《Legends of Varlaurea: The Dragon Emperor》 2 THE MONSTER OF KAOREN LAKE 1 The story began in late spring, Varlann Empire, in the tenth year of the Dragon Emperor Suk Lam reign. The morning spring breeze sweep across the beautiful meadow spotted with patches of white small flower, blooming along a curvy road. The road carved its way through that green sea of grass, and stretched far to the horizon. On the jagged horizon of faraway mountains top, the sun raising slowly, shinning its golden rays on a convoy of three carriages and five wagon slowly roll along that curvy road. Escorting the convoy is four hundred Downer men strong, clad in black lamellar armour, their spears shine under the morning sun like the stars of the night. On the men''s back is a short yellow brocade cloak, embroidered with cloud, sword and lion motifs. These are the prestige Brocade Cloak Guards of the Varlann Empire in charge of safeguard the imperial family. The men riding a strange creature, the velelis. A bipedal, horse size, dinosaur-like creature, with horizon posture, covered from head to leg in filament feather, small feathered arms with three fingers, and the tip of their tail also covered in bird like tail-feather. Their snout and mouth are like of a horse, and on top of their head a pair of cat-like ears. The creature''s coat has two main colours, brown and yellow, sometime spotted between two colours. They''re being use as a mean of transportation and mount by the inhabitants of Varlaurea continent. In the middle of that convoy, there''s a red carriage, the biggest of the three, pulls by four velelises, with curved roof painted in deep jade green, red lanterns adorned with silver wind chime and red tassel hung on each corners. Inside the carriage, hung a hammock, on it, lied a Downer man, the man is in his early thirty, clothed in a knee length, right lappet, red cross-collard robe, a type of robe worn by all Varlanner, rich or poor. The man has shoulder length black hair, handsome face typical of a Downers, slightly slanted eyes and thick eyes brow with a short goatee under his chin, and on his forehead, right at the hairline, protruded a pair of small, deer-like antlers bend upward. That man name is Suk Lam, Emperor of the Varlann Empire, the Lord of One Hundred Clans, the son of Dragon. Laying on his hammock Emperor Lam reading the reports of his official from the city of Qualoh, a port city on the lakeshore of Kaoren Lake. And these particularly report is the reason His Imperial Majesty left the comfort of his palace. "Your Imperial Majesty, we''re will arrive to Qualoh in thirty minutes please get ready." An official said. Then the convoy stop for the royal servants get in His Imperial Majesty''s carriage to help him change to a more formal attire. A black silk, right lappet cross-collard robe, with big loose sleeves, embroidered with cloud motifs, and a coiling dragon made of gold thread in the middle of the chest, finally an ankle length silk skirt. His hand and leg adorned with intricately carved gold bracelets with silver rattler bells attached. Thirty minutes later, the imperial convoy came to Qualoh city, at the outskirts of the city, a deputation of Qualoh, the lord governor Buh Huy is waiting to welcome His Imperial Majesty arrival. Lord Buh Huy of Qualoh city get off his velelis, following him is his family. They came before the convoy kneel down and formally bow by interlock their fingers, raise their hands in front of their face, palm faced inward. "I, Buh Huy and my family, welcome Your Imperial Majesty. Long live the Emperor, may you reign for thousands and thousands of years." Lord Buh Huy and his family simultaneously spoke. "Be at ease." Emperor Lam''s voice came from behind the carriage''s veil. "Thank Your Imperial Grace." Lord Buh Huy and his family said and stand up. After the welcome, they continue to enter the city. In the city the citizens have took to the street to welcome his arrival and immediately Emperor Lam can feel the air of distress from the citizens, is it because they fear him? Is it because Emperor Lam a tyrant? No. There are clearly hope in their eyes when they saw a glance of the emperor carriage before they kneel down. And suddenly a cry echo from the crowd. Emperor Lam ears caught the cry and order the convoy to stop, then his step out of the carriage order the Brocade Cloak Guards to find the person who the cry belong to. After a while the Brocade Cloak Guards escort an old man out of the crowd, the old man face etched with many winkle by time, his eyes soaked with tear. He came before Emperor Lam, put down his walking stick, formally bow and kneel down painfully, His Imperial Majesty immediately took to the ground and hold the old man hand help him get up. "Your Elderly, why are you cry? What''s trouble you mind?" Asked the emperor. "Your Imperial Majesty, these are the tears of joy, for this old man had finally can set these blurry eyes upon you. These are the tears of relief, for finally you are here. The gods are smiling upon us today, for the terror from the deep soon will be vanquish." Said the old man, his tears roll down his wrinkle face. The crowd becomes noisy, some pray to the gods, some burst into tear, and murmured relief that the emperor is here. "Your Imperial Majesty, my old sickly wife and two granddaughters are all what left of my family, my sons¡­" A hiccup interrupted the old man "¡­all four of my sons and my grandsons are death, the youngest of my grandsons is only fifteen he''s die too young¡­. It''s all because of that monster¡­ please! Your Majesty slays that monster, so that my sons and grandsons can be at peace, so their souls can meet Mien papa in the underworld and pass on to the next life." The old man kneels down again as he finished his sentience. Emperor Lam holds his hand and pull him get back up as the crowd started to cry. "My beloved subjects, ease you mind now and do not be afraid, here I am and right here in the name of the gods, in the name of the supreme Quelas''Airuth, in the honour of the Imperial bloodline and my father the Emperor Suk Luotu and my mother the Empress Lu Nue¡­" Emperor Lam stop for a second to take a breath, tear started to swelling in his eyes. "¡­This, I swear to yours all, the terror yours have endure thus far shall be no more, I shall not rest until this monster has slain, and the souls of those who has gone because of this abomination be at peace." "LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR! LONG LIVE THE EMPEROR!" Cried the crowd. 3 THE MONSTER OF KAOREN LAKE 2 As the largest fresh water body in Varlaurea continent, Kaoren Lake located at southern part of the continent near the downstream region of the Great River. Its name means the "sea lake" for it so vast that ship have to took five days to sail across the surface of the lake. The lake is so big it even has its own weather pattern. Below those glistering blue waves, many bounties to be catch. And with it gentle tides, it accretion the shore, enriched the soil and help feed those first Downer''s settlements when they first came to Varlaurea, after their long journey through the Age of Wandering. Many cities have thrived and flourish on the benevolent shore of the lake and come with the lake connection with the Great River, trade from the free cities of the Uppers in northern Varlaurea and Chihan empire in the east flow through Qualoh city, created the busiest trade routed of all Varlaurea. It all happen five years ago, first there are only some isolated incidents occurred throughout many cities, some fishermen went missing when diving to harvest clam, pearl and seaweed. At first, the local officials only think it just accident, until thing escalated, from missing fishermen to entire fishing ship went missing. And two years ago in the fishing village near Qualoh, a survivor has been found. He claimed there was no accident, he claimed that his fishing boat and crews was attacked by something in the lake. "It''s like a gigantic fish I never seen before" the fishermen assertively proclaimed. Lord Buh Huy as that time did took noticed of this incident and ordered an investigation but came up empty hand. And thus that fishermen story became nothing but the rambling of a traumatized man and soon become mere rumour or spooky tale around the tavern table. But fishing ships still went missing, fear quickly rose among the people, they do not dare to go fishing far from the lake shore anymore. And then, another incident came to lord Buh Huy''s ears, a trade ship from Chihan empire has sunk not too far from Qualoh, six survivors had been found and they all claimed their ship had been attacked by something, some kind of gigantic fish. The survivors claimed it torn their ship apart with just few rams, and swallow several sailors with just one gulped. A military search had been launched, but all they can find is only plank of woods, and torn pieces of sails floating in the water, no sign of the "big fish". In following years, more and more ships were attacked, more and more survivor''s testimony claimed the existing of this "big fish", trade is stagnated. Two navy expeditions had been launched by Lord Buh Huy, and in the second expedition a medium Junk ship had been attacked in front of the entire fleet. Despite the valiant resistant of the crew, with just several rams the monster torn the ship apart, and swallow the helpless sailors in the water. Witnesses estimated the monster length is about 100 lias (1 lia = 1 meters) at the least, its back cladded in dark red scales, with many foot-like pelvic fins protruded from the side of its body. The "fish" mouth is as big as the city''s gate full of jagged teeth. With eyes glowing with a sinister red hue under the sun. Upon hearing this news, Lord Buh Huy was quickly launched the third navy expedition to kill this monstrosity. Many volunteers had sign up; six warships had been launched with many volunteer civilian ships. But they attempt achieved little to no avail. Three warships and a large sum of volunteer ships has sunk, the rest are severely damage, more than 500 casualties. Enraged by the attack of Lord Buh Huy''s navy, the monster retaliates shortly after, the number of attack increase. And about eighteen months ago, for the first time, the monster took it rage to Qualoh city. It suddenly resurfaces not too far from the city''s port and before anyone can react, with a swept of it giant tail, the monster hurled a tsunami toward the port, damage many ships, buildings, infrastructures, washed countless people out to the lake and to their demise. Every several weeks the monster attack Qualoh and its neighbouring cities with tsunami, bringing death and destruction to the populations. Many names it had been called: The "Terror of the deep", the "Whirlpool of sharp teeth", the "Tsunami Maker", and the "Fins of doom" The people are terrifying, some think the monster represented the wrath of the gods, and as the resulted of that, a cult has arisen and perform human sacrificed to the monster. Lord Buh Huy had tried his best to suppress those cultists and reassure the people that he will send a messenger to the capital and ask the Imperial Court for aid. When the matter came to the Imperial Court. The Imperial navy has dispatch a fleet of five Heavy War Junk, fifth-teen frigates, and ten galleys to help exterminate the monster but sadly, they''re too, achieved very little result, the progress is slow, their ballista''s bolts cannot penetrated even haft their shard''s length through the monster''s scale and does little damage to the monster, even the Imperial Court Mages accompany the fleet cannot cause much damage either, most of their spells kept getting deflect from the monster''s scale, like there are some kind of magic had been infused in it. And the monster is cunning, it lurking under the waves hiding from the Imperial fleet and only ambushes the lightly armed patrol ships and slower logistic ships. The situation remands stalemate. Therefore, Emperor Lam had leaved his palace and solves the matter with his own hand. 4 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 3 After his arrival at Lord Buh Huy''s castle, Emperor Lam took no rest and immediately held a meeting in the main hall with Admiral Huan Tah, the commander of the Imperial navy fleet that was dispatched to Qualoh, Taosih Tsun head of the Imperial Mage team accompany the Imperial fleet (*Taosih: a high ranking Downer mage), Lord Buh Huy and his advisors. "Gentlemen, what had we known so far about this monster?" Said Emperor Lam "Your Imperial Majesty, after five months battle this monster, sadly we have learned very little about the monster. Only is that, its scales are extremely tough, our strongest ballista cannot penetrate very much through it, and it''s very intelligent, always attack where we least expected." Admiral Huan Tah said. "We still do not know anything about the monster''s origin, and its scales not only tough but also seem to have magic deflecting ability, most of our elemental magic had a difficulty to struck a directed hit on it and those manage to hit does very little damage¡­" Said Taosih Tsun. "But five weeks ago we did have some progress." "Oh, do tell Taosih Tsun." Said Emperor Lam. "Your Imperial Majesty, five weeks ago during a hunt of the navy, we have successfully struck it with a lightning spell, the monster seems to be hurt and intimidated by it." Said Taosih Tsun. "Lightning spell?" Emperor Lam said "Lightning spell is very dangerous and can cause unnecessary damage, especially on watery environment like this, be cautious Taosih Tsun. Nevertheless, you''d done a good job, taosih." "Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty, me and my team will." Said Taosih Tsun. "Also according one of our captains, his crew had land a successes hit with one of his ballista in the monster''s mouth, it''s seem¡­ though it''s tough on the outside but vulnerable on the inside." Said Lord Buh Huy. "So this mean it can be kill." Emperor Lam said. "Then what''s the problem here? Why haven''t you exploit this weakness, Admiral?" "As I had said, Your Highness." Admiral Huan spoke "The monster is very intelligent, and after the hunt five weeks ago, now we have a hard time to lure it to engaging in a sea battle." "Lord Buh Huy, how is the situation with the cult that you spoke of in the report?" Emperor Lam asked "Your Imperial Majesty, I had arrested most of the cultists, and put a wanted order on their leader. I think they won''t be a problem anymore." Lord Buh Huy replied. Suddenly the city alarm bell rung. A city guard rush in the meeting hall "My lords, Your Majesty, the monster had reappeared. It just surfaced outside the port." The soldier said Heard the news, everyone in the hall rush to castle wall. Because Lord Buh Huy castle located at a highest hill overlook the city, from the wall''s battlement they can saw the port in clear view. Emperor Lam can see all the people in the area around the port fleeing inland or toward higher ground in panic. Out at the port, is the cause of the chaos, a gigantic dark red fish-like head bobbing amidst the wave, its two big round eyes menacingly glowing under the sun. The monster cycling the deep water outside of the port with its mouth of jagged teeth wide open, gulping up any poor souls whose have to risk their lives just to try to make a living by fishing near the shore and the port. Then the monster suddenly twisting it enormous tail and created a tsunami six lias high rushing toward the port. Witnessing all that happening Emperor Lam cannot stand idle, he must do something. And his eyes turn white, blood vessel bulging around the tail of his eyes. The Emperor invoked his magic to enhance his body, and with just one somersault he had arrived at the port. Right the moment his feet touch the ground Emperor immediately chant a spell in ancient language. "Thur rua fuh qelah ein luur. Ark ein kavik zuarah iun huslur. Kelov, kelov zuarah fiee ein nukuur Divardi uanarku aban pofike da kuhfur" "Earth and stone beneath my feet By my command now pay heed Rise, rise now to aid my need Created an impenetrable wall withstands all siege" The ground before his feet started to rumbling violently, two parallel cracks appeared and stretching along the shore line, then the earth rose up, created a wall eight lias in high and hundreds lias in length, enveloped the entire port area. With just himself Emperor Lam had done what would take ten taosihs to accomplish. Awestruck by such marvellous magic, everyone near the port stood in silent as the tsunami make land fall, the water crashed on the earth wall violently, mist plash through the top of the wall as if it about to suffuse, yet the wall still stands, and the port is unharmed. Seeing it attack has fail the monster disappears back under the wave. After the danger had gone Emperor Lam recalled his magic and returns the ground back to normal. Then awoke from the silent someone in the crowd starting to chant "the son of dragon" following soon by the crowd and the entire city roaring with cheering and chanting. THE SON OF DRAGON! THE SON OF DRAGON! They cried Some of them cannot curb their joy, they rush in and swirling around him, chanting "the son of dragon" as four men carry him on their shoulders through the crowd as they exploding with joy. 5 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 4 One week later, everything still remains quite. The repair and reconstruction of the port and the surrounding area which has been damaged by the monster earlier tsunami attacks had resume. But this time is difference, for the pass week the city streets had become more and more bustling. The men are humming while they work, some merchants had return to the market, the tavern fill with the noise of chatting and clinking toast, smile blossom on the women face and the children running around the streets once again. In every citizen eyes filled with hope and joy, although the city guards still keeping a watchful eye on the horizon, and the ships still cannot set sail far to the open water. But hope and joy is returning to Qualoh. When the sun risen on the first day of the next week. A military parade for the navy''s expedition in order to kill the monster is marching through Qualoh''s main streets. That day was a pleasant day, the sun is warm, and the breeze is gentler. Almost every citizen had flocked to the main city square and the street lead to the port, they''re cheering, waving the Imperium''s flag, throwing confetti and flower as the troops marching by, some peoples even climbed to the rooftop to get a good view of the parade and banging their cooking wares together just to make some noise. Leading the parade is, of course, the emperor himself, follow right behind Emperor Lam is the Brocade Cloak Guards and 1000 sailors. The emperor standing on a red square chariot pulls by two velelises waving at the crowd. Cladded in lamellar armour, each steel plate glimmering under the sun''s golden ray like a kind of angelic aura emitting from the emperor. A square mirror armour reinforced the chest plate, etched and coloured with a coiling dragon nestled in clouds, adorned with gold border and ruby on each corner. His neck wearing a golden necklace with a piece of green jade and silver rattler bells. His lamellar shoulder guards were decorated with specially smithed pauldrons that shape like a dragon head, wrap around his hip is a silk sashes and tighten with a black leather belt that hold the lamellar skirt. Vambraces and greaves protected his arms and shins, and the knee length skirt revealed tattoo on his leg. His helmet was specially designed for his horned head, on the top of the helmet, a decorated piece that look like a pike head and red tassel dancing in the breeze. After the parade marched around the main square they will continue marching toward the port and get on board the waiting ships. Emperor Lam will board Admiral Huantah''s flagship the "Dragon Fang" as fleet command, it''s the largest and most heavily arm Heavy War Junk of the fleet with 5 masts, on its prow painted a green dragon head baring it fangs, and a large Varlann flag proudly flying in the wind on the ship stern. The expedition had launched, follow the fleet is 100 volunteer ships. They set out in a wing formation, with the Frigates in the front, the Galleys at the flanks and the Heavy War Junk at the rear, and at the centre of the Heavy War Junk line is the "Dragon Fang", on the very back of their formation, about 200 lias from the Heavy War Junks line is a large Transport ship acting at baited and been pull by the "Dragon Fang", the volunteer ships created a ring surround the fleet to scouting ahead and the surrounding water, if they detect any movement under water they will send a signal to the "Dragon Fang" via smoke. They heading toward the area about 500 lias from the shore and four kelias (1 kelia = 1 kilometers) north - north east from Qualoh. This area had been reported to have the most occurred attack by the monster. For five hours they have not found any sign of the monster, the search continues to midday, till a volunteer ship at the rear left flank sent a smoke signal. They had spotted sixty lias from their port side, a large shadow moving under the water. Battle order was sent, all hands on deck, all ballistae had loaded. The "Dragon Fang" signal the volunteer ships to return to the centre of the formation and from that point they will pass through the formation and return back to port. After the volunteer ships is clear, the fleet starting to change course and moving parallel with the monster, keeping their distain at fifty lias. The atmosphere is tense, every sailor''s face fill with stress and fear, why would they not, no amounts of training can prepare any person for situation like this, any sane person in situation like this would turn tail and run, yet they are not, yet they are still stand and waiting for order, yet in their eyes still show a hind of confident. How? Because their Emperor is here, his present has gave the troops the courage they need to stand, they believe him with their live. Especially is Admiral Huan Tah and some old captains for they have spent years follow Emperor Lam when he still a young prince in those final days of the Hundred Years War. Thirty minutes passed, the monster still keeping a steady speed and have no intention to attack, then it starting dive down and disappeared to the deep water. Dreadful silence reigned the past minute, then another minute, and suddenly the monster resurfaced at the very back end of the formation and attack the stern of the transport ship. With its powerful jaw the beast trying to crack the ship''s stern, the wooden planks trembling in a serial of chilling cracking sounds as the monster jagged teeth bite down on them. After a minutes chewing on the ship stern and cannot find a single soul on it, the monster realized this was just a decoy, and dive back down to the deep. But it cannot. 