A tall and rigid-bodied man sat to the right side of the room, his beard was sharply styled and his hair cut short, braided with small rings. Though his expression was firm, there was a slight tremble to his lips. Two thin bars of shimmering gold pierced the skin of each eyebrow, and an identically coloured earring hung from each earlobe. The others began to fall into place, each moving to their respective sides. Emperor Naga seated himself nearest to the entrance beside Chiaki and two others clad in the orange lacquered armour of Sen’s Heavenly Generals. Huge limbs of laminated bamboo and leather poked from behind the tallest of the generals, where his giant bow was slung across his torso. The other wore an ōdachi at her side, a sword that seemed almost comically large for such a woman to wield. Sio appeared to float with how lightly she stepped, pacing quickly to the rear of the hall where she leaned back against a splintered, hastily-repaired table and took a candle from its top.
“We gather at the Traitors’ Summit. Representatives of the three mainland states of Sakao have convened today on this pivotal occasion for all of our sakes, and for all of humanity. I would ask the representatives of each nation to offer your names and titles before this company,” Sio recited, peering at the candle’s still flame with one eye closed.
Toku answered first, “Tokugawa Naga, son of Sengoku Naga. I am the reigning Emperor of Sen.”
“Sukh Mengu, son of Chieftess Ehri Timur and once-aide to Won’s Sky-Chosen,” came the introduction of Won’s representative.
“Fuu Jie, daughter of Daishun Wunei Jie and Jishu of Han.”
“And I am Sio Ko, one of the Heavens’ Hundred,” Sio added last. “Welcome. All of you have come seeking the peace I promised. You wish for an end to the centuries of fighting that have ravaged our lands. First you must understand what you ask.
It isn’t such an easy thing to lay down one’s arms after so many have fallen, when so many are still yet to fall. Your people killed one another after the collapse of Seihito, when thirty kingdoms fought over the ruins of the old world. They killed one another during the Tong and Senma periods, when Zuo Han united the East and a demonic plague haunted the West. Was there peace during the Warring States period, when the Hangu Mountains were contested between the kingdoms of Iwanashi and Han? Yet prolonged warfare benefits no one.”
“Most weren’t handed a choice in the matter,” Toku pointed out.
Sio closed her eyes. “That’s true. Avoiding conflict is often as difficult as directing it, and the marks granted by the Heavens are nothing if not a pretext for war. Your father was branded a heretic because he tried to break from that system.”
“His father was branded a heretic because he renounced his devotion to the Heavens,” Yu cut in. Fuu pretended not to notice the fierce looks Sen’s generals directed toward him. “How can one man be so insolent? They granted him such power, and he declared them his enemy.”
Sio's expression was patient in spite of the servant's interruption. “For beings supposedly beyond the reaches of all things, see how his enemy resisted. Do you think it a mere coincidence that his nation fell so quickly, so completely? Were it not for Tokugawa Naga, the state of Sen would be no more than another entry in the annals of our history. Whether he can retake all the territories once governed by his father is yet uncertain.”
“Do you doubt the progress we’ve made so far?” Toku asked.
“Certainly not, but the fact shouldn’t be ignored that you’ve only been able to achieve what you have because of your enemies’ relative passivity. Won has been divided ever since the previous Sky-Chosen was slain during the feast of his son’s second wedding. The rebellion headed by Chieftain Mengu is the only thing stopping the new Sky-Chosen’s armies from heading East. Han is no different. Reports are conflicting from the southern reaches; some say that the fighting is just another peasants’ revolt, while others claim that they rally behind a new Mandate of Heaven. Whatever the cause, I doubt the Daishun will stay preoccupied for long. Jinha’s Shaasak is surely biding her time, it’s unlikely she’ll forgive you after driving her from the continent. They will all soon turn their attention to you, and if you can’t unite Sen and take the Hangu Mountains before that happens, there will be nothing to stop the events of twelve years ago from repeating themselves.”
Seeing their faces, Fuu almost expected Toku’s retinue to stand and take their leave.
