The Watch Camp
Shoguns Council
“You dare display the head of the Emperor's Guard!?” Thundered the old Steward. “This is insurrection of the foulest depths!”
His resplendent silk robes of cranes in flight, contrasting sharply to the duller cut of cloth of all others gathered in the Tent. It was the cane with which he pointed that drew the Salamander's wary eye, or rather the wire that coiled it. All the way to the top on which rested a large violet core.
A Monster Core.
“You will relinquish his remains immediately and render full compensation of this Harvest until the Palace cellars are full. You will also pay a fine of 100 Koku immediately in compensation towards his family. Then, I will hear you beg to keep your title as leader of Qaelangs security forces, but only so that I might have the added pleasure of denying it to you.”
In the silence that lingered after the Steward of the realms threat only Cai could be heard sniggering, trying to stifle his laughter. Not to be outdone, Bo laughed outright, leading to an awkward silence from the Captains who shuffled about unsure looking entirely out of place.
Favouring his royal ‘guest’ with a raised eyebrow, he kept eye contact with the old man as he spoke to his Captains.
“Honoured Elders of the Watch, you have your task. See to it.”
The men bowed and parted immediately, grateful to escape the fire that was sure to descend.
“As a matter of course, I shall be seeking an audience with each of your Noble House Lords over this affront.” The Steward threatened in their passing. “You Elders can be sure of that.”
The men stiffened at the words, but failed to acknowledge the Stewards presence as they exited swiftly. This was a matter far above their standing and anything they said could only be used against them.
Vexed that the only persons susceptible to his threats were leaving, he gauged the rest of the Tents occupants. Besides the Salamanders two grinning apes were two of his six faceless Preafects. For all he knew he could be staring at the murderer right now, hiding behind those ridiculous Mata-Koshi imitation masks.
“Must the Golden Glove of the Emperor antagonise my Elders so? Those men are beyond the reach of their old Houses. They are mine.”
Tsea-gongs face was as a smooth stone parting rushing waters, as he spoke calmly from his seat.
Hiro-Takashi looked at him and then to his table, smiling viciously as he hobbled over to the small bowls of steaming rice and thinly sliced Kaiju meats. Just then the tent flap burst open for a second time as the Arch-Tenant came rushing in. Bowing silent apologies, he quickly surveyed the scene before moving to the side as the Shoguns eyes acknowledged him. The Salamanders face darkened as he noted a distinct cane mark across his Arch-Tenants face. The talks had not gone well at all.
“It’s spoken Golden Glove to the Divine Emperor, Tsea-gong.” The Steward warbled as he helped himself to the food greedily, using bony fingers to scoop it up in large clumps. “Or have you forgotten the Divine mandate I represent?”
Tapping his fingers on the table, the Shoguns mind raced as he watched the Steward shovelling down food greedily, noisily slurping and grunting in delight.
“How is it that you are here, Takashi? I haven’t seen you in years. I should say you haven’t changed but that would be an unforgivable sin.”
“I need not explain myself to the likes of you Tsea-gong.”
Soothingly Tsea-gong spoke, motioning towards the head. “Is it that you are lacking for servants?”
“That will cost you dearly, Tsea-gong.” Growled Takashi, spraying food as he spoke. The old man levelled a finger at the grisly head, “I knew that man. You will relinquish his head, that he may have a proper funeral.”
The Shogun considered the Stewards words scratching his chin.
“No.”
“No!?”
“It was a gift. It would be rude of me to just part with it.”
“Have you lost your mind? Not only was your man witnessed committing murder and robbery, but it was witnessed by me and mine no less. And here you are parading proof of the heinous crimes.”
“Me and mine?” Tsea-gong nodded his head slowly. “I take it you’re referring to the five unknown Sacred Artists walking around my camp as we speak?”
“You saw them, did you?” Takashi smiled. “Yet still you did not immediately come to fetch me yourself, leaving me instead with your yapping dog? Your head has grown far too big for your own good Tsea-gong, it shall surely lead your men to ruin.
Tsea-gong’s face remained neutral as Takashi spoke, glad that the Palace Steward did not correct him on the number of Sacred Artists. Had Takashi been truthful and said ten, he would have immediately had the camp searched for twenty.
“Hand it over and I shall take my leave, Tsea-gong. For your own sake you do not wish to anger me further.”
“It?”
“The Kaiju Beast Core you insolent swine!” The steward raged, spitting rice as he yelled.
