The day came for him to leave his home. He bid each of his family farewell and prayed to the Priest Kings that he would see them again. He shouldered his pack, and started his journey to Cos. He finally managed to gain a slot in the Cos training cadre. Learning to handle the giant tarn and to fight was everything he had hoped for. The freedom of flight, the feeling of the powerful tarn moving under his control brought a sense of satisfaction.

All was not work in Cos. There were many taverns, more than a few pleasing slaves and the inevitable games of chance. He found himself enjoying life. Then came the great battle over Port Kar that was to change His life completely.

It was a beautiful day: the sun shone brightly and the cadre was prepared for the fight of a lifetime. They had been briefed on the up-coming raid. Lara's riches were to be theirs. They were to fight with Port Kar's wings of tarns, and split the takings. As they dropped out of the sky with the sun to their backs a shout of pure joy flew from his lips. He cast a spear at one of the Laran riders and smiled as the spear struck home. He turned His attention to the next rider, His tarn flying as never before. They were winning! The riches promised a lifetime of leisure and many slaves.

Suddenly, he felt a blow against His shoulder followed by blinding pain. His sturdy bosk-hide tunic protected him from the worst of the spear strike, but his arm would be useless until it healed. He scanned the skies around him, watching in horror as their "allies" started to attack them. With the battle won the men of Port Kar had decided the spoils were to be all theirs. His tarn screamed and started to plummet toward the ground. The last thought He had was of his family.

By far the most prolific caste on IRC Gor, Warriors wear the red tunic and can fill a number of roles. Some fly the great tarns, some command from positions of power, some are the foot-soldiers doing everyday battle. The code of the warrior is strict and well-defined.

The Code of the Warrior was, in general, characterized by a rudimentary chivalry, emphasizing loyalty to the Pride Chiefs and the Home Stone. It was harsh, but with a certain gallantry, a sense of honor that I could respect. A man could do worse than live by such a code.

Book 1, Tarnsman: pg 41

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