Each day of school began with religious instruction and prayers. Writing and reading took place at the same time as religious instruction for the two younger classes. A priest was always present to support the teachers.
Raen liked to write the very demanding script, which was not easy to learn, but could not be surpassed in the beauty of every single letter. Like all children, it would take him at least four years to master them for normal use. And everyone attached the same importance to it, even if one or the other might later not need to write.
After a short break, I continued with the teaching of how to behave towards one's fellow human beings. This consisted of two books: The Rules of Community and the Canon of Honor.
“So, my dear children,” the teacher began and raised his index finger, “what are the first three virtues that the rules of the community teach us?”
“Modesty, obedience and diligence!” Replied the chil
Suddenly the sun disappeared behind a cloud and shadows penetrated the trees. The undergrowth rustled and the white horses became restless. All pairs of ears were focused on the noise in order to investigate its cause. It rustled again, and a loud snort came from the same direction. The bushes parted and a peculiar red horse broke out of it, head drooping. At the touch of the horse, the leaves of the bushes immediately began to wither. And even where his hooves met the ground, the fresh green gave way to withered brown. The white horses tossed their heads up and neighed excitedly when the red horse came up to them. Yes, it really was a strange red for a horse, something like that of crushed raspberries. And there seemed to be something wrong with the fur, it was strangely damp. Drops of red fell from mane and tail. It had to be color. But who painted a horse red? The horse lowered its head again and shook itself. Small droplets flew through the forest, hit fern leaves, tree bark and
Roman didn't say much when Alea told him about Raen that evening. A vague hunch came over him, but he didn't let it show. For the past few years he had hoped the oracle might have been wrong. That Raen was a perfectly normal kid and would grow up to be a normal member of society. But with this event, this hope received its first fine crack. Or maybe it was just a one-off curiosity, a coincidence. Secretly, however, Roman knew better. There were no coincidences. He hung his shoulders and looked out the window into the twilight. He wondered, worried, where it was all going?“Don't worry, Alea,” he said at last, “Raen probably just glanced into the slaughterhouse without permission and can't get the pictures out of his head.”“Then talk to him about it again, Roman. You know how people talk about us if he doesn't stop. Explain it to him. ”“ Yes, I will, I promise, ”he soothed Alea's fear, while his own restlessness f
Katthike forgot his solemn expression and began to smile widely. That was what he wanted to achieve! Not that salivating meant that much to him, but the empire was easier to rule when the people admired its king.While Katthike was happy about his success, that of Kanaima failed to materialize. Despite great inner tension, the young prince tried to appear calm and he pretended to be interested in the solemn events downstairs in the arena. But all his senses were focused on Setna to the right. It couldn't really be long before the chair would give way, because the little, never calm whirlwind was playing around on it.To the great joy of the mob, Katthike finally opened the actual tournament, and the warriors marched into the arena to enthusiastic cheers. Kanaima continued to squint to the right. But nothing happened. The chair stopped.The sword fighters began and everyone cheered. The fighting was not about life or death, although fatal injuries were frequent.
The last four shooters competed against each other. With their short, curved bows, they shot the arrows accurately into the straw discs more than seventy paces away. And every time an arrow hit the black, only fist-sized center, the audience cheered enthusiastically. The winner of this competition was also a man from the closest ranks of the king, which was no wonder, because Katthike was always careful to only surround himself with the best warriors of his country, whom he used to select for himself with a sure and trained eye .Kanaima yawned at the award ceremony. He really didn't care for archers. He definitely preferred the direct fight in the face of the enemy! He glanced up at the palace towers, but nothing moved there. Setna stayed away.With the oppressive feeling of having failed, he endured the next exhibition fights. He just couldn't take pleasure in the festivities any more, even if his sister on the other side tried again and again to cheer him up by clic
But Kanaima could not have political reasons, he was still too young for that and had too little knowledge of this business. Katthike stroked her beard. Kanaima was his unloved son. He was crippled, but he wasn't stupid. He had certainly understood what the appointment of Setna as heir to the throne meant to him. Katthike hit her forehead with the palm of her hand. Naturally! It was amazing! He was almost proud of Kanaima. Unscrupulous little devil! This calculating callousness. And that at his tender age. Remarkable! But unfortunately also dangerous. Dangerous for Setna. The heir to the throne had to be protected at all costs, so demanded not only his own plans, but also the prophecy of the oracle. What were the words like? “Protect one son well, Katthike, because he is the son of fate! He will decide the future for your people; Then the light of Askhar will be united with the lights of this world. ”Katthike had to admit that this was obviously not sufficiently the case