With three swift clicks, the Shogun caught all offending rice grains with his chopsticks staring daggers at the old man. The Steward glanced at the chopsticks then back at the Salamanders calm visage. Slowly a grin spread on Takashi’s face and without warning he unleashed a terrible belch.
Before he could catch himself, the Salamanders face broke into a snarl. Hiro-Takashi burst out laughing in delight, immediately seating himself opposite from the Shogun as a chest slid across the room untouched.
Calming himself once more, the Salamander shooed his men back into place with a wave of his hand. Speaking only when he heard their swords click back into their scabbards.
Just lovely. The madness all Qaelang whispers of.
“Please First Councillor, perhaps a cup of strong drink to help with your meal?”
But even as his Preafect made to fill a tjan cup, Takashi lashed out with his cane shattering the cup and sending the bottle of Soju flying as it glowed dangerously.
“I would not have my drink poured by your Preafects, thankyou Tsea-gong. He could be the murderer. Besides, why would I let such inferior drink touch my lips. If you wish to beg for forgiveness, the least you can do is fetch that vintage you have secreted away in your desk and send these faceless murderers away. The apes too.”
The Salamander stared silently, smiling with a predatory gaze as understanding finally began to dawn upon him. A door long looked upon was finally opened up to him.
“Will my two little brothers please go ensure that the Captains have left and see to it that the Harvest is operating smoothly. Preafects please assist my brothers in this regard.”
Bo and Cai almost exploded in rage that Tsea-gong would let the insult stand, even after the life-threatening warning Cai had just received earlier that day. It was only when Tsea-gongs true instructions were relayed to both of them with a single thought, did they relent somewhat stiffly. All bowed in obedient silence and made to depart, gleeful to see the Shoguns Will done.
“Wait!” Takashi yelled. “Have your Preafects show me their swords.”
The Salamander frowned but nodded.
“The Steward was not happy with the weapons displayed. “He is not here. I would recognise that blade. You! You stay. If I can not have the rightful murderer's head, I will be certain I have an actual Preafects head and not some pyeanchi peasants. But I demand to have blade that took this man's life, go see to it!”
“Very well,” Tsea-gong smiled at his departing men. “We wouldn’t want to upset the Steward any further.”
“If you didn't want to upset me further you'd send that yapping mongrel, Tenant, out too. I don’t see how those two apes of yours could ensure Qaelangs Harvest is adequately prepared.”
“No. He is needed here. Now, where were we?”
“My drink?”
“Yes,” the Salamander smiled, nodding to the Arch-Tenant.
It was only when the man crossed the floor and his remaining Preafect stood to guard the entrance, that Tsea-gong raised his hand to halt the Arch-Tenant progress.
“Did he do this to you?” The Salamander asked, indicating the bruised swelling on his man’s face.
“Apologies, Seo-sang.” He smiled ruefully. “The Steward is surprisingly fast with his cane.”
“I shall die of thirst.” Takashi clicked his tongue.
“Alas Takashi, I forget. We cannot offer you any drink. If memory serves right, we do not possess the necessary cups shaped for that your forked tongue of yours.”
The Arch-Tenant moved swiftly away from the pair as a sharp intake of air was heard.
“You tread on dangerous ground Tsea-gong. I will not be merciful for much longer. Give me what I seek or I shall ply you with the best elixirs that you might live for as long as possible in the dungeons.
“You have those?” The Shogun laughed quietly. “No. I didn’t think so. I ask you again Hiro Takashi. Why are you here, in person and so soon?”
“And as I told you, these matters do not concern you.”
“Fool! Merely saying that is what gave you away. It was your insidious mind that used to strike fear into the Court, I remember even my predecessor warning me of it. Now I ask how can you be so stupid?!”
“I won’t be spoken to like this by an uneducated swamp dweller! If you even knew a little of your history you would know this was common practice. Stewards would wait at Qaelangs Gate for the Kaiju Beast core to be handed over, so that the men and women of Qaelang might remember who it was they fought for.”
The Salamander sat back down in exasperation, staring at the indignant Steward for what felt like eons before shaking his head.
The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.
“No. The mad brats wagons have only just returned to the city. They will have to turn around to retrieve the most valuable items the swamp has to offer, Ki meats. Meaning they were not under your command.”
“You dare…”
“You have arrived on foot with only five Sacred Artists, none bearing Palace insignia. Meaning you wish to remain inconspicuous. And lastly there is your lack of mental facilities…”
The Shogun ignored Hiro-Takashi as he tried to interject again. Signalling instead for the Arch-Tenant to retrieve his strong box, knowing that it would silence the palace dog much more effectively.