6 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 5 The monster struggling to dive back into the water, yet somehow its head still remains above surface, not only that its upper body is starting to floating to the surface, it''s like there are some magical force keeping the beast from return to the deep. That magical force is, of course, from Emperor Lam''s telekinesis, a high form of psychic magic that rarely any mage can use at such distain and to hold such large object. The monster is trapped, the fleet starting to encircle it and unleash their ballista bolts, their target is the mouth of the monster. The bolts ripping through the air toward their target, as hundreds of them plunged into the soft flesh in the monster mouth. The monster twisting it body in pain, unable to escape, it started to wiggling its body and waving its huge fins, created violent waves around it, causing the fleet to have difficult aiming. Although the attack is going well, as Taosih Tsun has said about the monster''s scales, Emperor Lam can feel it slipping through his telekinesis grip, every time the beast violently twisted its body. Ten minutes later, the encircling is completed, then a frigate called "Young Wind" break formation and approaching the monster, on the ship is Taosih Tsun and his mage team. They stand at the ship''s prow, trying to keep their balance while the ship swaying in the wave cause by the monster. When the ship getting near to about fifteen lias distain from the monster, Taosih Tsun''s mage team starting to charging their inner power, which is called "Qigun" by the Downers. Then they channelling their qigun to Taosih Tsun by touching they palm to his back as he murmuring a spell, and waiting for the moment between waves so the ship can stable enough for him to have a good aim, doing this is quite dangerous, for if Taosih Tsun holding his spell for too long the additional qigun can overload his body and cause injure. After a few minutes waiting patiently, and when the opportunity came, he unleashes a lightning bolt from his fringe tips toward the monster head. The lightning bolt powered by the qigun of five Taosihs unleash a deafening thunder and a flash so bright is can temporary blinded anyone look directed into it. The lightning bolt found it mark and struck the monster left face, blew off the monster''s left eye and heavily burn a good portion of its left face. The monster twisting in pain, and smacked its gigantic tail on the water created even more high and violent waves, nearly capsize the "Young Wind", the "Dragon Fang" and some other ships, cause Emperor Lam to lost his balance and lost his grip on the monster. Finally freed the monster immediately disappeared back to the depth. Though the battle has won, but the monster had escaped. Standing at the ship prow, Emperor Lam stare at the blood spill in the water in silent, while the crew of the "Dragon Fang" and the whole fleet cheer on for they first victory again the monster. Do they actually win? Will the monster''s wound severe enough to kill it? He cannot be sure. 7 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 6 They return to Qualoh at twilight with the news of victory. The city exploded with joy, a wave of cheering rush through every corner of the streets when they heard the news of the first victory against the monster. Taosih Tsun, his mage team and the whole crew of the "Young Wind" has been hail as heroes of this victory. A celebration has been issued, all the taverns in town will empty their stock to night. An hour later, every street in the city has been lit up with colourful lantern, the air fill with laughter and songs. At Lord Buh Huy castle, a feast is being held for all those who participated in the battle. The castle glowing with warm light from thousands of lanterns, the court musicians fill the space with joyous and cheerful song. In the great hall where the feast for the generals and ship captains are, two row of big cyclical red lantern, each tall as a man chest hung on the castle''s ceiling. Cast their warm light all over the attendance. Silk carpets with intricate weaving pattern hung on the walls. Two row of tables with red silk tablecloth lined up along the hall, each table for one person filled with delectable food and exquisite wine from lord Buh Huy personal stock. At the table at the head of the hall, Emperor Lam stands up with a silver goblet in hand. "My lords, my generals and my captains. This feast is for yours all, I, Suk Lam emperor of the Varlann Empire thank you all for your service to the crown. Today is a joyful day as we celebrate the first victory against the monster that has terrorized our people, but be vigilance, for our work is never ending." Emperor Lam said. "And now, a toast. For the prosperity of the empire and the people who live in it!" Emperor Lam raises his goblet "For the empire!" The attendees shouted As everyone in the hall rises their goblet and drink, a wine servant silently approaching the emperor''s table and charging in, dagger in hand the servant yell "BLOOD FOR THE GODS!!!" His dagger''s tip aims at Emperor Lam''s chest. Immediately a Brocade Cloak Guard stand near Emperor Lam reacted, he throws himself between the assassin and Emperor Lam, and took the entire blade to his chest, the brave guard die instantly. Other Brocade Cloak Guards quickly surrounded the assassin. To their surprise, the guards struggling to apprehend the assassin, his strength is greater than his skinny look. The assassin punched a guard fly several lias through the hall, knocked him unconscious, it''s took four guards to restrained him. The assassin is a man in his mid-forty, with a buzz cut and a clean shaved long face, his eyes are baggy with dark circles like he has not sleep for a long time. "Your Imperial Majesty! Are you alright?" Lord Buh Huy rushed to Emperor Lam side "I''m fine." Emperor Lam said. "Fool of an emperor, do you have any idea what you have done? Do yours all know what have yours done???" The assassin yelled. "Hold your filthy tongue still. Who do you work for? Who told you to assassinate His Imperial Majesty?" Lord Buh Huy demanded. "Please wait, Your Majesty, father." A voice came from the crowd A young man approaching the assassin and stare at his face. He is lord Min the eldest son of Lord Buh Huy. "You know him Min?" Lord Buh Huy asked "Yes, father, I recognized him. He is the cultist leader that escaped my raid on their cult rally several months ago." Lord Min answered "Are you sure?" Emperor Lam asked "Absolutely, Your Majesty, even though he has cut his hair and shaved his beard, but I still can recognize that baggy eyes and his voice." Lord Min said. Came near the cultist leader, Emperor Lam ask "Who do you work for? Speak and I will so you some mercy." The cultist leader let out a maniacal laugh, and with a strange grind on his face, he stares at Emperor Lam. "I work for no one but the gods, your ignorant fool. You doomed us all for your ignorant!!!" He yelled "Insolence!" Lord Buh Huy slapped him "You think Quelas''Airuth and the Five want me death?" Emperor Lam surprise at his answered The cultist leader laughs maniacally again. "Quelas''Airuth? Hah hah hah¡­ Oh, you pitiful imbeciles¡­ Quelas''Airuth and the Five is nothing but a lie, I talk about the true gods, the old gods of yore." The cultist leader said "Is that so? And what make you so sure you know they are the true gods." Emperor Lam asked "Because I have heard their voice, their whisperings. The gods displease for yours ignorant and your worship of false gods. They demand their respect and that monster is the result of that displease. And you¡­ you have wounded it, wounded their agent. You doomed us all, now they will unleash their wrath upon the entire Varlaurea continent for your stupidity." He grinding his teeth as he speaks "REPEND! REPEND NOW WITH YOURS BLOOD! AND MAYBE THEY SHALL SPARE YOURS PITIFUL SOULS FROM THEIR WRATH!" The cultist leader shouted "Your Imperial Majesty, this clearly is just the rambling of a delusion mad man, let not wasted your time with him, he must be publicly beheaded immediately to make an example for other." Lord Buh Huy said "You have heard the voice of the old gods?" Emperor Lam stare silently at the cultist leader for a minute and then smirk. "I think beheaded will be too easy for you." "Lord Buh Huy, throw him in the dungeon, and let him rot there." Emperor Lam said, then he turns to the crowd "And this assassination never happened, that''s an order." "A¡­ as you will, Your Imperial Majesty." Lord Buh Huy complied 8 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 7 After that, Emperor Lam order the feast to continue without him, and go back to his chamber to rest. In his chamber he gets on his bed and pull out a small wooden chest, inside is a small round mirror with silver frame, the size of a man palm. Imbedded on the back of the mirror is a diamond the size of the thumb, with circles of ancient language script carved in the frame and imbedded with blueish stone. Emperor Lam stare at the mirror and muttering a spell. Suddenly the mirror surface turns black and reflect nothing, the ancient scripts on the back of the mirror softly glow. "Aucelen, are you there?" Emperor Lam softly spoke as he kept staring at the solid black in the mirror surface. After few seconds an image starting to appearing, first it''s all twisted and blurry, then it became clearer and turn into a young woman wearing a white right lappet cross-collard robe sitting on her bed. The young woman appears to be in her mid-twenty, ethereally beauty was her face. The stare of her icy blue eyes can make one feel like she''s staring directly to one''s soul and yet still give off a warm loving feeling, her lips are pinkish-red and full like a ripped peach. The lantern light in her room reflected off her pale smooth skin and her golden hair, made them softly glow like an angelic halo. Her ears, long and pointed similar to the shape of a bamboo leaf. This woman is the Empress of the Varlan Empire, Emperor Lam one and only wife. Empress Aucelen push her golden locks behind her ear as she softly spoke. "What is it, my love? Why did you call me this late at night?" "I¡­ I just want to see your face and hear your voice that''s all." Emperor Lam smiled "Thank you, I miss you too my love. How is the situation in Qualoh?" Empress Aucelen softly smile "Well¡­ there a good news, the Imperial Navy had struck a heavy blow on the monster and the bad news is¡­ a Brocade Cloak Guard has die today at the victory feast." Emperor Lam said As the news caught her ears, Empress Aucelen face went through all kind of emotion known to man, for surprise to fear to worry, gave off a sigh she spoke "Then we must honour his sacrifice for the empire with a proper burial ceremony." "I already take care of that." Emperor Lam said "But¡­ why is he die? What has happened?" Empress Aucelen spoke while staring her icy blue gaze directly into her husband eyes, as if to tell him do not hide anything from her. Irritated by his wife''s stare Emperor Lam rubbing his forehead "I hate it when you do that, it''s just¡­ uh¡­ there was an assassination attempt." "An assassination attempt? Are you hurt? Have the assassin been apprehended?" Empress Aucelen gasped, her face full of dread, her eyes filled with terror. "Don''t worry I''m unharmed, and the assassin already been throw into lord Buh Huy''s dungeon." Emperor Lam reassure his wife "That is a relief, do you have the assassin name? we must find out who behind him." Empress Aucelen said "Well¡­ about the assassin¡­ here''s the thing¡­ I don''t think he working for anybody and there''re somethings that make me worry, that''s why I need your knowledge." Emperor Lam said. "Pfff¡­ As you always do." A mischievous smirk appeared on Empress Aucelen''s lips. "Ugh¡­ spare me already, women." Emperor Lam annoyed "First thing first, about the monster, after the battle today I have the men collected some tissue samples and sending it to the capital, can you analyse those samples for me." Emperor Lam said "Analyse the monster''s tissue? May I ask why?" Empress Aucelen asked "This monster seems to have magic neutralize ability, even my magic having a hard time effecting it." Emperor Lam said "Well, that is interesting." Empress Aucelen mumbled with a curious look on her face "Good, then about the assassin. Here''s the thing, he claimed that¡­ this monster is an agent of the old gods and he can hear the old gods voice." Emperor Lam said "Agent of the old gods, voices?" Empress Aucelen curiously inquire "Do you remember the incident with the cerpidar tree that me and my father once encountered?" Emperor Lam asked "The large cerpidar tree and the strange village surrounded it? Yes, I do." Empress Aucelen answered "Yes, so I wondering if the monster and this assassin might have any connection to that incident?" Emperor Lam said "Very well, I will look into it." Empress Aucelen answered "Thank you my love, and how''s the boy?" Emperor Lam asked "Well, Tua just finished his twenty pages long research paper about ''the relationship of astrology and human''s behaviour and character'', scholar Pan is quite impress about it." Empress Aucelen said "That my boy." Emperor Lam smiled "Er¡­ why''re you look so displease about this?" Emperor Lam asked "Because the idea of astrology effect on living organism''s behaviour and characteristic is totally and utterly rubbish." Empress Aucelen spoke with a big frown on her face. "Aucelen, don''t be so harsh on him, the boy only eight. Take your time." Emperor Lam said Empress Aucelen sigh "Oh, I suppose¡­ well, Lam, you be careful out there alright." "I will, my love, good bye." Emperor Lam smile 9 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 8 In the following week, the monster doesn''t have any activities, none of the patrol ships have report any signs of it. So in the next week the fishermen finally have been allow to fish again, but most of them only do near shore fishing, very few dare to ventured far off shore. Two weeks and four days after the battle, things still remain quiet, more and more fishermen ventured far out to fish, the situation is improving. Emperor Lam still remain in Qualoh to overseer the rebuild effort of the city port, with everything remain quiet like this, his hope that the monster has been killed from its injure is starting to solidified. But unfortunately his optimism is short live, on the end of the third week, a far shore fishermen ship returned with a bite mark on its stern, luckily the crew only suffered light casualties, only three injure and no death. They reported the monster''s still alive. The news sent distress throughout the citizens, all marine activities ceased immediately. After reassured the mass, Emperor Lam quickly order the fleet prepare to set sail in two days. Two days passed, the fleet launch again. And this time Emperor Lam will do everything to kill this monster one and for all. First, they scout the area where the monster had been seen at the latest encounter with the fishermen ship, but found nothing after few hours. Then they kept patrolling to cover more area with no prevail, finally Emperor order the fleet to return to Qualoh as daylight is dwindling. The next day is the same with no result except when they''re returning to Qualoh the monster suddenly attacks the Junk ships on the back of the formation, the beast''s ramming and biting has damaged the rudder and hull of three ships causing water leak and then the monster swiftly dive back to the depth. Although suffer no casualty, but those Junk ships have to anchor at the port for repair. At midnight of the same day, another bad news came, a fishing village one-hour from Qualoh had been attacked at night by the monster, causing four deaths, five missing, and dozens injured, ten buildings were destroyed. On the third day, luck seem to be on their side, a scout ship spotted the monster thirty kelias, north north-west from the fleet position, they changed course, and after one hour they have the monster in sight. They moving in formation parallel to the monster, behind the formation is a large barge, on it, is two brave souls, tasked to pour cattle blood and body part to the water to bait the monster to attacked then escape by small boat. Hours passed yet the monster seem to have no intention to attack. As twilight approaching, Admiral Huan Tah advised, they should return to Qualoh, for hunting the monster at night is too dangerous. Emperor Lam think for a minutes, his left hand stroking his beard. Then he said. "No, we engage now." Emperor Lam step on to the ship prow, take a deep breath, his eyes turned white, using his telekinesis to pull the monster out of the water. Upon felling it body being pull, the monster resist immediately, it uses all it strength to dive back to the water. The monster''s gigantic tail swinging under the water created rough waves on the surface causing the ships slightly rock, and as the monster being pull closer to the surface, the waves intensified causing the ships rocking more and make Emperor Lam have trouble holding his footing, he gripped hold on a sail rope and keep pulling the monster out of the water. And like the previous battle the stronger the monster resists the more it slipping through Emperor Lam telekinesis grasp. Thus so, forced he channelling more of his qigun to keep hold on the beast. After thirty minutes of struggling the monster now only two lias from the surface, Taosih Tsun and his team attempt to assist by transfer their own qigun to Emperor Lam. But Emperor Lam denied their assistance and order them to wait until he has pull the monster out of the water, then use all their might to strike a killing blow. Another thirty minutes passed, the monster is now only one lia from the surface yet it still has the strength to resist, Emperor Lam at this point is reaching his limit, his noses starting to bleed. Admiral Huan Tah struggling to approach Emperor Lam as the ship kept rocking intensely. "Your Imperial Majesty! I beg you to stop, you approaching you limited already" "Almost¡­ there..." The emperor groaned through his teeth. "Please stop or you will die!" Admiral Huan Tah yelled Ignored his words Emperor Lam kept going even though his noses are bleed more and more, even his ears now starting to bleed and his vision is blurring. Admiral Huan Tah cannot allow the emperor to risk his life like this, he lunged toward and cover Emperor Lam eyes to disconnect his eyes contact and pulled him backward. Escaped from Emperor Lam''s telekinesis the monster quickly disappeared to the depth. "NO!!!!" Emperor Lam roared and shoved the admiral aside. He rushed back to the ship prow, but the monster''s already gone. "Huan Tah!!! You dare!" Emperor Lam yelled at the admiral "Punish me as you will, Your Majesty. I only do what I must, you cannot risk your wellbeing like this." Admiral Huan Tah kneeled down Emperor Lam stare as the old admiral face, heavy breath and face red with anger, hand raised ready to strike him. But quickly realized his hand was trembling, not only his hands but his legs too. Not from anger, but from exhaustion, indeed the struggler has drained him. The admiral''s words ring true; Emperor Lam took a few deep breaths to quell his anger. "Call off the fleet, return to Qualoh." Emperor Lam sigh, wipe the blood of his noses "Understood, Your Majesty." Admiral Huan Tah replied and signal the fleet to return to port. 10 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 9 Two days later, Emperor Lam set out with the fleet one again. After hours and hours of searching, they finally spotted the monster at midday, but when the fleet changed course and approaching the monster, the beast immediately dives down and disappeared. When dust approaches, they have to return to port, the monster now actively avoiding the fleet, and only active at night. With every several weeks, in the dark of night it will suddenly resurface and attack coastal towns and villages. The situation fell into a stage of stalemate again. Emperor Lam cannot think of any way for the fleet to engage the monster, it had learned. One month late, in a stormy night, Emperor Lam''s chamber still lit, sitting at his desk and thinking while listening to the sound of thunder and rain. On his desk, is his dinner, partially eaten, in the past month he eats very little due to the disaster control effort and trying to find a way to kill the monster with minimum risk of human life cost. Then a soft voice broke the silence in the room, it coming from the small wooden chest on his bed. Empress Aucelen''s voice calling for her husband from the magic mirror in the chest. Emperor Lam took the mirror and put it on a stand on his desk. "Lam you look a little skinny, are you well? Have you eating properly?" Empress Aucelen worried. "Oh, it¡­ I just¡­ overwork a little bit¡­ it just¡­ I having a hard time hunt down that damn monster¡­ but don''t worry I''m fine. Why are you calling me?" Emperor Lam answered. "It is about those samples you sent me." Empress Aucelen said. "You had analysed them? How is the result? Does it march my suspicion?" Emperor Lam asked. "Well, good news, it is not?" Empress Aucelen softly smile. "Phew¡­ that''s a relief." Emperor Lam sighed. "But one question still remains though. Where does that monster come from?" Emperor Lam said "Well, after analysed your samples I have found that, this monster is actually a gold fish but the thing is, those samples contained a significant amount of Quasium in them, even lingering trace of magic." Empress Aucelen said. "You mean¡­ someone¡­ somehow¡­ make a gold fish ingested Quasium powder, then use magic to make it mutated into that monstrosity? But why? How? Quasium is toxic to living things if ingested in raw form isn''t it?" Emperor Lam said "Hum¡­ not exactly¡­ I am not sure about how it exposed to Quasium, although that will explain how the monster possessed magic resistance ability. I mean the magic part, it is not like someone has used a spell on it but rather it has been exposed to a magical field, I think it maybe¡­ from the Emerald Forest¡­" Empress Aucelen pause for a minute, her eyes suddenly fill with sorrow and glistering when she mentioned that name "the Emerald Forest" the name only known by the Elvas, but to the rest of Varlaurea continent''s inhabitants it only known as "the Laughing Forest". Her mind overflowed with memories, memory of events that happened years ago, centuries ago and of those whom no longer walk the earth, but to her it felt like yesterday. Without a word Emperor Lam know exactly what going on in his wife mind, his heart ached for seeing his wife''s eyes fill with sorrow like this, he can saw a tear is about to escape her eyes. But before he can say anything Empress Aucelen take a deep breath and a warm smile bloom on her face. "Are you alright Aucelen? I know how that place mean for you. If¡­" Emperor Lam whispered. "I am fine, Lam. Thank you." Empress Aucelen smiled. "Now, back to our topic. Like I said the monster came to be what it is today is because it has been exposed to Quasium and the magic in the Emerald Forest. It does not have anything to do with your earlier suspicion." Empress Aucelen said "Hum¡­ if that the case¡­" Emperor Lam sit back on his chair, his eyes gazing into nothingness, his left hand kept stroking his beard, his mind drowned in thought. "Lam, please do not do anything reckless?" Empress Aucelen said "What? Reckless? Me? What are you talking about?" Emperor Lam jolted, and snap back from his thought. "Thirteen years I has spent with you, Lam. You think I do not know what are you thinking every time you stroking you beard continuously with you left hand like that." Empress Aucelen sighed. "Lam, you are the emperor of Varlann, you cannot solve everything by yourself and by charging head on into danger like that. You have¡­" "I know, I know, I have responsibility and the empire need me." Emperor Lam interrupted his wife. "And me too, Lam. I need you. How can I live without you?" Empress Aucelen said. "I am sorry, I will try not to do anything stupid, I promise." Emperor Lam softly spoke. Empress Aucelen sigh and look at her husband lovingly. "Well, do you have anything else on your mind, Lam?" "Oh! The cultist leader, what should I do with him now? Do you need a sample of him?" Emperor Lam asked "About him? I think you should bring him back to the capital, I will diagnose him to make sure if he is just delusional¡­ or worse, if it is the worst case scenario I will have my people to take care of him." Empress Aucelen said "Alright then, see you soon at the capital, goodbye Aucelen." Emperor Lam bid farewell to his wife then put the mirror back to the wooden chest, sitting on his bed staring at the storm outside the window, scratching his horns he murmured "Sorry Aucelen." 