Rik was just one of many children in the city of Utgard.

 

Like the others he knew how to sharpen his own spears, put on his own armour, And even forge his own axes. Only he could do it better.

 

Rik had been anxiously waiting for the coming of age ceremony, where he would finally become a warrior.

It was his chance to prove to everyone that he was the best. 

 

On the morning of the ceremony, the entire city gathered near the banyan tree at the edge of the city.

Rik sat quietly, and he sat right at the front of the group, so that he could get a good look. 

 

A few moments passed and then she appeared from behind the tree. It was the elder.

The elder wore nothing more than white cloth and carried nothing more than her staff. 

 

Rik was very excited to impress the elder.

Would she make them duel, he thought, or have a catapult competition? What if she made them raid a nearby village!?

 

She called the children one by one, but she did not make them fight.

She simply gave them her blessing. All the smiling children said thank you and celebrated with their family.

 

When it was finally Rik’s turn, the crowd became silent. He could hear the hushing and gushing, but his focus was on the elder.

He walked up slowly and bowed before her. She touched his head and whispered under her breath:

"no trees grow to the sky."

 

At the end of the ceremony, Rik was sad and angry.

How would the city know that he is the best if even the weak children became warriors? Isak cannot row a boat and Emilie cannot even lift her shield. They will never be as strong as him.

 

As Rik got into bed that night he promised himself, I will show everyone in Utgard what real strength is. I will be remembered forever.

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