chapter 52

part 1

Ba Gau trudged through the unforgiving eastern landscape, the searing sun a relentless companion. Seventy miles stretched before him, a distance most men wouldn't dare traverse on foot. Yet, Ba Gau, fueled by a relentless drive and the gnawing emptiness within, pressed on. Every step was an opportunity, not just to reach the border, but to hone the skill Old Hound had imparted – deep scent breathing.

Memories of the grizzled veteran surfaced. Old Hound, nearing the end of his life, had revealed this technique during a hunt, his voice raspy but firm. He'd spoken of channeling the earth's energy, of drawing strength from the very breath itself. But back then, Ba Gau, impatient and focused purely on the kill, hadn't grasped the full meaning.

Now, with every exhale, frustration welled. The technique demanded stillness, a meditative state that left him vulnerable. He plopped down under the meager shade of a stunted tree, forcing himself to center his mind. He inhaled deeply, the scent of dry earth and sun-baked grass filling his senses. He focused on the air filling his lungs, imagining it coursing through his veins, invigorating his body. The effect was subtle – a flicker of warmth deep within, a slight increase in stamina. But it wasn't enough. Not yet. Following the sensations he built a kind of mental map of the energy pathways in his body.

He stood, frustration gnawing at him. He remembered Old Hound, a seemingly frail figure who always kept up with the younger hunters, never once stopping to catch his breath. Ba Gau's eyes narrowed. Old Hound hadn't been meditating – he'd been doing it while moving.

The revelation sparked a fire within Ba Gau. He resumed his trek, this time focusing on mimicking Old Hound's posture. Shoulders relaxed, back straight, he lengthened his stride. He inhaled deeply through his nose, picturing the air spiraling down, filling his core. He held it for a beat, feeling a familiar warmth build, and then expelled it slowly, imagining the spent air drawing out fatigue and tension. But all of it never left at the same time. Some seemed to stay in certain areas of his body like cups that could hold the energy and only pour out a little at a time

At first, it was clumsy, the rhythm erratic. But with each step, each breath, a sense of control bloomed. He felt the air becoming an extension of him, not just something he breathed, but a source of power. The warmth deep within intensified, spreading through his muscles, banishing aches and pushing him forward.

Days blurred into one another. The eastern plains stretched on, a relentless test of will. Yet, Ba Gau never faltered. Every step, every breath, became a mantra, a continuous process of refinement. As the days progressed, the deep scent breathing became an ingrained part of his movement. He no longer needed to force stillness; the rhythm flowed naturally even as he walked, stalked, or even fought (a scenario he simulated by lunging at unsuspecting boulders). The warmth within grew into a steady ember, fueling his body and sharpening his mind.

When Ba Gau finally reached the first commune on the path, a small community nestled amidst the harsh landscape. Smoke curled from thatched roofs, and a sense of cautious welcome hung in the air. Here, at the midpoint of his journey, Ba Gau stood, a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of breath. He had come seeking answers, and perhaps, in this remote outpost, he would find the key to unlocking the secrets that burned within him.

part 2

The dust kicked up by his lumbering steps settled around Ba Gau like a physical manifestation of his disquiet. The encounter with Manh Thu and Linh had left him with a gnawing suspicion. Her forced smile, the way she deflected his questions about the tax collectors – it all pointed to something more sinister simmering beneath the surface of Xuân Lộc's dusty facade.

Hunger, a constant companion these days, gnawed at him not just in his belly, but in his very soul. The whispers of the Riptooth Path, insidious and seductive, began to snake their way into his thoughts.

His canine senses, usually attuned to sniffing out danger, picked up on a different kind of scent now – the sickly sweet aroma of decay emanating from a nearby alley. It was a familiar scent, one that tugged at the darkest corners of his mind, a whisper from the Riptooth Path.

"Weakness," it hissed, a voice barely there yet tinged with a seductive power. "Prey hiding in the shadows. Take what you need. They deserve it."

Ba Gau shuddered, the voice sending chills down his spine. He recognized the insidious influence of the path he'd chosen. The frustration with Manh Thu, the lack of a fight, it was all twisting his thoughts, turning his desperation for life force into a hunger for violence.

"They're hiding something," the voice continued, wrapping tendrils of doubt around his mind. "Those townsfolk... cagey about the tax collector. Maybe they've done something to him? Deserve a taste of their own medicine."

Ba Gau growled, fighting back the urge to stalk towards the source of the stench. He knew the path promised power, but at what cost? He pictured the woman, Manh Thu, her fierce yet kind eyes. Were they all conspirators in some dark plot?

"Commoners," the voice sneered. "They have no respect for their betters. Need to be taught a lesson. Show them who's in charge."

The voice was growing stronger, more persuasive. Ba Gau squeezed his eyes shut, desperately trying to hold onto his remaining shred of humanity. He pictured Old Hound, the respect the aged soldier commanded even without displays of brute force.

"Maybe the collector was taking too much," the voice weaseled. "She seemed ready to tie him up and leave him in a basement to rot, aren't all these townsfolk in on this scheme?"

Ba Gau stumbled back, a cold sweat breaking out on his fur. He couldn't let the path control him. He wouldn't become a mindless beast, preying on the weak. He needed answers, but not through violence. There had to be another way.

With newfound determination, Ba Gau scanned the street, searching for another resident. He wouldn't let the whispers of the Riptooth Path drown him out. He had to find someone who would talk, someone who might reveal the truth about the missing tax collector and the secrets Xuân Lộc harbored. This town held the challenge he craved, but it was a challenge that required him to stay in control, not succumb to the path's corrupting influence. He needed one more conversation, a chance to find a balance between desperation and reason before the darkness within him consumed him entirely.

part 3

The hinges on the rickety door screamed as Ba Gau slammed it open. Dust motes danced in the shaft of dying sunlight that pierced the gloom. Inside, a horrifying silence hung heavy. Two children, no older than eight, huddled in the corner, their eyes wide with terror. Their ragged clothes and gaunt faces spoke of neglect long before Ba Gau's arrival.

"Where are your parents?" Ba Gau growled, a tremor in his voice betraying his barely contained hunger. The children whimpered but remained mute, paralyzed by fear.

The internal whispers screamed louder, a malevolent chorus drowning out reason. "This town is rotten," they hissed. "They abandon their young, steal from those who rule, and leave their menfolk to rot in taverns. This land is yours by right, Ba Gau. Cleanse it!"

The hunger, a gnawing beast within, tore free from its restraints. Ba Gau no longer saw these people as potential sources of information, but as obstacles, weak and expendable. He was a predator, and they were prey.

The hunt began. A young boy, nimble but no match for Ba Gau's raw power, was the first to fall. His desperate pleas for mercy were lost in the rising tide of Ba Gau's monstrous hunger.

The remaining townsfolk scattered like startled rabbits. One, a wiry man with a scraggly beard, scrambled up a gnarled oak tree, his frantic scrabbling the only sound breaking the oppressive silence. Ba Gau stalked over, a sickening hunger twisting his features. Reaching the base of the tree, he let out a frustrated roar, the sound echoing through the deserted street.

Another, a woman with a shock of white hair, crammed herself into a large wicker basket, hoping the flimsy covering would shield her from Ba Gau's savage gaze. Her muffled whimpers were soon cut short.

A third, an old dog-man missing a leg, made a desperate gamble. He threw himself onto the body of a fallen neighbor, the stench of death overwhelming but a possible reprieve. As Ba Gau loomed over him, his black eyes gleamed with a feral hunger, the man held his breath, praying the gamble would pay off. But Ba Gau wasn't fooled. With a single, swift swipe of his paw, he tore through the corpse, exposing the trembling figure beneath.

The screams, the desperate pleas for mercy, all blended into a horrifying cacophony. By the time the full moon bathed Xuân Lộc in its pale light, only remnants of a once-vibrant community remained. In the center of the carnage stood Ba Gau, bloated and panting, his hunger momentarily sated. But the darkness within him, now fully unleashed, pulsed with a chilling satisfaction. The whispers in his head remained, now a chorus of victory, urging him onwards.

He turned and surveyed the scene – a testament to his monstrous transformation. Only a handful remained – the wiry man clinging desperately to the tree limb, the terrified children huddled in the corner of their now-ruined home, and a single dog-man, his whimpers fading into the night. Ba Gau felt a surge of power, a perverse sense of accomplishment. But beneath it all, a flicker of doubt remained, a question echoing in the desolate silence: Was this truly the path to becoming the warrior he craved to be?

chapter 53

part 4

Ba Gau stood amidst the ruins of Xuân Lộc, a grotesque monument to his hunger. Yet, the very act that filled him with horror also brought an undeniable transformation. The life force he'd devoured pulsed within him, a potent elixir weaving its magic through his being. It felt like a dam had burst, a torrent of raw power flooding his every cell.

He closed his eyes, focusing on the sensation. It wasn't just a surge of energy; it was a meticulous reconstruction. Aches and stiffness that had plagued him for years began to fade. His vision, once blurry at a distance, sharpened. When he opened his eyes, the world seemed to snap into focus, details emerging from the haze. He could see the individual blades of grass struggling through the cracked earth, the intricate patterns on the moonlit spiderweb strung between the ruins of a house.

The change in his hearing was equally dramatic. The once dull roar of the world around him now resolved into a symphony of sound. The frantic chirping of crickets, the distant hoot of an owl, the faint trickle of water somewhere in the night – each sound distinct, each adding a note to the nocturnal orchestra.

Finally, he turned his attention to his most potent sense – smell. The air, once a murky blend of dust and decay, exploded into a kaleidoscope of scents. He could smell the fear that still clung to the children huddled in their ruined home, a metallic tang of blood that stained the ground, the faint sweetness of the woman who had hidden in the wicker basket. Each smell was a story, a whisper on the wind, a connection to the world around him more profound than he'd ever known.

But with this newfound clarity came a wave of nausea. The life force, though undeniably powerful, felt foreign, tainted by the way it had been obtained. The whispers in his head, once seductive, now seemed like the screech of carrion birds. He was stronger, faster, more attuned to his surroundings, yet the cost was heavy. He had become a monster, fueled by the stolen lifeblood of innocents.

