Author: Julian Miles, Staff Writer

Oldun Peters takes a sip from his goblet, then raises it to the heavens.
“First for the body, second for the soul.”
People nod, but fewer and fewer copy him like I do.
He gives everyone a gap-toothed smile.
“What shall I tell of tonight?”
The little ones shout for ‘The Bear and the Piper’. Peters nods. I decide it’s time to check the watch posts.
“Once there was a fierce brown bear…”
His voice fades behind me. I’ve heard that tale nearly every night of my life. The telling of it gives me enough time to walk the outer path and be back in time for the big ones getting their turn at requests.
I hear him ask the question as I approach.
“What shall I tell of next?”
I shout.
“Of the first Time of Choosing and the Edict of Warriors.”
In the silence that follows, he waits for me to be seated, an uncommon courtesy. I nod my thanks.
“Once we were a world at war with ourselves, fighting over every little thing. Then the Shining Ones came down and told us why: we existed to fight. Lasting peace is against our natures, and against the will of those who placed us here. We savour the peace between battles, but it is the battles that put meaning upon us. That is what the Shining Ones offered. Our chance to be as we were meant to be. That first Time of Choosing was celebrated to the high heavens and back. Our greatest took service under the Silver Banners and went up into the golden vessels. Those who were left saw what remained and went to their Olduns for truth to be realised.
“They conferred amongst one another in a peace like none before, and in so doing came to the great understanding: we are born to be warriors in places far from here. The countless chariots, wagons, and warbirds we had cultivated were like children’s toys. We did not need them anymore. To be the best warriors we could be, to train and work in creating a land fit for the champions to return to. That is what is needed. The Edict of Warriors laid it out for generations to come, and they set it in stone and metal above the Choosing Grounds that it never be lost. We can never let our champions down. One day, we will share the joy of a warrior returned.”
I see nods from those nearest to him.
He looks about.
“I must confess that I asked Derkla to request these tellings. Out of all of us, only those who follow him have the potential to become Chosen. The rest of you need to become better.”
Hard eyes are turned towards me.
Peters laughs contemptuously.
“Stay your anger. I am only a herald.”
A figure steps from the shadows behind Peters. Gauntleted hands reach up to lift the dark helm that tops grey and blue armour.
“Tanogar!”
Peters claps his hands.
“We have our first warrior returned: a champion come to choose companions from their homeland.”
The green eyes I’ve remembered through smoke and summers fix on me.
“Let me save strife before celebrating. Peters spoke my words, and in proof I will take Derkla and all who follow him as my company. You all know what he does, you know how he leads, you know what he expects of those who follow him. So now you know what you must become to be Chosen.”
Given the looks I’m getting now, I’m glad to be going.