11 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 10 The next day, Emperor Lam leave his chamber after a quick breakfast and a chat with lord Min to confirm on something. He then goes to the castle''s kitchen, ordered the kitchen staffs to prepare a meal, then took the food and head to the castle''s dungeon. He''ll pay that cultist leader a visit today, because of the chat earlier with lord Min about of some interested details he found in lord Min''s report about his raid on the cultist rallies. These details gave him an idea, and idea that may help him get rid of that monster without a single life lost. At the dungeon, upon meeting the guards of the dungeon he commanded them to bring the cultist leader to the guard room. Some guards find this strange, because no one can survive the dark cell more than one or two week let along over a month. But to the surprise of the guards, somehow the cultist leader still alive after over a month in the dark cell with little to no food and water. After the cultist leader had been brought before Emperor Lam, he told the guards to leave him alone with the cultist leader. The cultist leader now is literally just skin hung over a bone frame. His emaciated face, together with his already long face and dark circles and winkles under the eyes make him looks just like those hungry ghost painting one usually saw in painting depicting the underworld. His eyes sunk deep into his skull, but those crazy looking eyes still had light, make his gaze inside those dark sockets had an eerie glow to it. Upon seeing emperor Lam put the meal basket and open it, he sunk his skin and bone fingers into the meal basket, wolfing down the food in a blink of eyes without a second thought. "Feeling better, I hope?" Emperor Lam asked "What''s the meaning of this? Why''re you here? Why am I here? Why the food?" The cultist leader asked "Well¡­ you see; in the past month I have been thinking a lot about¡­. What you had said on that night¡­ now I just realized the wisdom in your words and I felt deeply sin¡­ I just¡­ I wish you could help me correct my way." Emperor Lam said "So you have finally saw the wrong of your way and want to ask the old gods for forgiveness?" The cultist leader smirk "Yes, Your Excellency. I shall issue an Imperial decree to make the worship of the old gods become the main religion of the empire. And you shall be the head priest of the first temple and help bring all the subjects of the empire back to the correct way." Emperor Lam said "Good, good, my child. Your intention is good, but I am afraid that is not enough for your crime." The cultist leader said "Then how do I make an amendment, Your Excellency?" Emperor Lam asked "A sacrificial ritual is a must, bring me 100 virgin boys and 100 virgin girls, I will offer them to the gods through their agent." The cultist leader said. "Offer through the agent of the old gods? You mean the mon¡­ the great fish? Will it heed your call?" Emperor Lam said "It will my child, have faith." The cultist leader said "Thank you, Your Excellency. It shall be done." Emperor Lam smile. After that Emperor Lam gave order to the guards, that the cultist leader will be bathed, dress properly and being treat like an imperial guest. Then he returns to his chamber and summon Lord Buh Huy and Admiral Huan Tah to discuss their plan of action. Five days later, Emperor Lam informed the cultist leader that the offering and the ritual ship had been prepared. At the next day, when the sun has yet to rise and the morning fog still linger on Lake Kaoren surface. They boarded a large three mast Junk ship and set up a ceremony altar on the deck. This ship will be use as a ritual ship, on it, is Emperor Lam, the cultist leader, Lord Buh Huy and Admiral Huan Tah with thirty sailors to manned the ship. The "offering" boarded a difference vessel, a Junk ship with roof, decorated with colourful flag and bamboo blinds. Although the blinds cover much the cabin but they are quite thin and anyone can see the offering peoples inside it, dressed with white robe and large burlap hood, the attire of funeral. The offering ship sail right behind Emperor Lam''s Junk ship. They kept sailing till the sun is well above the horizon then drop anchor, the offering ship anchored ten lias before the ritual ship. After the sailors who maned the offering ship returned to the ritual ship, the cultist leader starting to perform his ritual. He stands before the altar and chanting something very strange, it''s not ancient language neither any language of any folks inhabited Varlaurea. He kept chanting like that for a whole five minutes, after finished he cut hit palm and mix his blood with Quasium powder, then he walks to the ship bow and pour the mixture into the water, close his eyes and stand silently with his hands raise in front his face, finger interlocked. Thirty minutes passed, nothing happened, Emperor Lam toing and froing impatiently behind the altar. Then a spotter on top of the ship''s mast saw movement in the water on starboard side, everyone rushed to the starboard and saw a large reddish shadow approaching from a far. 12 THE MONSTER OF KAO REN LAKE 11 "Oh, great herald of the gods of yore. I hereby presented this offering to you as an amendment for the sin that the Emperor had committed. Please accept this humble offering and ease you anger." The cultist leader shouted The monster kept circling the ships for five minutes investigating the situation and do not have the intention to attack. Then it suddenly dives further down until it shadow barely visible from the surface. When everyone on the ritual ship were wondering what the monster is doing, it resurfaces next to the offering ship, haft its head is above water trying to bite through the ship hull, making the offering ship rocking intensively. But the strange thing is¡­ although the ship is being attack and rocking intensively, the people on the offering ship still stay motionless on their seat when normally they should be throw around in it. Then a loud crack resounded, the offering ship''s hull subdued to the monster jaw, from the crack on the ship, black oil oozing out into it mouth. Before it can react Emperor Lam leap to the ritual ship bow, he shoved the cultist leader aside, took a deep breath and breathing fire on the offering ship. The oil vapour in the offering ship caught fire and exploded, engulfed the offering ship and the monster head in a fire ball. Debris from the offering ship flying everywhere, some pieces of them landed on the deck of the ritual ship, partially burned human figure made of cloth and stuffed with straw. "Wha¡­what is this?" The cultist leader staring at Emperor Lam, one he saw those straw figures. "What is the meaning of this? Suk Lam?" The cultist leader yelled "Seize him!" Emperor Lam point at the cultist leader But when the sailors about to grab him, the cultist leader jump overboard from the ship bow. However, everyone ignores him, for right now, in front of the ritual ship, the monster is floating leadenly on the surface. Look like the explosion had stunned it. Emperor Lam quickly order the sailor to throw hook ropes at it mouth to keep it from dive back to the water. After all the ropes had secured Emperor standing at the ship bow charging his lightning spell, ready to deliver a killing blow. But the monster suddenly regained consciousness, it jolted intensively trying to free itself from the hook ropes causing the ship to rock violently, the ship hull let out terrify cracking sounds every time the monster lugging on the ropes. Then the hook ropes starting to snap one by one. The situation is worsening. They have come this far and let the monster escapes again? Then without thinking Emperor Lam leaping to the port side and jump overboard. A minute later, right at the spot where Emperor Lam jumped overboard, a large head rose up from the water, a dragon head. A blue dragon emerged from the water, it snout it long like an alligator and full of sharp teeth with a long black goatee under its chin. On top of its head is a pair of deer like antler and a black mane, it scales shine like polished blue marble, the dragon turn it swan like neck toward the ship bow and snap off all the ropes with it sharp teeth, freed the ship. With all the rope snapped off the monster try to dive back to the depth but the blue dragon quickly intercept, its powerful jaw grabbed on one of the monster fin and tear it off, blood from the wound turned entire area red. The monster convulsing in pain and turn its body around try to bite at the dragon long neck, but the pain from it burned throat, blood lost from the wound and the shock from the explosion had made it slow and the dragon easily avoided. In return the dragon sank it teeth in the monster belly right at the area below the monster gill, and then plugged it front claws under the monster gill cover, the dragon''s rear legs gutting the monster belly. Finally, with it mighty strength, the dragon twist it neck and torn the monster head off, with the monster head still in its mouth, the dragon proceeds to resurface. After emerged, the dragon threw the monster head on the ship deck while everyone cheering on upon seeing the dragon emerged victorious. "THE SON OF DRAGON! THE SON OF DRAGON!" they cheering. As they cheering and chanting, the dragon eyes turn white, it body starting to convulsing and shrinking down until it turn into a figure of a man, Emperor Suk Lam of Varlann empire. Exhausted after transform to his dragon form Emperor Lam cannot lip a limb, so the crew have to pull him back to the ship and clothed him, after that they head back to Qualoh with the news of the monster dead. 13 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST. The story begin in late summer, third year of the Dragon Emperor Suk Lam reign. In the northwest region of Varlann empire lied a small beautiful town called Bai Ni. Small town Bai Ni is but the town had been blessed by the gods with a rich soil and a very suitable climate for growing many types of tea including Green Jade tea, one of the ten most famous types of tea, and with a breathtaking surrounding scenery, especially a vast lush green bamboo forest north of the town. Making Bai Ni is a very attracting vocation destination for the aristocrats and the scholars. Not only that Bai Ni also is home of a very prestige White Cloud academy, an institute build for teaching young mage and a place where the magical scholars and mages from all over Varlann came to discuss, train and research about magic and the arcane matters. Which turn the small town into a very vibrant and busy place with tea traders, mages, researchers and tourists come and go every day. It happen in a fateful day, a tailor had gone missing when he on a fishing trip. The town folks had searched for him but without any success, and of course his family are heartbroken. Normally this kind of incident will be considering just an unfortunate event if not for 3 days late another incident happened. A group of teenage girls went to the bamboo forest to digging for bamboo shoots. Their trip have nothing out of the ordinary until when the girls prepare to get home at midday, a dense veil of mist came out of nowhere in midday of a summer day and set upon the girls for a few minutes. After the mist dispersed, the teenage girls realized one of them is missing. The teenage girls quickly return to town and inform the town folks of what happen. According to them, when the strange mist befell them, they suddenly felt a rush of fear and saw strange figure moving and animal growling noise echoing in the thick mist. The town folks think the missing girl might be attacked by wolf, so the town guards organized a search party with some local hunters throughout the night. They start at the girl''s last known location, and found 2 set of footprints going deep into the bamboo forest, one set belong to the missing girl, the other set are fox footprints not wolf. They follow the girl''s footprints to a small stream inside the forest then the trails end, the hunters spread out to look for more trace in the surrounding area, and to their horror a corpse had found. A dry out mummified corpse lied under a layer of bamboo leafs, but from the clothing on the corpse this is not the missing girl but the body of an adult man. The corpse was recovered and brought back to Bai Ni. After being examined, the town''s physician concluded the cause of death is unknown as he cannot find any signs of trauma or puncture wound on the corpse, and judging from the corpse clothes and some belongings, they identify this corpse is the previous missing tailor. But one thing the physician cannot explain is the corpse''s condition. The tailor only went missing for 3 days, what cause the mummified condition of the corpse? Why is the corpse''s face cover in dry blood? And how does his body end up deep in the bamboo forest? The town folks continue the search for the missing girls in the following week but to no avail. Then early of the next week, another missing case happened. A wealthy tea merchant on a business trip in Bai Ni and 2 of his servants has disappeared. According to the merchant''s other servants, on the day of the merchant'' disappeared, they were accompanying their master to visit the tea fields and the tea processing workshop at the outskirt of the town for business purpose. After the trip, at late noon they go sightseeing near the bamboo forest. Then a strange vail of mist suddenly befell them, when that happened the servants said some of them felt anxious and unease almost fear like emotion, but some felt an rush of euphoric, and saw something moving in the mist, and their master and 2 other servants just walk into the mist and never come back. 14 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 2 Then a week later, another incident happened. A teenage girl and her brother were on their way back to their home after they brought lunch for her farther at the rice field not far from the bamboo forest. The girl said a strange veil of mist rolling from the north toward them, and when the mist complete enveloped her and her brother, she felt a strange euphoric feeling and saw a figure in the mist calling her toward it that she cannot resist, while her brother screaming in fear calling for their father. The father saw the strange mist and felt unease, when the boy start screaming he quickly rush to his children aid. Luckily he found his children in the thick of the mist but he cannot stop his daughter from walking toward whatever is in the mist. Hopeless, he have no choice but knocked his daughter down. But unfortunately, after knocked his daughter down, he starting to be effected by the mist just like his daughter and abandoned his panicking son to follow the call from the thing in the mist and disappear. The kids were found by other farmers, and been brought back home. A few days late, they were brought to Lord Lin office, the town mayor, for testimony about what had happened while the guards search for their father. The 2 kids have completely opposite testimony, the girl said "I suddenly feel euphoric and then a figure of a young handsome man dress in white calling for me, saying he will shower me with love and affection. His voice a so alluring I cannot thing straight anymore and feel the compelling to follow him". On the other hand the little boy said he saw a wolf or dog like monster big as a full grow Velelis, with long ear and big long fuzzy tails in the mist. Confused by the kids testimony, Lord Lin, mayor of the town worry that these missing case may involve magic or the occult, so he ask for the assistance of White Cloud academy. Grand Taosih Wu Lee, Headmaster of the academy agreed and send Taosih Yung and Taosih Hai to provide assistance. After read the witness''s testimonies and the autopsy report of the tailor body, Taosih Yung concluded the reason the body is in such state and the cause of death maybe because of magic, more likely is blood magic. This mean a mage had use blood magic to drain all the life energy or "qigun" from the tailor body, causing hemorrhage from the eyes, mouth, nose, ears and the body to dry out into a mummified like state. With this finding it is mean a mage from White Cloud academy or a visitor mage is the perpetrator and if this finding go public, it will cause tension between the mage community and the normal folks in Bai Ni. Because the mages in this world are not like those mages you can find in fairy tales. Not all mage use their power for benevolent purpose, some has use their birth gift for malevolent and selfish deeds. And many incidents had occurred throughout history of Varlaurea continent with woeful consequences. After being informed, Grand Taosih Wu Lee urged Lord Lin to keep the investigation as low profile as possible and keep the tailor''s cause of death from the public, to prevent any unnecessity public unrest. Lord Lin reluctantly agreed, meanwhile Grand Taosih Wu Lee will organize an internal investigation while Taosih Yung and Taosih Hai keep provide assistant to the town guards in the investigation and the missing victims search effort. Sadly the investigation in White Cloud academy wen into a dead end, the faculty, researchers and students are all have solid alibi in the time frame of those missing cases. Then Taosih Hai had realized something, although all the victims do not have anything in common or connection but all of these missing all related with the bamboo forest. In the tailor case, his favour fishing spot does located near the bamboo forest, the teenage girl, the tea merchant and his servants case is obvious, and in the nearest case, the farmer''s daughter said the mist come from the north where the forest are. Thus Taosih Hai and Taosih Yung asked Lord Lin for some men to investigate the bamboo forest. Lord Lin agreed and sent the town guard captain with 5 of his men and 2 hunters to accompany the taosihs. The investigate team heading to the scene of the latest case ere break of day, after several hours of searching for clue the 2 taosihs cannot find anything significant. But when they search the surrounding area, Hunter Tao, the older of the 2 hunters spot some fox footprints come from the north. He said there are something strange about these footprints, these fox footprints may seem normal to the untrained eyes but to his eyes, they are a little big for a fox. The old hunter also said, he was one of the hunter who found the tailor''s body, he does noticed some fain fox''s tracks around the body. And in the case of the teen girl, he had seen a lot of fox footprints among the teen girl footprints all heading to a same direction. At that time he did not find is strange because there are a lot of fox in the bamboo forest. Taosih Yung think this may have connection, so the team heading to the spot where the tailor''s body been found. When they arrived at the place the 2 taosihs can sense a faint lingering trace of magic in the area and the bamboo tree, they keep searching the surround area in hope of finding more clue. Then suddenly mist came out of nowhere engulfed the area, the mist is so thick they barely see anything beyond one''s arm length. A guard starting to feel anxious, and calling for everyone. Hearing that, Captain Vu, the Town Guard Captain try to calm him down and tell everybody follow his voice to regroup. And that is when Taosih Hai sense something moving in the mist toward them, thought Taosih Hai see what exactly it is but he can sense that something''s qigun aura and a strong one. "Captain Vu, I can sense something, do you sense it Yung?" Taosih Hai said "yes, is come from the north" taosih Yung answered as he sense that strong aura of qigun moving toward them then stop and stand still at about 10 lias from them. "what is it, can anyone see it?" Pu An the younger hunter asked. "come out, identified yourself." Taosih Yung said to the entity in the mist who the qigun aura belong to, but only silent answered him. Then the aura starting to move around the team, and kept circling them, as if it observing them, studying them. And out of sudden, a scream broke the veil of silence, the anxious guard started screaming in panic, saying there are spiders, giant spiders coming out of the mist trying to attack him. Everyone rush to the direction of the screaming, Taosih Yung is the first to saw the panicking guard, but he dare not approach him as the guard was flailing his sword maniacally at the air around him. Captain Vu arrived a second late and try to calm the guard down, but the panicking guard shrieking in fear as he saw Captain Vu came close to him, he thrush his sword in the captain chest and run into the mist. Taosih Yung rush to the captain side as he collapse on the ground, try to help Captain Vu but it was too late, the captain had die, the blade had pierced through his heart. A minute late, hunter Tao and hunter Pu An and the other 4 guards came, Taosih Yung explain what happened to Captain Vu to them as the mist starting to disperse, and that is when they realized Taosih Hai is nowhere to be found. 15 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 3 Six missing in 3 weeks, one body found in a horrific state, no answered not even a suspect and a disastrous investigate trip in the forest resulted as the death of the town guard captain and the missing of a town guard. The town folks are frightening, and rumors starting to circulate that these missing and the strange mist may have something to do with White Cloud academy. Some said maybe it is some magic experiment had gone wrong, while some said maybe it is a rouge mage. Maybe the recently missing Taosih Hai is the perpetrator? and his missing is actually a cover up of White Cloud academy. "maybe Captain Vu had found out something and die because of it", "maybe the mages trying to protect each other?" Some conspiracy rumors said, because what else could explain all of this but magic and a person who could use magic that just happened to disappeared. Whether the rumors are truth or not, the town folks starting to look at the mages with suspicious eyes, tension between them and the mage community starting to build even without the tailor''s cause of death reveal. Some of the victim''s relatives openly accused White Cloud academy for the loss of their love one. On one day 2 apprentice mage go to the town tavern for a drink then the father of the missing teenage girl who was drowning his sorrows in the tavern come up to them, demanded some answered for his daughter''s fate. The 2 mages try to ignore him at first until the man starting to insult White Cloud academy and punched one of them, the mage fought back and a brawl broke out. After the commotion, although Lord Lin had gave a fair judgment, he let the mages go free of charge and only give the teenage girl''s father a slap on the wrist, the tension still persist. If things keep going on like this, pitchforks and angry mobs are inevitable even with Lord Lin effort to maintain public order, thus Lord Lin have to request the help of the imperial court. When the situation came to Emperor Lam''s ears, he take interesting in this mysterious case and decided to investigate this himself. On the early morning of the next week, Emperor Lam arrived at Bai Ni, accompanied him aside of some court officials and servants are 200 Brocade Cloak Guard and 300 Lizardmen infantry. What a strange creature these lizardmens are, they look humanoid except for their high, a short tail and a long snake like neck which contributed to their high to approximate 2 lias. Yellowish skin like of a Downer. Their arms are long especially the forearms and only have 4 fingers, forearms and hands covered in thick scale able to withstand light sword blows. They walk on their toes with a scaly, thick, bird like legs, long feet with 4 toes, each ended with a claw. Their face are extremely flat with scale around the eyes and the cheek bones area, no eyebrows and no visible nose, only 2 angular narrow slits fluttering every time they breath, located at the place where the nostrils supposed to be and a big row of scales run from above those slits to their forehead and end at the hairline. They have big and slanted eyes, with various shade of yellow and vertical pupils. Each of lizardmens also wearer a bronze choker around their neck, carved with ancient language characters with blue Quasium stone imbedded in every characters and a small diamond at the front of the choker. These choker are not some kind of accessory, and neither these lizardmens wearing them as such. These choker are a magical device and use as a control method, for these lizardmens are slave soldiers. If any lizardmens step out of line the choker will heat up and burn their skin cause extreme pain, and the choker even can bust into an intensive flame with just a simple spell and burn off the lizardmen''s head if an oversee mage wish so. Seeing Emperor Lam approaching the town gate, a middle age man wearing a blue and white cross collard robe and a couple of town guard came forth to greet His Majesty arrival. "I, Pu Chin, secretary of Lord Lin, welcome Your Imperial Majesty to this humble town. Long live the emperor." Secretary Pu kneel down interlocked his fingers. "what is the meaning of this? Where are Mayor Lin? Why he not personally greet His Marjesty arrival? Such insolent, is he have a death wish?" an official said. "Your Grace, Lord Lin dare not such act. It''s just¡­ there are an angry mob right now at Bai Ni academy, he is with the town guards at the academy to prevent any regrettable incident happen." Secretary Pu said. "what? Show me the way to the academy, quick!" Emperor Lam said "Your Grace, just follow the main road and head to the north you will see the academy on a hill top." Secretary Pu say. Leaved his escort behind Emperor Lam quickly rush through the town''s main street to White Cloud academy, following him closely is a bald lizardmen name "Seven Fingers" captain of the lizardmens infantry company, he is quite big compare to his kin likely over 2 lias tall, muscular with a long scar from his left eye to his cheek, and missing a middle finger on the right hand. Although on foots Seven Finger still can keep up with Emperor Lam''s velelis without falling behind too far. As Emperor Lam riding down the main street, he can clearly see the streets litter with debris, some of the house along the street have broken windows, the whole street look like a scene of a riot aftermath. After 10 minute, Emperor Lam can see the academy on the hill top north of the town, and he also can saw a crowd of peoples gathered at the academy gate. When he came close, the crowd were yelling at Lord Lin and the town guards and an old taosih at the gate, demanding an answer for what happened last night and all the victims. They seem very angry some even trying to barge through the guards, violent can broke out at any second. 