While Naci navigates the tense atmosphere within the general's office, the courtyard of the fortress transforms into a temporary encampment for her companions. Kalez and Lanau have clustered together, their conversation light and filled with the excitement of their surroundings, seemingly unaffected by the weight of their situation. Their laughter and banter create a small oasis of familiarity amid the foreign stone and snow.
Temej, in contrast, moves without purpose through the yard, his gaze scanning for a suitable spot to rest. Despite his focus, he can't help but notice the stares from Moukopl soldiers, their gazes sharp and assessing, hinting at a mixture of curiosity and disdain. The air between them is charged with an unspoken challenge, the Tepr warriors clearly marked as outsiders in this bastion of Moukopl power.
In response to the growing unease, Temej whistles sharply. High above, a shadow detaches from the embrace of the clouds—Sartak, answering the call with a swift, graceful dive. Landing with impeccable precision, Sartak chooses Temej's hat as his perch, a decision that elicits a tantrum from Temej. He shakes his head, irritated. "Come down, you overgrown pigeon!" he jests, his tone light despite the underlying tension.
Fol, the youngest among Naci's companions, sits apart from the group, his back against the coarse stone. His hands reach for the dopshul, a unique three-stringed instrument fashioned from a tool to stir yarag, the fermented mare's milk that is a staple of the people from Tepr’s diet. The dopshul, with its skin stretched tight and its body carved with care, is more than just an instrument.
As Fol begins to play, the initial plucks of the strings are hesitant, the notes testing the echo of the fortress's courtyard. But as he finds his rhythm, the melody unfolds, each note clear and resonant in the crisp air. The music, hauntingly beautiful, speaks of starlit skies and longing. It is a song without words, yet it tells a story all its own.
Kalez, her laughter a moment before as light as the snowflakes that grace the air, is interrupted. Lanau gently signals her to shift her attention. Kalez’s hands come together, clapping in rhythm. Eager to keep the moment alive, she asks Fol, her eyes alight with excitement. "Can you sing too?"
Fol's response is a shake of his head, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth despite the hint of embarrassment. "My voice is too shaky. I can't sing at all," he admits, his gaze dropping to the dopshul in his lap.
Undeterred, Kalez rises to her feet, a spark of determination in her step. "It's okay, I can sing! Lan-an, sing with me!" she announces, her voice ringing with a mix of challenge and invitation. She extends her hands to Lanau, who remains seated, wrapped in her own hesitance. Lanau shakes her head vigorously, her hands fluttering in front of her in a clear gesture of refusal. "No way, no way!" she protests, her voice a blend of amusement and apprehension.
But Kalez is relentless. With a laugh that seems to embody the spirit of their adventure, she pulls Lanau to her feet. The laughter, infectious and bright, fills the space between them, and soon, Kalez begins to sing. Her voice, lighter than her attitude suggests, follows the melody that Fol is playing perfectly.
Guiding Lanau into a dance, Kalez moves with a natural grace, her steps unencumbered by any need for perfection. Lanau, initially resistant, finds herself swept up in the moment, her movements hesitant at first but gradually becoming more fluid as she allows the rhythm to guide her.
Temej, observing the scene, can't help but smile, his amusement evident in the softening of his features. The laughter, the singing, and the dancing create a bubble of joy that seems at odds with the stark surroundings of the fortress.
However, this bubble is soon to burst. The Moukopl soldiers, their gazes sharp and disapproving, approach the group with a sternness that brooks no argument. Their presence, an imposing reminder of the order and discipline that govern the fortress, moves through the courtyard like a cold breeze, chilling the warmth of the moment.
As they draw near, the air fills with a tension that is palpable. The soldiers' intentions are clear—they seek to quell the commotion, to restore the somber atmosphere befitting the fortress's military bearing. Their approach is methodical, a practiced maneuver designed to enforce silence and compliance.
Kalez, mid-twirl, catches sight of the soldiers and her song falters, her movements coming to an abrupt halt. Lanau, pulled from the moment's embrace, stands frozen, her laughter dying on her lips.
As the flames of the bonfire succumb to a snowy grave, smothered under a scornful toss from a Moukopl soldier, a tense silence falls, punctuated only by the hiss of dying embers. Kalez's outrage cuts sharply through the chill air. "What the fuck are you people doing?!" Her voice, a blend of shock and defiance, echoes against the fortress walls.
Lanau, places a gentle hand on Kalez's shoulder, leaning in to whisper, "I think we're making too much noise."
Kalez's frustration, however, refuses to be tamed. "I don't give a fuck, it's not a reason to provoke us like this!"
The Moukopl soldiers exchange puzzled glances, their confusion clear. They have not understood the women's words, but the tone, universal in its expression of discontent, needs no translation. One soldier, irritation creasing his brow, mutters in Moukopl, "Their voices are so irritating! Can't they speak the language of humans?"