As Ba Gau stood there, bathed in the pale moonlight, a decision hung in the air as heavy as the stench of death. Would he continue down this path of darkness, becoming a slave to his hunger? Or could he find a way to use this newfound power for good, to atone for the atrocities he had committed? The whispers in his head continued, but they were no longer a deafening chorus. Ba Gau, fueled by the stolen power and a flicker of self-loathing, was no longer deaf to the whispers of his own conscience.

part 5

A faint whiff, almost imperceptible at first, snagged at Ba Gau's newly heightened sense of smell. It originated from behind him, a subtle floral note amidst the pervasive stench of death and decay. Curiosity piqued, he lumbered to a nearby pile of rubble and sank down with a heavy thud. Unbuckling his worn tunic with surprising dexterity for his large frame, he lifted one leg, his senses focusing on the source of this peculiar fragrance.

The aroma blossomed under his scrutiny. It was delicate, almost playful, a strange counterpoint to the grim reality that surrounded him. It wasn't the usual musky canine scent he associated with himself or other Dog-Men. There was a tang of earthiness to it, the scent of the very planet he walked upon – freshly turned soil, damp moss, and sun-warmed rocks. But woven through these natural elements was something else entirely – a raw electrical energy, a potent hum that resonated with the life force he'd consumed.

The combination was almost overwhelming. Sharp, like the ozone tang after a lightning strike, it danced on his senses. Dense, it hung in the air with a weight that defied its delicate nature. And yes, there was an undeniable instability to it, a volatile undercurrent that mirrored the turmoil within him. It was like a tightly coiled spring, a brewing storm, a single spark away from unleashing an explosion of power.

This unexpected scent, emanating from the very "cups" he'd learned to utilize for his deep scent breathing, filled Ba Gau with a mixture of disgust and intrigue. It was a tangible reminder of the monstrous act he'd committed, a physical manifestation of the power coursing through him. Yet, it also hinted at a potential control, a way to harness this wild energy simmering within.

He sat there for a long time, one leg raised, lost in the contemplation of this bizarre bodily perfume. As the night deepened, the volatile edge to the scent started to fade, replaced by a more grounded earthiness. Perhaps, he dared to hope, this was a sign of the life force integrating with his own, the stolen power becoming a part of him instead of a foreign contaminant.

part 6

The acrid tang of ozone and earth clung to Ba Gau, a macabre perfume distilled from his monstrous act. Yet, a flicker of twisted hope sparked within him. Perhaps the "cups," those internal reservoirs where he channeled scent energy, could be the key to taming this chaotic power.

He lumbered towards the remaining, petrified husks of Xuân Lộc. These would be his crucible, his desperate laboratory to unravel the secrets of the stolen life force roiling within. A massive paw lifted, aiming itself at a skeletal house. With a guttural roar, he unleashed a blow devoid of additional energy. The impact was a pathetic whimper. Dust motes danced in the moonlight, a few shingles surrendering to gravity with a forlorn clatter. Useless.

Frustration, a viper in his gut, coiled tighter. He needed a baseline, a chilling testament to the raw power at his disposal. Focusing on the internal "cup" brimming with stolen life essence, he ignored the bloodthirsty whispers in his head. A single, measured "cupful" channeled into his next attack.

The world convulsed. The house disintegrated in a heartbeat, devoured by a ravenous maw of dust that choked the night sky. But the devastation didn't stop there. The earth beneath him writhed like a tortured beast, a gaping maw forming where the path had been a fleeting moment ago. The sheer, unadulterated life force, even in such a meager measure, was a harbinger of annihilation, a power both potent and horrifyingly uncontrollable.

He needed a different approach, a more insidious path to power. A deep breath, and Ba Gau focused on the other "cups," those vessels used to capture scent energy. He visualized a specific scent – the cold, merciless wind that gnawed at the bones across this desolate plain. With a thunderous growl, he unleashed a full "cupful" of this harnessed energy towards the remaining house.

The impact was instantaneous. Walls imploded, timbers erupted in showers of splintered shrapnel. But the destruction transcended the physical. A sudden, unnatural gale ripped through the debris, transforming wood and stone into macabre projectiles that hurtled a hundred feet with demonic glee. The power was undeniable, a tempest he could potentially steer, not a bomb he blindly detonated. Yet, it was a terror in its own right, a harbinger of icy oblivion for any unfortunate fool caught in its path.

His mind raced. Perhaps brute force wasn't the answer, but a malevolent symphony. He envisioned the "cups," one overflowing with stolen life force, another with the captured wind essence. With meticulous precision, he siphoned out their contents, weaving them together in a grotesque tapestry – three parts scent energy to one part life force. This concoction, he hoped, would provide the coveted power, but with a hint of control, a touch of finesse in his devastation.

A deep breath, and he channeled the unholy mixture towards the final building. The effect defied comprehension. The house simply ceased to exist, devoured by an oblivion that consumed its constituent parts – wood, bricks, the very foundation – leaving behind a chilling emptiness. But the destruction wasn't confined to the structure. The ground itself vanished, replaced by a crater that sprawled outwards in a macabre parody of a flower, three feet deep in every direction. Even the decaying bodies of his victims were not spared, dissolving into nothingness in a blink.

As if awakened by this act of monstrous creation, three monstrous tornados erupted from the epicenter, twisting columns of dust and debris that lashed out at the night sky. They whipped through the air with a malevolent hunger, uprooting ancient trees and flinging terrified rabbits and squirrels like macabre confetti. Ba Gau stumbled back, overwhelmed by the sheer, chaotic power he had unleashed. His gamble had paid off, granting him a measure of control, but at a horrifying cost. Looking at the scene before him, a desolate wasteland where a town once stood, Ba Gau was left with a chilling realization. The path to controlling this power wasn't a mere dance – it was a descent into an abyss, a journey that might very well consume him and everything around him.

chapter 54

Part 1

Ba Gau sauntered away from the wreckage, a plume of acrid smoke swirling behind him like a twisted, charcoal scarf. Remorse was a foreign concept to him; the destruction was merely a consequence, an afterthought in the grand scheme of mastering his peculiar power. Tonight, however, the focus was honing a different skill – the primal thrill of the hunt.

The displaced wildlife, thanks to his chaotic display, would be on high alert, desperate and easily spooked. This presented the perfect opportunity. He stalked the edge of the devastation, a predator in his own right, scanning the terrain with eyes glinting like obsidian.

His first stop was a colossal, uprooted banyan tree, its exposed labyrinth of roots creating a shadowy undercroft. Here, he wove a snare from thick vines, its intricate loops camouflaged perfectly against the tangled darkness. The scent of overturned earth and damp moss masked the trap entirely. This would be prime real estate for a desperate burrowing creature, seeking refuge in the cool, familiar embrace of the roots.

Next, he moved towards a towering rockface, scarred by the residual energy of his attack. Here, he fashioned a deadfall trap from a precariously balanced boulder, propped precariously on a pre-existing crack. A faint scent of singed fur – a leftover from the chaos – lingered in the air around the rockface. This would attract a curious predator, scavenging for any scraps left behind in the wake of the destruction. The teetering rock, hidden in the shadows cast by the scorched rockface, would be the last thing the unsuspecting creature saw.

Finally, Ba Gau reached the very edge of the destruction zone, where the scorched earth met a lush thicket of bamboo. Here, he crafted a spring trap using the pliant bamboo stalks, their natural camouflage blending seamlessly with the surroundings. He scattered a faint trail of crushed nuts, leading from the open bamboo forest towards the concealed trap. The sweet scent would lure a famished herbivore, its hunger overriding its caution, right into the waiting jaws of the trap.

With a satisfied grunt, Ba Gau surveyed his handiwork. The displaced wildlife, driven by fear or hunger, would be drawn to these strategic locations, completely oblivious to the dangers that awaited them. The night hunt was set to begin.

54 part 2

Ba Gau chuckled, a sound that rumbled deep in his chest. While a well-timed bark could certainly silence a small creature, the satisfaction of a well-laid trap was unmatched. The anticipation, the quiet rustle in the darkness, then the glorious twang of a sprung snare, the snap of a breaking twig under a heavy paw – these were the symphonies of the hunt that resonated with him far more than brute force.

He settled himself into the shadows, a dark silhouette against the dying embers of the devastation. The night air buzzed with the chirps and clicks of displaced creatures, their anxiety a tangible presence. It fueled a strange sense of calm within him, a predator waiting patiently for its prey.

As the moon climbed higher, painting the scene in an ethereal silver light, the telltale sounds began. A crunch from the bamboo thicket – a desperate nibbler succumbing to the lure of the nut trail. A muffled thump from the rockface – a scavenger, lured by the scent of burnt fur, triggering the precarious boulder. Finally, a strangled shriek from beneath the banyan tree – a hapless burrower caught in the intricate embrace of the hidden snare.

Ba Gau rose, a predator returning to his spoils. He surveyed his haul with a predatory grin – a plump rodent, a hefty lizard, and a swift rabbit. Enough for a meal, and perhaps a gesture of goodwill. Tomorrow, he'd gift the first guard he encountered on his new land a succulent rabbit. A good first impression was key, after all. He pictured the surprised yet grateful expression on the guard's face, a subtle nod to his newfound authority.

The remaining two creatures were earmarked for a different purpose. Whichever merchant or administrator displayed the most deference – perhaps even a hint of fear – when he declared himself the new lord of Lady Mai Hoa's former lands, would receive a "gift" of a particularly plump lizard. A symbol of his power, delivered with a casual flick of his wrist.

With a final smirk, Ba Gau gathered his bounty. Super speed, a secret weapon in his arsenal, kicked in. The remaining twenty miles to his destination blurred into a streak of darkness. In a mere twenty minutes, he was back within the remnants of Lady Mai Hoa's fallen domain, ready to claim his prize and savor the hunt's spoils, both literal and figurative.

54 part 3

Ba Gau emerged from the desolation, blinking against the sudden riot of color. The wild plains abruptly gave way to a sprawling field of flowers, a kaleidoscope of vibrant hues and delicate shapes. He inhaled deeply, the air thick with a sweet, almost intoxicating fragrance. This was his land now, and this unexpected display of floral abundance piqued his curiosity. What kind of scent-energy did it produce? Surely not wind again, that much was clear from the gentle sway of the blossoms. Devastation infused with lavender? The thought was absurd. Could scent have positive effects? Perhaps this land held more secrets than he initially anticipated.