A few days later, a small group of tourists left the palace. Kanaima said goodbye to his sister without shame amid a flood of tears and secretly swore that one day he would take revenge on his father for all that he had done to him and Laika.The king stood by the small group and looked at him distantly. Not a word of farewell came from his self-righteous lips. Fortunately, Setna wasn't there. With all her heart Kanaima wished the plague to both of them. He turned silently away and got on his horse.When the little escort, consisting of servants, soldiers and pack horses, was finally out of sight of the heavily fortified royal castle and the big city took them into its crowded streets, Kanaima suddenly felt relieved. He was outside, for the first time really away from the palace, which was overflowing with the venom of the snakes that he sheltered. Kanaima took a deep breath. He had to be strong now. At some point he would return here and settle accounts with all the r
And so it was that every third day of his free time, Raen would go to the temple right after school. And since this was the limit of the exception granted by the clan council, he then had to do his work for the community like all the other children of the chorten. But that didn't matter much to Raen. Even if this meant that he was less able to be with Hereke, he soon enjoyed going to the temple, where he had made a new friend - in fact there were two. And gradually the laughter returned to his face.Although he had often been to the temple with his parents before, it was only now that the deep, solemn calm that radiated the sanctuary was revealed to him, and he could not escape the mysterious power that magically lured him there. Even at school in the morning, he was looking forward to going to the temple in the afternoon. On the way home he sang especially happily. When he arrived at the chorten, he separated from the other children, who were still busy making appointments t
Loenka was very impressed by the boy's talent, who at the age of seven was already able to do what an adult could only do after many months of practice. Unnoticed, he eyed Raen's relaxed face. The priest was curious to see how long it would take to learn the next stages of immersion. If the boy could handle it that quickly, he would have to inform the high priest about it. That would be so extraordinary that it was advisable to consult about it! But for the time being Loenka wanted to watch Raens progress in peace and not just hang it up, after all, he was a very young student who could still change a lot.The sojourn in the temple and training his mind did indeed give Raen some relief. The blood horse did not disappear from his dreams, but due to its recurring presence it had soon become a kind of reliable and loyal companion, which Raen even began to miss when he did not come. He had long since lost his fear and could slee
Then there was nothing left but waiting. Waiting for death.It wasn't long before the volunteer began to groan. At first quietly, but finally he was clearly gasping for breath. His eyes, which no longer seemed to see anything, rolled into their sockets, his Adam's apple jerked violently upwards from below. Some of those present lowered their gaze, it was mainly the priests, for the warriors continued to pay their last respects to the volunteer by looking at him until his last breath.His body began to sag and that was when he slumped onto his side from his upright position. The priest at his side wanted to see him, but the Hyaunset suer quickly raised his hand. It wasn't that far yet.Indeed, gurgling sounds came from all of their ears, and white foam emerged from the volunteer's nose and mouth. An uncontrollable twitch went through him, his hands clawing the mat. He reared one last time and then fell back lifeless on the mat. Then it was quiet.Only now
At the same moment the Palansetna priests, the personal servants of Setna, were preparing for their difficult task in Tena-lo-Ghan. They were gathered in the prince's house, where they had also spent the night, in the faint hope that the prince's condition might change after all. Of course, he hadn't changed. And now they waited for the one who would accomplish what they all feared. He was the volunteer. The only one of all those involved who could count himself lucky in a clear conscience to do the right thing for the good of the people."I'll do it!" He had said at the meeting of the Board of Governors. He was a very skilled fighter from among the warriors, and his determination was known to all.But where was he now? Had he changed his mind? The palansetna became restless, morning was already advanced and it was not advisable to wait any longer. The inevitable would only be pushed back further and further, the problem would not be solved.Finally, the high pr
Thanks be to the volunteer! And we, who were there in Tena-lo-Ghan, take the risk of being judged by Zaizura! It is up to you to replace us and to take our places with pride if the will of Zaizura should meet us! With Hyaun in our hearts we will humbly receive your punishment! ”The concern of everyone present was reflected in Lako's pale face.It had become their fate to wrest this decision from fate."Hyaun help us!" He said weakly and gave the floor to the high priest.Gahin stepped forward and spoke in a soft, calm voice: “Liberation will take place in two days! So prepare for it. Each of us knows that our Setna gives their life for their people. He lives for our salvation, and if it is so destined for him - be it through Zaizura's will or some other higher force - then he will also die for us! Our trust in Hyaun must be strong. He is with us and will name a new bearer of the gift! Be assured that He will continue to hold His protective hand over