Another soldier, joining the derision, responds, "Do you think barbarians can learn it? I think they're born without the ability, like cattle."
In this charged atmosphere, a Moukopl soldier of higher rank strides forward with a purpose that bodes ill. He reaches Fol, who has been a silent witness since the arrival of the soldiers, his dopshul resting quietly in his lap. Without a word, the soldier snatches the instrument from Fol's hands, examining it with a mix of curiosity and disdain. "What the hell is this horrible bootleg saxia? The sound it makes is unbearable."
Fol's plea is timid, his voice barely rising above a whisper. "P-please give it back..." His attachment to the instrument, its significance far beyond the melodies it produces, is evident in the plea.
Kalez, her spirit unquelled, steps forward, ready to leap to Fol's defense, her stance bristling with challenge. But Lanau, understanding the dangers of their situation far too well, halts her with a firm grip. Their position, deep within enemy territory, leaves no room for confrontation. The risk of escalation, of turning this moment of misunderstanding and insult into a spark that could ignite open hostility, is too great.
Temej, witnessing the escalation, steps forward. "Stop this bullying at once," he demands. "I speak Moukopl, can you understand what I say? Our Khan, Naci, has been summoned by the Moukopl emperor. Our presence here is diplomatic. Do not treat us like anything other than that."
The soldier who holds the dopshul looks at Temej with a mix of surprise and skepticism. Raising an eyebrow, he replies, "I can see you're trying your hardest to sound like a human, but you are entirely mistaken. You barbarians have been summoned to court for a crime you've committed. Otherwise, you wouldn't need a whole army's escort, so it's normal that we treat you like the criminals you are."
Temej, his patience fraying, counters with a mix of exasperation and urgency. "We are not criminals. Ask the diplomat Ma Xin if you don't believe me. We are summoned for a pledge of allegiance, and your bad treatment will be reported to the court once we get there. Now give back his instrument!" There's a palpable intensity in his voice, a clear signal that their patience has its limits.
The soldier hesitates. His gaze lingers on Temej, measuring, evaluating. Finally, he relents, but not without a caveat. "This instrument is suspected of concealing a weapon. It will be examined and given back to you once we find that it's safe."
With a curt sign, he directs his soldiers to follow him back into the barracks, dopshul in hand. The departure of the soldiers brings a temporary reprieve, a momentary easing of the tension that had thickened the air, yet Fol is visibly disheartened. His dopshul, more than just an instrument to him, represented a connection to his home, now taken from his hands.
Turning to Temej with a mixture of confusion and sorrow, Fol's voice is barely above a whisper. "Why are they taking my dopshul?"
Temej, his gaze steady and empathetic, responds, "You'll get it back tomorrow." His voice, while steady, lacks the conviction to soothe Fol's worries.
This assurance fails to comfort Fol, whose connection to his dopshul runs deeper than mere possession. Without another word, he turns away, seeking solitude inside the tent, his movements heavy with the weight of the moment.
Kalez can't contain her indignation any longer. "These fucking Moukopl cowards!" she scoffs, her voice a mix of anger and disdain. "They didn't try anything while they were on Tepr lands, but as soon as they landed a foot inside their fortress, they started acting like big shots!"
Temej, shaking his head, wears a look of resigned understanding. "I should have predicted this," he admits. "We should have been more careful. Let's try to keep our heads low from now on."
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Lanau remains silent through the exchange. Yet, her gaze is constant, her hand not leaving Kalez's shoulder. Without a single word, she strengthens her grip, almost to the point that it hurts her companion.
Naci returns to the makeshift encampment, her silhouette cutting through the dim light with a heaviness that mirrors the mood of her companions. The gloom that hangs over her is palpable, a stark contrast to the leader who once radiated determination and resolve. Temej, sensing the shift, approaches with a question that hangs in the chilled air between them. Yet, when faced with his concern, Naci remains silent, her refusal to share not born of secrecy, but of a sorrow too deep for words. She finds solace in the snow, seating herself where the fire once offered warmth, now only the dying embers keep company to her solitude.
The humiliation they all share is a silent specter among them; it's in the way their eyes dart to the fortress walls, feeling the weight of Moukopl eyes that scrutinize their every move. This constant surveillance is a reminder of their diminished standing, a far cry from the autonomy they knew. It's a bitter pill, swallowing their pride in the face of condescension, their spirits chafed raw by the unseen yet ever-present gaze of their hosts.