The Emperor’s reply was bitterly earnest. “So what do you propose? It sounds as though you’re convinced of our failure.”
“My proposal is simple. Achieving it will be less so. Should you agree, however, all who leave this room will do so not as representatives of Han, Sen and Won, but as founders of an entirely new continental power. For the shared want of peace, we will unshackle ourselves of our past burdens and shoulder the weight of a new alliance: the forces of Sanzan.”
Toku narrowed his eyes, “It’s a novel idea, truly, but how do you suggest a force currently encompassing no land nor citizens should lay conquest against an entire continent when I have not been able to do the same with a host of 600,000?”
“I command no military, but my influence spans farther than you can imagine, and should we come to an agreement, then I too shall have a host of 600,000. You have had the fortune of many victories, correct? To regain so much territory in ten years is-”
“As close as it comes to defeat. As you say, our enemies have been distracted. We fight across lands that were once ours, lands that we know well, and still it has taken a decade to come this far.”
“Sen was rubble at the beginning of that decade. Your efforts have been great, but now comes the time to ensure they weren’t in vain. You cannot continue alone.”
“Forgive me Lady Sio, but I fail to see the benefit of aligning myself with Sanzan. What is the purpose of this meeting if I am to do the same as I have already been doing?”
“You are here because I can guarantee your victory against odds that are otherwise impossible. Do not forget who I am.”
Toku extended his hand toward her, “I couldn’t if I tried, but I need you to help me understand exactly what it is that you want.”
“What I want is beyond you, Tokugawa, but if we succeed, it will mean an ending to centuries of suffering. To that end, we must cooperate. There is no benefit in facing our opponents head-on. Lady Jie will return to Hanshi bearing a gift that will bring the city to ruin, and Sukh Mengu will withdraw his loyalists to secure Won’s south and bolster Sen’s armies,” she explained, “Raane and Hanshi will fall, and both countries shall go without capitals. From there-”
“Do you expect I’ll simply allow you to invade my country?” Sukh sharply interrupted. Sio regarded him from the edge of her vision. The man still sat alone, sturdy and upright.
“I do not expect you to do anything, my lord, because you did not come here with any intention of joining our cause. Your reasons are understandable, but this struggle must be seen through,” she replied in a tone colder than a morning’s frost. “The problem lies within the Mandate of Heaven. It is a mark that presents itself upon the bodies of those worthy of the Heavens’ blessing, a right to rule, and the banner that rallies armies to a leader’s cause. Those with the Mandate are rulers ordained by either the Hundred Hosts, or the Heavens themselves. Their reign is absolute. That then presents a question: why are there four rulers of the greater states of Sakao? If Lord Toku was truly chosen by Heaven, why must he throw his armies into the lands of another that holds the same legitimacy as he? There can only be one ruler, and yet there are many, and as long as there are, there can never exist peace among our nations. The other rulers must either submit to Sanzan’s rule or be put to death. One alone shall bear the weight of Heaven.”
“You wish me to assist you in usurping my father? To see him murdered?” Fuu spoke at last. Yu took hold of her hand tightly.
“Your father will die regardless of whatever choice you make today. It will not likely be today nor even a year from now. He has lived longer than you and will die at the end of a life longer than many. Your choice is not whether to see the end of your father’s life, it is whether you will fight for the sake of his legacy.”
Sio’s answer put a halt on Fuu’s lips. Her mind was spinning, grasping at whatever thoughts she could to ground herself to normality. She could not believe what the woman was saying. As unrealistic as an invasion sounded, the death of her lord father sounded simply ludicrous, especially so with the assistance of Fuu herself. It was foolish to believe such a thing could ever come to pass, yet Sio’s words were making a little more sense that Fuu felt comfortable with.
“What would you have us do? Do you truly wish for me to return home?” she felt herself compelled to say.