16 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 4 "HOLD! HOLD! ALL OF YOU STOP THIS COMOTION THIS INSTANT!" Emperor Lam shouted at the crowd. "who the heck are you!" a voice come from the crowd. "INSOLENT!!! Who just said that? You dare talk like that to the emperor! I''ll have your head feed to the dogs." Seven Finger shouted, walk toward the crowd with his saber drawn. The crowd cringing when they saw a glance of him. Lord Lin and the old taosih, quickly come before Emperor Lam and kneel down, interlocked their fingers. "I, Lin Ling, welcome Your Imperial Majesty arrival, long live the emperor, may your reign last for ten thousand years." Lord Lin said. Seeing that the crowd quickly on their knee. "at ease, Lord Lin. Tell me what happened? Why these people gathered here?" Emperor Lam said. An old man from the crowd crawl forth, his face soaked with tear, said "Your Majesty, about pass midnight. That strange mist engulfed the entire town, it make people hallucinating causing panic and mass hysteria, some people howling in fear like their nightmare has come to life and haunt them, some people had been charmed by the mist, abandoned their home and family and disappeared in the night, and some people turn violent due to the hallucination. Attacking anyone they see even their own family, thinking they are monster. It is like the apocalypse." "Even my own son trying to kill me last night, thinking I am some kind of shadow monster attacking his mother." A man from the crowd said. "the town guards suffered the same fate. Some men either charmed by the mist and disappeared or crippled by fear. Even worst one of them turn on his comrades thinking they are wolf." Lord Lin said. "Your Majesty, my wife had gone missing in the mist last night. How can a veil of mist can enchanted people or turn them insane?" a young man from the crowd said "this is clearly magic, and they are the only one can use magic" the man point at the old taosih knelling next to Lord Lin. "Your Majesty, I am Wu Lee head master of the academy. This have nothing to do with us, we are innocent. One of my faculty also went missing because of this mist." Grand Taosih Wu Lee said. "this is obviously yours magic spell or some kind of magic experiment gone wrong! Now it''s wreak havoc on us normal folks. Yet, you still claimed it have nothing to do with yours, who would believe that?" a voice come from the crowd. "not only that, what happened to the guard captain? I bet he found out somethings and get kill for it. You clearly hiding something, your murderer." Another voice said. Then the crowd stating to fire up again. "everyone! Everyone! Calm down. I understand yours anger, I understand your pain of losing a love one, I understand you want to know your love one''s fate and yours have every rights to. But in time like this anger and violent will lead to nothing but woe and regret, not answer and closure. Do not let your anger cloud your judgment, do not let it make you cause any foolish and regrettable act." Emperor Lam said "for the time being please return to your home. I am here now, as your emperor, I swear to yours all, answer shall be found, justice shall be done." Emperor Lam said. After reassured the crowd and persuaded them to return home, Emperor Lam took no rest and run through all the evident, reports, witness testimonies and held a meeting discussing the cases with his advisors, the town officials, and those who had took part in the previous investigation. Taosih Yung quickly briefing Emperor Lam what he had known so far, and his theory. "so what you suggesting is¡­ this mist somehow relate with a never seen¡­ fox?" A bearded official said. "I don''t know much about magic, but¡­ what? Are you implying that, this never seen fox created that hallucination causing mist?" "the evident we have so far indicated that, beside in every case we found no trace indicating human mage is the perpetrator. And remember, Lord Hua." Taosih Yung turn to the bearded official "Our ancestor only migrated to Varlaurea over 400 years ago, there a many things in Varlaurea we still do not understand." Taosih Yung said "animal using magic??? That is absurd. I think the missing Taosih Hai is our prime suspects. We should find out where he hiding and see if we can get any answer from him." Lord Hua said "my colleague is a victim and innocent." Taosih Yung raise his voice. "REPORT!!!" a voice come from the hallway, a Brocade Cloak Guards rush into the room and kneel down. "Your Majesty, we have found some strange tracks at the northeast outskirt area of the town." The guard said. Everyone then follow the guard to where they found the strange track, when they arrived laying in front of them, on the soft ground outskirt of the town are footprints of a large animal come from the north, after examine those footprint Hunter Tao said "Your Majesty, from the shape of the paw, I''m certain they are fox footprint. But¡­ the size are¡­ quadruple of a normal fox." "fox? What kind of fox have footprint that big?" lord Hua said. "Taosih Yung, you said the tracks found at other missing cases, all have abnormal size. Is this what you mean?" Emperor Lam asked. "Your Grace, all the fox footprints we had found in previous cases only slightly larger than normal fox footprint, but quadruple the size of a normal fox like this, it''s the first time I have seen." Taosih Yung replied. "maybe this is a difference one? Or maybe is the same animal? and by somehow it had grew larger?" "hum¡­ either way, we should pay the bamboo forest a visit." Emperor Lam said, his eyes staring at the bamboo tree line at the north. 17 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 5 The next morning, Emperor Lam head to the bamboo forest. Accompany him are: Taosih Yung, Hunter Tao, Seven Finger and several Brocade Cloak Guards and Lizardmen Infantries. They surveyed all the missing cases scene in the forest, including the place where Captain Vu died but find nothing. At near midday they follow hunter Tao deep into the bamboo forest, to the area of the forest where fox had been frequently spotted. After an hours of searching, they finally found some fresh tracks, fox footprint quadruple the size of normal fox and surrounded with many set of normal fox footprints, and according to Hunter Tao these tracks was here approximately only a few hours ago. The tracks lead deep into the denser part of the forest, they follow the track for an hour, to a small hill with many dense bamboo bushes, and from a distain they can see a very large hole, the size of a Velelis on middle of the hill. When they came near the hole, Emperor Lam and Taosih Yung immediately felt a strong qigun aura emitting from the hole. This mean, whatever the entity in the hole is, it have magic. When the group came closer to the hole, a stream of mist suddenly bust out of the hole, engulf the entire area. The mist are so thick they barely can see anything, but Emperor Lam still can feel the qigun aura inside the hole had leave it hiding place and running away from them. Emperor Lam rush after the qigun aura despite the poor visibility, after 15 minutes of chasing the entity in this thick mist Emperor starting to feel strange, his mind is fuzzy and his heart slightly racing, and he felt a slight tingling on his skin, like a person who had consumed a stimulant substance. The qigun aura suddenly stop and stand still in front of him. Emperor Lam approaching cautiously, his right hand firmly grasping his sword hander, ready to draw the blade. But then when he come closer to the qigun aura and to his surprise, he can see a humanoid shadow standing in the mist. "who''s there? Name yourself." Emperor Lam said. "my¡­ my¡­ Lam, don''t you recognize me?" a woman voice answered him. Then that shadow walk out of the mist, revealing a beautiful, blonde hair woman, she gracefully walking toward him. The young woman wearing a thin, tight and slightly see through long white dress, revealing her slender body and her white smooth skin, her long and pointed ears half hidden in her knee length, thick and bouncy blonde hair, it look like a stream made of liquid gold. She stand in front Emperor Lam staring at him with her icy blue eyes, and a seductive smile on her red juicy, glossy lips. The women look just like Emperor Lam''s wife, Empress Aucelen. "Au¡­Aucelen? H¡­how¡­ what are you doing here?" Emperor Lam asked his wife. "do you remember Lam?" Empress Aucelen asked. "remember? Remember what? Why are you here?" Emperor Lam said "YOU PROMISED TO STOP THEM!!!!!!" Empress Aucelen yelled and let out a shill scream, then vanished into the mist. "what!!?!!!" Emperor Lam staggered, but before he can make sense of what happening, a soft voice come from behind him "why don''t you stop them Lam? You had promised." Emperor Lam turn back and see his wife sitting on the forest floor, her arms holding a charred corpse "my people, my friends, most of them I know from birth." she said, stroking the charred corpse face lovingly, her face fill with pain. "they are all death, Lam, all death, you had promised me. Now their blood are on you hand." Empress Aucelen said and starting to cry, her tears are blood red, streaming down her elegance face. And then Emperor Lam realize his hands are now soaked in blood and he himself no longer standing in the bamboo forest anymore, beneath his feet now is a pile of charred corpses, surround him are trees, mighty and old trees with extremely deep root. But they all laying on top of each other, some charred. All were uprooted and flatted by some incredible invisible force, the devastated scene stretching many kelias away, their roots all pointed to one direction. And at that direction, a city is burning, above that city is a smoke cloud raise high, shape like a mushroom. Tears pouring out of Emperor Lam eyes "I''m so sorry my love. So, so sorry. I was too late." He murmur "I was too late." Emperor Lam then kneel down, his hand holding his head and cry, keep saying sorry to his wife. "WAKE UP!" A voice echoing from a distain, Emperor lam raise his face and saw a tall shadow approaching him, then a pair of scaly hands from that shadow grasp Emperor Lam''s robe collard pulling him up, and a flat face with a big slanted amber eyes rush close to his face. "WAKE UP YOUR MAJESTY!!! IT''S NOT REAL." Seven Finger scream at Emperor Lam face. "S¡­Seven Finger?" Emperor Lam murmur "wake up! It not real, it just a hallucination, you had been effected by the mist." Seven Finger said shaking him intensively. A few seconds late, Emperor Lam finally come back to his sense, drawn his sword, he stand back to back with Seven Finger. That entity is still near, but the mist surround them is still too thick to see anything clearly. "can you see it, Your Grace? I can smell its scent nearby." Seven Finger asked. "No, the mist is too thick, but I can still feel it qigun nearby." Emperor Lam said. "FIGHT ME! FIGHT ME!! COME OUT AND FIGHT ME!!" Seven Finger yell out challenging. The qigun aura of the entity starting to move again and kept circling 2 of them. Emperor Lam then chant a spell and created a gush of wind, blow away the surrounding mist, give them a brief look on the entity. Taosih Yung theory was right, it is a fox. Stand behind that mist veil is a fox with white fur and quadruple the size of a normal fox, its eyes are blood red, its mouth full of shape teeth with 2 long canines protrude out from the upper jaw, and another pair from the lower jaw. The giant fox immediately turn around and run into where the mist still thick after being seen. Emperor Lam quickly chasing after it, Seven Finger closely behind, they chasing the white fox through the thick mist by follow it qigun aura for a few minutes. Then out of nowhere, a red fox jump on Seven Finger, another one charging at Emperor Lam, then another and another. Soon dozens and dozens of red fox came out of the mist surrounding and suicidally charging at 2 of them. After Emperor Lam and Seven Finger truck down ten or twenty of them, the mist dispersing and the qigun aura of the white fox had disappeared, then the red foxes retreat to the thick of the bamboo forest. 18 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 6 Seven Finger and Emperor Lam still stand back to back, eyes and ears open wide for a few minutes to make sure they are all gone, then sheathed their blade. "how can a fox turn into that size?" Emperor Lam wonder out loud while staring at the footprint the white fox left behind on the ground. "we should find the other, Your Grace." Seven Finger said "you right, let go." Emperor Lam said "oh, Seven Finger, thank you for snapped me out of my hallucination but if you dare tell anyone what you saw¡­" Emperor Lam stare at the bald lizardmen. "I saw nothing, Your Majesty." Seven Finger said. "good." Emperor said and keep walking for a few step then he turn back again and ask "by the way, does the mist have any effect on you?" "none, Sire. None." Seven Finger answered. "is that so. Huh, your lizardmens are resilient, what a fine product." Emperor Lam smile and keep walking. 15 minute late, they found the rest of the group and Emperor Lam confirm Taosih Yung of his theory. Then while there still sunlight left, Emperor Lam examine the fox den. The den tunneling deep to the foot of the hill, its high enough for a person walk upright. After a few minutes exploring the tunnel they found the main chamber, the main chamber is quite big, likely 10 lias in diameter, under the touch light they can saw 2 other tunnels and corpses scattered on the chamber floor, dry out mummified human corpses. "by the gods, what on earth is that?" a Brocade Cloak Guard said, he pointing his finger at the center of the chamber. Lying on the ground is a strange pinkish object look like a pod, leathery texture, as big as a pot-bellied pig, the pod surface look like it covered with vents. "Taosih Yung, have you see anything like this before?" Emperor Lam asked "no, Your Highness, I never see anything like this before." Taosih Yung replied and walk closer to examine the strange pod But before the taosih can examine the pod, they hear the lizardmens infantry sound the alarm outside of the tunnel, Emperor Lam rush back out of the tunnel and find the area engulfed in mist again. The white fox had return to defend its lair. The Lizardmens and the Brocade Cloak Guards quickly formed a circle around Emperor Lam. "steady everyone, whatever you saw in the mist. It''s not real." Emperor Lam said, but suddenly countless red foxes appear from the mist charging at them, but this time they do not attack instead they run through the group like a stream of red fur. Is this an illusion? A mind trick of the mist? Of the white fox? But Emperor Lam can feel those red foxes fur rubbing against his leg as they run through, so these foxes are real. As everyone still confuse by the stream of foxes, a giant pawn appeared from the mist swiped a lizardmen fly several lias into the mist, Emperor Lam chant a spell to create an strong wind like before and blow the mist surrounding them away, but with little effect, his spell only can expose the beast temporary, and the fox only need to retreat back to where the mist is still thick. After a few second the mist replenish again and clouded their vision. The beast charge in again, its lightning fast jaw come through the thick mist and snatch a lizardmen''s neck and flailing the poor sod around like a ragdoll. Seven Finger rush in with his saber but the white fox throw the lizardmen infantry''s body at him knock him off his feet. Emperor Lam leap toward the white fox, seeing that the white fox swipe its left paw at Emperor Lam but he quickly rolling on the ground, evaded the strike and sunk his sword into the fox front right leg. The fox roaring in pain, its gigantic jaw trying to snatch him but Emperor Lam already leaped out of its range. The fox then quickly retreat back to the thick mist as it saw Seven Finger and the rest of the Lizardmens and Brocade Cloak Guards charging at it. The beast is smart, it lurking in the mist veil waiting to strike, wait for the opportunity to pick them off one by one. This time Emperor Lam chant a wind spell again but increased the spell power and keep it going, this way the wind from his spell will blowing continuously preventing the mist to replenish again. The fox quickly counter this by creating more mist, but only for a minute before Emperor Lam overpower it. Lost it cover, the white fox charging at them at full speed, despite the injurer on its leg it speed charging with an amazing speed. With a beast this size running at full speed no one can stop it nor dare stand in its way, some unlucky souls cannot react in time get trample under its paws. Seeing Emperor Lam who have to remain stand still for his spell to continue to take effect, the white fox aiming toward him, its jaw wide open ready to bite Emperor Lam in half. But Taosih Yung who stand near Emperor Lam at that moment, quickly threw himself at Emperor Lam pushed him aside and suffered the worst fate. And with the poor taosih still in its mouth the white fox run into the deep of the forest, disappeared amid the mist. 19 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 7 After the white fox is gone and the mist completely dispersed, they tending for the injurers. Emperor Lam then realized the red foxes footprint were all headed to the white fox den, he return to the main chamber of the den and found that strange pod had disappeared and drag mark on the ground lead to another tunnel. Emperor Lam intend to follow the tunnel but Hunter Tao advice they should return for the sun will set soon. So they retrieved the corpses and brought them back to Bai Ni. After a quick examine, those corpses had been identified as the previous missing victims and base on the clothes and belongings found on them, including the missing Taosih Hai. But there are no sign of the latest victims. The merchant and his servants has been given their last rite and transfer them back to their home town for burial, the rest were given a proper funeral and burial, Emperor Lam even attended their funeral himself. The victim''s family are extremely honoured by his present at their love one funeral. After the funeral, thinking only magic can explain the existence of the white fox and its ability, Emperor Lam came to White Cloud academy and re-interrogate all the faculty, apprentices, researchers and scholars present at the academy at that time, but still came up empty hand, all of them still have solid alibi and the testimonies they just gave Emperor Lam are still consistence with what they have given from the previous internal investigation. The academy is truly innocent, and Grand Taosih Wu Lee was not hiding anything to protect his academy. As the night is late, Emperor Lam prepare to return to Lord Lin mansion and get prepare for the hunt to slay the white fox. Grand Taosih Wu Lee came up to him said he may have found some clue. The mage present before Emperor Lam a big dusty book, it was the journal of a late Taosih name Yen who just pass away several months ago due to natural cause. The late Taosih Yen was the librarian of the academy, and she have a hobby of write down everything she heard or saw in the academy and Bai Ni town like a diary of the town and the academy. The journal Grand Taosih Wu Lee is presenting to Emperor Lam was written 2 and a haft year ago before the first missing of the tailor, in the November section Taosih Yen mentioned about the arrival and staying of a scholar name Huan Yu from Chihan. According to late Taosih Yen, the scholar came to the academy and made a hefty donation, then stay at the academy for research purpose. The scholar mostly kept things to himself and not socialize much, so no one pay much attention to him. He stay at the most remote and private northern wing of the academy doing research by himself, though he did not any cause trouble while staying in the academy, his manner made others find him creepy, especially some apprentices said they often heard him talking to himself in his quarter and while walking on the hallways. The scholar also frequently go to the bamboo forest, he said he was going for a troll and taking a break from work, but he always gone very long, sometimes gone for a whole day, and sometimes return with a big leather bag. The journal also noted, he often borrow book in the library about: religion, folklore, ancient tales, and myths, especially myths and tales from and pre Age of Wandering. Apart from that he also frequently request for alchemist equipment and supply, and surgery equipment for his experiment and theory testing. Then on one stormy night, some apprentices said they heard strange voice like animal growling, broken glass, come from his room, and the next day the scholar appear with an injured on his hand. He said the injured cause by accident while doing experiment and he will pay for all the damage, several days later he just pack up his luggage and leave. After his leave, some apprentices on cleaning duty come to the room and while cleaning they found trace of blood, animal furs scattered around the room. Emperor Lam keep reading the journal in hope of finding more information, but that was all the journal recorded that have some relation to current situation. Sit back in his chair Emperor Lam scratching his horn, thinking about what he had learned. Then an apprenticed came into the room and said Bai Ni is being attack, heard the news Emperor Lam rush to the nearest window and before his eyes, the mist veil is slowly swallowing Bai Ni from the west side of the town. 20 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 8 When he arrived at the town, the streets were already drowning in thick mist and the town folk''s terrified scream echoing through the streets. Although with poor visibility Emperor Lam still can sense the white fox''s qigun present at the west side of the town, and quickly make his way toward it with Grand Taosih Wu Lee closely behind. They flumping through the thick mist on the street among the town folk''s scream of horror. The mist get thicker and thicker as they get near to the west side of the town. As the mist get thicker, the harder for them to keep sign of each other, and also the more potent of the mist psychedelic effect. A few minutes late, Emperor Lam had lost sign of the grand taosih and found himself all alone. He call out for the old taosih but only silent answered him. Then suddenly he can hear the old taosih scream echo from a distain. But press on he still because he just sense the white fox''s qigun is moving toward him. When he came to a main street lead to the west side of the town, he try to concentrate on the white fox qigun aura to keep his mind keen, and wondering does the fox notice his present? If so, how? Is it have the ability to sense qigun aura like every mage do to? Neither way, Emperor Lam drawn his sword and when he about to chant a wind spell to clear the mist, he felt a shadow behind him. With a swift fluently spin, he strike his sword at the shadow behind him, but stop his when his blade still liamis from his target neck. Because he realized that shadow is just a teenage boy. The teenage boy''s face is emotionless, and his gaze is blank like he is in some kind of trance. The boy walk slowly pass Emperor Lam toward the outskirt of the town, following the boy are a few other town folks, they also have a blank gaze like the teenage boy. Emperor Lam try to wake them up but no use, then among the charmed town folks there a women with long blonde hair. The woman raise her face stare at Emperor Lam, her face was badly beaten, her right eye swollen, and purple like an over ripe plum. Her left cheek also swollen and bruised, and her noses are bleeding badly. "Aucelen? Wh¡­what happened to you?" Emperor Lam recognized the woman. "w¡­wait¡­wait¡­ you''re¡­ you are not real." Emperor Lam said, take several step back, shaking his head trying to snap himself out of the hallucination. "Am I?" Empress Aucelen replied with a despite filled eyes "so this is what you said to yourself, after you did this to me, your filthy mutt!" "I¡­ I was¡­ no... I''m¡­ I''m sorry, I did not mean to¡­ it... it''s because of the war, we were¡­.." Emperor Lam stuttered, staring at his wife battered face, his eyes started to glister, emotion swelling up inside him. Guilt? "No¡­. no¡­." Emperor Lam shake his head intensively "no¡­ you''re not real¡­ you¡­ you are not real!" he yelled and strike at Empress Aucelen, his blade cut through her like cutting air. "yes¡­ trike me down, beat me up, like you had done before, embrace your barbarous nature, filthy mutt" Empress Aucelen voice echoing in Emperor Lam head. "shut up, beast!" Emperor Lam grind his teeth, then he chant a wind spell so strong it blow away the thick mist from the entire town block, and knocked all the charmed town folk on the ground, the mist dispersed revealing the white fox, it standing 100 lias away from him