“You display no caution to attacking my men. So one has to wonder why you with five Sacred Artists under your command, did nothing besides watch as my man acquired that head. You’re not here for me. You were already here, for someone else.”
For the first time since arriving Hiro Takashi looked at the Shogun with something less than contempt as he sat back down. The Arch-Tenant placed a box on the small table, then stepped away. It was made from Chi hardened Sheraak leaves and bore three different elemental seals.
“Who is he, and what could the Steward of the Realm want with him?”
Takashi scowled before shaking his robes clean of spilt food and pottery fragments, as a bird might flap its wings. In so doing he produced an enormous Jade pendant from within them. Two cranes in flight and emblem of the throne.
“My word is Law.” The steward spoke impatiently, holding his hand out. “I’ll take the Koku fine as well. Now, Tsea-gong.”
“No matter.” Cooed the Shogun as he folded his hands together. “My man can inform me better as he was there himself. As for the second part of my question, you have already revealed enough. Again.
Tsea-gong placed the box in front of him.
“You have fallen out of Favour, Takashi.”
“And you have had your brain addled being chewed on by a Kaiju.”
The Shoguns smile slipped momentarily. “Why else do your own skulking, unless you are lacking trusted servants? Why else demand my Preafects head and sword, unless you needed trophies of your own? I don’t think you’re taking this Core to that mad child, Takashi.”
“You cannot know the forces you’re dealing with here Tsea-gong! For the last time. GIVE ME THAT CORE!”
The Shogun nodded his head pensively, slowly opening the first seal with a crackle of fire. “It matters not, it allll matters not to me Takashi.”
“Then why even waste my time with your drivel!” Takashi barked even as he watched greedily as the second seal of blue light fall away.
“Because Takashi...” The box clicked audibly as the third seal broke. “...they all relate to the only important question between you and me.”
Takashi snorted as the Shogun turned the box to face him, sighing in relief as the lid was opened to reveal an untouched Kaiju Beast Core. It was much larger than he suspected.
“Oh, And what’s that?”
“Where is my Metal?”
The old Palace dog at least had the decency to glance at the Shogun, but only just, as he reached for the Core. “Yes, yes. It’s on its way.”
Just before Takashi could reach for the box, the Shogun slammed a hideous dark brown object between his hand and the Core. Three times the size and twice the thickness of the Core, it caused Takashi to recoil instinctively as it grazed his fingertips.
“When?” Asked the Shogun.
Snarling at the Shogun, Tsea-gong held his ground looking back innocently and nodding towards the object. Takashi huffed as he picked it up and examined it closer. It was a huge claw of some sort.
“You’ll get it, when you get it, Tsea-gong.” Takashi lobbed the object back at the Salamander. “Now, get out of my way.”
“That’s a shame, old friend.” Said the Salamander as he shut the strong box and held up the giant claw. “I have thousands of dead today because of this. We ran out of Metal even before the Wave hit and your assurances mean nothing anymore. You Viper!”
“Just give me the core and his sword!” Takashi shrieked. “I am so close to returning to favour. Then you can have your metal.”
Tsea-gong winced at the pitiful display before him. It pained him to think he had once thought highly of the wretch before him.
“No. If you couldn’t provide me with metal at your highest, then I fail to see how you would do so when I return you there. The Palace will no longer receive anything from the Watch. Not one core. Not one hide. Not one cut of meat. Nothing.”
“Eleven years of empty platitudes. All you were supposed to deliver was metal and you couldn’t even do that. If the Nobles won’t grace your courts anymore, then why should we? You can forget about your taxes…”
Takashi rose suddenly, swiping his cane down onto the Shogun as it burst into purple flame. Tsea-gong still in his armour swivelled with a full kick, his leg coated in a hundred candle flames. The table went flying. Where leg and cane struck there was an explosion of force that shook the Tent. Both Shogun and cane went flying in opposite directions, as Hiro-Takashi staggered from the shock of being cut off of the Monster Core mid-technique.
Both Preafect and Arch-Tenant dashed forward. Takashi was struck a savage blow from behind to the back of his head. Still reeling he was kicked in the legs and collapsed to his knees. The Preafect immediately put him in a chokehold.
The Arch-Tenant reached the Shogun, relieved to see him only dazed as he rolled him over to the sounds of a pained growl. The Shogun actually winced as he was helped up, concerning the Arch-Tenant once more. But before he could enquire, the Salamanders eye’s opened wide in shock.
“Behind you!”