“We shall be undertaking the greatest game of sabotage and strategic warfare that this continent has ever seen, and as such, all will have their own parts to play. Lord Toku’s role has already been given, he is to continue in his conquest against the mainland states and secure the Hangu as soon as possible. I had intended for the Jishun to return home with my gift of death, spreading discord through the court of Wunei Jie and sowing the seeds of desire for the state of peace, much the same as I plan to do across the continent. If he does not wake, you may be needed to fulfil his role, Lady Jie.”
“And I?” Sukh raised a quizzical brow. Sio glanced at him with a face of disgust before setting the candle back onto the cracked table.
“What about you, I wonder? I never received any reports of Sukh Mengu leaving Won, nor did I know that the top half of his right ear had healed so cleanly,” she stated calmly. “It was by my hand that his ear was clipped. I know Sukh, and I know that you are not him. Do you take me for a fool?”
This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.
Neither Sio nor Sukh moved for a time that seemed to last forever; colours of emerald and smoky quartz clashed in their fierce deadlock stare. But then Sukh broke out into a pearlescent grin and his entire form appeared to relax, the stiffness of his posture softening like lard under sunlight.
The man’s voice grew deeper when he spoke, his amusement growing with every word, “That’s… how it is, is it? I thought I could keep up the act a little longer than that, but I can’t say I’m disappointed. Isn’t it so uncomfortable pretending to be something that you’re not? Playing at this is dull and drab, it lacks lustre, but I guess that’s to be expected when you’re acting as a stand-in. I was never fit for the role.”
“I’ll admit that I’m surprised to see you attend my war council, Lord Khara,” Sio said cautiously, “May I ask what happened to Sukh Mengu?”
“Who knows? The man’s a would-be usurper with a theatrical personality and a raving entourage that dances on every beat and cue. I’ve no need to concern myself with him.”
“Not even after learning our intentions?”
“Your intentions mean very little to me. It’s your actions that I’d like to judge, but I can’t do that whilst you sit around discussing your favourite flags,” the man said, taking a few moments to leisurely rise from his cushion.
Toku spoke up with an unnaturally welcoming smile, “Aren’t you going to introduce yourself?
“Won’t you do the honours, Miss Sio?” the man asked, glancing at the host. She looked between the two, then raised a hand in the stranger’s direction.
“Emperor Tokugawa Naga and Jishu Fuu Jie, we are in the company of Temür Khara, the mandated Sky-Chosen of Won.”
“Two rulers under one roof. Three, if we are to count the mark on that girl’s chest,” the Sky-Chosen pointed a finger toward Fuu. Her body froze under his curious gaze. “And all are officially at war. Whatever might happen at this remote shrine?”
It had to be nearly midday on the mountainside, the bamboo trees and stone slabs were likely baking under the constant sunlight of the cloudless sky. Within the sturdy confines of the aged hall however, only flickering candlelight lit the scene. It forced away the dark and painted wood in a constantly shifting gradient of warm yellow, burnt orange and an elusive brown. Shadows quivered, though bodies unmoving, there could never have been stillness in that room.
Toku drew his dao and laid it beside the teacup before him, “Enlighten me, Sky-Chosen, why would you come here all the way from Raane just so that you could attend a meeting you weren’t invited to?”
“Think, when I heard from my Verdant Seers that all my closest friends were gathering on this mountain, do you believe I could simply ignore it?”
An armoured fist thumped against the wooden floor, “That’s enough of your impudence, bastard!” one of Toku’s company yelled. He brandished a short sword. “Our Emperor is no friend of yours, nor are we. What’s to stop my blade from splitting your disrespectful mouth into two sorry halves?”
“Steady yourself, Yoshinori,” quietly urged the woman at his side. A metallic conical hat hid her face. “This discussion belongs to the Emperor. Do not undermine him.”
Yoshinori slammed his fist into the ground once again and leapt to his feet, “The leader of Won’s armies stands before us, alone and defenceless. We cannot waste this opportunity to take his head!”
“This man is not defenceless, General Tenryū, or he would not have come here. Underestimating the strength of the Heavens will only lead to failure.”
