The Final Warriors Ceremony. (1)

The atmosphere and tension inside Shitu shrine was almost palpable. The top brass were holed up in an emergency meeting. This meeting was proving taxing taking into account the mounting tensions outside of Shitu shrine, between Mariani and Lekuta villages.

Following the extra ordinary head scribe meeting that lasted hours, several rules were passed down. All grudges and internal scuffles were henceforth banned within the shrine. Shitu shrine prided itself in bringing together the most promising talents of the two communities and making warriors out of them.

Any clashes apart from normal training would be treated with extreme prejudice and any and all participants involved would be shamefully disqualified and be labelled outcasts from Shitu and from both communities as well.

The extremity of the new rules produced the intended deterrence immediately.

The next day the heavily bandaged Johari Tembo and Moseti Kalibari were summoned to the Supreme Head Scribes yard. A move that surprised all as that particular yard was strictly off limits to initiates and scribes alike. Only the respected head scribes enjoyed access to this revered yard but they too had to be summoned.

It was unknown the kind of discussion that took place but afterwards the two rivals maintained a level of civility and distance.

It was in this atmosphere that the young warriors completed the last phase of weapons training. After many moons and sunrises the young warriors slowly but surely perfected the art of the spear and sword as well as training in the bow and arrow.

On the last day of training, the proud young warriors lined up before the three head scribes who inspected each and every one of them with satisfied expressions.

The young warriors were informed that they were nearing the end of their stay in Shitu shrine. They were instructed to rest for a fort night then the final warrior ceremony would commence. This would take place inside the Supreme Head Scribes official yard!

*****

D.Day Arrived.

*Inside Supreme Head Scribe Ole Gatu's Yard.

The large quiet yard that was usually devoid of people was in full capacity today. For many it was their first time to step into the great esteemed elders premises. The pathways and scenery inside was pristine and quiet.

At the very top sat Ole Gatu on his large majestic oak seat looking down at everyone and everything. Next to him his three trusted head scribes sat solemnly, below them their deputies and further below sat the various scribes in charge of day to day proceedings of Shitu Shrine.

Ahead of them was a large spectacular stage set up for the final warrior ceremony that would culminate the long arduous warrior training that had taken many months of hard work and input from the entire shrine as well as the young warriors.

On the far right of the stage was a large rack of weapons. The refined steel from the warrior spears and swords gleamed and glinted with unusual sharpness. On the far left of the stage, all the participating young warriors stood proudly. They wore fervent looks of excitement and pride. Their eyes shone with ambition and anticipation.

It had been nothing but hard sweat and pain for them to be standing there today and each of them held onto their lofty warrior dreams and hopes.

All these would come true this very day. This was what they had been working towards ever since they first stepped into Shitu shrine. Head scribe Ole Gatu turned and nodded towards head scribe Kondobia and the sturdy mountain of a man got up and walked towards the final stage to begin the long awaited proceedings.

"This is the final stage of your warrior training. On this very stage you will bring forth all that you have learnt so far as warriors. Depending on your performances you will be officially ranked and bestowed upon warriorship." His voice boomed striking deep the hearts of the young warriors.

"This final ceremony is straight forward. Each of you will face a warrior scribe on this stage. You are allowed to choose your preferred weapons from the weapons rack on your left."

"Your goal is today future warriors is to engage your opponents in fierce battle. Your opponents will show you no mercy."

Head scribe Kondobia held out his muscular arm to display a medium sized hemp rope that had two knots tied on it.

"This will be your timer. When you step up on this stage, this fire resistant Kholi thorn tree hemp rope will be lit and it will slowly burn upon this happening."

"Anyone who is defeated before this Kholi thorntree rope has burned up to its first knot will be deemed a failure. Anyone who is able to hold out until it burns through to its first knot shall have passed the first stage."

"Here you will be given a choice, to either continue with the fight or to stop at this point. Anyone who continues and holds out until the second knot shall have passed the second stage."

"All who reach the second phase and still wish to continue will be given a chance to do so as well."

"Any questions!" Head scribe Kondobia's huge voice explained the final ceremony and asked curtly. His stern gaze passed through the young warrior ranks. Although he had asked the question at the end, it was unerringly obvious that he would not entertain any questions.

This was the final warrior ceremony after all and non-sensical queries would not be tolerated. Pleased by the complete silence the young warriors displayed he continued.

"Of course those of you who are able to incapacitate their opponents will receive the highest qualification."

"These capable individuals will be left behind for the ultimate warrior ceremony under the guidance of our supreme head scribe." The head scribe ignored the obvious change the last piece of information had brought about in the young warriors faces.

"Alright! Lets get on with it. You shall enter the stage according to the numbers which were previously handed out to you as you entered."

"Remember this is what you all have been training so hard for!"

"You will get no second chances."

"Show us what a warrior is made of!" Head scribe Kondobia concluded and walked back to his seat.

"Let the final warrior ceremony begin."

*****