down the street. "FILTHY BEAST!" cried the emperor, he leap forward and from his mouth a giant stream of fire racing toward the white fox. A monster the fox is but in its core it is still an animal, and all animal afraid of fire. Seeing Emperor Lam''s fire breather rushing toward it, the white fox retreat and turn tail back to the forest. After the fox is gone the charmed town folk came back to their sense, Emperor Lam return them to their house with the help of the town guard. This time, Bai Ni only suffered some minor property damage due to the frightening folks, none had been took away by the fox, except for Grant Taosih Wu Lee who have been severely wounded by a frightful rampaging town folk after he got separated from Emperor Lam. 21 THE MISTY FOX OF THE BAMBOO FOREST 9 Dawn come at the next day, Emperor Lam set out to the bamboo forest again, and this time he going with full force of 300 Lizardmens and 200 Brocade Cloak Guards, Hunter Tao accompany them like before. They started at the white fox den, but after 2 or 3 hours of stakeout with no sign or any activity of the beast. They concluded that the white fox had abandoned this den, then they venture forth through 2 other tunnel way. One tunnel lead into a stream in the forest, after an hour surveying the surrounding area without finding anything, they return and exploring the second tunnel. The second tunnel burrow deeper in the forest and resurface near rocky mountain. When they emerged from the tunnel, Hunter Tao found trace of fox activity in the surrounding area. They follow those traces for over an hour, the hunt team came up to the base of a rocky mountain. The mountain sprung above from the tree line like a gigantic termite hill on a vast grassland made of bamboo trees. After a round of survey the base of the mountain and they found giant footprints near a limestone cave entrance where the water stream came from. So while there are still plenty of daylight Emperor Lam decided to explore the cave while the rest of his force set up a base camp. Follow Emperor Lam is Seven Finger, Hunter Tao, and 2 other Brocade Cloak Guard. Inside the cave is very large and tall enough for Seven Finger be able to stand upright. The cave ceiling is hung full of stalactites with various sizes and peculiar shapes, some are very large and reached to its stalagmite bellow and formed a stone columns, while some are small, still forming, still dripping water, they are look so thin and so fragile making an impression that they may break off if you just breathe on them. They keep venture forth into the cave, while crawling through a narrow section, Emperor Lam signal the rest to stop and listen. After a minute of silent, they can hear fain sounds echo from deep within the cave, the sounds of claw scratching on stone like when a dog running on stone tiles floor. As they go deeper, the cave wider again and lead to a large chamber, they estimate it was 40 to 50 lias in diameter. There is no sign of the white fox in the chamber, at the middle of the chamber lied a large stone mount with a flat top cover in thick layer of green moss, daylight reached inside the cave chamber through an open round hole about 2 or 3 lias in diameter on the ceiling, enough for them to see around without need of touch, at the end of the chamber is another cave tunnel. On a large, flat top boulder, left of the center mount, something caught Emperor Lam eyes, a red fox standing there staring at them for several minutes then run off. Emperor Lam curiously head toward where the fox were, as they climbing through the slippery mossy boulders, they saw 4 mummified corpse lie on the moss, one of the 4 corpses Emperor Lam can recognized base on the clothes the corpse is wearing, that corpse is the ill-fated Taosih Yung. When Emperor Lam reached the flat top boulder, before his eyes lie the leathery pod they had found previously in the white fox den, but the pod is significantly bigger than the last time he saw it, not only that he can feel a fain qigun aura radiating from the pod. "it have magic?" "what on earth is it?" " is it have anything to do with the beast?" Emperor Lam wondering and step closer to the pod with sword in one hand and the other hand reach out to the pod. But before he can touch it, Emperor Lam felt another qigun aura rushing toward them from the end of the chamber. And not for long, the white fox is standing at the cave tunnel at the end of the chamber, baring its fangs threateningly, staring at them. This time the white fox not even bother to create the mist veil to conceal itself, the beast charging through the slippery boulders toward Emperor Lam ferociously. Emperor Lam swiftly leap to center mount, moment before the white fox gigantic paws crushing down on the spot where he was. The beast standing between them and the leathery pod, staring them with a piecing gaze, those eyes seemingly glowing red and fill with fury, its head lowered, fur puffed up, baring fangs growling. Hunter Tao unleased his arrow, though the arrow hit but it only piss the fox off. The beast turn its gaze toward Hunter Tao, its eyes turn white and seconds late the hunter screaming in fear, like there some invisible horror in front of him. With a strange roar echoing the cave chamber, Seven Finger lunge forth, saber in hand and aiming at the fox neck. The fox turn around swiping is paws at the bald lizardmen, force Seven Finger to recede to avoid those giant paws. The 2 Brocade Cloak Guards quickly closed distain, and swing behind the beast, make it have to turn it head to watch out for them. Snatch the moment the fox distracted, Emperor Lam sunk his blade deep in the fox''s shoulder then leap out of its attack ranger. Red blood pouring out from the wounds soaked the white fur on its leg, outnumber and surrounded, yet the fox still stand where it are, it is seem the beast is defending that leathery pod. "Why?" Emperor Lam wonder, then a small bulge swell up on the pod surface, and move slightly before disappeared, there are something inside the pod, "Is it the fox''s offspring? If so it must not be born." Emperor Lam think. When he saw the fox was distracted by the 2 Brocade Cloak Guard again, Emperor Lam leap forward, his sword''s tip aim at the pod, when his sword only liamis (1 liami = 1 milimeter) from the leather pod, the fox charge at him and ram its head at Emperor Lam knocked him aside, then it pounce at him, as it about to bite Emperor Lam head off, Seven Finger jump on its back swinging his saber on its flesh. Pianfully, the beast shaking it body violently and shook Seven Finger down. It turn to the bald lizardmen ready to pay back for the stab wound on it back, at that moment Emperor Lam got back on his feet and breathe fire at the beast''s face. Badly burned, excruciating pain and with its fur on fire the fox trying to escape through the cave tunnel it came from. But before it could reach the tunnel, a giant boulder flung at the fox by Emperor Lam telekinesis and crush it rear leg and pinned it on the ground, Emperor Lam quickly came near and keep breathe fire at it, the white fox let out gruesome howls of pain, echoing the cave as the fire swallowing its body and searing its flesh, after a few minute the beast are nothing but a smoking charred corpse, reek with awful burned flesh smell. "Your Majesty, you need to see this." Seven Finger called Emperor Lam climb his way back to the flat top boulder where everybody are gathering around that strange pod. Before his eyes, there is a small tear on the pod and a transparent liquid is leaking out of the pod, then the thing inside the pod move violently again making the small tear become wider. The transparent liquid inside the pod oozing out with a fishy smell, and the pod partially deflated and a minute later a creature emerge from it. The creature cover in fluid, fumble it way out of the pod, it look like a fully formed kit with a size of a small dog, white fur, its eye have not open yet and it have what seem to be a tail branched into three separated tails. After few second out of the pod, the kit let out a soft moan, calling for its mother. Hunter Tao curiously touch the creature, and right and the moment his finger touch the kit''s noses, the hunter convulsing continuously, and unable to retract his hand, his eyes roll up and mouth foaming. A Brocade Cloak Guard trying to help the hunter but suffered the same fate when he touch Hunter Tao. With his magic ability Emperor Lam can sense qigun are being drain from the 2 men to the kit, and in a few minutes they will die. With a quick stab Emperor Lam''s blade pieced through the kit chest, kill it instantly and free the men. After that they gather bamboo and burn all the remains of the kit, the leathery pod and the white fox to ashes in the cave and return to Bai Ni. 22 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 1 The story begins in the twentieth year of the Dragon Emperor Suk Lam reign. That night the moon hung high above the curve roofs of the city''s buildings, so full and bright on the starry night. Its pale golden light radiant from the sky, shine upon all mortal life. The time is autumn, the breeze is gentle, and the air is cool. After paid their respect to the moon and gave offering to goddess Chan Gee, the lady of the moon, goddess of harvest, one of the old gods that still revere and worship by the peoples, to thank her for a generous harvest and pray for another next year. Families are gathered to enjoy a union meal. After the feast, the citizens of Jar Dee city took to the street to enjoy the Mid-Autumn festival. The city street is lit up by lanterns outside every house, and trips of lantern hung across the streets every few lias. At the city square, a lantern show is on display, with all kind of vibrant colourful lanterns, and with all shapes and size. Filled the city central square are street performers, fire breathers, sword swallowers, jugglers and acrobatic, street play and puppet show. There are also countless food vendor''s stall selling all kind of things, from tasty steaming bun, smoking grilled meat skew, mouthwatering sweet treats, and colourful toy figure make from glutinous rice powder for the kids. . The children running up and down the streets, lantern in one hand, moon cake in other hand, munching on sweet with a brightest and biggest smile on their face like the moon on the sky. The cool autumn wind trolling along the busy streets, playing with the young maidens long flowing black hair, and dancing with their beautiful big sleeves cross-collard robe. Oh! The sight of a young Downers maiden, in their beautiful dress walking in the gentle breeze, can smelted the coldest of heart. On the dike of the river where it ran through the city, everyone is gathering to drink tea, enjoy moon cake with various flavours, and moon gazing while wait for the firework show to start. Near the water margin, where the fireflies dancing among the vast sea of reeds, a young couple giving each other a passionate kiss and vow for their internal love under the witness of the full moon. But woefully, unbeknown to them, the full moon is not the only witness of their vow. Beneath the calm water, there is something watching them. Under the glittering moonlit water, it slithering, in silent it stalking the young lovers. And when they realized they are being watch. Its shadow lunging forward, the young men shielded his lover and be snatched away. The poor girl can only watch and let out desperate cries of help. When peoples came to aid it was already too late, all they saw was a young men struggling in the middle of the river. A few seconds late, a long shadow under the surface pulled him under. "so that is when it started?" a man with a short goatee asked "no, the mid-autumn incident last year was the first time it happened in front of more than one pair of eyes, also is the first time it cost a human life." A short middle-aged man answered with his hoarse voice, then gulp down his wine glass. "it is an alligator? I heard there are a lot of them in the swampland." the goatee man said "no one sure, some said they saw a shadow that resemblance an alligator. Some say they did saw something but not so sure what that thing is, and some assume the boy just fall into the water and drowned due to the strong current. But there are few, they claim that, what everyone saw was no alligator but "the creature" as they called is the perpetrator." The short middle-aged man said "so some people think there is a monster in the river?" the man with the goatee said. "not the river but the swamp." Another middle-aged man with a big bushy beard said "the swamp?" the goatee man asked in curious "you know Jar Dee is a new city right?" the beaded middle-man said. "yes, I know, I''m from the capital, I had heard about the settler degree of the Great Delta." The man with the goatee said "yeah, that one, by the will of the Dragon Emperor this city was build 7 years ago, I was one of the first settle wave¡­" the bearded middle-aged man said. "back then, this whole area is nothing but swampland and primordial forest. When we first came to renovate the land and build the first town, we have to battle with this wild untamed land. And fatal encounter with the local wildlife do happen time to time. And about 2 years ago, rumour start circling by the hunters and the swamp-angler, that there is something live in the swampland, some kind of creature¡­" "Especially the area around an old Elvas ruin in the swamp. That is where I heard had the most sighting." the bearded middle-aged man said. "yah¡­ that place creepy at hell, man. A lot of hunters and anglers had told tale about their sighting of the monster in the swamp near that place." The short middle-aged man said "I know a guy, he uses to angling in the swamp, it happened about late October 2 years ago. When he was fishing near the ruin. His boat was attacked by an alligator. The damn beast capsized his boat, knocked him into the water, but when the alligator close in to finish him off, it suddenly being pull violently under the surface and disappeared." The short middle-age man said. "did he see what attack the alligator?" the goatee man asked in anticipate. "no, the water was too murky, he said he only had a glance of a long black shadowy figure moving under the water before the alligator been snatch off, and then he keep swimming for his life." The short middle-aged man said. "I also heard another story of an old hunter, he said that, on one day 1 years ago, when stalking a deer in the forest, the animal''s trail leads him to near the Elvas ruin. Eventually he spotted the animal in the dense reed, when he about to loose his arrow the deer disappeared from his sight in a blink of an eyes, like something snatched it. He then hears water splash and the deer shrieking for a second, after that is silent and then before his eyes the deer''s lifeless body half submerge in the water moving through the Water Lily leafs like something under the surface was holding it body and carry it into the swamp leave behind a stream of blood, and on the wet mud at the water edge he found slithering mark haft a lia wide." The bushy beard man said. "yea¡­ a lot of weird things happened around that damn ruin, not just monster sighting, I tell ye." The short middle-aged man said, and stuff a big piece of fried tofu into his mouth. Then something caught his eyes make him fixed his gaze toward the tavern''s door. 23 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 2 At the tavern entrance, there is a young woman standing there, waiting for someone. She seems to be in her mid-twenty with knee length long black bouncing hair, tied right at her nape by a red silk trip, she wearing a pale cyan loose sleeves cross-collard robe, with white floral pattern. The young women are quite tall and her skin tone is lighter compare to a typical Downer woman. Her face looks neither Downers nor Uppers, and have a strange ethereal beauty. Her grace and beauty turn every heads in the tavern, man and woman alike. "Whoa, look at that beauty, man¡­. does she tall." The short middle-aged man said. "man¡­ can you find any creature more beautiful than that? I never saw anyone have a face like that. Wonder where she came from?" The bushy middle-aged man said. "well¡­ that is my wife." The goatee man said and wave at his wife. "your wife? Well, ain''t you the lucky man." The short middle-aged smile. "wait, does women in the capital all look like that?" bushy bearded man asked "well¡­ all I can said is that¡­. She is a very rare gem." The goatee man smile. "ye better be careful man, beauty like her is very easy to lose." The bushy bearded man laugh. "of course I will." The goatee man said, then he took from his sleeves inner pocket a handful of coin and place them on the table "here for the food and drink, it a pleasure talk to you two." he stood up, interlock his fingers and politely bow then join his wife. The couple leave the tavern and took a stroll on the street. This couple actually is the ruling couple of the Varlann Empire, Emperor Suk Lam and Empress Aucelen. They were travel incognito to inspecting the live of the common folk in the newly build Jar Dee city, and also as a mean to inspection on the local officials and see if there is any corruption going on without the awareness of the imperial court. But one must be curious that "why unordinary individuals like Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen can walk among the common folk in broad daylight without drawing any attention?" that is because a small silver talisman they wearing on their neck. These talismans were made by Empress Aucelen herself, carved with ancient language script, imbedded with quasium stone and infused with her Elvas magic. The talismans can create a hologram image around them and made their appearance look just like ordinary Downers folk, not only that the talismans can even completely change their appearance if Empress Aucelen wish so. "so, do you hear anything of interest, Lam?" Empress Aucelen asked. "there is rumour about some kind of swamp monster, according to the folk around here there a lot of sighting of this monster around the Elvas ruin in the swap." Emperor Lam said, his left hand stroking his beard. "monster in the swamp? That absurd." Empress Aucelen smirk. "you do not believe it? After Qua Loh and Bai Ni?" Emperor Lam said. "I do not "not believe". I know." Empress Aucelen said with a great certainty in her voice "my people had already thoroughly explored the swampland before the war, and I heard no monster ever been found." "well, that was a long time ago, things changed." Emperor Lam said "there is no harm to check it out. A little monster hunt just the 2 of us, a little fun adventure." "Lam, we are here to inspect on the people life and the local officials not on a vacation." Empress Aucelen sigh "for goodness sake, we are not normal people, we do not have time to go on a monster hunt adventure or having fun. We have a lot of responsibility, especially me..." Emperor Lam put his index on her lips, interrupted his wife "Aucelen, is there anything else in that pretty head of your beside work? I know our marriage is political, but my love for you is real and now I just want a little private time with you. No work, no politic, no responsibility. Just a little, just this time, can you do that for me?" Emperor Lam said. "and¡­" Emperor Lam grin deviously, and grasp his wife by her hip pull her close and whispering in her ear "you can do whatever you want to me tonight." Then licked her ear. "can you please not doing that in public space." Empress Aucelen push her husband away, her cheeks red with embarrassments. "ehem¡­ well¡­ speaking of the ruin, I also have heard some strange things too." Empress Aucelen said. "monster sighting?" Emperor Lam grin. "no¡­" Empress Aucelen replied with an annoyed expression. "I heard some rumour about strange activities at the ruin especially on full moon days, some hunters saw light in the ruin, like there was some strange gathering at the ruin, and it seem this had been happening for a long time." Empress Aucelen said. "not only that there was a surge of missing person cases in the past 2 years. They are giving the city governor a headache." "well then, look like a trip to the swamp is in order." Emperor Lam grin. 24 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 3 Morning the next day come, Emperor Lam keep complaining and moaning about those "scratches" on his back, and those "teeth-marks" on his shoulder, caused by a "very enthusiastic individual" last night, before the flustering and embarrassment of his wife. After breakfast, they go to the river port of the city asking if anyone can get them on a tour to the Elvas ruin in the swamp, to the surprise and dismay of the locals, some even advised them not to go there because of the so call swamp monster. After an hour they finally had convinced a local angler to be their guide and shortly after that start heading to the swamp. Their boat gently sliding along the current, Empress Aucelen sitting on the front of the boat with a cute smile on her face, enjoying the cool breeze flow through her hair, dipping her ivory feet in the cool glistering emerald water, plashing the water with her feet like a child. Rarely Emperor Lam can see his wife relax side in public like that, her face now completed difference from the seriousness she always wears in the palace. After 30 minutes of boat ride, they arrived at the swamp edge, from there they follow a stream to go into the swamp, then another 15 minutes passed, their boat reached a dry open area high above the waterline. There are a lot of campfire remain on the place and even a wooden dock had been build. The angler said people around here call it "hunter''s mound", this place is a usual campsite for hunters and anglers when they go in the swamp. The angler stops the boat and said this is the farthest he will go and direct them to go due east for about 10 to 15 more minutes and they will saw the Elvas ruin, he will wait here for them to return till midday. The two of them continue head to the Elvas ruin, Empress Aucelen had borrow her husband clothes so she can easily maneuver in the swamp, she nimbly and elegantly leaping from branch to branch and dry dirt patch to dry dirt patch, while her husband struggling dragging his legs through the wet mud. "wait for me Aucelen, stop show off your Elvas agility already." Emperor Lam grumbling. "what?? Where is your enthusiasm yesterday? You are the one who want to explore the swamp, are you not?" Empress Aucelen said and laugh as her husband amusing attempt to pull his right foot off the sticky mud, then end up with him fell face first into the mud. After tested the water stream, they concluded the water level can reach to their chest. So Empress Aucelen quickly demonstrating her magical skill, with a song in ancient language she had made those tumps of Giant Reed at the water edge near them, grew longer, thicker and weaving them self into a floating bridge. Crossed the stream, they quickly climb up the stone step lead to the ruin. Stand before the metal frame of the wooden gate, now all rotted of the ruin, Empress Aucelen face sadden, memories of her people once again fill her mind. Saw that, Emperor Lam wrap his arms around her, comforting her, she rubs her cheek against his chest whispering "I am fine.". Then pushed the door''s metal frame open, they step inside the building, they saw many human footprints amid animal footprints on the thick layer of dust on the stone floor, indicate many people come and go at the ruin. "but for what purpose?" Emperor Lam thinking, then from the dense reeds a rustling sound caught their ears. Something is moving in the reeds, but Emperor Lam saw nothing in the reeds in front of him, no shadow nor any movement in the reeds. "the sound seems to come front the other side." Empress Aucelen said, her sharp Elvas ears had located the source of the sound. When they reached the other side of the ruin, they so not thing but a wall of thick Giant Reeds. "was that the wind??" Emperor Lam think, but there is no wind when they hear that rustling noise, so it must cause by something moving in the reeds. But the reeds are too thick and tall for them to see anything from the ground level. Invoke their qigun energy, the pair enhance their body and with a leap they set foot on the roof of the outer building of the ruin. From that vantage point they can a large area of view of the reeds, and before their eyes, not far from the ruin a rather big line of squashed Giant Reed run thought the reed tumps to the stream, something big must wedged its way through the reeds to leave such trace. They look at each other, eyes fill with surprise and curiosity, wondering what can cause such thing, is it the rumour monster? 