Over the next year, Liam learned new weapons with the enthusiasm for training that had marked him from the start and impressed even the Yamanis. Their weaponsmaster had been honoured to train him with the naginata or glaive, and the scimitar.

One of the new additions to his training was his training expeditions with the Yamani samurai, which were gruelling, especially for a boy of his age, but very good for his general fitness and taught him many things about living off the land. Hassam took him on tours around the other Yamani islands and villages so that he could meet and help the common folk of that land and not get embroiled in the politics of the palace and forget what his real task was.

It took time, but gradually the prince managed to deflate his considerable ego and become firm friends with Liam to such an extent that the younger boy was almost sorry to leave him behind when they had returned him safely to his father. The King of Tyra was, needless to say, very pleased with the improvement and sent generous donations to the Shang training camp when Hassam refused to accept rewards himself.

After departing again from Tyra, Liam and Hassam travelled through Sarain, fighting the many bandits living there and helping to guard the poor villages and farms that were at the mercy of such men. That taught Liam many things, one of which was that you couldn't expect your enemy to be fair or follow the rules. It was also his first real combat experience and he got through it with flying colours, never fighting without real need but also never showing any remorse at killing when necessary.

It was when Liam turned sixteen, three years after he'd left the security of the training camp, that Hassam decided it was time for him to return again to the camp. He was, to the best of his master's judgement, as good as most adult Shang masters and lacking only the experience that comes with age. It was a very young age for a student's return, but then, the man contemplated, Liam had never been a very normal boy. He'd known that for a long time. Anyone with Mithros's eye on him was going to be either an exceptional warrior or dead in a ditch within six months.

As they walked back in through the yard on their way to the mess hall, Liam was hit by what appeared to be a miniature whirlwind. Liam dropped his pack and pried it off.
"Liam? It's you, isn't it? You're back! Are you taking your ordeal? You're miles taller."
"Hello Martin," Liam said, grinning indulgently at this outpour. "Nice to see you too. Gosh, you've grown too. Yes, that's hopefully why I'm here. You must be, what, thirteen now? So you'll be leaving soon yourself. It's about time, you must be sick of it. It's only a shame I'll be too inexperienced to take you out, but I promise I'll put in a good word for you."

That was all it took before Martin pulled up the pack, struggling with the weight.
"Sorry Martin, I'd better take that," Liam said. The boy struggled to show his disappointment, but recovered quickly and pulled his friend inside after Hassam.

The very next day, after a good night's sleep and a well-needed bath, Liam appeared before a specially convened council of warriors for the first step in the process of become a Master of the Shang Brotherhood. Hassam led him in, his dark face very stern and solemn but his eyes twinkling with pride.
"By what right to you come before us?" one Shang demanded of him.
"By the right of brotherhood, for I am the Eagle of Shang, as all here know."
"Your right to stand here before us is recognised, Eagle Warrior. You may speak."
"Praise be to Mithros, for I present to you my student, Liam Ironarm. He has attained his sixteenth year on this earth and is ready in all ways to gain his true name and take his place among us as an equal and a warrior."
"Liam Ironarm," the strange Shang said, seeming to notice him for the first time. "Is it your wish that you be adopted into the fellowship of Shang?"
"Yes sir, it is."
"Do you believe that you are ready for this great honour and are ready to stand before Mithros, he who knows all deeds, and request it of him."
"Yes sir, on my life and honour."
"You may commence your warrior trials with our blessing, Ironarm. May Mithros be with you and strengthen your arm. They will begin tomorrow. Do you willingly agree to students watching these trials, this is your choice?"
"Thank you sir. If it is believed to be educational for them sir, I have no objection."
"Mithros's strength to you, Ironarm."
"And to you, sir."

That was it, he was no longer a boy. The very next day he would begin his physical trials. He would be called on to demonstrate his abilities with all weapons against the very cream of the seasoned Shang warriors, one on one in combat. He would have to fight outnumbered and handicapped. Then, that evening if he survived, he would make his final vows, assuming that he did well enough that the Shang masters would accept him. None of the students knew exactly what that final oath taking entailed, but Liam was confident that he'd manage it.