artwork by Ivan Garcia
Documented and translated from Hanaqi by Bookmaster Obi Bondo
From “Understanding the Hanaq: A Field Guide. Vol. 4 of 7 : The Eagle, the Turtle, the Jaguar, the Serpent” 3:778:UFB-2
Obtained by The Department of Collections, Returns, and Acquisitions
Collection Date and Location: 1 Roo’Asha i1193. Pakasacha, The Otoro Confederacy
LIBRARY CLASSIFICATION CODE: Restricted - Level 1 of 3.
The following pledge is recited during the culmination ceremony of the training program of an elite group of warriors in the Hanaq Empire known as the Amari, roughly translated as “The Snakeskin Warriors”. No foreigner has ever seen the ceremony in the temple to Amar in the western kingdom, also named after the snake spirit of the Hanaq people. However, I was blessed to have it recited to me by an elderly member of their ranks during a recent visit I made to the city of Amarchara, where initiates are indoctrinated into the “Amari Alluya”, or the Snakeskin Family.
For the last four years, I have been gaining the trust of these secret wardens of the Hanaqi people, whose ranks have been a closely kept secret since the Kingdom of Amara outlawed them, the last of the colonized regions to do so. They are rightfully mistrustful of me, but after years of building a relationship and ensuring their anonymity, they finally allowed me to document certain elements of their initiation ceremony. While sworn to secrecy, I was gifted the knowledge that the ceremony centers the oath I have documented here, and the drinking of a powerful elixir that is believed to kill the initiate—allowing them access to the Hanaqi spirit world, which we call The Lonely Road—and then be reborn on this plane as an Amari. The truth of this is doubtful, yet it creates a powerful mystique in a society where the deeds of ancestors live daily on the tongues of the living.
The Amari have a place of great distinction in the Hanaqi society. Though they are outlawed by the colonial powers controlling these lands, there are few who travel to these shores who will not eventually encounter one of their ranks. The Amari are the guardians of the land. Protectors of its people. Those who are called to this service follow The Path of Mitl to receive “The Gifts of the Spirits”, and are seen no longer as individuals from a single family or kingdom, but the children of all Hanaq. The Amari are called to help any and all Hanaqi in need, and likewise all Hanaqi are obliged to aid and protect them as if related by blood. The tragic history of this land—its colonization by Erían Raiders and the enslavement of its people—makes this relationship even deeper and personal, as the Amari were the fiercest resisters in that war.
And make no mistake, the Treaty of Chaqa was equally damaging to the people of this land. What we of the Sceptered States have done, dividing the land and its people, claiming dominion over them because of some paternalistic sense of duty to what The Empress calls her “southern children”, is little more than a ruse conceived of, and believed by, the ruling elites of the Verushan Empire, the Salasans, and the Milankan Republic. Simply ask any Hanaqi and they will be happy to affirm this truth. The details of this betrayal are described later in this volume, but it bears repeating as often as possible.
What exactly is The Path of Mitl remains unknown. Clearly, it is connected to the legend of Mitl the Archer, the mythic hero of the Hanaqi people, whose quest for knowledge and justice for his village is fundamental to the people of this land and their culture. But whether this is a physical journey the Amari initiates must travel, a training regimen, or some sort of philosophical principle, is a closely guarded secret by their ranks. What is known is the skill of these warriors, who have been instrumental in the ongoing resistance against the Erían slave traders and all colonized powers in control of their home.
The Oath
I begin with gratitude.
I express it to my ancestors whose breath is in my lungs. Mother to mother to mother, until my entrance into this world from the comfort of the Sun Heaven. Each step they took guided my spirit to this place and placed me here, in front of the great Snake Mother, and among my new family.
It is to these ancestors that my honor is dedicated.
It is to their legacy I humbly add my own so that when I return to rest in the Burning Caves, there might be a place for me next to them, and I can rest until such a time as my spirit is to return.
I walked the Path of Mitl, who began our journey. And like our sacred brother, I communed with the guardian spirits.
I met with Qara, who gave me his back so that I might be protected from danger.
I climbed to the aerie and saw the great mother Anca, and soared with her in the heavens.
I went deep into the jungle and hunted with Otoro, and I tasted the blood of my prey on my tongue.
And now I stand before you, Amar, most feared of the guardians. And I am ready for the final steps of my journey.
I willingly accept your gift.
I step into shadows. Humbled.
I go to visit my ancestors.
I go to understand the mysteries of the Sun.
I have no fear of this journey. I pledge my blood to protect the people of this land.
Upon my return, my life will be forfeit to their protection and prosperity. And woe and suffering will come to all who step on the shores of our home and do not carry the spirit of Ranatirana.
Qara watch over me.
Anca give me sight.
Otoro guide my feet.
Amar let me understand.
I drink.