He continued his trek towards his new seat of power, a flicker of intrigue replacing his usual predatory focus. He moved at a normal pace, savoring the strange beauty of the floral expanse. Soon, a weathered guardhouse loomed ahead, a lone sentinel against the vibrant backdrop. As he approached, he saw a single guard slumped against the wall, eyes barely open, a picture of fatigue.

Ba Gau cleared his throat, the sound sharp and deliberate. The guard jolted awake, startled, and scrambled to his feet. A moment of canine awkwardness followed. Ba Gau, ever the opportunist, used the opportunity to establish dominance. He held his posture rigid, a silent challenge, the unspoken demand clear – acknowledge me. The guard, flustered and sleep-deprived, hesitated. Ba Gau extended the ritual, the tension building until finally, with a sigh, the guard hesitantly presented his backside for inspection. Satisfied, Ba Gau relaxed his stance, the dominance play complete.

"Greetings," he rumbled, his voice deep and gravelly. He tossed a pouch towards the guard. It landed with a soft thud, revealing the official seal of his new office. "For you."

Next, he produced the rabbit he’d snagged earlier, a peace offering of sorts. With a flick of his wrist, he sliced off a succulent leg, offering it to the weary guard. "Tell me," he began, his tone both curious and authoritative, "why do you stand alone?"

The guard, still a little dazed by the unexpected arrival and display of dominance, fumbled with his words. "Apologies, my Lord," he stammered, finally finding his voice. "Most of the guard force has been redeployed to the western border… monitoring the Saurog refugees." He explained the one-week rotation schedule for guard posts, how this was supposed to be a shared duty, but due to the redeployment, he wouldn't be relieved for another two grueling days.

Extra chapter

Character Sheet: Nam Long

Name: Nam Long

Species: Dog-man (Canis Anthropus Sapiens)

Appearance:

* Tall and broad-shouldered, with a muscular build.

* Sharp facial features with a prominent jawline and a perpetually smug smile.

* Keen, intelligent eyes that gleam with ambition and cunning.

* Well-groomed fur in shades of brown and black, with hints of gold around his eyes and muzzle.

* Dresses in a tailored traveler's outfit, combining practicality with an undeniable air of wealth and status.

Background:

* Heir to the illustrious Golden Paw Trading Company, a prominent force in the region.

* Currently assigned to the Nituhan border trading hub, a pivotal location disrupted by the Saurog problem.

* Driven by ambition, he sees resolving the Saurog issue as a springboard to taking over the company from his father.

* His unorthodox choice to marry a widow from a small town instead of forming a strategic alliance through marriage with another powerful family is a point of contention with his father.

Personality:

* Resourceful and cunning, with a knack for problem-solving and negotiation.

* Confident and ambitious, bordering on arrogance.

* Can be ruthless when necessary, but not without a dry sense of humor.

* Though capable of genuine affection, his relationships are often colored by his desire for advancement.

Goals:

* Successfully resolve the Saurog problem and secure a steady flow of goods from Hoia.

* Gain enough influence and respect to force his father's retirement and take full control of the Golden Paw Trading Company.

* Use his power and wealth to solidify his position and expand the company's reach.

Challenges:

* The Saurog threat is complex and potentially dangerous.

* His father remains a powerful figure who may resist relinquishing control.

* His choice of wife may bring social and political complications.

* Balancing ambition with genuine connection may prove difficult.

Additional Notes:

* Consider developing Nam Long's relationship with his wife and how it might influence him.

* Explore the Saurog problem and how he might approach it creatively.

* Let Nam Long's smugness be a facade that cracks to reveal his vulnerabilities or hidden depths.

chapter 55

55 part 1

Dust motes danced in the afternoon sunlight that streamed through the open pavilion of the manor. Ba Gau stood at the head of the room, a towering figure clad in worn leather armor etched with intricate symbols. His weathered face, framed by a mane of steel-gray hair, betrayed little emotion. An expectant hush had fallen over the assembled crowd.

Among them, a kaleidoscope of canines awaited the warlord's address. There was Nam Long, heir to the Golden Paw Trading Company, his sleek brown fur gleaming with polish and his golden eyes gleaming with ambition. A stark contrast was Hoanh, a wizened old Dingo with a ragged mane of white fur and a perpetually suspicious glint in his amber eyes. He leaned on a gnarled staff, his patched cloak whispering tales of countless journeys.

Near the front sat Duyen, a young woman with vibrant red fur and a tail that curled excitedly. Her youthful optimism contrasted with the stoic demeanor of Quan, a one-eyed veteran Chow Chow, whose scarred muzzle spoke of battles fought and won. He sat stiffly, his loyalty unquestioning but his trust reserved.

Then there were the murmurs of discontent. A pack of feral Hmong dogs, their bodies lean and their fur matted, stood at the back, their ears perked and eyes narrowed. They were accustomed to the old order, a loose hierarchy where survival was the only law. The arrival of a new leader, particularly one with a reputation like Ba Gau's, filled them with unease.

A nervous cough broke the silence. A portly pug named Bao, his face perpetually scrunched in worry, adjusted his spectacles and shuffled forward. "M-Most esteemed Lord Ba Gau," he stammered, "we, the uh, merchants and administrators of this humble town, welcome you with… utmost respect." Nervous chuckles rippled through the crowd.

Ba Gau's gaze swept across the motley crew. A hint of a smile played on his lips. This was his new domain, a tapestry woven from ambition, fear, and uncertainty. It was time to see what threads needed pulling.

55 part 2

The murmurs died down entirely as Ba Gau boomed, his voice gravelly but strangely compelling, "I've come to this fair land for one purpose only: to end the Saurog menace!"

A collective gasp rippled through the room. The Saurog, hulking reptilian humanoids driven from their swamp homes by drought, had become a constant threat, raiding outlying farms and settlements.

Nam Long's ears perked up. This proclamation was music to his ears. A solution to the Saurog problem would not only secure trade routes, it would be a political boon. He straightened his back, a sly grin tugging at his lips. A strong leader, someone who could restore order, was exactly what this region needed.

Ba Gau's gaze swept the room once more before landing on Nam Long. He raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smirk playing on his lips. Reaching into a hidden pouch, he produced a plump, furred rabbit. It twitched its whiskers innocently, oblivious to its fate. With a flick of his wrist, Ba Gau sent it sailing through the air. Nam Long, surprised but nimble, caught it reflexively.

As his fingers brushed against the rabbit's soft fur, a jolt of something inexplicable shot through Nam Long. The raw scent of meat, the sight of the twitching nose… it triggered a memory, a fragment long buried. An image flickered in his mind – a marketplace in the bustling capital, a young boy with strange, steel-grey hair, laughing as he wrestled a squirming rabbit from his grasp.

Nam Long blinked, the memory fading as quickly as it appeared. He squinted at Ba Gau, a flicker of recognition tugging at the corners of his mind. Had they met before? Perhaps at some high-society function in the capital? Or maybe they were even… classmates? Could this be a childhood friend returned from some exotic adventure abroad? The image in the marketplace remained elusive, just a phantom sensation.

He cleared his throat, trying to shake off the disorientation. "A… generous gift, Lord Ba Gau," he said, his voice slightly off-kilter. "I trust you have a plan to deal with these Saurog incursions?" The question came out a little too eager, betraying his sudden, inexplicable interest in the warlord.

Ba Gau's smirk widened, a glint in his eyes. "Oh, plans are afoot, young merchant," he rumbled. "And perhaps a role for those brave enough to take on a challenge." He left the statement hanging, his gaze lingering on Nam Long just a beat too long before moving on to address the rest of the crowd.

Nam Long clutched the rabbit tighter, a strange mixture of curiosity and unease churning in his gut. This Lord Ba Gau, with his enigmatic smile and disconcerting familiarity, had just piqued his interest in a way that transcended mere politics. His business acumen might be sharp, but a new, more primal instinct had awakened. He had a feeling this warlord would be a force to be reckoned with, and perhaps, just perhaps, the key to unraveling the forgotten memory stirring within him.

55 part 3

The wind howled like a banshee across the desolate northern fields, whipping at the tattered remains of a shack that clung precariously to the side of a withered hillock. Inside, huddled around a sputtering fire of scavenged wood, were three figures: Grax, a hulking male with scales the color of dried mud, his brow perpetually furrowed in worry; Xayli, a slender female with emerald scales and eyes that flickered with a feral intelligence; and Zhin, a scrawny hatchling, his leathery skin barely covering his knobby bones.

Hunger gnawed at their bellies. The meager scraps they’d managed to scrounge – a handful of withered roots and a half-eaten rat – did little to stave off the emptiness. Grax, the de facto leader, scanned the horizon with his reptilian eyes. The surrounding fields, once lush with rice paddies, were now barren wastelands, the result of the drought that had driven them from their swamp homes.

"Anything?" Xayli rasped, her voice rough with disuse. Grax shook his massive head, a low growl rumbling in his chest. Frustration gnawed at him. He’d promised his people safety, a new home, but all he had found for them was this crumbling shack and a constant struggle for survival.

Zhin whimpered, his large black eyes pleading. Grax reached out, a surprisingly gentle gesture for such a hulking creature, and stroked the hatchling’s head. "Don’t worry, little one," he rumbled, his voice thick with a promise he wasn't sure he could keep. "We’ll find something."

Xayli’s sharp eyes caught a flicker of movement in the distance. A lone crow circled overhead, its harsh caw echoing across the desolate landscape. Crows meant scavengers, and scavengers often meant settlements. Hope, a rare visitor, flickered in her chest.

"Grax," she said, her voice gaining strength, "look. A crow. Perhaps…"

Grax followed her gaze. The crow dipped lower, its black form disappearing behind the horizon. A sliver of possibility, so thin it could snap with the slightest pressure, but it was a chance nonetheless. With a renewed determination, Grax rose to his full height.