The Preafect turned in alarm as the distinct sound of splashing water sounded behind him. A huge yellow spotted ethereal Eel coiled out from the back of Takashi, sinking its razor fangs through the Preafects armoured shoulder with a crunch.
“His Tattoo! For Takers sake! Watch out his…!”
The Preafect was hurled across the room, limbs flailing as he yelled in pain from the lightning coursing across his back. On the floor on all fours, Takashi looked up with eyes aglow. Without his Cane, he was half the Cultivator he used to be and his Spirit Beast was costing him dearly.
The ethereal spirit launched itself across the room as Tsea-gong dived aside, swiping out with his Katana. The priceless metal blade coated it Ki flame passed right through the ethereal spirit, causing no damage that he could see as he crashed down with a curse.
Rolling to his feet, he pulled out his Doa dagger and crouched as the Spirit Beast advanced. Hiro-Takashi was rising on unsteady legs as his pet Eel struck again. Sinking its fangs into the Shoguns forearm, ignoring his armour. It shrieked a watery cry of pain and flickered as the Shogun stabbed it with the Silver lined Doa blade.
Twice more and it vanished. An invisible force slamming into the back of Takashi as he was crushed back onto the floor. Tsea-gong checked his wounds as he caught his breath, nodding to his Preafect who groaned as he stood up.
“Hold him up.” Tsea-gong snarled at the Arch-Tenant, sheathing his blade as he approached. “UP!”
The Arch-Tenant lifted the Steward as the Salamander hammered him a vicious blow to ribs and kidneys causing him to cough blood.
“You will rue this day, Tsea-gong.”
“I rue a great much these days, none more than the presence of lying Palace dogs. Where is my METAL!?"
“Fool.” The Steward gurgled on his blood. “Why would we arm our simplest farmers?”
Tsea-gong gripped him by the face, shoving the claw before his eyes. “Do you even realise what this is!? It’s an Azuma claw. Walls won’t stop these horrors! What are my men supposed to do against them without metal!? An army of them!”
“Indignity can be suffered. Patience expected. Moderation called upon, but I’m all out of it with you, Takashi. ELEVEN YEARS! And not one ounce. The only insurrection here is that which goes on in the Palace!"
Takashi laughed softly, “Metal won’t save you from what’s coming.”
Tsea-gong and the Arch-Tenant frowned at each other. The Shogun shook his head in disgust.
“You were supposed to be the most powerful man in all of Qaelang and you lost it all, a shell of the Cultivator you were before. How far you have fallen old dog.”
“Unless my eyes deceive me you are still unchanged from the first we met. Worse, you have ruined 3 of your meridian gates. I imagine your Cultivation is most lacking and yet you don’t even wear the protective charms. Even your Essence has waned! What I do now is a mercy.”
“You’ll hang for this, Tsea-gong. Your soul forever damned”
“The heavens care nothing for cowards Takashi. They will not notice your passing, but my dead demand it. I satiate their honour with your blood, for your betrayal of all their lives. You were NEVER going to give me my metal.”
Hiro Takashi managed a bloody smile
With a beastial snarl the Salamander's arm blurred as the Stewards eyes went wide, his throat bursting open as the Azuma claw tore out his throat in a single swipe.
“Lift him higher!” The Shogun snarled. “I will see the light go out in his eyes.”
The old man spasmed, gasping for air as his blood gushed. Tsea-gong cared nothing for it or the mess it made as it spilled upon his boots. Adamant only that the last thing this Pyeanchi see as he left this world, was his visage. His rage not yet satiated, Tsea-gong grabbed the old man by the head and shook him as his eyes rolled back in his skull. To the very end, the glint of defiance remained in the Elder's eye.
With a last surge of strength. The steward raised his trembling arm, flicked open his ring and released its contents. With a sigh, his arm went limp. Hiro Takashi, Steward of the Realm, breathed his last. The Arch-Tenant dropped him in the pool of his own blood.
The significance of their deed delayed, as both men stared intently at the tiny drop of light that remained floating. Cautious but stunned. Its power was immense, both were irresistibly drawn to it. Chi, pure and compressed. Desperate to be consumed. The Shogun gently shoved his Arch-Tenant away, not taking his eyes from the tiny fragment of intense light.
He knew of the Nobles trading in Chi talents, he had seen one before, but this was far too compressed for that. His Cultivation came nowhere close to producing something like this, even with the cores he drained. If he didn’t know any better he could have sworn this Chi was Essence.
Impossible. How had that dog come to possess such a prize?
