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    artwork by Ivan Garcia</a>


    <b>Oath of the Snakeskin Warrior</b>


    from <i>“Understanding the Hanaq: A field guide to the Kingdom. Vol. 4 of 7: The Eagle, the Turtle, the Jaguar, the Serpent</i>”


    Documented and translated from Hanaqi by Bookmaster Obi Bondo


    Obtained by The Department of Collections, Returns, and Acquisitions Collection Date and Location: 1 Roo’Asha i1193. Pakasacha, The Otoro Confederacy 3:778:UFB-2


    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 the snake spirit of the Hanaq people. However, I was blessed to have it recited to me by an ancient member of their ranks during a recent visit I took to the city of Amarchara, where initiates are indoctrinated into the “Amari Alluya,” 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 relationship-building and ensuring their anonymity, they finally allowed me to document certain elements of their initiation ceremony. While I was sworn to secrecy, I was gifted the ability to share the knowledge that the ceremony centers around the oath documented here and the drinking of a powerful elixir that is believed to kill the initiate, allowing them access to the Hanaqi spirit world, what which we call The Lonely Road, and then be reborn on this plain 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 Hanaq society, and even though they are outlawed by the colonial powers controlling these lands, few travel to these shores who will not eventually encounter one of their ranks. They are the guardians of the land. Protectors of its people. Those called to this service follow The Path of Mitl to receive “The Gifts of the Gods” and are seen no longer as individuals or from a single family or kingdom but as 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, make this relationship deep and personal, as the Amari were the fiercest resisters of that war. And make no mistake, the Treaty of Chaqa was equally as 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, ruling elites of the Verushan Empire, the Salasans, and the Kingdom of Milanka; simply asking any Hanaq here on their homeland and they will be happy to affirm this truth. The details of this betrayal are detailed later in this volume, but it bears repeating as much as possible.The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    What exactly “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 a physical journey the Amari initiates must travel, a training regiment, 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 of the Erían slave traders and all colonized powers in control of their home.


    <b>The Oath</b>


    I begin with gratitude.


    I express it for my ancestors who’s 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 to protect me from danger.


    I climbed to the aerie, 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, Anca, and I am ready for the final steps of my journey.


    I willingly accept your gift.


    I step into the shadows. Humbled.


    I go to visit my ancestors.


    I understand the mysteries of the twin suns.


    I have no fear of this journey. And pledge my blood to protect the people of this land.


    Upon my return, my life will be forfeited 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.