Naci's gaze drifts upwards, to the vast expanse of the sky, a canvas of freedom that now seems so out of reach. Snowflakes, nature's gentle offering, fall upon her face, each one a cold kiss against her skin. It's in this moment, touched by the serene beauty of falling snow, that her thoughts wander to Horohan. The longing for her home, for the familiar faces and landscapes that define her world, is a keen ache in her chest. Horohan, with her untamed beauty, almost seems like a distant dream. The distance from Horohan is not just physical; it's a gap bridged by longing, a yearning for the sense of belonging and the comfort of being surrounded by the one who understands her without the need for words.
The night unfolds like a dark tapestry, enveloping the Tepr travelers in its silent embrace. Rest proves elusive, each of them wrestling with their own whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. For Temej, the sight of Naci, shrouded in silence and distress, is an image that refuses to fade with the darkness. His mind toys with the notion that she might be concocting a plan, a strategy to navigate the treacherous waters they find themselves in. Yet, the dead of night offers no answers, only the echoing presence of their predicament. With a heavy heart, he resigns himself to the uncertain comfort of sleep, knowing that the morrow may bring clarity or further challenges.
Dawn breaks with the promise of a new day, yet the air remains heavy with the weight of yesterday's encounters. The Moukopl soldiers, perhaps in a gesture of basic hospitality or simply following orders, present the group with bowls of rice and water. The simplicity of the meal is stark, a far cry from the flavors of home.
Lanau, ever resourceful, refuses to let the blandness of the congee dampen her spirits. With a spark of ingenuity, she dips dried meat into her bowl, transforming the meal with a touch of Tepr's culinary heritage. Kalez, watching with bright eyes, mirrors the action, her admiration for Lanau's intellect shining through. The small act of improvisation serves as a reminder of their resilience, their ability to find moments of joy and normalcy even in the most daunting of circumstances. Their laughter, light and unburdened, offers a brief respite from the shadows of doubt and fear.
Yet, not all hearts are lifted by the morning's levity. Fol, his demeanor unchanged from the night before, sits quietly apart. The missing piece of his soul, embodied by the strings and wood of his beloved dopshul, leaves him adrift in a sea of sorrow, untouched by the fleeting moments of lightness shared by his companions.
As the Tepr group finishes their meal and prepares for the day, a new atmosphere envelops the yard. A corps of Moukopl soldiers, distinct from the ones who had escorted them to the fortress, lines up with precision, a display of military discipline and readiness. At the forefront stands Jinlü Feng, embodying the role of a meticulous leader. His eyes sweep over his soldiers, examining their uniforms and equipment with a critical eye, ensuring nothing is amiss. Once satisfied, he commands the corps to march towards the opposite end of the fortress.
Then, turning his attention to the Tepr travelers, Jinlü Feng signals for them to follow. Naci, stepping forward with the authority of her position, inquires about the whereabouts of their horses. Jinlü Feng's response, delivered with a dry smile, is a mix of condescension and mock concern. "You will do without. We don't want you barbarians to start running around anywhere you want in our lands, so they are going to stay here until you pick them up on your way back. We will feed them too, so be grateful!"
Temej, Lanau, and Kalez react with visible outrage, their faces contorted in disbelief and anger at the notion of being separated from their mounts. Their expressions are a raw display of their affront, a shared sentiment of indignation at the dismissal of their needs and traditions.
Naci, however, remains composed, her exterior calm belying the turmoil within. The prospect of leaving her beloved Liara behind, the horse that had been her companion through many journeys and challenges, strikes a deep chord. The bond between rider and steed, forged in the shared trials of the road, is not merely one of convenience but of trust and mutual respect.
This moment marks a nadir in Naci's expectations of the Moukopl, a realization that any semblance of dignity or respect from their hosts might be too much to hope for.
As they adjust to the unwelcome reality of continuing on foot, Temej turns to Jinlü Feng with a question that carries more weight than it seems. "And where is Fol's dopshul?"
Jinlü Feng, feigning ignorance with a performance that would be comical under different circumstances, scratches at his short-trimmed beard, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. "Dopshul? What's that?" he inquires, his tone dripping with mock curiosity.
Undeterred, Temej presses on, the urgency in his voice betraying the importance of the matter. "It's Fol's instrument. One of your soldiers took it for inspection yesterday, promising its return in the morning."
The reaction from Jinlü Feng is a laugh, devoid of any humor or warmth. "Oh, it was an instrument? I couldn't tell since it was in so many pieces. I guess this soldier was too clumsy and inadvertently broke it, so it was put in the trash. Do you know who that soldier was? I might be able to punish him if you tell me his name."
The words strike Temej with a visceral disgust, a reaction so potent he finds himself unable to respond. The futility of seeking justice in this twisted charade of accountability leaves him silent, the realization that no real punishment would befall the responsible party under Jinlü Feng's corrupt watch crystal clear.