"We may not find food today," he declared, his voice carrying a new conviction, "but we will find a way. We Saurog are survivors. We have always been."

Xayli nodded, her eyes hardening with resolve. Zhin, sensing the shift in mood, whimpered again, but this time, it was a whimper that held the faintest echo of defiance. The wind howled on, but for the small group of Saurog refugees, a tiny spark of hope had flickered to life, a fragile flame that refused to be extinguished.

chapter 56

56 part 4

Ba Gau surveyed the gathered crowd, his gaze settling on the nervous faces of the merchants and administrators. "So, beyond the Saurog menace," he rumbled, "what other issues plague this land?"

A collective cough rippled through the room. Bao, the portly pug, shuffled forward, adjusting his spectacles. "W-well, esteemed Lord Ba Gau," he stammered, "our coffers are thankfully quite… stable. Trade routes, though disrupted by the Saurog, remain open. However…" his voice trailed off, a worried glance darting towards the others.

Nam Long, ever the opportunist, cleared his throat and stepped forward. "However, Lord Ba Gau," he said smoothly, "our natural resources, while plentiful, remain largely untapped. There are iron deposits in the northern hills, and the southern forests hold a wealth of timber. With proper leadership and…" he paused, letting his gaze flicker pointedly at Ba Gau, "…investment, these resources could bring immense prosperity."

A chorus of murmurs rose in agreement. An older woman with a mane of silver hair and a weathered face spoke up next. "And prosperity," she declared, her voice surprisingly strong for her age, "requires a place to spend it! We have no town square, no proper market, no sense of community. We merely exist in scattered dwellings, vulnerable and isolated."

A sentiment echoed by several others. Hoanh, the wizened Dingo, barked out his agreement. "A town," he growled, "would attract more merchants, more skilled laborers. We would become a destination, not just a stopover on a dusty trail."

Ba Gau listened intently, his expression unreadable. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, the worn leather of his glove creaking faintly. "Interesting," he finally mused. "So, we have stable finances, untapped potential, and a yearning for a unified community."

A flicker of a smile played on his lips. "Sounds like fertile ground for a project." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low growl. "A project that will require every ounce of your ingenuity, your resources, and perhaps a touch of… risk."

The assembled group exchanged nervous glances. Nam Long, however, felt a thrill of cautious excitement course through him. Ba Gau wasn't just here to fight Saurogs. He was here to build, to shape the land, and perhaps, Nam Long realized with a dawning sense of purpose, he was here to offer a chance to be a part of something grand. The question now was, were they all brave enough to take the gamble?

56 part 5

A chorus of murmurs rose in agreement. An older woman with a mane of silver hair and a weathered face spoke up next. "And prosperity," she declared, her voice surprisingly strong for her age, "requires a place to spend it! We have no town square, a proper market, no sense of community. We merely exist in scattered dwellings, vulnerable and isolated."

Her words resonated with several others. Hoanh, the wizened Dingo, barked out his agreement. "A town," he growled, "would attract more merchants, more skilled laborers. We would become a destination, not just a stop-over on a dusty trail."

Ba Gau listened intently, his expression unreadable. He stroked his chin thoughtfully, the worn leather of his glove creaking faintly. "Interesting," he finally mused. "So, we have stable finances, untapped potential, and a yearning for a unified community."

A flicker of a smile played on his lips. "Sounds like fertile ground for a project." He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a low growl. "A project that will require every ounce of your ingenuity, your resources, and perhaps a touch of… risk."

The room collectively held its breath. Here it was, the crux of the meeting. Ba Gau, their new overlord, was laying out a path forward, and it seemed building a town was on the menu. But before they could get swept away with the possibilities, a voice cut through the tension.

It was Duyen, the former steward, her voice steady despite the weight of Ba Gau's gaze upon him. "My Lord," she began, "while the idea of a town is… intriguing, we must be clear-eyed about the challenges. Building a proper town requires more than just coin."

Ba Gau raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the steward's audacity. "Enlighten me, steward," he rumbled.

Duyen stepped forward, gesturing with a feminine hand. "Firstly, my Lord, there are the physical resources. We need a steady supply of good quality lumber for construction, as well as reliable sources of stone for foundations and public works. Don't forget the need for clay for bricks and pottery, and of course, a readily available source of fresh water to sustain the growing population."

A collective murmur of agreement rippled through the room. The merchants and administrators, despite their fear, understood the logistics. Building a town was more than just waving a hand and demanding results.

Duyen, seeing her point acknowledged, pressed on. "Secondly, Lord Ba Gau," she continued, her voice gaining confidence, "there is the matter of non-physical resources. A thriving town needs skilled laborers – carpenters, masons, roofers, the list goes on. We need a way to attract these people, or perhaps train some of our own. Additionally, a sense of community spirit and a shared vision are vital. Without these, any town will crumble from within."

Ba Gau steepled his fingers, his eyes gleaming with a predatory glint. "So, you say we need lumber, stone, clay, and water," he listed, his voice a low growl. "And then there's the matter of skilled hands and a spirit of unity. Interesting."

He scanned the room, his gaze lingering on each individual. "Tell me," he rumbled, his voice heavy with expectation, "how do you propose we acquire these resources?" Simply Duyen responds, “We already have ample supply and access to them. Just need mutts to gather it.”

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56 part 6

Duyen, her red fur bristling with nervous energy, took a deep breath and continued. "With these physical resources secured, Lord Ba Gau, we can begin construction. As a first step, I propose focusing on housing. Thirty sturdy houses, spaced strategically for growth, would form the core of our new town."

A murmur of dissent rippled through the room. Quan, the grizzled Chow Chow, rumbled a low growl. "Thirty houses? Who's to fill them? We barely have enough canines to guard the perimeter, let alone populate a town square!"

His words found agreement among others. "Exactly," barked a young Jackal from the back. "Let the new dogs build their own beds when they come sniffing around!"

Duyen held up a calming paw. "Patience, my friends," she pleaded. "While a permanent population may take time to attract, we have a resource at hand – the Saurog refugees on the western border."

A collective gasp filled the room. The Saurog, hulking reptilian humanoids known for their fierce loyalty and barbaric tendencies, were a source of constant worry.

"We can offer them temporary accommodation," Duyen continued, her voice steady despite the rising tension. "Shelter in exchange for their labor. They can help us acquire the resources we need, clear land, even assist with construction itself."

Hoanh, the old Dingo, leaned forward, intrigued. "An interesting proposition, little one. But how do we control them? They are not known for their… pleasant dispositions."

Duyen met his gaze with a spark of defiance. "We offer them a chance to integrate, a path to a new life. And Lord Ba Gau," she turned towards the warlord, her voice laced with a hint of cunning, "your… presence will be a powerful deterrent to any unruly behavior."

A slow smile, devoid of warmth, spread across Ba Gau's face. The idea of harnessing the Saurog's strength for his own purposes appealed to him. However, he wouldn't be swayed so easily.

"A clever idea, Duyen," he rumbled, his voice low and dangerous. "But remember, trust is a luxury we can't afford. These Saurog will be watched, their movements monitored. They will serve, or…" He trailed off, letting the unspoken threat hang heavy in the air.

The room fell silent once more. Duyen's plan, while risky, offered a way to kickstart the town's development. But the specter of the Saurog loomed large, a potential source of chaos simmering just beneath the surface. The project to build a town had taken its first step, but the path ahead was fraught with challenges.

Chapter 57

Lore

(using runes on clay tablets. this magic system is ancient, runes are believed to be the the only form living creatures can interpret and withstand the power contained within the voices of the gods, direct interaction would kill most things instantly. most powerful runes are guarded secrets of powerful interests. using runes is possible for everyone but it requires a mental strength and training which everyone is not capable of. weaker minds are just unable to remember the runes and even if written down the untrained see the runes incorrectly, sometimes blurry, sometimes missing sections. the magician's mind must be attuned to grasp the physical, spiritual, metaphysical, and multilayered ideas and meanings and, for more powerful runes, even entire epic parables contained within the strokes of each symbol. all elements must be balanced managed and ingrained by the magician. Xayli has potential but no training.)

57part1

The wind howled like a banshee across the desolate northern fields, whipping at the tattered remains of the shack that clung precariously to the side of a withered hillock. Inside, the flickering fire cast long, distorted shadows on the walls. Huddled around the meager flames were three figures: Grax, the hulking male Saurog leader, his brow perpetually furrowed in worry; Xayli, the slender female with emerald scales glistening in the firelight; and Zhin, the scrawny hatchling, whimpering softly in his sleep.

Hunger gnawed at their bellies. The meager scraps they’d found that day – a handful of withered roots and a half-eaten lizard carcass – did little to alleviate the gnawing emptiness. Grax slammed his fist against the dirt floor, a gesture of frustration that vibrated through the rickety shack.

“This is hopeless, Xayli,” he rumbled, his voice thick with despair. “We’ve been searching for days, and there’s nothing left here but dust and despair.”

Xayli, ever the pragmatist, forced a reassuring smile. “We haven’t searched everywhere, Grax. Remember the crow from yesterday? Perhaps there’s something beyond the horizon.”

Grax snorted. “Crows follow scavengers, Xayli. Not salvation.”

Despair threatened to engulf Xayli, but she pushed it down. She couldn’t afford to lose hope, not with Zhin relying on them. Her eyes darted around the room, landing on a pile of discarded scraps – leather scraps from a scavenged satchel, bits of twisted metal, and a handful of scavenged feathers.

An idea flickered to life in her mind, fragile but persistent. It was a long shot, a desperate gamble, but it was their only shot.

“Grax,” she started, her voice gaining strength. “We may not have food, but we do have… materials.”

Grax raised an eyebrow, a flicker of curiosity breaking through his despair. Xayli launched into her plan, her voice animated with newfound purpose. She explained how she could fashion a crude snare from the leather scraps and metal, using the feathers as bait. It wouldn’t be much, but it might just be enough to trap a small rodent, enough to keep them going for another day.

Grax listened intently, a spark of hope rekindled in his eyes. As Xayli finished outlining her plan, a small chirp broke the silence. Zhin, sensing the shift in mood, had woken and was watching Xayli with wide, hopeful eyes. A surge of maternal instinct filled her. She wouldn’t let him down.

