Six years later. . .

Liam looked anxiously at his unruly hair in the shiny bronze mirror that had been propped up against the wall of their barracks. He was thirteen now, and had just completed the tests that he hoped would release him from the care of the training camp into the service of a warrior. Who that would or could be, he had no idea.

The end of the week of tests had been marked by an arm-wrestling contest, which had been keenly entered by both warriors and students. Much to everyone's surprise, wiry little Liam had won - beating even the five times champion, the Wolf! Now he had been commanded to appear before the panel of resident and visiting masters of the Shang way. They were the ones that would decide his future status. Since he was the youngest to have taken the tests, having only had his birthday a month ago, he was also the last one on the schedule to appear before them.
"Liam!" a boy called, putting his head around the barracks door. "You're next - Jimmy just went in. Hurry up, or you'll be late!"

Liam waved his thanks, gave his hair a final glance and jogged over to the hall where they were meeting. After what seemed like ages, another boy came out. Liam took a deep breath and went in. He stood solidly in front of the table behind which the ten warriors were sitting. The adults were all wearing their full black uniforms, and looked very formidable, but he was determined not to show any nervousness.
"Liam Cooper, we here attest that you have successfully attained to the honoured rank of Shang journeyman," the Rat said proudly, beaming at his prize student. "To mark this gain in status, you have the right to choose a name to add to your own. If you have no preference, this will be given to you according to your prowess in the trials. Make your choice."

Liam apprehensively crossed his fingers behind his back, and said boldly,
"If it please you, sirs, I would aspire to be called Liam Ironarm, because of my result in the arm wrestling contest that has just been held." That caused a stir, and no mistake. The last man who had born that title had also been called Liam. Liam Ironarm, the famous Shang Dragon, had died in battle during King Jonathan of Tortall's coronation. Whether the panel knew it or not, he had also been a friend of Liam's parents, and his namesake. After a lot of whispered discussion, the panel made their decision.
"We grant you the right to bear this ancient and honourable name. It is the belief of this panel that you will bring credit to it. The Shang Eagle has requested that you enter his service and study from him. Is this satisfactory, Liam Ironarm?"
"It is sir, thank you."
"Then leave with the blessings of Mithras, Ironarm." Liam brought fist to chest in the Shang salute, spun smartly and left.

The other three new graduates were waiting just outside the doorway for him to join them. Gary, a year or so older than Liam, might have been among them, Liam thought sadly. Unfortunately, he hadn't made it too this stage, unable to keep up with the others. He'd returned to his home, quite happy to leave, and had said that he was considering joining the officer corps of the army as soon as he was old enough. Until then, he'd be running messages for his father.
"Well?" Liam's friend Jimmy asked.
"Liam Ironarm at your service, my lords," Liam said, bowing theatrically. He straightened proudly, "Journeyman to the Shang Eagle Warrior."

The boy whistled under his breath in surprise.
"Very impressive, Liam. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that Eagles are only one rank below the Legendary Beasts, aren't they? I'm Jimmy Hardhead, serving the Shang Hawk. The Rat came up with that one, he's the only one with that sense of humour. I think its because of that time when he hit me in the head, I went head over heels, then stood up and kicked you in the stomach. Do you remember that? That was the last time I beat you, I haven't managed it since."
"Of course I do, you surprised me as much as Rat when you got up again. What about you others?"
"Stefan Seaheart, with the Ferret," said the only kid in the compound who could swim like a dolphin. They'd found that out during an expedition to study tactics when defending against a landing, or attacking a moored boat.
"Dimak Frost, and I'm going with the Hound," said one boy, who was notorious for his cool temper.
"Josef Flinteyes," the last one said, his steely grey eyes looking as dull as ever. "My master is the Leopard."

Liam congratulated them all, knowing that they'd all done remarkably well to be assigned to warriors who were very well respected within the brotherhood of Shang. He then went off to pack, expecting to leave very soon. There wasn't much he needed to take, since he hadn't had time to accumulate any personal belongings, and indeed had been encouraged not too. He'd have to bring two sets of ordinary brown uniforms, and put a prized portrait of his parents into his small bag too. Other than that, the only thing he could think that he'd ever need was a set of smart clothes for formal wear, especially at court, which he'd be given later. Weapons went without saying of course, and they were all neatly polished and stowed away.

Martin, now ten, came running in just as he finished. He was looking comfortable even after his sprint, supposedly from the training ground.
"Rat said to tell you that the Eagle wants to leave straight after lunch, and that you have to be ready for then."
"Thanks kid," he said, then grabbed Martin by the shoulders and looked at him. "I'll miss you, Tino." He hugged the only brother he'd had since coming here. Over the years, their friendship had developed so that they were closer to each other than to family that they hadn't seen since their arrival.
"You deserve to go," Martin said stoutly. "You're by far the best in the training camp. Everyone says so."
"That's only because I'm older than most."
"There's some boys who're fifteen still here, and you're way better than them. I've heard the warriors say you're good. I just hope I do as well as you when my turn comes in another three years."
"You could easily do better, Tino, after all, you'll have had more years training."
"But I don't have your talent. Come on, let's go eat."