Overwhelmed with desire, he closed his fist over it and Cultivated. Drawing it in.
With a terrible cry of fright, the world went pitch black. The Salamander grabbed his head and fell to his knees. The instant he had begun to cultivate the prized Chi, he felt a terrifying presence of unimaginable power turn its gaze upon him. Only a pair of angry red flaming eyes showed through the darkness of his mind.
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Gutter Rats Nest,
Hungry Moon House of Delights.
Placing a bowl of steaming water down with a cleaned cloth inside, she could not help but scowl at the ragged hoodlum. Of all the little lost who sought sanctuary within Mama Yujins House, he was the worst. Directly responsible for the loss of so many, less than a year ago.
It had to be him. A head far too big for his shoulders, it was always his hair-brained ideas they were always running after.
Sighing she smiled at Davi, beautiful child, as he thanked her for the bowl. She also knew she should be kinder to the lost, but that ragged one made her skin crawl. He was trouble and everyone knew it. Everyone except the lost who adored him, but they were gullible little ones so she didn’t begrudge them their poor choices.
No matter, he was of age and would soon be leaving enough. The sooner the better, he had already dug his claws into this little blond one. A veritable prize for the Hungry Moon House of Delights and one Mama Yujin favoured. Under their guidance he could help to swell their coffers, inevitably leading to a higher status. Maybe even allow her to open her own Night Tea House, but first this ragged freak had to go.
Mama Yujin had tolerated him long enough and had been cautious enough not to offer him work, lest he get the wrong idea about being welcome. Door work at least. She shivered at the thought, one look at what was under those rags and all their customers would abandon them for the swamps.
Davi noted the Aunty’s dirty look, but thanked her anyway for the hot water. It irked him deeply, but he knew better than to make a scene of it. Even Culus would scold him.
If he could just get Culus to engage a bit more with the Aunties, then perhaps they wouldn’t be so wary of him. Not that he was ever rude or unkind, just that he was never warm to them. Typical Culus, he rarely was these days.
It was only after she was well out of earshot that he spoke.
“I don’t think she likes you very much, buddy.”
Culus blinked at the interruption to his thoughts, staring after the retreating form of the Aunty.
“Good for her.”
Davi shook his head grinning, carefully washing away at Culus’s wounded hand. The boys had already rinsed off in cold water but these burns still needed proper tending to, lest they give way to infection.
“Perhaps if you spent more time with the Aunties and tried being friendlier, you would earn their favour.”
Culus gave his friend a sidelong glare, before sarcastically enquiring. “Our Aunties? Mama Yujins Painted Ladies?
“Oh Culus,” Davi Tsked. “Don’t say that. They’re our Aunties.”
“Davi. It’s painted over the door. Mama Yujins Painted Ladies of the House of heavenly pleasures.”
“Yes, but…”
“Davi. We have over forty little sisters. What happens when they see you laughing and playing with the Aunties. All they want in this world is the love of a parent and I don’t want them looking for that with the Aunties, their hearts won’t handle that sort of betrayal. Whatever hope and care they need, needs to be found in the Clan, not Painted Ladies who would have them for their own purposes.”
Davi realised the ugly truth of it and dropped the matter, focusing fully on scrubbing Culus’s hand clean before wrapping it. Culus hated being this guy, especially on his only friend who had a heart big enough for the world twice over. But the Aunties, as much as he was grateful for them, weren’t his responsibility. His people were the Runner clan and currently, they lived in the Aquacellar under the whore house, right on the edge of one of the many mountain peaks.
“I see your point Culus. And on that note, don't you think they would be upset about the loss of Juri?”
Culus’s frown gave way to understanding as he cringed. “You were there?”
“I was. I saw you dancing with him, blade in hand.”
“I thought I told you to go straight to the nest.”
“I did, and then I returned. What were you thinking, starting a fight with Juri? He’s dangerous. Did you honestly believe you could beat him one handed?”
Culus grimaced getting seriously uncomfortable, “Come on Davi. It’s been a really rough day.”
“It would have been rougher if there hadn’t been a string on that flare, and you hurt your right hand instead. Then what, would you have still fought him?”
Culus hid his face in his hands and groaned. He hadn’t even thought of that, he’d just reacted impulsively. He felt a chill go through him as he pictured himself fumbling trying to pick up the knife with his blistered hand.
“Okay Davi, I messed up. I’m sorry. I just… I got so angry.”
“How!? Seriously, I’ve seen him spit on you and you didn’t even hit him back. Today you pull a knife on him after you promised me you were okay.”