Working with nimble, practiced movements, Xayli set to work. She meticulously fashioned the snare, drawing on skills honed during her nomadic life in the swamps. By the time the first rays of dawn painted the sky a pale orange, the snare was complete.

Exhausted but determined, Xayli and Grax ventured out, a silent prayer on their lips. They reached the spot Xayli had identified the previous day, an area with faint signs of animal activity. With a shared look of hope, they set the snare.

The hours dragged by, filled with a tense silence. Despair threatened to creep back in. But then, just as the sun began its descent, a triumphant cry from Grax ripped through the air. He held aloft the snare, a plump field mouse trapped firmly within its grasp.

Relief washed over Xayli, a wave so powerful it brought tears to her eyes. They had survived another day. More importantly, she had proven something to herself and to Grax – even in the face of despair, ingenuity and resourcefulness could pave the way to survival.

As they returned to the shack, the setting sun casting an orange glow on their path, Xayli knew they had a long and uncertain journey ahead. But for now, the gnawing hunger was a dull ache, replaced by a newfound sense of hope. And that, in the desolate wasteland that was their reality, was a victory worth savoring.

57part2

Replete with the meager meal, a quiet tension hung in the air of the shack. Xayli, her emerald scales catching the flickering firelight, nervously traced the rough surface of a palm-sized clay tablet with her clawed finger. On it, she had painstakingly etched a single rune – a simple series of interlocking triangles, representing Fortitude. It was a rune she knew well from her past life as a construction augmentor, used to bolster strength and resilience during grueling labor.

Tonight, however, the rune felt different. Here, in the desolate wasteland, it wasn't just a symbol on a building plan. It was a lifeline, a desperate gamble against their harsh reality. Taking a deep breath, Xayli closed her eyes, willing herself to remember the ancient teachings, the fragmented knowledge passed down through generations of Saurog mages.

It was a fragmented memory, a half-forgotten chant that echoed in the deepest recesses of her mind. It spoke of a world where the voices of the gods resonated through the very fabric of reality, chaotic and raw. Runes, etched with the blood of the ancients, were the only way to capture and channel these voices, to bend them to the will of the mage.

But wielding this power was a delicate dance. The mental strain was immense, like trying to hold a raging inferno in your bare hands. The runes themselves, mere lines etched onto clay, held within them the echoes of divine pronouncements. A wrong stroke, a misplaced thought, could unleash a torrent of power that could shatter Xayli's mind.

Sweat beaded on her forehead as she focused, her mind a battleground between raw power and fragile control. She visualized Grax, his hulking form straining under the weight of a collapsing roof beam. She channeled the image into the rune, imbuing it with her intent – to strengthen, to fortify.

The clay tablet pulsed with a faint green light, the color of Saurog magic. The air crackled with a barely perceptible hum. For a terrifying moment, the line between control and chaos blurred. Xayli felt a searing pain erupt in her mind, threatening to overwhelm her. Then, with a gasp, she released the magic.

The green light subsided, leaving behind the simple rune on the clay. Relief washed over Xayli, a wave of exhaustion following close behind. She had done it. She had tapped into the raw power of the runes, however rudimentary.

Grax, who had been watching intently, his eyes wide with a mix of awe and trepidation, approached the tablet. He traced the rune with a thick finger, a frown marring his face.

"Fortitude?" he rumbled, his voice laced with disappointment. "You're going to use this to fix the roof? We need something… more aggressive. Something to help us take what we need."

Xayli recoiled, her anger flaring. "Take? You mean steal? We're not savages, Grax. We survive, but we don't raid innocent settlements!"

Grax let out a frustrated growl. "How long do you think these scraps will last us, Xayli? We need food, supplies! And this magic… this could be our ticket out of this wasteland. We can take what we deserve!"

Xayli stood her ground, her voice unwavering. "This magic isn't a weapon, Grax. It's a tool to help us rebuild, not to destroy. We can work, trade, anything but violence."

The shack fell silent once more, the tension thicker than ever. Xayli, despite her exhaustion, felt a flicker of hope. She had used the runes, a testament to her potential. Now, she had to convince Grax that their future lay not in raiding, but in rebuilding, using their combined skills and the power of the runes for good. The journey ahead wouldn't be easy, but for the first time since their exile, Xayli saw a glimmer of hope for a future where their strength wouldn't be used for destruction, but for creation.

57part3

Chapter 57, Scene 2

The afternoon sun beat down on Master Tam as he surveyed the bustling construction site. A symphony of hammering, sawing, and shouts filled the air. Ba Gau's ambitious plan to house the displaced Saurog refugees was well underway. A wry smile played on Tam's lips. This progress wouldn't last long.

He sidled up to Nguyen, a burly foreman overseeing a team erecting walls. Nguyen, a staunch supporter of Lady Mai Hoa, scowled when he saw Tam.

"Master Tam," Nguyen greeted with a forced smile, "Everything seems to be going smoothly."

"Indeed," Tam replied, his voice dripping with false sincerity. "Though, the quality of the wood seems...subpar. Are you certain it will withstand the coming monsoon?"

Nguyen's eyes darted nervously. "Only the finest materials are being used, Master Tam. I assure you."

Tam leaned closer, his voice barely a whisper. "A shame if these flimsy structures were to crumble, wouldn't it? Delays, disgruntled refugees...it would paint a rather unflattering picture of Ba Gau's leadership, wouldn't you say?"

Nguyen gulped. He understood the veiled threat. Tam was no friend of Ba Gau's, and his loyalty to the previous landholder was well known.

"There will be no delays, Master Tam," Nguyen stammered. "We'll just...be extra cautious with construction. Make sure everything is absolutely perfect."

Tam clapped Nguyen on the shoulder, a little too hard. "Excellent. Remember, slow and steady wins the race." With that, he sauntered away, a satisfied smirk on his face.

Nguyen watched him go, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple. He barked orders at his team, subtly changing their instructions. Less haste, more "meticulous checking." Every hammer blow seemed to echo with Tam's sinister words.

Meanwhile, Ba Gau emerged from his quarters, a determined glint in his eyes. Duyen, ever-present by his side, noticed the change in his demeanor.

"Where are we headed, Ba Gau?" she asked.

"To the border," he replied. "It's time I saw firsthand the plight of the Saurog refugees myself."

Duyen's brow furrowed. "But the construction..."

"Nguyen is a capable leader," Ba Gau assured her, a hint of unease creeping into his voice. "The houses will be built. But the refugees need our immediate attention. We can't wait for walls to go up before we offer them aid."

Duyen, sensing his unspoken worry, offered a reassuring smile. "Then let's go. The sooner we see the situation, the sooner we can offer solutions."

Together, they mounted their horses and rode out of the village, heading towards the border where the displaced Saurogs awaited their uncertain future. Unaware of the brewing sabotage within his own walls, Ba Gau pressed on, determined to help those in need.

57part4

Stepping inside the cabin, Ba Gau was surprised by the warmth that greeted him. The air, heavy with the scent of woodsmoke and unfamiliar spices, felt oddly comforting. Two more Saurogs, smaller than Grax but with the same moss-green skin and intelligent eyes, sat huddled around a small fire pit. They looked up at Ba Gau and Duyen with wary expressions.

Despite its cramped size, the cabin had a certain charm. The furniture, though simple, was crafted from smooth, polished wood and arranged to maximize space. Woven tapestries depicting scenes of nature in vibrant colors adorned the walls, and the air held the faint scent of aromatic herbs hanging from the ceiling.. Duyen, ever the diplomat, offered a jerky bar to each of the Saurogs, which they hesitantly accepted.

After some awkward small talk, Ba Gau launched into their plan. "We are from Heung," he began again, speaking slowly and deliberately. "We saw the devastation caused by the recent conflict and we want to help. Our people are skilled, but rebuilding the lost homes will take a long time. That's why we came looking for the Saurogs."

Grax grunted, a low rumble that could have been interpreted in several ways. "What makes you think we'd be willing to help?"

"Because these houses we plan to build," Duyen interjected, her voice gentle but firm, "won't just be for the displaced Cau Binh. They will be for you, the Saurogs, as well. With your help, we can construct these shelters much faster, providing a safe haven for everyone affected by the conflict."

A flicker of pride crossed Grax's face. Xayli, however, spoke up for the first time. Her voice was surprisingly melodic, with a musical lilt to it. "We Saurogs have been ostracized, and hunted, simply for trying to survive . Why should we trust you?"

Ba Gau met her gaze, his hand hovering near the hilt of his cleaver, a subconscious gesture he couldn't quite shake. "Because," he said, choosing his words carefully, "we see an opportunity for a new beginning. We can leave the past behind and build something better, together. This ain't some fairy tale about skipping through fields. There's a storm coming, a darkness threatening to engulf everything. We fight together, or we all fall. Your magic, your knowledge – that's the only thing that can stand against it. So choose. Help us build a future where our people can coexist, or watch the world crumble around you.

The room fell silent for a long moment, filled only with the crackling fire. Finally, Ba Gau leaned forward, his voice filled with curiosity. "Tell me about this magic you wield. These intricate symbols – do they hold the key to what you call ‘clay magic’?"

Ba Gau felt a pang of unease. The Serpent God's cryptic words echoed in his mind. He carefully parsed his next words, treading a diplomatic tightrope. "A certain Serpent God alluded to...a connection," he said slowly. "A connection between your people and a coming threat. He spoke of knowledge you possess, knowledge that could be vital in the struggles to come." Ba Gau avoided mentioning that HE was the threat, unsure of how the Saurogs would react to such a fantastical notion.

Xayli let out a sharp hiss, a flicker of something akin to fear crossing her features. Zhin, the other smaller Saurog, muttered something in their guttural language, earning a silencing glare from Xayli.

The mood in the cabin had shifted. The tentative trust they'd been building seemed to evaporate, replaced by a tense suspicion. But Ba Gau wasn't one to give up easily. He had a feeling they were on the verge of something significant, something that could change the course of their world. He just needed to find the right way to bridge the gap, to convince the Saurogs that their cooperation wasn't just about rebuilding houses, but about something much, much bigger.

