In the days that followed, Amukelo took it upon himself to make amends for the worry he had caused. He began taking over some of Lyna's daily chores, assisting her in the fields, and managing tasks that eased the burdens of their household. His playtime with Eagor and other village children dwindled as he devoted himself to helping his family and training in swordsmanship.
Lyna noticed with a mix of pride and slight concern how her youngest son was sacrificing his play for work and training. However, the effects were undeniably positive. With Mikal and Jarek already contributing, Amukelo's efforts allowed their family to afford a slightly better standard of living. Lyna's life, often marked by hardship and endless toil, became noticeably easier thanks to her children's help.
Whenever he wasn't working or performing chores, Amukelo and Eagor sought out adults in the village who could teach them the basics of swordplay. Their enthusiasm for learning the art of the sword was matched only by their dedication to improving. Over time, Amukelo, always quick to learn and agile beyond his years, began to excel. His natural aptitude for swordsmanship shone through, and soon he was winning every sparring match with Eagor, much to his friend's chagrin and admiration.
The transformation in Amukelo was profound. From a boy known for his mischief and adventures, he was growing into a young warrior, taking his first steps towards the great adventures he dreamed of during those storytelling nights. Lyna watched this evolution with a heart full of mixed emotions—pride in his achievements and a quiet nostalgia for the innocent days of his younger years. Yet, she knew this path was his to choose, and she could only hope that it would lead him to a future as bright as the tales woven by the light of their humble hearth.
Two years had honed Amukelo's swordsmanship skills beyond the simple boundaries of village games. Now twelve, his ambition and prowess with Eagor by his side grew bolder. Feeling ready to test their skills in a more perilous arena, Amukelo approached the village hunters with a request that echoed his relentless desire for adventure: he wanted to join them on a hunt, with Eagor accompanying him.
Tseashe hunters, oned and wary of the dangers the wilderness held, agreed but on one condition: the boys must obey their commands to ensure their safety. Amukelo nodded in agreement, though the spark in his eyes hinted at plans not entirely aligned with simple obedience. Before setting out, the hunters handed Amukelo a long dagger, its blade gleaming with a promise of challenge and conquest.
The hunting party, consisting of six experienced men alongside Amukelo and Eagor, ventured deep into the dense forest surrounding their village. They moved with a practiced stealth, their steps light and eyes keen for any sign of game. The first catch was a rabbit, swiftly and efficiently hunted down, its capture initiating the boys into the true nature of the hunt.
As the day wore on, their collective efforts yielded a few more small animals, each adding to the thrill and confidence swelling within Amukelo. However, as they began their journey back to the village, laden with their quarry, the rustling of underbrush and a deep, rumbling snore halted their progress. It was a hog, a formidable beast known for its bad temper and formidable strength.
"Don't move," one of the hunters whispered, tension seizing his voice. "It shouldn't attack if not threatened."
But Amukelo, fueled by a heady mix of youthful audacity and the desire to listen to more of Syltar's stories, ignored the advice. His heart pounding with adrenaline, he charged forward, dagger in hand. Eagor, caught between fear and loyalty, hesitated only a moment before following his friend into the fray.
"Hey, what are you doing?" the nearest hunter called out, his voice a mix of alarm and incredulity, as he started to run after them. But Amukelo shouted over his shoulder, a fierce determination in his tone, "We will take care of it, stay back!"
The hunter stopped, struck by the boys' audacity. Should he intervene further? They were only twelve, after all. His concern was cut short by the unfolding drama.
The hog, startled by the sudden charge, swung around, its tusks slicing through the air. Amukelo, demonstrating agility beyond his years, rolled to the side just in time, the dagger finding its mark in the animal's side. The hog roared in pain and confusion, its movements becoming erratic.
Eagor, aiming to support his friend, lunged at the beast, trying to strike its eye. His attack, however, missed, and the hog's head collided with him, knocking him aside. The situation grew tenser as the hog charged towards Eagor, its anger palpable.
But Amukelo was quicker. He darted behind the hog and, with a swift, strong motion, sliced through its neck. The hog's roars filled the air for a moment longer before it staggered and fell, the life ebbing from its formidable body.
The hunters, who had been prepared to intervene, could only stare in awe at the scene before them. One of the hunters, an older man with scars that spoke of countless battles with nature, stepped forward, clapping Amukelo on the shoulder. "You will be a great hunter," he said, admiration resonating in his voice. "Maybe even a warrior."
With hearts racing and chests swelling with pride, Amukelo and Eagor helped the hunters gather the hog and their earlier quarry. They returned to the village not as boys who had disobeyed, but as young hunters who had faced the wild and emerged victorious. Their haul was greater than expected, and as they entered the village, the stories of their bravery began to take root, marking the day not just as Amukelo's adventurous birthday but as the beginning of his legend.