Fol, witnessing the exchange, turns to Temej with a hope that flickers weakly in his eyes. "What did he say? Will they give it back? Please tell me they will give it back," he pleads, seeking reassurance in Temej's response.
Temej's silent shake of the head, a gesture laden with sorrow, is answer enough. The truth, harsh and unforgiving, crashes down on Fol, the finality of the situation dawning on him with crushing clarity. Tears, unbidden and uncontrollable, trail down his cheeks. The dopshul, more than an instrument, was a piece of his soul, now irrevocably shattered.
Kalez, witnessing Fol's despair, simmers with a rage that threatens to boil over. "That's unforgivable...!" she mutters through gritted teeth, her anger a blazing inferno that finds no outlet in the stifling atmosphere of injustice.
Naci, in contrast, remains outwardly composed, her gaze locked on Jinlü Feng. What might seem to the untrained eye as an empty stare is, in truth, a meticulous study. She etches every detail of his face into her memory, a silent vow made in the depths of her being. To her, Jinlü Feng is no longer just a man but a symbol of what is wrong, a visage she vows to recognize in any crowd, in any light, even in the darkest corners of vengeance's embrace.
After a grueling day's march down the Tengr mountains, the travelers from Tepr finally behold the city of Zenyu. The sight unfolds like a tapestry woven with threads of awe and apprehension. To them, Zenyu is not just a city; it's a fortress of civilization perched on the edge of the world they know, its walls standing tall and unyielding against the backdrop of the Tengr mountains. From their vantage point, the city stretches out towards the sea, its lights flickering like stars brought down to earth.
The port, bustling and vibrant even as night falls, paints a picture of a city that never sleeps, its heart beating in rhythm with the ebb and flow of the sea. The constant movement, the distant sounds of commerce and life, all seem so alien yet mesmerizing to the weary travelers. The sea, an endless expanse of dark waters, stretches out before them, its surface reflecting the city's lights, creating a pathway of luminescence that leads to the unknown.
On the shore, their gazes drawn to the horizon, they notice a group of ships approaching. Temej, his curiosity piqued, wonders aloud if they are merchants coming to trade, bringing goods from far-off lands.
Naci narrows her eyes against the dim light, sensing an anomaly in the approaching vessels. The silhouette of the ships, the way they cut through the water with purposeful haste, speaks of intentions that might not be as benign as mere trade.
Nearby, a couple of Moukopl soldiers, their inhibitions lowered by the warmth of liquor, stagger out of their tent for a moment's relief. Their laughter, loud and carefree, slices through the quiet of the night, a stark contrast to the tense anticipation among the Tepr group. But as their eyes, too, catch sight of the ships on the horizon, their mirth dies abruptly. The sight of black flags etches a sharp line of fear across their faces.
Amidst the enigmatic darkness of the open sea, the declaration "Zenyu in sight!" slices through the anticipation aboard the Red Cliff Survivor. This vessel, notorious and revered, serves as the throne from which the pirate queen, Shan Xi, known fearlessly as "The Blood Lotus," commands her domain.
Shan Xi embodies the lethal grace of a storm at sea. Her physique is a testament to countless battles and the relentless pursuit of mastery over her body and craft. Athletic, her muscles honed from the rigors of pirate life, she moves with a predator's confidence. Her skin bears the kiss of the sun, each scar a chapter in her storied existence. Her eyes, sharp and discerning, gleam with the thrill of the hunt and the joy of the chase, mirroring the tumultuous seas she calls home. Her hair, dark as the midnight ocean, is kept in a functional yet striking style that adds to her fierce aura.
At the sailor's call, excitement courses through her like lightning, igniting her spirit with the promise of adventure and spoils. She leaps to her feet. With swift strides, she rushes to the deck, where the tangible excitement of her crew meets her.
The young sailor, her face alight with a mix of adoration and pride, bows deeply before Shan Xi. In a gesture that bridges the gap between leader and follower, Shan Xi grabs the sailor by the waist, pulling her close in a moment of shared triumph. The kiss they share is a seal of their unity and mutual love, a symbol of the deep bond that ties the pirate queen to her crew.
Turning to address everyone, Shan Xi's voice carries over the deck, authoritative yet infused with an infectious joy. "DROP THE ANCHOR, GENTLEWOMEN! TONIGHT, WE FEAST!" Her declaration, a rallying cry, sets the hearts of her all-woman crew alight with anticipation.
As the anchor descends, marking their arrival with a splash that echoes like a promise, the Red Cliff Survivor stands as a beacon of sheer freedom on the dark waters. Shan Xi, with her crew at her back, ready to follow her into the heart of danger and glory, looks towards Zenyu, her gaze piercing the night. The city, unaware and unprepared, lies on the horizon, a canvas upon which they will paint their next great adventure.