The young boy sat on his Ramid. His father had given it to him as a young boy. The country only had a few riders. But they were fearsome. Well feared. The main populace were still dedicated swordsmen.
The boy's name was Vazras. He had lived with his family his whole life. When Fasra called for people to answer the call, Vazras, like many, could not resist the idea of adventure. Vazras had promptly gotten on his beast a clammered off. Carrying his spear, sword in his belt, and quiver on his back, he marched off. Meeting up with several other riders they marched on.
They arrived at the city of Diliculo. The boys saw an officer. Riding a fearsome the largest Ramid they had everseen. Behind him hundreds of boys were practicing sword and fighting techniques.
"What premise do you have to coming to Diliculo?" The officer bellowed.
"We seek to become riders of the Myocaca cavalry. We were told to come here."
The officer smirked, "What do you fear? Do you wake up in the middle night? Do you here the ominous screams. The pain the blood. The burning blade the senseless killing. Have you experianced these things? Many believe that only a sense of mindless killing is need to be a rider. It takes discipline, cunning, swordplay, marksmanship, and most of all a spiritual connection with your beast.
One of love. To be a true warrior to know fear. You have no idea what you have just walked into."
"No matter the words you say or the punishment you inflict will turn me away from my true goal."
The officer chuckled. He dismounted and then Vazrasresponded in kind. He walked up and stared into his eyes. Drilling into his head. He looked motionless as Vazras looke hardened as well. "Make me one promise before I let you anyfurther. Once you join, you will never be the same. Your times at home will be over. Sure you might return a war hardened hero. But you won't be able to escape. The only comfort you will have is your aging Ramid. Slowly you will shrivel like all things do. Make me the promise that you will not turn your back on me."
"I will not be sent back empty handed."
"Good, your training begins now. Fetch me the feather of a Vaascal[1]."
"How am I to do that?"
"You are the one to decide that, but give me all your weapons and you mustn't kill the bird, for the true warrior can defeat his enemy without laying one blow. Do not worry your Ramid will be taken to the stable and fed."
Dazed Vazras ran off into the forest determined to become a true warrior. The other men, swordsmen were sent to the teacher to learn martial arts under Master Quas. The other hopeful Ramid Riders were given the same task as Vazras.
Vazras would not return until late at night followed over the next 2 hours by the others little by little. Exhausted Vazras fell onto Ramid ready to sleep. The officer came quickly and woke the boy up.
"You shocked me. No one has ever done it that fast. Tomorrow will be even harder."
OOC: More stories coming
[1] exotic bird. Lives high in the trees and blends well in the foliage but holds a very bright plumage.