“Nor am I alone, for here is my company” the Sky-Chosen agreed, gesturing to all those present. The Heaven’s mark upon his hand harboured a faint warning glow. “Still, Mr. Tenryū’s question was valid enough for a reply. Aside from the notion of mutually assured destruction, there isn’t much to stop you trying to cut me down even on sacred ground, so how about an agreement? I’ll share a few words, and then I’ll leave.”
“Do you believe we’ll let you go?” Toku asked, raising his brows.
The Sky-Chosen raised his arms in a slow, exaggerated shrug, “Do you think I need you to? Though, I’d prefer if you did. It’s a little frustrating when people won’t play along.”
“Say what you will, then I must ask you to leave,” Sio asserted. “You’ve already wasted enough of our time.”
The Sky-Chosen laughed, rubbing his hands together, “So you can get back to plotting my downfall? You never really believed in a better future for anyone here, did you? What lies in your heart when peace becomes a means to an end?”
“Blood and muscle,” she replied.
“Blood’s a certainty,” the Sky-Chosen smiled wickedly, “My position was won with violence, but the warriors of Sen truly put me to shame in comparison. Emperor Naga, Yoshinori Tenryū and their lady general- what’s your name?”
“Fuyuri Mokuzai,” the decorated woman said flatly.
“Yoshinori Tenryū and Fuyuri Mokuzai: that makes two of the three Heavenly Generals of Sen. Both loyal for now, but I’m sure at least one of you will live up to the serpentine nature of the Naga crest. Considering the atrocities overlooked by your Emperor, you’d hardly be human if you didn’t.” As if casually strolling through a garden, the Sky-Chosen sauntered across the room and stopped directly before Toku. Ignoring the Emperor’s wide-eyed glare, he bent over and lifted Toku’s teacup in his hand.
“Were you actually planning on filling these with anything, Miss Sio?”
“I do believe the water is being boiled,” she answered.
“It’s easy enough to say that for anything, isn’t it? ‘The work isn’t done, but it will be.’ ‘The preparations aren’t made, but one day they shall be.’ It’ll be a shame if your war of grand designs is treated the same. Don’t do something as disappointing as losing your battles before they’re even fought.”
Sio tilted her head in puzzlement, “You speak as though boiling water and organising a war are one and the same.”
“They’re nothing alike, of course, but isn’t the idea of planning universal? You didn’t plan the timing of your guests’ arrival properly, and the result is a circle of empty teacups. Don’t you feel ashamed that not a single one of these weary travellers can quench their thirst on an invigorating course of tea? The concept is the same for this summit of traitors you’ve gathered, though the consequences of your oversights won’t be nearly as forgiving,” he explained, loosening his fingers. The teacup smashed into the floor in a cloud of dust and ceramic shrapnel.
“Now, Tokugawa Naga, a man of mismatching pieces, how many atrocities does it take before the end can no longer justify the means? Your armies seem determined to find the answer, but in spite of your awareness, you make no effort to stop them. Are you proud of the massacres carried out by your forces against those that have been unfortunate enough to meet them? Every helpless child plucked from their home and murdered, every unarmed villager dragged into the streets and defiled by strangers, every rotting inhabitant of your mass graves, the fault for all such things lies with you. Your consecrators: the Righteous, or whatever it is you prefer to call them, they cannot hide what you have done- what you continue to do. Have you forgotten how many of those same settlements were in your father’s territories? Have you lost sight of the peace that you set out to attain? What good are good intentions when they’re fueled by hate?”
Toku’s glare held a terrifying intensity. “What good are words spoken by a fool?”
“They’re more useful than you’d imagine. Ingenuity isn’t far removed from insanity.” Khara glanced at Chiaki. “Your aide doesn’t seem to like me, Tokugawa.”
“That quality isn’t unique to her.”
“Really?” pondered the Sky-Chosen, kneeling for a closer look at the woman’s hannya mask. Chiaki moved not an inch. “I don’t need help from the Gods to judge a person’s character. One look at their eyes is more than enough. You’re as loyal as you are stubborn, Chiaki, and that loyalty belongs to one alone. I wonder though, do you think your Emperor knows who that is?”
