[2167] Medieval Fantasy, but in South-Central Asia

Hi,

After the very valid critiques that my first attempt was a total failure, (it was a boring snapshot of rural life that had no plot) I am back with a complete rewrite of the novel's first chapter. I cut out most of the world-building that is not relevant to the scene, and centered it around an encounter. Now that I have story happening that ties into the plot of the novel, I hope this is more relevant and interesting, but please tear it apart.

My partner still think I should start the book with an action scene like Brandon Sanderson would, so this is my middle ground before that.

My main question is, would you keep reading? I would also like to know which descriptions are helpful versus too much, and which sentences that are too long or flowery. Thanks in advance!

[2167] Medieval Fantasy, but in South-Central Asia

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fwrlRoGOuUSrvio9xxteZ82mYNPT1rd1dDAXzeNuzd8/edit?usp=sharing

Crits:

[2617] https://www.reddit.com/r/DestructiveReaders/comments/1hux2wf/comment/m65sf0d/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

[1118] https://www.reddit.com/r/DestructiveReaders/comments/1hpeih2/comment/m69zftw/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button