25 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 4 From the roof top their jump into the inner yard between the outer building and the tower, and from that proceed to explore the ruin. When they look around the place there are telltale signs of recent activity in the ruin, like muddy foot print, trash and someone had fix some cracks on the wall with new mortar. Empress Aucelen also recognized the door that lead into the center tower is human design not Elvas, and it seems to be newly installed no longer than a few months. Go inside the tower, they follow the stone spiral stair up, and found something interesting while walking those step. Dark brown or reddish-brow drop stains, littered the stone steps up to the top floor. "what is this? Blood?" Emperor Lam said, examine those stains. "uhm¡­. Seem like it, look like something sinister is happening here." Empress Aucelen said. On the top room of the tower they found more of the blood stain and rope stained with blood. After they leaved the tower Emperor Lam found an empty room with windows covered by the thick vines outside, the room it dimly lit by a few sunrays managed to squeeze through the thick vines. This room is stranger because, unlike other rooms full of dust and animal dropping, this room is clean. At the end of the room there are a small table covered with yellow cloth. The table seem to be used as an altar. On it, lied a baked clay statue of a serpentine creature with multi heads about a forearm high. The statue creature reminds Emperor Lam of his dragon form but minus the horns, legs, mane, and of course the multi heads things. Then in front of the statue, there are also a few blood stain on the cloth. On the wall behind the statue, strange symbols drawn on it, arranged in a circular pattern with the statue in the middle. "what on earth is this?" Emperor Lam said. "some kind of language? Foreign script? The Upper''s script? Or some form of the Ancient Language''s script? Do you recognized any of this Aucelen?" he scratching his head staring at the strange symbols, he never saw anything like this, a few of them is just circles arrange in pattern with stick symbols mix in, and some of them are somewhat resembling a swimming tadpole, while some look kind of like a fusion of tadpole and human stick figure posing. "look like those rumour about strange activities in the ruin was true." Emperor Lam said. "yes it does, this is certainly making me curious. It seems some secret cult is using this ruin as a gathering place." Empress Aucelen replied, staring at the stain on the table cloth. "look at these stains, if they are human blood then maybe¡­ I wonder¡­ if the missing cases I have heard have anything to do with this secret cult." "well, then we have to pay the governor a visit then." Emperor Lam said. Afterward they leave the room without forget to erased all of their muddy footprint, Empress Aucelen even use her magic to return her "reed bridge" back to normal reed tumps, her master of magic and nature always amaze him, then they heading back to the waypoint. So like before, Emperor Lam dragging his legs through the wet mud again, but this time instead of leaping ahead his wife walks with him, stumbling through the mud together, dirty their clothes and laugh at each other muddy face. 26 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 5 When returned to Jar Dee city, they return to their hotel room to retrieve Emperor Lam''s Imperial seal, then the two of them heading to Jar Dee''s governor office. When meet the city governor they reveal their identity and ask to review all the missing cases happened in the past 2 year. From the governor''s records, all of the missing cases happened throughout the city and its surrounding villages. These cases seemingly have no relation with each other, even the victims are various in background, age and gender. But then Empress Aucelen notice something. The very first case is in August, year 18th of Dragon Emperor Reign, at that point it only happened every 2 or 3 month, until October, year 19th of Dragon Emperor Reign, or the mid-autumn festival incident, the missing case surged up to every month. And another pattern that is that they are all happen before full moon day. This is very intriguing to Emperor Lam, form what he heard from the two middle-aged man in the tavern, the rumour about monster in the swamp also started around 2 year ago. Then there also one thing, in some case, the eyewitness said they saw the victim had meeting with some dubious individual. As in this month, there are another case happened yesterday, the victim this time is a daughter of a wealthy rice merchant. According to the witness testimony of the girl''s handmaiden. Before she went missing, the daughter of the rice merchant also had involved herself with some dubious man. The handmaid said, the daughter meets this man at the city central market early this month. A handsome, smooth talking man in his mid-20, and especially the man wearing a small pendant shape like a serpent with multi head. And because she is quite a hopeless romantic girl, she fell head over heels for him. Eventually her father found out and obviously forbid her to meeting with such shady man. And yesterday night, the daughter had order her handmaid to replace her in her bed, then sneak out of the house to meet her lover, for a romantic moon gazing date. But when midnight passed and her mistress had yet to return the handmaid woke the parent and told them everything. "so¡­ the man that the rice merchant''s daughter met before her went missing is wearing a multi head serpent pendant, he maybe a member of the secret cult." Emperor Lam said, threw a thick report folder on the table. "likely, look at this." Empress Aucelen put another report on her husband''s desk. "this case happened at January last year, the report also mentions an unnamed person wear a similar pendant. Also the second missing case at October, year 18th Dragon Emperor Reign, and the case at January of year 19th. Finally, right before mid-autumn of year 19th, a young men reported several man try to kidnap him at a village just outside Jar Dee. While he struggling with the kidnapper he gets a glimpse of the similar pendant on one of the kidnapper neck." "well¡­ we know where they gathering, do we. Then all we need to do is wait until full moon." Empress Aucelen said Afterward they inform the governor about the cultists gathering place, and order him to put constant surveillance on the ruin secretly. 2 days late, when twilight is turning into night, a messenger report gathering is happening at the ruin. Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen set out with 30 city guards. When they reached the ruin, Emperor Lam can see light moving inside the ruin, Emperor Lam guess the cultist must inside the room with the serpent statue right now. So he orders the guards to split into 3 group, one group stay with him and his wife, the other 2 encircling the ruin and wait for his signal. While he will approach the ruin to take a peek and confirm if the rice merchant''s daughter is inside. But Empress Aucelen insisting that she will do the task, because of her inherited Elvas agility, she is move quicker and quieter. Emperor Lam agreed and in just under a minute, Empress Aucelen made her way toward the wall cover in thick vines. When arrived, she carefully peeks through the vine and get a view inside the ritual room. The room was dim and only lit by 2 chandeliers on the table, and on the ground in front of the table, there lie the poor girl, a dozens of cultists surrounding her, wearing hooded cloak and mask. The girl seems only 16, cloth stuffed in her mouth, her legs and hands tied, stripped naked, and one of the cultist is carving symbols on her chest and belly with a small knife, while the other cultists pinning her down to the floor to preventing her from struggling. As Empress Aucelen signaling visual confirmation of the girl to her husband, and about to blow her whistle to call the guard, a scream pieced the air, it come from one of the guard group, startle the cultists, then many screams came as if the guard a being attack by something. "rescue the girl Aucelen! I''ll see what happened." Emperor Lam yelled and run toward the screams direction. "Surrender and release the girl!!! You had been surrounded, resisting is futile!" Empress Aucelen yell out and bust through the vines, leap in the room. The cultist freezes for a second, then the one with the knife charging at Empress Aucelen, but quickly being put down by her precise kick to the face. The rest of the cultist panicking and flee, but quickly being roundup by the city guard. After comforting the poor girl, Empress Aucelen leave her to the city guard and finds her husband. When she leaves the ruin, she saw 2 guards was caring an injured guard. "Your Grace, he need healing!" a guard said and put the injure guard on the ground. The man was gravely wounded, his nose and mouth is covering in blood, and he seemingly choking on his own blood. Empress Aucelen tell the other quickly remove the injured guard clothes, and found his chest and back was all bruised like he had been struck or crushed by big blunt object. After a quick examination to determine the extent of his wound, she quickly perform healing magic. What could cause such injure? His rib cage had been crushed, and his ribs punctured his lungs. "What happened? Where is His Majesty?" Empress Aucelen asked. "I''m fine!" Emperor Lam emerge from a tump of Giant Reed, half covered in mud. "the monster! It is real." He said with a glaring excitement in his eyes. 27 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 6 At midnight, they returned to Jar Dee city. After the girl had been examined and Empress tended to her wound, they return her to her family. The merchant was greatly graceful when they knew the emperor and the empress themselves had rescue his daughter, and said if ever needed. He will support the Imperial Court with all his fortune. After the merchant family had leave, they bring forth the cultists to the governor hall, and remove their mask. All of them are Downers but the twelfth his an Upper, with blonde hair and green eyes. When the governor questioning them for more information about their cult, each of them background and if there are any other member of their cult still hiding in the city, they remain uncooperative. The Upper appear to be their leader and stated that, nothing can waive their faith to the gods or betray their brothers and sisters, not even death. The Upper keep rambling about divine wrath, will of the gods, and hurling insults and slurs toward Empress Aucelen and Emperor Lam, calling her "pointed ears succubus", "Elvas whore", and he "filthy mutt", "the mistake of nature". A whole hour of interrogate pass without any progress, tired and irritating by the cultist''s rambling, slurs and insults, Empress Aucelen then propose another "interrogate method", a very intrusive method. "you dare! your forest freak!" the Upper yelled when he heard Empress Aucelen proposal. "oh yes, I am very much dare, and you know who I am so you better try not to resist me, or it will be very painful." Empress Aucelen said grab his golden locks and pull down, her other hand press on his pressure point on his cheeks, holding his head still and look direct at her eyes. Empress Aucelen beautiful icy blue eyes turn milky white and staring at the Upper. Every muscles fiber in the Upper become tense as he trying to resist Empress Aucelen mind probe. But of course it is a very unwise decision. Soon he starting flinching and moaning out loud while their gaze connects. There is no human in recorded history ever could resist an Elvas mind probe. His effort proofed futile and result in extreme pain for him. A few second pass his flinching and moaning stop, the Upper is defeated and no longer able to resist Empress Aucelen anymore. 10 minutes late, Empress Aucelen disengage her telepathic link, the Upper collapse on the floor gasping for air, his mind gone blank and his body tripped of all strength. Empress Aucelen fumble away from the Upper, her breath and heart hasten, her eyes are wet, and she nearly drop to the floor if Emperor had not catch her. "what is it, Aucelen? What did you see?" Emperor Lam asked. Wipe away the sweats on her forehead and the tears swelled in her eyes, Empress Aucelen took a second to regulate her breath back to normal, then look at the Upper with unspeakable disgust but also great pity for him. "take him back to his cell." She said. "what kind of monster do that to his own children." Emperor Lam said, cannot hide his anger in his voice. "lord governor, publicly beheaded them and hung it on the city gate to deterrence other." "Aucele, you have mention about the Downer man, master of this monster, do you see him in his memory?" Emperor Lam said. "yes I do, bring me a brush and paper." Empress Aucelen said, then proceed to sketch the Downer man she saw in Touton''s memory. When she finished and present to her husband, lay eyes upon the sketch Emperor Lam could not hide his surprise. That slanted, dark and baggie eyes of the man in her sketch still clear in his memory. "he is still alive." Emperor Lam said. "you know that man, Lam?" Empress Aucelen asked "yes, he is the cultist leader that tried to assassinated me at Qua Loh." Emperor Lam throw the sketch on the table. "we will deal with them later, now we have a monster to slay, lord governor begin prepares for the hunt." Emperor Lam said then return to his chamber with his wife. 28 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 7 Minutes late, when they are on their way back to their chamber. Empress Aucelen said "Lam, there a something I cannot tell you in front of the other." "what is it?" Emperor Lam asked. "the man, Touton, from his memory I discovered, he hearing the whisperings." Empress Aucelen said "well, considerate his master. That is no surprise." Emperor Lam said "tomorrow I''ll inform the governor about his new fate, so what are you going to do with him? Have him take to your people tomorrow?" "I may have to be examine the rest of the cultists first then I will decide." Empress Aucelen said "and Lam, if we about to hunt the monster, then how will we find it? You are the only one who saw it." "well¡­ actually, I only saw a glimpse when I breath fire at it." Emperor Lam scratching his head. "can you describe it?" Empress Aucelen asked "uh¡­ I don''t think I had saw all of it, but I can tell that it has an elongate, and scaly body, kind of¡­ like a reptile, uhm¡­ maybe it is some kind of really, really big snake and I think¡­ what I saw maybe just its tail. Because I don''t see any eyes or mouth." Emperor Lam said, and let out a long yawn. "oh well, it is too late already, I am craving for a comfortable bed and your warm right now." "then wash off those mud first." Empress Aucelen said. "oh, ha ha, I forgot" Emperor Lam smile, look at his muddy lower half "hey, would you mind wash me." He deviously grins. Without a word, Empress Aucelen just sigh, then she walks into their chamber and proceed straight to the bed. Morning the next day, while the sky still dark, the sun yet to rise and everyone still snugging in their warm bed. Empress Aucelen being woke up by footstep in their chamber, she opens her eyes and saw her husband was walking in circle the room, with his left hand stroking his beard. "goodness Lam, not one of your reckless idea again." Empress Aucelen sigh "huh? Oh! you awake. Well¡­ I have an Idea." he sits down on the bed and say "the report said, before the mid-autumn festival last year, the cultist failed to kidnap someone right. And so a few days late, at mid-autumn festival, a young man got attacked by something in the river, that must be the monster. The cultist failed to bring a sacrifice to it so it follows the river to go hunting on its own. And now we just busted their sacrificial ritual, so now the monster must be hungry, maybe we let the cultist to do their ritual, with me as the offering. To lure the beast to us, then all we need is set up an ambush¡­" but with the "absolutely not" look, appeared all over his wife face Emperor Lam modify his idea "¡­alright maybe scratch the part with me as the offering then" "and ¡­ if I use my dragon form it won''t be much of a figh¡­." Emperor Lam stop in mid-sentence, like he realized he just said what he should not say in front of his wife. "alright, alright, I''m sorry, no transformation then." Emperor Lam smile, holding Empress Aucelen hand comforting her, he can feel her usually warm hand had gone cold with fear for his wellbeing. "alright, then how do you going to make do cultist to help you slay their holy beast." Empress Aucelen sigh. "well, I think "keeping one''s head" is motivating enough" Emperor Lam smile. After breakfast they tell the city''s governor to bring the cultist before them. And when Touton and his followers brought before them, Touton immediately start rambling on and on about the old gods, and call for the other to repent and reject the fault gods Quelas''Airuth and the Five. Ignoring him Emperor Lam offering the other cultist a deal. "help him slay the monster or the execution block.". Surprisingly they remain silent. But with her sharp Elvas eyes and ears, Empress Aucelen can detected a slight increase of sweat and heavy breathing in one of the cultist. "Your Majesty, I think maybe the execution block is¡­ too mercy for them, I think¡­ to deserve their crime, maybe Dripping Boiling Oil or a method I heard from Chihan, what does they call it? "Burning Bronze Pile"? yes, that the name, they tied the convicted to a hollow bronze pile, then put charcoal in the pile and set fire to the charcoal, you can imagine the pain." Empress Aucelen said with a cold and almost sadistic voice. "how many families had lost their love one because of them for the past 2 years? let them suffer a little bit before they die." Empress Aucelen stare at them with her icy blue eyes. "alright, good idea, lord governor." Emperor Lam turn to the governor. "no, please, mercy Your Majesty." A young cultist yelled. "silent, do not give in to their threatening. Strengthen your faith, do not falter. The old gods will grant you great reward in the afterlife" Touton yelled as his follower. "fool of an emperor, if you dare lay harm to the holy beast of the old gods, their wrath will rain down on your empire in form of unthinkable calamities. You willing to put your subjects through that kind of suffering for your fault gods?" Touton said "yes, yes, old gods this and old gods that. I had done is one already, and they don''t seem to mind." Emperor Lam said "I tired of your insults and blasphemies already, lord governor." Emperor Lam signal the governor to take the rest of the cultist back to their cell, leave behind the one that beg for merci. That young cultist stated his name is "Tsun Lin" an immigrant from Chihan, came here to seek a new life, but after failing to keep a stable job due to his gambling habit, he turns to crime, quickly became lackey for Touton. After an hour of persuasion and reassuring, Tsun Lin finally give in and agreed to help them slay the monster. From Stun Lin testimony, the Elvas ruin in the swamp is being use as a sacrificial site while they gathering at a small temple just outside the city walls. And so while the city''s governor crack down on the remain hidden cultist, Empress Aucelen starting to mental examine the cultist that they had caught at the ruin and those who being rough up by the governor, to determine if anyone else of them hearing "the whisperings", thankfully there is none. After a public court session, all the cultists except of Touton and Tsun Lin had all being charged guilty of multi kidnaps, multi murders, evil worship, disturb public order and public safety and all of them was sentenced to death by hanging. Moreover, Empress Aucelen also order men to track down Touton''s two daughter. When they being present before Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen, and learned who had brought their freedom the girls cry their eyes out, and kept kowtowing to Empress Aucelen to show their gratitude. But when they asking for their farther and their infant brother, Empress Aucelen have no heart to have them learn the degenerate state of their father and the cruel fate of their infant brother. So Empress Aucelen lie that their father had been executed with the rest of the cultists to pay for his crime, and their infant brother had die of tuberculosis not long after their father sold them to the brothel. Of course the girls are heartbroken. Oh, how cruel fate had submitted them to this tragedy in such young age. Pity for their fate, Emperor Lam took them in and have them stay at the servant''s quarter of the Varlann Imperial Palace, there they will have a comfort life for the time being, until Emperor Lam had men to contact with the girl''s grandparent, then he will have them return home safely. 29 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 8 A couple days late, the hunt begin, they set out to the swamp at morning arise via boat, accompany them is 100 men strong from the city guard, arm with long bow a big javelins. Not only that after the confirmation of the existence of the swamp monster been published, and heard about the hunt lead by the emperor, many local hunter has volunteer for what they called "a hunt of a lifetime". They arrived at Hunter''s mound at later morning, and from there they reached the ruin quickly afterward. After an hour or two they finished set up the ambush, on the top window of the center tower of the ruin now hung a strawman, with those odd symbols painted on it with chicken blood, Empress Aucelen also infused an illusion spell on the strawman to make it look just like human. After all the preparation are finished, Tsun Lin starting to perform the summoning ritual. But observing Tsun Lin performing the ritual, seeing him fumbling around and stutter while chanting spell. Emperor Lam cannot help but have the feeling that Tsun Lin may have no idea what is he doing. And turn out it is true, after hours and hours of waiting and nothing happen, Emperor Lam asked why the ritual does not work. Tsun Lin finally admit he do not know how to do the ritual, he just lies to get out of the fate that befell his accomplices and said that the sacrificial ritual was always been done by Touton. Enraged, Emperor Lam order he be castrate and put in slavery. Emperor Lam then order the volunteer hunters search the surrounding area of the ruin, in hope of finding some track, after all the ruin is the place that have the most sighting of the monster. Few more hours pass, the hunters finally found something. About 200 lias from the ruin, a hunter found some slithering tracks on the mud near the water edge, but that was all they can find, the swampland it vast and difficult to traverse, Empress Aucelen said from her people expedition record, the swampland stretches all the way to the Great River''s estuary, the monster can be anywhere, looking for it in this vast and thick vegetation, is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Finally, when twilight come they have no choice but to return to Jar Dee. Just 15 minutes late, Jar Dee is in their sight, and they can see people are running in panic on the street trying to get away from the beast. Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen land on the city wall, from there they can saw the monster swiftly slithering through the streets with an amazing speed for a limbless beast, crashing through houses, crushing anything on it way and anyone not fast enough to get out of it way, created a mass panic everywhere it goes. The serpent is gigantic, its head shape like a normal python but with an elongate snout resemblance an alligator''s snout, its length is easily over 100 or 150 lias long, with half to one lia in diameter at its thickest part and covered in black and shiny scales under the twilight sun. Its tongue slipping in and out of it mouth smelling the air, like every normal serpent. The serpent seems to heading somewhere. 