57part5

Ba Gau, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, decided to take a more pragmatic approach. "Look," he said, his voice firm but not aggressive, "we understand your hesitation. Trust doesn't come easy, especially after the recent conflict." He swept his gaze over the three Saurogs, taking in their wary expressions.

"Here's what we propose," he continued. "You can return to the other Saurog refugees and spread the word. We're building a new town, one where both Cau Binh and Saurogs can live in peace. Those willing to contribute to the construction effort will be welcomed and paid a fair wage in food and supplies. It's a chance to rebuild your lives, to contribute to a future where we don't have to live in fear of each other."

Duyen added, her voice soothing, "We understand your skills in construction are unmatched. Your help will expedite the process significantly, ensuring everyone has a safe haven sooner rather than later."

Ba Gau uncrossed his arms, a subtle gesture meant to convey openness. "We're offering a fresh start, a chance to forge a new path together. But the decision is yours. We need a definitive answer within two weeks. After that, we'll have to move forward with the resources at our disposal."

The air grew thick with the weight of Ba Gau's words, a palpable tension settling over the room. Ba Gau knew it was a gamble, but he believed the prospect of a secure future and fair compensation could outweigh the Saurogs' apprehension. He watched them exchange glances, their expressions a mix of skepticism and something that could have been interpreted as hope.

Only time would tell if his gamble would pay off.

57part6

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows as Ba Gau and Duyen trotted their horses back towards the manor. The weight of the day's encounter with the Saurogs hung heavy in the air, a mix of cautious optimism and lingering unease.

"That was a good belly rub you gave those war lizards, Ba Gau," Duyen remarked, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Offering them meat and a warm kennel? You're a bold dog, that's for sure."

Ba Gau chuckled, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. "Desperate times call for desperate sniffs, wouldn't you agree? We need those Saurogs on our side. Their magic and building skills could be the difference between a whimpering pup and a full-grown hound."

They rode in comfortable silence for a while, the rhythmic clopping of hooves the only sound against the backdrop of chirping crickets. As the familiar outline of Ba Gau's manor came into view, Duyen nudged her horse closer.

"Speaking of building," she said, her voice turning serious, "what's next on the agenda? We've got the Saurogs (hopefully) on board for construction, but there's more to a town than just a fancy doghouse."

Ba Gau grinned, his canine teeth flashing in the fading sunlight. "Indeed, my clever pup. We need to establish dominance, mark our territory. The lands bordering the Saurogs are ripe for the picking, and a touch of unrest never hurt anyone, strategically speaking."

Duyen's brow furrowed. "So, conquest? You plan to expand into Saurog lands?"

"yes" Ba Gau countered. "Think of it as…establishing a new friendly fence line. A militia will not only keep the riffraff out, but also impress the top dog in Hadaupha county, the terrifying Archduke."

A glint of understanding flickered in Duyen's eyes. Appeasing the Archduke, and potentially even the Emperor, could bring much-needed support and recognition to their fledgling town.

"But before we start barking orders," Duyen said, a playful glint in her eyes, "tell me, big dog. Do you by any chance have a…Town Tree Seed? You know, the kind that officially buries the metaphorical bone and lets everyone know we're not just a pack of strays?"

Ba Gau's grin widened. Ah yes, the Town Tree Seed. He patted a pouch hanging from his belt. "Always prepared, my keen-eyed pup. This old mutt never leaves home without his…essentials."

Chapter 58

58part1

Dust swirled around Duyen's boots as she surveyed the construction site. The planned houses stood like skeletal frames, a far cry from the bustling, completed town they'd envisioned. Disappointment gnawed at her. The promised hustle and bustle of construction was replaced by a sluggish pace and an air of indifference. Frustration gnawed at her. This wasn't just slow progress; it was blatant sabotage.

The administrator, a man named Ghin with an oily smile and shifty eyes, greeted her with a mocking bow. The man oozed a sickeningly sweet demeanor, peppered with unnecessary flattery directed at Ba Gau. "Lady Duyen," he drawled, his voice dripping with false deference. "Such a pleasure to see you gracing us with your presence."

Duyen forced a smile, her senses prickling. "Likewise, Ghin. I wanted to check on the progress of the construction."

Ghin launched into a torrent of excuses, blaming everything from bad weather (a bright, sunny day) to a sudden shortage of nails (abundantly stocked in the warehouse). Each excuse was more outlandish than the last, leaving Duyen fuming. Yet, Duyen saw through the charade. This man was a wolf in sheep's clothing, his words masking his incompetence and possible sabotage.

Finally, she cut him off. "Ghin, enough. This is clearly deliberate." Her voice hardened. "Someone is making sure these homes don't get built." Ghin's smile faltered for a moment, but quickly returned, a sneer playing on his lips. "Oh, of course not, Lady Duyen! How could you even suggest such a thing?" she said, her voice firm. "The progress is abysmal. If there's a problem, we need solutions, not excuses."

Duyen had reached her limit. She stormed out of the construction site, her anger simmering. The ride back to the manor felt longer than usual, fueled by a growing sense of helplessness.

As she entered the study, she found Ba Gau lounging in a massive armchair, his eyes closed. The air around him crackled with a faint, unsettling energy. He didn't open his eyes, but spoke in a low growl that sent shivers down Duyen's spine.

"Report," he rumbled.

Duyen recounted her encounter with Ghin, her voice shaking slightly as she described the administrator's blatant lies and sabotage. As Duyen finished recounting the man's blatant lies, the air in the room grew thick with unspoken tension. Ba Gau leaned forward, a predatory glint in his eyes. He released a faint pressure, a subtle emanation of his "well of souls" – a concept entirely foreign to Duyen. All she felt was a sudden, overwhelming sense of the immense power and raw violence simmering beneath Ba Gau's calm exterior.

Ba Gau remained silent for a moment, then a flicker of a dangerous glint appeared in his eyes. As he opened them fully, Duyen felt an invisible pressure slam down on her, a raw surge of brutal energy. This was no ordinary dog; this was a predator, a force of nature barely contained.

_____

Duyen swallowed hard, her heart pounding against her ribs. She understood now. Ba Gau wasn't just angry, he was a hair's breadth from unleashing a level of violence she couldn't even comprehend. His "visit" to Ghin wouldn't be an interrogation, it would be a bloody reckoning. Duyen could feel the suppressed aggression radiating from Ba Gau. His words, though veiled, held the distinct threat of a violent solution. She understood; nobles had a certain…reputation for handling problems with finality.

"We can't just…remove him," Duyen stammered, the weight of Ba Gau's power pressing down on her. "There has to be another way." "Fine," he conceded. "But you have two days, pup. Two days to uncover the truth and deal with it. This town needs progress, and I won't tolerate anyone sniffing ass and sleeping in sun without paying the price."

Duyen knew the challenge was immense. She needed a plan, one that would expose the culprit without resorting to Ba Gau's brutal methods. The fate of their fledgling town, and perhaps Ba Gau's descent into savagery, depended on her success.

58part2

The last rays of the setting sun painted the construction site in a warm, orange glow. Duyen lingered long after the other workers had packed up for the day, her sharp eyes scanning the dwindling crowd. Finally, she spotted him – Tam, a broad-shouldered Cau Binh with a permanent pout etched on his face. He shuffled towards the exit, kicking at a stray pebble with frustration.

Duyen waited until he was a safe distance away before following. She kept her steps light and silent, easily blending into the gathering dusk. Tam seemed oblivious, his grumbling a constant soundtrack as he navigated the dusty paths. Finally, he reached a ramshackle hut at the edge of the settlement and unlocked the rickety door with a weary sigh.

Just as Tam stepped inside, Duyen stepped out of the shadows, a single hand shooting out to block his path. Tam yelped, his eyes wide with surprise. "Who are you? What do you want?"

Duyen lowered her hand, but her gaze remained firm. "Relax, Tam. I'm not here to cause trouble. I just….have some questions." She lowered her voice further, a touch of conspiracy in her tone. "About the construction."

Tam narrowed his eyes, suspicion coloring his features. "What's there to know? It's a mess, as anyone with half a brain can see."

Duyen leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper. "It doesn't have to be. Look, I saw how much slower you worked today. Especially that whole carrying supplies in your paws business. It's ridiculous."

A flicker of surprise crossed Tam's face, then a grudging nod. "Yeah, ridiculous, alright? Stupid order from the foreman. Said it builds 'character' or some nonsense."

Duyen pressed on. "And the materials? You ordered good quality wood, right? But somehow, only the worst kind arrives. How does that happen?"

Tam's face flushed with anger. "Don't even get me started! I put in the requests for sturdy oak, but all we get is this warped, splintering excuse for lumber. And then Foreman Vu blames us when things fall apart!"

Duyen's heart pounded with a mix of relief and anger. Relief that she wasn't wrong about the sabotage, anger at the audacity behind it. "Foreman Vu, huh? And who supplies the wood?"

Tam muttered a name under his breath. "The Golden Paw Trading Company. Bunch of snooty, overdressed…well, you know."

Duyen's jaw clenched. Golden Paw. It all made a twisted kind of sense now. The shoddy materials, the nonsensical orders – it was all a way to slow down progress and force the town to pay more for "better" supplies later.

"Tam," Duyen said, her voice low and steady, "This needs to stop. But we can't just accuse Vu without proof. We need...evidence."

Tam looked up, a flicker of hope igniting in his eyes. "So you're gonna do something about it? Help us fight back?"

Duyen smiled, a sharp glint in her eyes. "You could say that. Now, tell me everything you know about Foreman Vu and his dealings with Golden Paw."

The setting sun dipped below the horizon, shrouding them in twilight. Inside the ramshackle hut, a plan began to take shape, a plan to expose the corruption and clear the path for the town's growth. But Duyen knew their fight was far from over. Golden Paw, and whatever forces were pulling their strings, wouldn't give up easily. She had a feeling this was just the tip of the iceberg.

58part3

The flickering candle cast dancing shadows on the ramshackle hut's walls. Duyen knelt on a threadbare rug, her brow furrowed in concentration as she sketched out the plan on a scrap of parchment. Tam, perched on a rickety stool opposite her, watched intently, his large ears twitching with nervous energy.