Suneka's heartbreak was just as uncurable as Hereke's miserable mood. The whole time the horse boy sat on the sidelines and brooded deeply, even during the big competition he didn't want anyone close by. From a distance he watched Raen and Kosam, and a certain envy of his friend was evident. Hereke no longer understood the world. For the past six months he had had the feeling that Suneka was slowly tilting - they had even kissed at the last harvest festival - but since last night she was suddenly cold as ice.Didn't their kiss mean anything?Hereke hit a willow post with his fist, he was tired of it. He had waited long enough. Probably longer than anyone had ever done for a woman. What about that girl? Even the most ill-tempered horses were easier to handle than them. Maybe he should forget about her, that would be the easiest thing to do. His mother had told him many times that girls who were overly shy are not good for a man. She hadn't meant to accuse Suneka of anyt
I'll help you!" She wanted to get up.“No, stay calm here, I'll do it. I'll be right back. ”“ Should I stay up here alone? ”She asked, half joking.“The pigeons won't hurt you, and otherwise I won't see any other creatures here. I checked it carefully earlier, ”he said, pointing to the ladder with a wink.“Good, but hurry up!”In fact, a little later he was completely out of breath with the mats and blankets. He must have flown up the stairs! Kosam took the mats from him and rolled them out next to the chests, then she spread the blankets and crawled under them. Raen took off his boots, turned off the light, and slipped under the covers with her. They finally fell asleep, snuggled tightly together.The next morning they woke up to the cooing of the pigeons. The first daylight fell through the windows over the platform. Raen and Kosam beamed h
I'm sorry ... um ..." What should he say? That his curiosity had been stronger than her attraction? That would have hurt her badly, and besides, that wasn’t the case either, only he had let himself be too easily distracted again. Perhaps because he was afraid to take further steps. The sheer excitement of kissing and hugging had given him far more happiness than he could have imagined that morning."I ... I ..." he stammered awkwardly.Kosam turned away."Stop, please wait!" He grabbed her arm.She looked at him."I just thought that was great!" Idiot!"What did you think was great?" She asked gruffly. “The dangerous gymnastics on the ladder?”“No. I mean that ... well, the one before that. ”Fool, just say it!Her gaze remained unchanged."Well, the kiss!" He finally managed.She didn't answer, and Raen took all his courage and touched her shoulder. His hand went up to her neck and ch
Raen was in seventh heaven all day. Kosam sat next to him and didn't leave his side. They had a great chat and discovered that they had a lot in common. In doing so, they forgot everything around them. In between, Suneka said goodbye in a strange bad mood and went over to her sister. Hereke initially stayed with Raen and Kosam and merely shrugged his shoulders. He didn't know what she had either. Perhaps she didn't like Kosam, which he didn't understand because he found her very nice. In the end he longed for Suneka and went after her. Her mood seemed to have improved a bit by now, because she laughed out loud when he made a joke and sat down next to her.Time flew by, and soon it was dawn. The big drums and other instruments were set up on the podium in front of the temple, and when clan chief Lako declared the dance to be open to applause, everyone was suddenly on their feet. The mats were swiftly cleared aside, and the first low drum beats vibrated in the full stomachs of
Hello Tor Ban Raen, there you are. You weren't at the morning meal at all. ”“ I was probably too late, ”he replied in monosyllables. 'You're late for anything, Raen, you sheep's head!' he grimly reprimanded himself. But Banskeid Laghat was so nice and already showed me a bit of your chorten. You have a beautiful view from the wall, you can seeall the way to the great mountains. ” Banskeid Laghat was a fully fledged warrior and was allowed to carry his own sword. Raen glanced at the heavy handle protruding from behind Laghat's back. When would he get his sword himself? It just took way too long!"What got over your liver?" Asked Kosam, who had noticed his scowl.'Give it up,' he thought bitterly, 'you're too young. Forget her!' Aloud he said: "We have to go to the temple now, Banskeid Laghat!" But his tone was apparently a little too commanding because Laghat looked at him crookedly.Raen was annoyed. He just turned
“ Was that your own horse earlier? Beautiful animal. ”“ Yes, isn't it! Her name is Jakori and she is very trusting. You can ride her if you want, then we'll take a walk into the forest and I'll show you ... "Raen fell silent. 'I talk too much,' he thought. 'She's definitely not interested in horses.'Kosam looked at him questioningly. “What do you want to show me?”“Oh, just a few stones in the forest, nothing special.”“I'll be happy to accept your offer.”“Yes? Really? Are you interested in that? ”“ Of course. I also like to go on horseback, it's fun. ”Raen smiled blissfully. "I think the day after the race we can definitelyride out together." Raen answered with another dazzling smile from Kosam.Later, when he was in bed, he could hardly sleep. He kept thinking of the girl with the black hair and couldn't wait to be with her again.