Turning as he returned to his feet, the Sky-Chosen finally turned his eye to the Jishu and her servant.
“Finally, Miss Fuu Jie and…?”
“Yu Diao,” answered the voice from her side.
“Yu and Fuu, children of Han, so far away from home, so far separated from everything around you. Neither of you really care what’s happening here, do you? Your minds are so self-absorbed that they can’t even perceive the power you hold, and you drift like water down the path of least resistance. Your attitudes, as though separated from the responsibility of any action, are foul. Out of all those gathered at this summit, I really think that I hate you the most.”
So he said, and there was nothing in the man’s expression to suggest an untruth. The cold glare of animosity reflected within the blackness of his pupils. Fuu had nothing to say in response, although if she had it would have been impossible to convey it through her quivering jaw. Temür Khara stood bored and listless, his posture was slouched, his eyes half-closed, and yet he carried with him in his presence the weight of ten thousand men. It was only to be expected that he held no fear for the circle of conspirators surrounding him, for what threat did they pose against the untouchable?
“If the venerated Sky-Chosen is finished, I would suggest you take your leave,” Sio said insistently.
“Of course I’ll leave. You don’t need to worry about me intruding any longer on your slapstick scheme of gross deceit,” he taunted with a wide grin.
Sweat beads wetted creased foreheads throughout the darkened hall, and taut jaws bore gritted teeth. Tongues were tied when the Sky-Chosen walked by, lines of sight scattered like roaches from light. That man was something beyond human weakness, an unreachable beacon of blinding strength, and yet somewhere within the recesses of her mind, Fuu understood his mortality. This was her father’s enemy, a warlord that had reft and raped and would continue to do so until deposed or succeeded by another much the same. She wondered, could I not put an end to that future, here and now? No matter how intimidating his presence, his flesh held the same vulnerability as any other. He could be cut and crushed and slashed and torn until even his Mandate of Heaven stood no chance of healing him. No, I cannot do that. My father’s enemies are not my own. This man is of no concern to me. As it was, as it will be. As it was, as it will be. As it was...
Fuu brandished a dagger snatched from Yu’s sleeve. In one fluid motion, she pinched the blade’s tip and flicked the weapon outwards, sending it whistling toward the gap in his shoulder blades. Seemingly catching the manoeuvre in his peripherals, the Sky-Chosen half-turned and raised his hand with an open palm. Where metal should have torn flesh and spilled blood, it instead froze, hovering with its tip just barely pressing against the man’s skin. The corners of his mouth curled in disgust.
“That’s the measure of the Daughter of Han? A dagger in the back of an unarmed guest? You sad, dark-damned heathen,” he spat, closing his fingers around the knife. As he did, the weapon warped and deformed, shrinking like a drying sponge until it resembled only a tiny black sphere no larger than a grain of rice. It floated freely in the air around him, guided by the movements of his fingertips. And then it attacked. Lunging faster than the speed of sound on a deadly course for Fuu’s throat, the sphere suddenly morphed, reforming itself into an exact replica of the dagger mid-flight. Even if she had been able to register what was happening, there was nothing she could have done to evade the blade’s bite. That is, if it had been intended to kill from the outset. The dagger passed her head as a blur, and a sharp crack like from the barrel of a rifle sounded an instant later. Her ear felt deaf and warm, and as she brought her hand to her cheek, she realised that a thin trail of blood had begun to leak from her eardrum. Yu scrambled to throw himself in front of her, an action utterly futile. Temür Khara had made it altogether clear that the only thing keeping her from death was his own merciful will. She regarded him with a slack jaw and unblinking eyes, her face growing wet with tears.
“Clean yourself. I’m not going to stain this ground with the blood of someone so miserable as yourself,” the Sky-Chosen blankly stated, and then he was gone. If any had asked Fuu what was discussed for the remainder of the Sanzan Summit, she would not have been able to answer.