"Alright, Tam," Duyen began, her voice low and firm, "here's what we can do. First, we need evidence. You, with your keen eyes and quiet steps, can shadow Foreman Vu. See who he meets, what they talk about. Any shady dealings, coded messages – anything suspicious, you report it back to me."

Tam scratched his head, his thick eyebrows meeting in a frown. "But what if he catches me? He'd kick me out faster than a stray cur!"

Duyen smiled, a reassuring glint in her eyes. "Don't worry, I won't throw you into the lion's den without a safety net. We'll be discreet. Watch from a distance, blend in with the shadows. Besides," she tapped the parchment with a sharp fingernail, "we'll need more than just Foreman Vu's shady dealings. I'll dig into Golden Paw. See if there are any disgruntled ex-employees with a grudge and a story to tell. Maybe someone who can provide proof – receipts, invoices, anything that shows a discrepancy between the good wood we ordered and the splintering excuse they delivered."

Tam's eyes widened. "Receipts? You think we can just…borrow one from the site?"

Duyen chuckled. "Let's call it…strategic borrowing. Don't worry, I have a nimble pair of fingers and a knack for disappearing before anyone notices. But that's not all. We need someone on the inside, a friendly ear within Golden Paw's walls. Someone who can whisper rumors, confirm suspicions."

Tam's eyes darted around the room. "Who would trust us? Golden Paw's as tight-lipped as a clam."

Duyen leaned back, a thoughtful frown forming on her face. "Not necessarily us. Perhaps someone lower down the chain, a delivery boy maybe, or someone working in sales. Someone who feels slighted, overlooked, someone with a chip on their shoulder. We offer them a chance to be heard, a chance to expose the rotten core of the company."

Tam scratched his chin thoughtfully. "So, we gather proof, expose Vu's little game, and then what?"

Duyen tapped the parchment again. "Phase two: confrontation. We present Foreman Vu with the evidence – the shoddy wood, his little meetings, the whispers from our inside source. We make him squirm, force him to confess who's pulling the strings behind the scenes."

A sly grin spread across Tam's face. "Like pulling a chew toy away from a grumpy pup?"

Duyen chuckled. "Exactly. But if Vu tries to play tough, we have another option. We go public. We gather the townspeople, show them the truth of it all. Let them see how Golden Paw has been strangling our progress, lining their pockets with lies and deceit. Imagine the uproar!"

Tam whistled. "That'll rattle their cage. But what if Golden Paw has friends in high places? What if they try to silence us?"

Duyen's smile faded slightly. "There's always that risk. Golden Paw might be powerful, but they can't control everything. And if their corruption runs deeper than we suspect, well…we might have to escalate. Take our evidence to the Archduke in Hadaupha county, even the Emperor himself if need be."

Tam's eyes widened further. "The Emperor? Are you sure about that, Duyen? That's a big gamble."

Duyen met his gaze, her voice steady. "It is, Tam. But sometimes, big problems require big solutions. We're fighting for our town, for a chance to build a future on our own terms. And if that means taking a risk, so be it. We just need to be careful, clever, and most importantly, united. Now, are you in? Will you help me expose the truth?"

Tam looked down at his calloused paws, then back at Duyen, a resolute glint in his eyes. "We can't let them stomp on us like we're nothing, Duyen. Count me in. Let's show these overfed hounds the bite of a stray!"

58part4

The midday sun beat down mercilessly on the dusty construction site. Sweat beaded on Tam's brow as he strained to hoist a particularly heavy timber. He grunted with exertion, glancing furtively around. Nearby, Foreman Vu barked orders at the other workers, his booming voice echoing across the half-built walls.

Tam caught Duyen's eye from across the work area. She winked subtly, offering him a quick, encouraging nod. Taking a deep breath, Tam decided it was now or never. As soon as he finished muscling the timber into place, he casually sauntered towards a makeshift table shaded by a tattered awning. This was Foreman Vu's domain, a cluttered mess of blueprints, scribbled notes, and the very documents they needed – the invoices and delivery receipts.

Vu, preoccupied with berating a young worker for a misplaced brick, didn't notice Tam approach. Tam feigned nonchalance, scratching his ear and gazing around with a bored expression. But his eyes were sharp, scanning the papers scattered across the table. There, nestled beneath a half-eaten apple core, he spotted a stack of invoices neatly bound with a red ribbon.

His heart pounded a frantic rhythm in his chest. This was it. But how to get his paws on them without raising suspicion? Duyen had devised a plan, a risky maneuver that relied on a well-timed distraction.

Suddenly, a loud screech pierced the air. From the other side of the construction site, a group of workers were pointing frantically at the sky. Tam stole a glance and saw a flock of squawking birds circling overhead, diving low towards a nearby pile of grain.

A mischievous glint lit up Tam's eyes. This was his opportunity. He turned to Vu, feigning concern. "Foreman Vu! Look at those birds! They're going to ruin the oat supply!"

Vu, annoyed by the interruption, squinted at the sky. "Blast those feathery scavengers! Get someone with a slingshot, shoo them away!"

While Vu was distracted, Tam lunged for the table with a silent prayer. His fingers brushed against the ribbon, unfastening it with practiced dexterity. He scooped up a handful of invoices, shoving them hastily beneath his work shirt. Just as he straightened up, Vu turned back, a scowl etched on his face.

"What are you doing here, Tam? Shouldn't you be working?"

Tam forced a sheepish grin. "Just checking on those pesky birds, Foreman. Seems they've lost interest in the grain, thank goodness!"

Vu didn't seem entirely convinced, but with a grumble, he returned his attention to the young worker and his misplaced brick. Tam, his heart hammering in his chest, melted back into the crowd, clutching the stolen documents close to his body. He needed to get them to Duyen discreetly. Their plan was in motion, and the first piece of evidence was secured. But they were only just beginning. The fight against Golden Paw's corruption had begun.

58part5

The flickering gaslight cast long shadows on the cobbled streets of the Nituhan border town. Duyen, disguised in a hooded cloak, navigated the bustling night market with the practiced ease of a seasoned hunter. Tonight's prey wasn't a wild beast, but information – and she had a specific target in mind: Rinn, a disgruntled former employee of Golden Paw Trading Company.

Weaving through the clamoring crowds, she finally spotted him huddled beneath a flimsy awning, nursing a mug of something suspiciously cloudy. Rinn was a portly Cau Binh with a perpetually disgruntled expression and a comb-over that valiantly attempted to conceal his receding hairline. He'd been unceremoniously laid off from Golden Paw a few months ago, a rumour circulating that he'd "lost a few too many deliveries."

Duyen approached cautiously, her voice a low murmur when she addressed him. "Rinn, is it?"

Rinn startled, nearly spilling his drink. He squinted at her through the dimly lit market. "Who wants to know?" he grumbled, his voice thick with suspicion.

Duyen pulled back her hood, revealing a warm smile. "Don't worry, I come in peace. My name's Duyen, and I have a proposition for you."

Rinn's eyes narrowed further. "A proposition, huh? What kind of proposition from someone hiding their face in the dark?"

Duyen chuckled. "Fair enough. Let's just say I'm interested in the inner workings of a certain trading company…Golden Paw, perhaps?"

Rinn's expression shifted, a flicker of bitterness replacing the initial suspicion. He took a long, slow sip from his mug before responding. "Golden Paw? What business do you have with those pompous peacocks?"

Duyen leaned closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Let's just say they're not as…upstanding as they appear. And their practices might be affecting people I care about."

Rinn snorted. "Affecting people? More like strangling them with overpriced, shoddy goods! Don't get me started on those…those…" he sputtered, searching for a fitting insult.

Sensing an opening, Duyen pressed on. "Exactly! And that's where you come in, Rinn. You worked there for a while. You must have seen some things, heard some whispers. Anything about manipulating deliveries, tampering with quality, or…shall we say, 'encouraging' delays?"

Rinn's eyes gleamed with a mixture of resentment and a grudging sense of satisfaction. "Oh, I saw things alright. Dodgy deals in back alleys, invoices that conveniently 'disappeared,' whole shipments 'lost' only to mysteriously reappear at inflated prices. It was a nest of vipers, that place."

Duyen felt a surge of excitement. This was exactly what she needed. "Rinn, that information could be very valuable. Are you willing to share what you know? To help expose their lies and protect the people they're hurting?"

Rinn hesitated, his gaze darting nervously around the crowded market. The betrayal and humiliation of his dismissal still burned fresh. "Why should I help you? What's in it for me?"

Duyen smiled, her voice steady. "The satisfaction of seeing those pompous peacocks brought down a peg. Justice for those they've wronged. And maybe, just maybe, a chance to clear your name. After all, if we expose their corrupt practices, wouldn't it raise questions about why a good, honest worker like yourself was let go?"

Rinn pondered this for a long moment, a slow smile creeping across his face. "You know," he said, a mischievous glint in his eye, "I think I might just have a few choice anecdotes about a certain manager with a fondness for…shall we say, 'creative accounting.'"

Duyen's smile widened. Looks like tonight's hunt had yielded a valuable prize. With Rinn's inside information and Tam's stolen invoices, they were building a case against Golden Paw that could crack the facade of their supposed respectability. The road ahead wouldn't be easy, but with each piece of evidence gathered, Duyen felt a growing sense of determination. They would expose the truth, and Golden Paw would pay for its greed.

58part6

The flickering gaslight cast an orange glow on the rough-hewn logs of the Golden Paw trading post. Inside, Nam Long, his brow furrowed in concentration, meticulously reviewed a stack of invoices. As manager of this remote branch, his days were spent wrangling deliveries, negotiating prices, and ensuring a steady flow of raw materials to the growing town of Nituhan. Timber was their bread and butter, with shipments arriving regularly to fuel the construction of new homes and businesses.

A carriage rumbled to a stop outside, sending a plume of dust swirling into the air. Nam Long's heart thumped a familiar rhythm of anticipation. He emerged from the post, a smile breaking out on his face as he saw the carriage door creak open.

Mai, her sleek black fur glistening in the fading light, emerged with an air of effortless grace that never failed to impress him. Unlike the drab, utilitarian clothing favored by most in Nituhan, she wore a vibrant crimson traveling cloak, a reminder of the bygone days when her unnamed fashion boutique in Diba was the place to be seen.