30 THE GREAT SNAKE CULT 9 From the city wall, Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen leaping from rooftop to rooftop. When they land on the roof of a temple''s high tower, they realized it is heading toward the city prison. Why is it heading there? Is Touton have something to do with? Somehow he can contact the monster from there and order it to rescue him? Finally, they caught up with the serpent, it already crashed through the prison wall, quickly slither inside, and bust open a few cell looking for something, making the wardens and prisoners alike running in panic. Amid the chaos in the prison yard, there is a man, a mad man, he walking casually toward the serpent, naked, he laughing hysterically as he walks, his gaze devoid of any sanity, any life, anything indicate that this man was one a loving father and a honourable man. Touton somehow had escape his cell and kill a warden or an inmate and use their blood to drawn those strange symbols on his chest and belly. "ha ha ha! witness! Witness the power of holy beast of the old gods! Ha ha ha!" Touton laughing with a deranged expression on his face. Noticed him, the serpent turns and stare at the crazy man. "come, come my child, let show those infidels the glory of the old gods of yore." He laughing maniacally, yelling and put his hand on the air, spinning on where he standing. "let those foolish, ungraceful sheep, tremble in despair before the majestic of the old gods, make them cry out in remorse and begging for they forgivene¡­" Touton cannot finished his sentence, his crazy rambling had been abruptly disrupted. The so called "holy beast", just snatched him between its jaw, and with just one gulp, swallows him whole. Then the serpent starting to turn to the other prisoners still lock in their cell. "how ironic, let end this madness." Emperor Lam said. From the nearby rooftop, he quickly leaps ahead, drawn his sword and aim at the serpent head from behind. Unfortunately, the serpent saw him coming and its light fast tail, whip him in midair knocked him to the ground. The serpent stares at the peculiar Downer man with horns on his head, half conscious lying on the ground for a brief second. Then open wide jaw full of fangs arrange in circular pattern, and prepare to strike. Blood pouring out from where the serpent''s teeth sunk in the flesh, however the blood is not belonging to Emperor Lam but his wife. Seeing her husband is in danger, Empress Aucelen had leap in and push her husband away. And have her left forearm firmly lock between the serpent''s jaw, its fangs pierced her flesh and crush her bone, her blood streaming from her wound, the upper part of her robe turn red by her own blood, the pain was agonizing. Even worse the serpent lifted her off the ground and flair her around, like a ragdoll. "Aucelen, NOOOO!!!" Emperor Lam face turned pale likes every drop of blood had been drained from his face. "ezekpitav rekzaqi!" she yelled, her right hand fingers starting to give off static flash and soon a lightning bolt shoot out from her hand to the serpent snout. The beast convulsed violently from her lightning spell, the electric shock makes the beast bite down more and snap her hand clean off. Empress Aucelen land painfully from a several lias drop, her half bite off left arm slam to the ground first. But yet, she swallows the excruciating pain and quickly get back to her trembling feet, raised her right arm up right at the second the serpent had recover and lunging at her for another bite. Another lightning bolt launch from her hand after she chant the spell again. The serpent jolt backward at the lightning bolt strike, convulsing in agonize. Despite her wound is spraying rays of blood, she kept the spell going until the beast turn into a half burn, smoking corpse on the ground. Emperor Lam catch his wife as she collapses due to bloody lost, and quickly perform healing magic to seal her wound and top the bleeding. "Aucelen? Aucelen? Speak to me my love." Emperor Lam calling his wife Empress Aucelen open her eyes and gently spoke "I am fine, Lam worry not, I just need a little rest¡­" "thanks the gods, don''t you scare me like that ever again." Emperor Lam smile in relief. Empress Aucelen gently smile, then turns her head look at her, now only half of a left arm, mumbling in depress "oh¡­no, my¡­. Bracelet." "wha¡­ by the gods, Aucelen. You just had your forearm bite off and you worry about some bracelet?" Emperor Lam spoke, haft unbelieving about what he just heard "oh¡­. I can grow it back in about a month. Besides, it is the bracelet you gave me, after we marry." Empress Aucelen brush off her husband''s concern. "that ugly, poorly made silk bracelet? I can buy you more expensive one" Emperor Lam said. "but that bracelet was made by your hand, it means a lot to me." Empress Aucelen said "oh alright... I''ll make another one for you. Can you stand?" Emperor Lam said "I¡­can¡­ cannot. Oh¡­ my legs lost all of its strength due to the blood lost and the agonizing pain" Empress Aucelen moaning, look at her husband with her puppy eyes and an obvious "damsel in distress" act in her voice. Emperor Lam rolled his eyes and sigh, after order the city guard reestablish security at the prison. He then carries his wife back to the governor mansion. 31 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 1 The story begins in the twenty third year of the Dragon Emperor Suk Lam reign That night, Fon Chu, the capital city of Varlann empire, the rain kept showering for hours, rain drops hitting the cobble stones of the streets, splattered sound like the sound of rice panning. Cool winds blowing through the quiet city blocks, the streets sank in the thick darkness of the night, there was nothing but the sound of rain falls. Sometime, echoing through the empty streets is the footstep of the city guards on night patrol and their lantern light. The time is late, and everyone in the city had snugged in their warm blanket and their night dreams. On one of the empty street of the city, after a night patrol party of the city guard has past, from the shadow of a small alley, a mysterious person emerges. That mysterious person pacing down the street under the showering raindrops, on the person is a raincoat made of palm leaf, but that raincoat is clearly too small for the towering statue of the person, making the lower haft of the person soak in rainwater. The person face is obscured behind a veil that attached to the conical rattan brimmed hat on that person head. Beneath that raincoat is a muddy long black cloak, covered the person from head to toes, only the toe cap of the leather boots is visible every time the person took a step. That mysterious person still pacing silently down the street, and nestles time to time in dark corners of the street, to avoid the eyes of the night patrols. After a while, that mysterious person stops in front of the gate of a large mansion, encircled with tiled roof fences, and a pair of stone dog statue guarding the gate. The mysterious person stood there in silent, staring at the panel hung above the gate to make sure that this is the right place. Moment later, the mysterious person pulled out a small dagger from the cloak and step closer to the gate of the mansion, and proceed to carve a symbol and beneath that symbol is the numeral "5" written in Downers script on the door. When the mysterious person is finishing off the final carves, from behind a night patrol party approaching. Seeing the mysterious person snooping around the mansion gate, a night patrol utters a warning, but the mysterious person pays no heed to his warning, the night patrol approach and grasp the mysterious person wrist. When the night patrol is about to arrest the mysterious person, with a fanning motion of the hand, the mysterious person sent the night patrol rolling on the ground. Witness the mysterious person resisting arrest, the night patrol party, blow their horn to alert other parties and quickly surround the mysterious person. The mysterious person finished the carving and turn around, stares at the night patrols for a few seconds. And with a leap, the mysterious person jumps over the night patrols head, and run off into the night with an unbelievable speed. After the door had been replaced, morning of the day after tomorrow, the servants of the mansion woke up and found that symbol had been drawn on the inner side of the newly replace door, this time with the number "4" drawn beneath it. This mean someone had climbed over the tall roof fences and drawn the symbols in the night. The owner of the mansion become more anxious and worry, he order his servants quickly erase the symbol, then left the mansion without saying where''s he going, and only return when the sky is dark. Then the next night, the servants of the mansion found a towering intruder, likely 2 lias high, wearing a conical rattan brimmed hat with face covering veil, snooping around the guest house in the mansion. When they sound the alert, the intruder jump on to the rooftop with just one leap and disappeared in the night, leaved behind that strange symbol and the number "3" drawn on the guest house doorstep. Those strange incidents quickly caught the ears of the public, and rumours flare up like amber drop in dry haystack. Some said maybe the owner of the mansion had caused some grudges with some gang and now they''re threatening him. And other said, maybe the owner had get involve himself into some weird cult. Rumours quickly spread from mouth to mouth, ears to ears, morphing into countless forms and finally echoing to the palace and came to Emperor Lam''s ears, caught his attention. If these rumours was talk about some random rich person in the capital, it wouldn''t make Emperor Lam took interested in it, but the protagonist of these rumours is Prince Suk Nin, the step brother of Emperor Lam. So at morning of the third day, Emperor Lam had come to Prince Suk Nin''s mansion to pay a visit, and to find out what is happening. 32 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 2 "to have Your Majesty came to visit, I am very honour." Prince Suk Nin with his two wife and four of his children, interlock their finger and kneeled down to greet Emperor Lam. "Brother, don''t said that. I am but your little brother, but all of the state affairs made me too busy and can''t come to visit you regularly, I am at fault too. I''m hope you and your family still healthy." Emperor Lam said. "thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, me and my family are still very healthy." Prince Suk Nin said. "brother, I know you love of fine wine, so today I have brought with me several bottles of fine yellow wine, a gift of from Chihan''s ambassador." Emperor Lam said, then call a servant bring forth a white ceramic bottle, with blue ink painting of landscape, flower and mountains, from the casket and give it to his brother. "whoah, isn''t this is the famous yellow wine of the Jar Nan region of Chihan. I am graceful of your fondness, Your Majesty." Prince Suk Nin staring at the bottle in his hand, then bow down in thankfulness. "ey, don''t do that, it''s just a bottle of wine. We''re brother, you shouldn''t be too formal." Emperor Lam said, pulling his brother to stand up. "Your Majesty, fine wine should not drink along. Why don''t we go to the garden and open this bottle of wine, I''ll tell the servants to prepare some dishes to accompany the wine." Prince Suk Nin said. "great idea, thank you brother." Emperor Lam said. And so the two brothers heading to Prince Suk Nin mansion''s garden to enjoy the wine, after a few toast and chatting. Emperor Lam mention the rumours that he had heard lately. "brother, I¡­ er¡­ have a few things, I wish to ask you, hope you don''t mind." Emperor Lam said. "what do you want to know, Your Majesty?" Prince Suk Nin said. "it''s just¡­ a couple days ago, I had heard rumours about some stranger, break into your mansion in the night, numerous times, and committed vandalize act. Is it true?" Emperor Lam asked. "well¡­ er, Your Majesty¡­ that¡­ did happened, but¡­ eh¡­ it was only one time, from three night ago, it''s¡­ just some random drunken thug, make some random carving on my mansion front gate''s door. That''s all, there was no numerous break in or anything like that, the rumours just blow thing out of proportion." Prince Suk Nin diffidently answer, his face slightly pale, his mouth corner gently twitched when Emperor Lam mention the intrusions, trying to hide his stress. "brother, are you alright? Your face suddenly turn pale. Are you sick or something?" Emperor Lam asked "oh, no, no, it''s nothing. Come now, stop mention those unpleasant silly rumours anymore, drink up" Prince Suk Nin empty his glass and then changed the subject. Afternoon, Emperor Lam bit farewell to his brother and return to the palace, but he still felt strange about his brother reaction when he mentions the rumours. "what? Brother, had went somewhere from early morning without telling anyone in his family." "yes, father. The two lady had told me that, after wakeup and know about another intrusion had occurred, uncle became very troubled and anxious. Then he locked himself in the study room for an hour or so, after that, he saddles the velelis and leave the mansion without saying where he going, he even doesn''t bring any attendance with him, just a small sack. Moreover, I had heard weird things from uncle''s two lady." Crown Prince Tua said "tell me." Emperor Lam said "from what I heard, the rumours about the numerous intrusion is true. About four day ago, a stranger carved a strange symbol on the front gate with a number "5" beneath it. After that, that strange symbol appeared again each night with the number "4" then the number "3". And yesterday night, an intruder was drawing the symbol with the number "2" on uncle bedroom then get caught by servants. After a struggling he injured some of the servants and escape through the rooftop." Crown Prince Tua said. "that strange, yesterday when I came to visit, brother told me a difference story, and acting quite strange when I mention those intrusion rumours¡­" Emperor Lam stroking his beard thinking. "so Tua¡­ do you learn how that strange symbol look like?" "ah yes, I had drawn it from the servant description." Crown Prince Tua said, retreated a piece of paper from his inner sleeve pocket. Staring at the drawing for a minute, Emperor Lam mumbling "hum¡­ it''s¡­ look like a¡­ spider or something, laying on its net." Then he turns to his son "hum¡­ this is getting me curious. Tua, now you bring a company of Brocade Cloak Guard to patrolling brother''s mansion, just in case the intruder return" he ordered his son then go to the seraglio to meet his wife asking for her knowledge about the drawing. 33 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 3 The intruder doesn''t answer, he just standing there in silent, but suddenly Emperor Lam felt a strong aura of Qigun emitting from him. The intruder is using magic, Emperor Lam quickly evoke his magic in response and prepare to fight back. But no, the intruder don''t have the intent to attack, instead he leaps to the nearest rooftop, and follow the rooftop to escape toward the tiled roof fences. Emperor Lam swiftly conjure his magic and closely chase after him, drawn his sword, Emperor Lam aim at the intruder leg and stab. But the intruder quickly evades and caused Emperor Lam''s sword pierce through his cloak instead. Yet Emperor Lam still drive his sword through and plunge his sword down through the tiled roof, pinning the intruder cloak down. Stuck, the intruder quickly removes his cloak and throw it on Emperor Lam in hope to blind him and escape. But all Emperor Lam have to do is use his telekinesis and shove the cloak aside and continue give chase. The two of them use magic to enhance their speed, so when they''re cleared from the mansion''s grounds the Brocade Cloak Guards was quickly left behind. The intruder''s stepping like the wind, flying through the street, with sudden sharp turns, jump over fences and tall walls of houses, then jump up the rooftops, leaping from roof to roof, or hidden in dark corner of the rooftop of large house, or jump down to dark alleyway trying to cut off his tail. But unlucky for him, that night the moon is quite bright, and his towering figure is hard to hide from Emperor Lam sharp dragon eyes, he still closely tailing the intruder, and slowly reduce the distain. Seeing Emperor Lam still stubbornly tailing him, the intruder using telekinesis to throw everything he can saw on the street toward Emperor Lam, hoping to slow him down, but his effort was forfeit, Emperor Lam just shove everything the intruder threw at him with his own telekinesis. Noises from the chase rouse nearby residents from their slumber, the chase went on for 15 minutes, go from the city streets to the surrounding agriculture areas. The intruder suddenly stopped in the middle of the rice field, staring Emperor Lam through his hat''s veil. His tall figure sticking out from the field of rice swaying in the breeze, like someone just stole big statue from a temple and use it as a scarecrow. "emperor of Varlann, please stop interfering in our business." The intruder spoke again. "you continually harassing, intruded and vandalize Prince Suk Nin property, my brother, then assaulted the innocent servants in the mansion. And yet you still dare to tell me not to interfere? SPEAK, what''s your intention?" Emperor Lam spoke, sword firmly in his hand. "the injured servants were an accident. We do not want bystanders to get involved in this matter. If you''re still kept interfering, then we afraid we can''t tolerance this no more." The intruder said. The giant intruder agilely twisting his torso to the left, avoid the lunge. But Emperor Lam skillfully rotate his wrist, his sword tip turned a wide arch in the blink of an eyes and hit the intruder''s hat, knock it out. The hat had been knocked out and reveal the intruder''s face, his green skin, and his bright amber eyes of an Orc, his lips is thick and full, his noses is wide and short, with a low nose bridge. Chiseled square jaw and chin, like an ancient heroic statue. "so you''re an Orc." Emperor Lam said "speak! What''re you up too? Want to start another war with Varlann? Then I''ll happily applied." Emperor Lam pointing his sword toward him, the Orc just silently adjusting his hat. Irritating by the Orc''s silent, Emperor am about to charging in for a fight, then a low raucous voice came from a bamboos range about 10 lias from them. "Emperor of Varlann, please restraint." From the bamboos range, two tall shadow appeared, striding toward Emperor Lam. Both of them covered from head to toes and wearing a conical rattan hat with veil like the intruding Orc. The one in the front carry a walking stick about neck high, with carving and painting of geometric pattern. The one with the walking stick came before Emperor Lam, remove his hat and put his right palm lack of a middle finger on the middle of his chest with fingers speared out, bow with a politely smile. That person was also an Orc, he looks older than the intruder Orc, shortly trimmed Coily gray hair and beard. A wrinkled face of a person had passed his midlife, deep within that bright yellow eyes surrounded by the wrinkles of time, a wise gaze emitting. On his right cheek, a long scar run from the corner of his thick lips to his earlobe-less right ear, proof of the lifetime spent for the matters of war. "wajam! Emperor of Varlann, I am Kwanjobo, I am apology for my brother-in-mind poor choice of word. We hold no ill intentions to you and your empire." The aged Orc spoke. "then why are yours here? Why travel all the way to southern Varlaurea just to harass my brother?" Emperor Lam ask. "that was no harassment, that was a reminder. A reminder to who had took what belong to us, to return them back to our possession." Kwanjobo answered. "you accuse my brother of thievery?" Emperor Lam said "we had already caught the thief, but found not what belong to us. After questioning the thief, he revealed that he was hired and had delivered what he has stolen to his employer, a Prince from Varlann. All we want is to retreat the stolen objects¡­" Kwanjobo interrupted by the sounds of dog barking, and the sounds of footstep echoing from in the distain. Emperor Lam can saw hundreds of lantern light from the city direction, approaching fast. "look like your loyal servants had arrived. Emperor of Varlann, the things had been stolen are extremely dangerous artifacts, they can put all life on Varlaurea continent in great peril. If you can, we hope you''ll aid us in the effort to retreat them, if not, then I urge you don''t get in our way. I hope we''ll met again and will have your help, wabonje!" Kwanjobo put his palm on his chest and bow again, then with his brothers, they speed through the rice field toward the bamboos range and disappeared in the night. 34 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 4 The next morning, Emperor Lam feel the encounter last night leaved him with more question than answer. Was what Kwanjobo said true? Prince Suk Nin really stole something from them? And what had been stolen really that dangerous? But wants it or not, with what is happening right now Emperor Lam have to believe him. Because now, Prince Suk Nin still nowhere to be find, and by his two wives words and his action, they''re all reinforcing Emperor Lam''s suspicion. Emperor Lam sitting there in his study room thinking for a while, then decide to pay his brother''s mansion another visit. The last time, Prince Nin had been seen by his family is when he locks himself in his study room, maybe Emperor Lam will find some clue there. After say hello to Prince Suk Nin wives, Emperor Lam go to the study room to look around. The room quite large, except for a desk in the middle of the room, the room filled with shelves and shelves containing books and small decorative statues and potteries, the room''s walls hang all kind of landscape and calligraphy painting, especially the wall in front of the table hung a gigantic calligraphy painting with bronze frame and floral carving on the frame, the painting is 1.5 lias wide and nearly as high as the room. Emperor Lam skimming through all the books on the shelves but found nothing noticeable, the same for all the statues and potteries, nothing peculiar. Emperor Lam sigh, toing and froing in the room for a while then he noticed something about the big calligraphy painting in front of the desk. The painting had been hung there for a very long time and leaved a faint shadow on the wall, the shadow won''t visible if the painting was neatly hung, but now it learned a little bit to the left revealing the shadow. Emperor Lam take a closer look and recognized two bronze flower on each two lower corners of the frame is protrude out from the frame, and on the corner of the painting shadow, there''s a tiny hole. Emperor Lam quickly realized those two small bronze flower carving is actually a pin, to keep the painting firmly in position and wouldn''t swung side to side. And on the wall is small curved scratches nest to the tiny hole. Thus he pushes the painting to the left and it slowly move. He continues pushing and the painting revealing a niche behind it, the niche is about an arm length from the floor, high enough for a man to stand up right, 1lia wide and 1lia deep, step inside the niche, he saw a small wooden box, he took the wooden box put it on the desk and open it up, inside it just letters, standing there looking at those letters, Emperor Lam felt an uneasy feeling raising in his mind, a mixture of felling from the excitement of the discovery of some clues for a mystery, from a vague fear that if he read these letters, they''ll broke his heart, and an anger of a treachery that may happen. Gave off a long sigh, he sits down and starting to read those letters. He still sitting there, in silent, thinking, touching his fingertips together, learning his nose on his hand, staring at the big calligraphy painting on the wall, a flame is slowly growing in his mind, the flame of anger, the anger of a man who has been betrayed, betrayed by his brother, his own kin. But there is one thing he still can understand, what role the Orcs had in his brother''s treachery? Or more precisely, what role is the Orc''s stolen objects playing in this treason conspiracy? It''s seem the answer for this question, only can be found from Kwanjobo''s mouth, but how do Emperor Lam contact him? He thinking for a few moments, then put all the letter into his sleeves pocket, and quietly return to the palace. After back at the palace, he summons Crown Prince Tua, his wife Empress Aucelen, and a few of high ranking officials that he knows he can trust. Then inform them about his finding at Prince Nin''s mansion and the meeting last night with Kwanjobo. "Your Majesty, these letters didn''t tell us anything about the scale of this conspiracy, how many there''re in collude with Prince Nin. They''re just a discussion of Prince Nin and a person named Hua Xia. Besides, what role does those Orcs have in this conspiracy haven''t clear yet. I think we need investigate more into this." Lord Dun Xuan said "but for right now, we should let the Brocade Cloak Guard tighten the security at the mansion with the excuse or preventing future break in, but also is to "keep an eyes" on Prince Nin''s family." "father, according to the latest letter, right now Prince Nin may be at Mei Lin city, let me go to there to investigate more of his whereabouts, if he''s really there I''ll kept a close watch on him." Crown Prince Tua said. "Your Majesty, I think you should contact with those Orcs again and asking them about the things they''re looking for, I think those stolen objects will play an importance role in this conspiracy." Empress Aucelen said. Thinking about their advices for a moment, Emperor Lam agreed, he also order Lord Dun Xuan look into Prince Nin''s financial flow, to find any suspicious expenses, and further investigate from there to find any other accomplices identity. And with the Orcs, Emperor Lam order some Brocade Cloak Guards to disguise as farmer, and herding their buffalos on the field where he meet Kwanjobo last night. On the buffalo body painted with the symbol of Ochwesi and hope that the Orcs get the signal. 