Time Passes Differently
After the man had left, Murkel had told the students to remember what they had seen, and that they should learn from their losses. A loss wasn't a shameful thing, and they should evaluate what worked or why they lost in order to improve.
At the same time though, Murkel also asked the students to keep what they had seen a secret. The wandering warrior didn't seem like the type of person who would spread that he was victorious.
Especially against someone who had only made a small name for himself. Yet at the same time, Murkel didn't want new students to be dissuaded from joining the clan.
When the elders and the Clan Head returned, he didn't speak to them about his loss with the wanderer. They seemed to be worked up about their own problems.
"Times are hard, Murkel." An old man said as he sat slumping in his chair.
Murkel had come over and poured some hot tea, then poured it in his own cup before sitting down opposite him.