"Mai!" Nam Long exclaimed, sweeping her into a tight embrace. "Thank the spirits you're finally here. The journey must have been a nightmare."

Mai chuckled, the sound like wind rustling through leaves. "Long enough, but tolerable. How's our little outpost holding up?"

"Little outpost?" he scoffed playfully. "We're thriving, love. The integration of the Saurog refugees is moving smoothly. You wouldn't believe the difference thirty new houses make." He helped her down, his gaze lingering for a moment on the luxurious fabric of her cloak. A pang of guilt stabbed at him – here he was, profiting from the reconstruction efforts, while the townsfolk still struggled.

Nam Long asked, his voice softening, "How's our little furball faring?"

Mai's smile softened. "He's having a blast back at the estate with Nanny Lan. He's gotten so big already, and full of boundless energy! A bit too much for poor Nanny, I'm afraid. But Aunt Lin loves having him around – he keeps her on her toes. He misses you terribly, though. Keeps whining whenever he sees your portrait."

Mai's smile faltered for a moment, then returned full force. "Of course. Now, tell me about the reason I'm here – your grand business exploits as the Golden Paw's star supplier!"

Nam Long puffed out his chest, a hint of pride in his voice. "Let me tell you, your husband is no longer the wide-eyed rookie sent out here. Business is booming. We've secured a steady contract with the new lord for the refugee housing project. High-quality timber, delivered on time and within budget. Golden Paw is practically synonymous with reliability in Nituhan!"

He watched Mai's face, hoping for a flicker of admiration. Instead, a thoughtful frown formed on her brow.

"That's wonderful news, Long," she said carefully. "But have you heard anything about the lord's plans for attracting new businesses? The town could really use a good bank and perhaps a diverse range of guilds to stimulate the economy."

Nam Long's smile faltered slightly. The current population of Nituhan was a meager 40 dog-folk, with 90% employed by the Golden Paw and the other major company, a mining operation. The remaining 10% were guards, administrators, and the new lord's staff. A true economic boom seemed like a distant dream.

"The lord's been hinting at possibilities," he admitted. "He wants Nituhan to become a trade hub, a crossroads for commerce. Ambitious, wouldn't you say?"

A spark of excitement ignited in Mai's eyes. "Ambitious indeed," she said, her voice laced with a hint of her old business savvy. "Perhaps there's more to this frontier life than meets the eye, Long. Perhaps it's an opportunity waiting to be seized."

Nam Long couldn't help but grin. Mai, ever the strategist, already saw the potential where he only saw challenges. Together, they might just turn this remote outpost into a thriving town. As he took her hand, leading her inside, he knew deep down, the future of Nituhan, and their place in it, was just beginning to unfold.

Chapter 59

59part1

The flickering gaslight cast long, dancing shadows on the rough-hewn walls of the Golden Paw warehouse. Nam Long, a triumphant grin plastered on his face, tossed a burlap sack onto a pile of lumber.

"There you have it, Mai! The masterstroke," he declared, puffing out his chest. "Thanks to Hoanh's inside connection, we've procured a whole shipment of timber at a fraction of the cost. We'll say it's premium quality, and those inspectors won't be the wiser. Golden Paw's profits will skyrocket!"

Mai, perched atop a crate with an air of studied nonchalance, raised a skeptical eyebrow. "A bargain like that, Long? Sounds too good to be true."

Nam Long chuckled, oblivious to her reservations. "That's where you're wrong, love. Hoanh's been complaining about the new lord's building project for weeks. Seems he and a few others aren't too happy with a war hero in charge."

A flicker of unease crossed Mai's eyes, but she masked it quickly. "So, Hoanh is…partnering with us on this little venture?"

"More like a silent investor," Nam Long bragged, patting the burlap sack. "He gets a cut of the extra profit, and we maintain our reputation as the top supplier in Nituhan. Win-win, wouldn't you say?"

"Win-win indeed," Mai agreed, her voice laced with a hint of forced cheer. "But remember, Long, discretion is key. We don't want anyone, especially that pesky steward Duyen, sniffing around and questioning our…acquisition methods."

Nam Long's grin faltered slightly. "Duyen? Don't worry about her, love. She's been asking about the deliveries, but nothing specific. Besides, this timber looks good enough to fool anyone."

"Looks can be deceiving, Long," Mai countered, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But here's an idea. Remember Hoanh's been complaining about the project? What if we…encourage him to voice his concerns a little louder? Perhaps a 'friendly' word with the inspectors, questioning the new lord's judgment in choosing such a…'suspicious' supplier?"

A slow, predatory smile spread across Nam Long's face. "Now that's a clever idea, Mai! Let Hoanh take the heat. After all, he's the one who brought this bargain our way. If anyone gets suspicious, it'll be him they come knocking on."

Mai's smile remained fixed, but her eyes held a glint of cunning. By subtly steering the investigation towards Hoanh, she was ensuring Nam Long remained unscathed. The Golden Paw's profit might be slightly lower, but their reputation and her husband's safety were far more important. In the game of power unfolding in Nituhan, Mai was determined to play her cards right, even if it meant manipulating her own husband. The future of Nituhan, and their place in it, depended on her next move.

59part2

The golden morning light streamed through the dusty window of the Golden Paw office, illuminating the scattered papers on Nam Long's desk. He was hunched over a ledger, scribbling figures with a furrowed brow. Mai, her sleek black fur shimmering, sauntered in with a cup of steaming tea.

"Here you go," she said, placing the cup on the edge of the desk. "Long day of number crunching?"

Nam Long straightened with a sigh, accepting the tea with a grateful grunt. "More paperwork than a timber shipment, that's for sure. But it needs to be done."

Mai took a seat opposite him, her posture radiating an air of practiced composure. "Speaking of the new lord," she began, her voice adopting a casual tone, "have you had a chance to get to know him better?"

Nam Long shrugged, taking a sip of tea. "Not much. We exchange pleasantries whenever we cross paths, but there's not a lot of time for socializing with all the construction going on."

"Pleasantries, hmm?" Mai raised an eyebrow. "What kind of pleasantries? Does he seem… approachable? Reasonable?"

Nam Long scratched his head thoughtfully. "Well, he did gift me this rather curious delicacy the other day," he said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "Some kind of lizard he caught himself, apparently."

Mai's ears perked up, a spark of alertness in her eyes. "A lizard? Interesting. What did you do with it?"

"Cooked it up, of course," Nam Long replied, oblivious to any deeper meaning. "Wasn't bad, if a little…exotic."

A frustrated sigh escaped Mai's lips. This was precisely the problem. Nam Long, bless his heart, was as subtle as a runaway log rolling down a mountain. Here, the lord was offering a symbolic gesture, perhaps a shared taste for decisive action, and Nam Long just saw dinner.

"Long," she said, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation, "didn't it occur to you that the lizard might have been…symbolic? A way of breaking the ice, establishing a connection?"

Shamefaced, Nam Long lowered his head. "Now that you mention it…" he mumbled.

"Exactly," Mai said, her voice firm. "You, my dear, are neglecting your social duties. This new lord holds the key to Nituhan's future. We need to be on his good side, understand his temperament, his vision for the town."

She straightened her posture, a glint of steely determination in her eyes. "Leave the charming pleasantries to me, Long. I have a feeling I can navigate the new power dynamics a good deal better than you can."

Nam Long looked up at her, a mixture of sheepishness and admiration on his face. "As always, Mai, you're two steps ahead. I'll stick to the ledgers and leave the politicking to you. Looks like Golden Paw isn't the only thing you have a knack for managing."

Mai smiled, a hint of warmth softening her features. "Perhaps," she said, taking another sip of tea. "But remember Long, a successful partnership requires both muscle and finesse. We play to each other's strengths, and together, we ensure Golden Paw, and our place in Nituhan, prospers."

59part3

The next day Ba Gau received a formal invite from the household of Merchant Nam Long. Ba Gau regarded it casually and tossed it aside, another item for Duyen to handle. Ba Gau had a niggling suspicion that delegating everything related to town growth wouldn’t work. The mutts here were too used to chasing their tails. But The issue with the Saurog would be resolved one way or another. He would personally oversee the housing project if Duyen couldn’t manage. If the builders dropped a board, their severed arm would fall down with it. He regarded himself as strong, he needed to test that strength. His town needed adventurers and soldiers to expand into the neighboring territory. Sometimes a hole can have two bones inside. Before leaving he just had to plant this Town Tree Seed. It’s definitely going to grow into a tree but that would take time. The growth rate matches the town size and resources, so Ba Gau figured it would be safe to plant it inside the garden of the manor. He might move it before it started to grow through the roof destroying the opulent manor, or he might night. He needed to move on to take over the Saurog cult anyway. Ba Gau dumped out a large persimmon tree pot, flipping the 700lbs over like dumping out a coffee cup. He took a few handfuls of soil to put back in the large pot just enough to bury the seed. It sprouted before he finished covering it with dirt. A little green stalk 3 baby branches each holding a single leaf. The leaves were green but the base of each was a different color hinting that they each represented different metrics of the town growth. The workings of a Town/City/Country Tree were common knowledge. They bloomed and different parts of the tree smelled unique. The Cau Binh nose was developed enough to smell detailed information and subtle changes between old growth and new growth such that they can “read” the information stored in the tree. Ba Gau sniffed the first leaf “33 residents” hmmm thats his household staff and maybe the current set of builders.” “82 non-residents” the smells of unfamiliar mutts and saurog floated about the tip of the leaf. He took a long smell of the second leaf, it was a complex mixture of scents. Wet and spicy and earthy and healthy. “Water supply - sufficient, mineral supply - over abundance, wood supply - over abundance” sniffer deeper he could pick up individual notes of different rocks and sand, mud dirt, crystals, gold etc… there was a tiny amount of gold, maybe the mining merchants he met when he arrived had already tapped the vein. Near the roots were the scents of chi and the wild beasts that feed on it. The tree said no chi rich animals were in the area, but there were enough to cultivate through focused meditation. That info he could use in his pitch to adventurers. The tree was planted. It was time to run.