Life and Death in Virtigia -- 5th and 6th Chronicles
the 5th chronicle
The fifth chronicle tells of the forming of the Conscript, a military unit comprised of all able-bodied man hinds of full build and whichsoever able-bodied woman hinds of full build as desired to join. In front of the 23 members of the Conscript -- 18 men, 5 women -- Strykos gave a stirring speech from the Mighty Oak. The Law saluted them three times with his sword.
The Witch Enschantara initiated each individual conscripted in private, in her scrying chamber. From the moment of their initiation forward, each member of the Conscript was no longer to be known or addressed as 'hind.' Now they were all 'elders.'
Strykos and his inner circle were known at that Time to say: "Respect your elders."
The Conscript were given an alcoholic fermented milk around the fire-pits that night. A barn owl presided over the merry-making from another nearby oak.
There was much laughter that night, but before dawn the Conscript were back on their feet and ready for War Games.
the 6th chronicle
The sixth chronicle tells of the departure of a War Party. In past times, War Parties were selected once every moon cycle. They were selected of the hinds, and the selected War Party would surveil surrounding territories and hunt game to feed Virtigia for the coming moon. No two War Parties were ever the same.
When the weavers and the smiths had finished clothing and fitting with armor all the elders, the Conscript presented itself to Virtigia on the Eastern slopes. The Witch Enschantara sang Glory Tunes. We the rest of the hinds made note of the curious fact that the Conscript had presented itself in two distinct groups, standing apart a full five paces. Both groups had distinct uniforms, and both groups stood under a different banner.
When the Witch Enschantara had finished, and the crowd had finished its hoorays, Strykos spoke. He announced the latest War Party, which was to depart before daybreak. Then he announced the splitting of the Conscript into two loyal factions -- the Clan of the Wolf, and the Clan of the Badger. Strykos himself, as leader to the Clan of the Wolf, would be leading his wolf brethren on the War Party.
The Clan of the Badger, with Darius as its leader, would be staying behind to guard over Virtigia. Handsome Darius spoke next. He swore loyalty to Strykos and his wolf compatriots. Then he swore loyalty to the hinds of Virtigia. Next he swore loyalty to his badger brethren. Lastly, he promised to protect Virtigia to the best of his abilities in the stead of our beloved Strykos.
Many words were uttered that night -- be they solemn, amorous, or otherwise -- between elders and their lovers. Tracts could be written of those conversations, had they not occurred under the obscurity of whispers in the privacy of huts. Tracts of such terrible poignancy.
By dawn, the Clan of the Wolf was gone.
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