reasons, during a time when there were few brides to go around and when advanced age was seen as proof of strength and the ability to survive in the surface world.  However, it is hardly necessary now.  In fact, I have despised this for many years.  Do you know how many shameless men have asked me to overlook them pursuing a cousin or even a niece?  That is not the behaviour of a man seeking to ensure our village survives, that is pure self satisfaction."