“I was okay! I am okay. It’s more than me, Davi! It’s about Meera. He hid things from me and now we have over sixty children missing. So yes, I got really angry. Worse, I can’t stop blaming myself for it all. If I had just seen what was happening...
Culus, the Nest Leaders are sensitive about asking for help, but being hungry doesn't equate to them suddenly disappearing.”
Culus held his tongue. There was nothing to say that could help now, the wound far more raw than the one in his hand. Absently he listened to Davi explain what he’d learned from the others on Meera’s disappearance. Which was nothing, nobody had seen anything, but everyone had theories. Worst of them was the return of the Fang Man. Culus tuned it all out and sat quietly, waiting for Davi to finish.”
“If we find them what will you do?”
Culus shrugged, “get them back.”
“And punish the ones who took them?”
Culus said nothing, causing a sudden spike of alarm in Davi. “You will punish them, right Culus?”
“If it’s necessary.”
Davi repeated Culus’s statement with incredulity. “You said over and over, to all the clans. If someone trades us out for repurposing, we take their life. A life for a life. That’s what you said. It's why you’re our Leader. It's why all the Nests defer to you. You killed the Fang Man!”
“Stop it Davi!” Culus burst out loud, “Just leave me be.”
Davi put the bowl aside, carefully bandaging Culus’s hand up. After a short silence, he tried again. “I don’t understand, Culus. He was evil.”
Culus sighed heavily, and even then, he was content to let the awkward silence linger.
“I was 15 Davi. We had just lost Seeka, the clan was leaderless and everyone was crying themselves to sleep, terrified. It had only been a year since they had come for her and orphaned me. I was still filled with rage. The powerlessness was crushing and everyone, EVERYONE knew what he was and did nothing.”
Davi listened raptly, never before hearing Culus’s side of it. Only Tom and Houba remained of the Nest Leaders who had been there that night.
“He didn't have fangs like the stories say, his teeth were merely rotten and chipped. Most likely from all the sweet rolls we found at his place. There’s no need for me to say more, you already know he wasn’t just trading us gutter rats in for repurposing. So yes, we did what we had to and came back as heroes.”
“But we weren’t heroes Davi, none of us. Just frightened kids who did a terrible thing. I’ll never forget the sound of his flesh popping as I stabbed him. He was fat and soft and we attacked whilst he slept. His screams and bubbling crying were just like that of a child’s and I have never… never forgotten those sounds.”
“For a hundred more gouge marks on my body, I would gladly remove the one I put on my soul that night. The monks say there is a difference between murder and killing and I drank their words in, that’s why we got so religious as a Nest afterward. Each of us handled it differently, some better than others, but after a week none of us spoke of it again. Just reassuring the little ones that wanted to know if the bad man was really gone.”
“I don’t think I can do that again Davi. There is no part of me that ever wants to visit that situation again and he was the worst there ever was. Yes, I can do violence, lots of it. Killing is different, and always will be. I’m just trying to hang on to what’s left.”
“Meera, the massive Beast Wave, another mountain peak of the City being sealed off and barred last week, as well as that creature that attacked us today. There is plenty else to keep me occupied rather than plotting murder.”
Davi digested the words slowly, somehow dirtied by Culus’s explanation of the slaying of The Fang Man, a monster. If he didn’t know any better, he’d say Culus was scared.
“We’ll face it together buddy. I’m not going anywhere, well unless you are. Then I’m coming with.”
Culus smiled gently, feeling a hidden weight fall away. “Thank you Davi. For the bandage.”
Davi nodded in return, allowing the silence to return staring off the vast mountain view. The boys sat quietly under the stars, waiting for the Taker’s call before heading below. Each wrapped in thoughts of the day to come tomorrow, before noting the first of the Lanterns to take to the night skies. Both perked up watching as the number grew.
“Oh, gee. Look Culus. There’s so many.”
Together the boys watched in silent dread and equal measure amazement. Thousands of slow-rising Lanterns ascended high over the mountain city and out over the Ocean. Each one containing a prayer written by a loved one and blessed by a monk that it might reach the heavens safely.
It was a haunting beauty that plagued Davi. As much as he was enthralled by the lantern's glow. Their number was disquieting. He had never seen so many before in a single night. Looking to Culus, even his eyes were locked on them, worry plain to see on the Runner clan leader's face.
In reverence, he whispered. “After tonight, things are going to be different for a lot of folks. Whether they like it or not. Times are changing.”
It was beautiful. It was haunting.
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