35 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 5 Emperor Lam''s idea had worked, the next morning, a Brocade Cloak Guard came and inform him that Kwanjobo will meet him at a forest outskirt, 2 hour velelis ride from Fon Chu, to the south. As arranged, that night, Emperor Lam accompanied by 10 Brocade Cloak Guards roweling their velelis to the forest till midnight. Cold is the night breezes, next to the warm fire, Emperor Lam sat and watch the moon rose high above, "oh, how bitter the fate of an emperor" he thinks, the more power you held, the more carefully watch your back, you must. More caution, you must, with every shadow in the night. The elder brother, he had love and respect all his life, now conspiring to kill him, countless thoughts, countless dark visions flooded his mind. After Prince Suk Nin, who will be next? Who''s dagger he must watch next? He wondering. In that melancholy, a poem came to his mind, he murmuring it, a poem of the loneliness of those who wear a crown. When midnight come, from the bushes in the forest, a low croaking voice sounded "wajam! Emperor of Varlann." Amid those bushes Kwanjobo and his brothers appeared and striding toward Emperor Lam, stood before his majesty, they remove their hat, hand on their chest, politely bow. "my heart rejoices because of this meeting, may I reintroduce myself, I''m Kwanjobo as you had known, my brothers-in-mind also called me "the Wise Elder"." The Kwanjobo turn to the Orc on his right, the one that Emperor Lam recognized is the intruder from before. "this is Ngbambe "the Few Word", you had meet him before." Ngbambe silently bow. Then Kwanjobo turn to the Orc on the left, an Orc with a rounded face, wide nose, a quite big afro, and the most muscular of the three "this is Olunwa "the Strong Arm"". "wajam! Emperor of Varlann, it''s an honour to meet you." Olunwa place his hand on his chest and bow. "sorry, about the door. At that time, I can''t think of any way to give a strong message." "we are the disciples of Ochwesi, the spider god of tales and wisdom in speech. It''s an honour to meet you." Kwanjobo said, and the three of them bow again. "likewise gentleman." Emperor Lam interlock his finger in greeting. "then, all of you crossed those treacherous lias to Varlann to retreat what were stolen by my brother, what were those objects are? what kind of danger does they pose? And how can I help?" "this, I''m afraid is for you ears only, Your Majesty. These matter cannot be known by too many people" Kwanjobo said looking at the accompany Brocade Cloak Guards. Thinking for a second, then Emperor Lam told the guards to stand away from them, when the guards had retreated, Kwanjobo lowed his voice enough for just the four of them to heard. "those were stolen is a choker and a book." Kwanjobo said. "that''s all?" Emperor Lam said with a little confuse. "the¡­the Abandoned Old Gods? were¡­ they not just legend? folk tales?" Emperor Lam surprise, skeptically re-ask about what he just heard. Those words really stumped him, because everyone on Varlaurea continent known those are just legends and myths of the bygone age. Hearing that Kwanjobo, smile again, reveals his marble white teeth "yes, they''re real, they''re real like you and me are real. The existence of them and those artifacts are the reason why I do not wish for too many people to know. The disciples of Ochwesi has safeguard those artifacts for hundreds and hundreds of years in secret, to keep those powerful objects from the eyes and ears of those who with dark intension. So then, do you have any lead about them?" Thus so, Emperor Lam retold the current situation, and the coup d''¨¦tat plot of Prince Suk Nin, hearing that Kwanjobo shake his head and sigh. "the throne¡­ oh, the throne, what a dreadful object it is, it can cause brothers to betray each other, to willingly soak their hand in the blood of their kin like this, my condolence, Emperor of Varlann. I think everything is clear, your brother wish to use the power of the choker of Ochwesi to convince others to join his coup d''¨¦tat plot, and I afraid he will not content with just the throne of Varlann." Kwanjobo said "with such heavy heart, I must say, your brother must be stop." "worry not, I already had leads on my brother whereabouts. And my son already investigating those leads" Emperor Lam said "that''s good, but lord Crown Prince have no idea know what is he facing with, it''s would be best if we all go there and give him aid, if not, I afraid the consequence will be unimaginable." Kwanjobo said. 36 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 6 Emperor Lam agreed with Kwanjobo. Then they set up to meet each other again at the eastern gate of Fon Chu, in early dawn of tomorrow and then set out to Mei Lin. After return to the imperial palace, Emperor Lam retold his meeting with the Orcs but leaved out the part relate to the artifacts, and only roughly saying that Prince Nin believes the objects he stolen from the Orcs, will help him in his coup plot. Emperor Lam''s words had convinced his officials but it''s do not stand a chance before Empress Aucelen''s ears. When the couple returned to the seraglio, Empress Aucelen ask her husband again about the meeting. Emperor Lam knows too well that he cannot lie or hide anything to his clever and witty wife, after order all the servants to leave, he retold in detail about the meeting, about the "Abandoned Old Gods", the choker of Ochwesi, and the mystic book. Beside, in matters like this, he thought is wouldn''t be a problem to let his wife know, she''s an Elvas after all, with her vast knowledge maybe she be able to help. Heard the story, Empress Aucelen became extremely worry, and she insist to follow him to Mei Lin. "no, I want you to stay at the capital to run the state''s affairs. Worry not, I''ll be careful and keep Tua safe. And besides, if thing turn for the worst then it''ll be best if there''s still someone else in the back that I can count on." Emperor Lam said. Yet Empress Aucelen still disagreed, said "no, I must go with you, dealing with the Old Gods artifacts is extremely dangerous, there must be a powerful mage accompany you¡­" but Emperor Lam raised his hand to stop his wife "my will is set, and you don''t have to worry about that, Kwanjobo and his brothers are all mage, moreover they had guarding those artifacts for hundreds of years, I''m sure they know how to deal with those artifacts." He holds his wife hand and stroke her cheek. "and I do not wish to reveal my trump card too soon, Mei Lin only 2 days velelis ride away, if after 5 days without hear anything from me, then you must make haste to Mei Lin to rescuer me and our boy, I counting on you, my love." Reluctantly, Empress Aucelen accepted, that night she barely has any sleep, leaving her husband to face the artifact of the Old Gods makes her anxious, nightmares about the worst things may befell her husband and son haunting her sleep, kept disrupting her rest throughout the night. Her worry is not only stem from that fact but also from other deep secrets, that her and all other Elvas wish no one to know. To Mei Lin they roweling their velelis, their ride without break till nightfall and rest for the night. They set up camp and have diner, unlike what Emperor Lam had expect, the Brocade Cloak Guards is quite curious about their green skin company, sitting around the camp fire they quickly approach Kwanjobo and his brothers, then the chit chat soon follow suit. Of course, except for the captain, most of the guards is young and full of curiosity, all they know about the Orcs is from the Hundreds Years War''s battlefield tales of the old soldier. Kwanjobo is happy to satisfy their curiosity, he even tells tales about the time he fought in the Hundreds Years War, and told them those weird rumours and myths about the Downers, that the Orc soldiers told each other, make the young guards can''t help but laugh out loud. When dawn, they continue on their way, until afternoon, Mei Lin is appeared on the horizon. When they enter the city, everything seems to be normal, the streets still filled with pedestrians, markets are still packed, after a short while they arrived to Mei Lin''s mayor office. When they arrived, the mayor and Crown Prince Tua quickly greet their arrival. After that, Emperor Lam ask his son about the Prince Nin and the current situation, Crown Prince Tua said that he still have any concrete lead about Prince Nin whereabouts, but he does know that now Prince Nin is likely to be in Lord Xu Vu mansion in the city, an old retiled court official who also is Prince Nin father in law. Crown Prince has put surveillance on the mansion day and night, to confirm if Prince Nin is actually there. If it''s confirmed, Crown Prince Tua will personally bring 200 Brocade Cloak Guards to apprehend the traitor or the crown. And so they, take rest at the mayor mansion while waiting for confirmation from the surveyors. Everything in the rest of the day is normal, except for a few frightening maids when they saw the Orcs. Nightfall, when everyone else starting to snugging in their blanket. While on his way to his chamber, Emperor Lam saw Kwanjobo kneeling on the hallway, his face faced the moon, hands open and held in front of his chest, mouth murmuring somethings. Curious, Emperor Lam came near to have a chat, seeing him approaching Kwanjobo stand up and politely bow. "wajam! Emperor of Varlann, the moon is beautiful tonight isn''t it?" "I didn''t interrupt anything, am I? why''re you still out here at this time?" Emperor Lam asked "oh, no you didn''t. I''m just expressing my admiration to Owayen''s beauty, that all" Kwanjobo said "Owayen? You mean the moon?" Emperor Lam ask "yes, it is, many name she has, I think you Downers call her¡­ "Chan Gee", if I my memory still serve me well." Kwanjobo said, look at the bright moon on the night sky. "ah yes, Chan Gee lady of the moon, the moon is beautiful tonight." Emperor Lam said, look at the moon. "the Mid-autumn festival is also near, then does you people have any festival in honour of the moon?" "ah, of course, in late august there is a festival to celebrate the end of harvesting time in Ubukdin, my firstborn son was born in that time." Kwanjobo said. "really, so how are your son now? A fine warrior he must be?" Emperor Lam said. Kwanjobo smile, his wise eyes suddenly filled with sorrow "yes, yes he was." "was?" Emperor Lam ask "he has returned to the underworld with Obebe Chwega and my ancestor, Your Majesty. I had buried him with my own hands in the frontline." Spoke Kwanjobo, his low croaking voice filled with sadness when his memory of his son return to his mind. "ambushed, by a lizardmen company of Varlann." "oh¡­ well¡­ I¡­" Emperor Lam felt awkward, don''t know what should he say next. "that is war, that is the life of a soldier, you don''t have to feel awkward about it, Emperor." Kwanjobo smile. "my condolence for your lost¡­ well then, I''ll stop bothering you anymore, get rest soon, alright." Emperor Lam said. "thank for your concern, Emperor. Wabonje!" Kwanjobo bow. Returned to his chamber, Emperor Lam about to go to bed then hear knocking at the door, and Crown Prince Tua voice calling him, saying there something he must council with his father. Emperor Lam opens the door, wonder what''s his son want to talk about. But before Emperor Lam can utter a single sound with his son, he felt a sharp pain on his stomach and soon realized there is a dagger sunk deep in his flesh. 37 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 7 Emperor Lam still have yet to understand what just happened, Crown Prince Tua had kick his father fly back into the room. Sit up in the excruciating pain, still in shock of being stabbed. Emperor Lam saw his son strolling into the room with couples of the city''s guard, and a bloody dagger in his hand. "T¡­Tua¡­ what¡­ what are you doing?" Emperor Lam stuttering, even more shocking when he finally realized who just jabbed him. "what am I doing? Killing you of course." Crown Prince Tua say, with a normal tone voice and a straight face, without any particularly expression, like what he doing right now is a complete normal and mundane activity for a person to do. "wh¡­why¡­" Emperor Lam spoke through the pain. "why? Because uncle Nin was right, he''s more fit to the throne than you, father. We could have won the Hundreds Years War. And yet you and grandfather choose compromise and peace." Crown Prince Tua said. "imagine father, Varlann''s territory stretched entire Varlaurea continent, a glorious vision isn''t it." The Crown Prince wave his hand in the air, eyes look into nothingness envision some stupendously glorious vision of the empire. "Uncle really know how to persuade other." Crown Prince smile, then crouch down next to his father "oh well, after you die, I''ll help uncle''s vision became reality." He raises his dagger, aim at his father heart, ready for the killing blow. But at the doorstep, a towering green figure suddenly appeared, with a right hook, a guard of the Crown Prince flew into the room and land on top of Crown Prince Tua. That was Olunwa "the Strong Arm", before the city guards react, Olunwa charged in with Ngbambe "the Few Word" right behind him, the two Orcs flung their lightning fast fists, and moment late, all the guards are unconscious on the floor. Crown Prince Tua shove the unconscious guard off him and turn to his father again, but Kwanjobo quickly stop him whacked the dagger off the Crown Prince''s hand with his staff, then Olunwa "the Strong Arm" knocked him unconscious. Kwanjobo came to Emperor Lam side "lie still, I''ll heal the wound.". the old Orc, pull out Emperor Lam robe, checking the wound, and quickly perform healing magic. Few minutes late, the wound healed, Emperor Lam stand up looking at his unconscious son on the floor, his mind still spinning in shock, trying to make sense of what just happened. "what I''m afraid has come true." Kwanjobo rest his chin on his staff, look at Crown Prince Tua and sigh. "your brother has use the power of Ochwesi''s choker to convinced the lord Crown Prince to kill his father." "Old Wise, what''re we going to do now?" asked Olunwa. "Prince Suk Nin, must be at his father-in-law place, thinking that he has won. If we go there now, we may catch him by surprise." Kwanjobo answered "Kwanjobo, what about my son?" Emperor Lam asked, filled his voice with worry. But from the eastside of the mayor''s mansion, came the noises of yelling, struggling, and fighting. "the Brocade Cloak Guards!" Emperor Lam said. Invoked their magic to lighten up their body weight, together they leap through the rooftop heading to the noise direction. When they arrived, in front of their eyes, the city guards are attacking the 200, barely armed Brocade Cloak Guards. Even with little to no weapon, the Brocade Cloak Guards still stubbornly resist, disarming their opponents, their fought back the attackers, causing the city guard having a tough time fighting them. Taken by surprise in the middle of night, a lot of them had suffered severe injuries, and several man had been slain while as sleep. Dropped from the rooftop amidst the chaos, with his telekinesis, Emperor Lam shove all the city guards within his sight to the surrounding walls. With the help of the three Orc and the Brocade Cloak Guards with revived moral, due to the present of their emperor, they quickly subdued the bewitched city guards. "those who suffered minor injure, stay and take care of the severely wounded. Anyone of the rest that still can fight, follow me!" Emperor Lam spoke to the Brocade Cloak Guards, the flame of anger burning in his mind, his eyes glaring with ire "Suk Nin, this is outrageous, bewitch my own son to assassinate me, from now on we''re brother no more." With the three orcs, and about 50 Brocade Cloak Guards saddled the velelis and ride to lord Xu Vu''s mansion. 30 minutes late, they arrived at the mansion gate. "Emperor of Varlann, when we go in the mansion, if you saw the ancient script and the gem on the choker starting to glow, cover your ears do not listen to a single word from your brother mouth, otherwise you''ll be enchanted to." Kwanjobo warned. Emperor Lam nod, then blow the gate wide open with his telekinesis, and charging his velelis inside with his companions. Dozens of strangers, with weapon in hand, barging through the gate causing the servants running in fright. Emperor Lam order the guards to capture one of the panicking servants and ask about Prince Suk Nin whereabouts, the servant stuttering for a minutes then pointed at the northern building, and thus they heading toward it. The sound of men and velelis, rumbling through the hallway, and roused haft of the mansion. After a few minutes of searching, Emperor Lam finally caught Prince Suk Nin just poke his head out of his room''s window to check on what happening. Saw his brother, Emperor Lam whipped his velelis to charge forward. Prince Suk Nin retreat back to his room one he saw Emperor Lam charging in and look for Ochwesi''s choker to put on, but a fireball suddenly flew through the window, exploded and set haft of the room on fire. Choking by the smoke, Prince Suk Nin ran out of his room with Ochwesi''s choker still in hand, but before he can put it on, Kwanjobo roweled his velelis close in and whacked his staff at Prince Suk Nin mouth, knocked out one of his front tooth, sent him rolling on the ground, then he quickly being apprehended by the Brocade Cloak Guards and the choker taken from him. 38 THE DISCIPLES OF OCHWESI 8 Emperor Lam jump off his velelis, eyes lit with ire and tear swelling at his eyes corner, yelled "SUK NIN!", then grasped his brother by the robe collard and unleashing his anger, punching Prince Nin in the face repeatedly, like he''ll keep punching until his brother is death, and maybe that will happen if Kwanjobo had not intervened. With the choker in hand Kwanjobo came before Prince Nin and ask where''s the old spell book, but Prince Nin remain silent. "Suk Nin! Why? Why are you betraying me? And Tua, he''s your nephew¡­ my son, how can you bewitched him like that?" Emperor Lam spoke his voice raised like yelling. "huh, I considerate myself is more suited to be emperor than you, we could have won the Hundreds Years War, Varlann territory could be so vast, not just a tiny corner in southern Varlaurea like this, father weakened by old age and gave the throne for you instead of me, his eldest son, but I still wouldn''t mind that. Us, two brother could have conquered and split the entire continent in half to rule, but¡­ oh no, oh how disappointed you are. You infatuated with that pointed-ear forest witch and squandered all out plan and preparation for the glory and prosperous of the empire, submitted to compromise. Are you still deserving to be emperor?" "you¡­" Emperor Lam growled, agitated and charging again, but Kwanjobo quickly stop him "lord Suk Nin, I''ll ask you again, please considerate carefully, where is the book? Do not force us to use any unpleasant method." Kwajobo firmly said. "I don''t need that book, I already gave it to Hu Xia, he took the book and went on his merry way, two day ago." Prince Suk Nin said. "who''s Hu Xia?" Emperor Lam asked With a smirk, Prince Nin said "the one who had attempted on your life at Qua Loh.". Anger by his tone, Emperor Lam flung a mighty punch at his brother face, knocked him unconscious. After retreated the choker of Ochwesi and captured Prince Suk Nin, they leaved 20 Brocade Cloak Guards to keep watch of lord Xu Vu, because Kwanjobo said he also had been enchanted by the choker''s magic, they return to the mayor mansion now under control of the Brocade Cloak Guard, the three Orcs quickly perform an ancient ritual to neutralized the effect of the choker on its victims, meanwhile Emperor Lam wrote a letter to send back to the capital. After the ritual is finished, the next day Kwanjobo and his brothers-in-mind bit farewell to Emperor Lam, early in morning, said the ancient book still missing, their quest had yet to finished. Bit farewell to the Orcs, Emperor Lam gave Kwanjobo a ring with his seal on it, said if Kwanjobo and his brothers ever in need of help on their quest, just send the word along with the ring to Fon Chu. The imperial court had rule, Prince Suk Nin will be stripped of his tittle and be publicly executed, his head will be hung to rot over the city gate to deterrence other. Prince Suk Nin wives and children will be stripped all of their imperial privilege and demote to civilian status, all of their possession and belonging will be confiscated and they''ll be banishing from the capital, send back to their mother-side family. Lord Xu Vu will be stripped haft of his retirement benefit, land and asset. Crown Prince Tua will be stripped of his title, and have to join the imperial army in other to redeem for his crime via military achievement. And all other the minor offenders will be punishing accordingly base on their level of involvement. 39 THE SINISTER TREE 1 In a beautiful day, the golden rays of sunlight showed the earth. Cool breezes blowing from Kao Ren Lake rustling the dense green grass on an empty street. On that empty street, there are a middle-aged Downer man dragging his feet forward, walking wobblingly. His posture wobbling side to side following each step he took, like he about to fall over anytime. On his body is a deep green cross-collard robe made with expensive silk, proof of his wealth and social status. His onion hair bun behind his head is loosed, his body is filthy and stink to high heaven, from days without bathing. The man kept walking forward, one step at a time, despite his exhausted legs, despite his knees is making weird noise from each step. The man dare not to stop, cause if he stops, and let his fatigued body have some rest even just a second, they may catch up to him and he''ll be submitting to the disgusting fate that had befell his companions. He had walking like this on this empty street for three days. Three days without rest, without water, without food, his lips are all blistered and bloody, unstable breathing rhythm, grasping for air, his face emaciated, red sunken eyes with a lifeless gaze of a person being torturing by a fever. His mind clouded, no longer able to think straight anymore except for those stranger voices, kept whispering something in his head. Suddenly, flapping sounds come from behind, his face contorted into a look of absolute fear and dread, he trying to speeds up his stride, but only after just 2 ¨C 3 step, the man fell down on the road. His drained legs were barely able to help him kept walking so far, had gave up the moment his try to run. Gasping for air, he summons what left of his strength to pry his body up to look behind him. 40 THE SINISTER TREE 2 On a harbor of a riverside city, anchored a large ship. Gorgeous that vessel is, double decks, hull painted in mahogany red, with 4 tall mast and sail neatly folded on deck. On its stern the colour of Varlann Empire proudly fly, the ship''s bow painted a majestic dragon head. On the deck, near the bow sat a Downers man, his eyes fixed on the vast water of the Great River. Over fifty his age seems to be, clothed in deep blue crossed-collard robe, made of the finest of silk. His hair and beard had turned mostly white; wrinkle, hyper-pigmented and austere face, proof of years on the battlefield but opposite to his face, his eyes still bright with the fortitude and the toughness of a leader, an emperor. An emperor he is, for he is the head of Varlann Empire, and newly emerged power in the Hundred Years War, he is His Imperial Majesty Suk Luo Tu. From the wharves came a strange young man of 18 ¨C 19 of age, shorthair and a pair of small antler protruded from his forehead, followed by a few entourages the young man boarded the ship, then came before Emperor Tu, interlocking his finger and bow. That was the second son of Emperor Tu and the one will inherit the throne, Crown Prince Suk Lam. "father, I''ve asked the local governor, he said uncle Toa''s envoy did pass by the city over a week ago, right on schedule and have nothing out of ordinary that fail to mention in the reports." Crown Prince Lam said. "uhm¡­ then, any news from Fon Chu, Lam?" Emperor Tu said, his gaze still fixed on the vast water. "still quiet, father. Seem like your words still hold effect." Crown Prince Lam answered. Emperor Tu nodded then order the ship to push off. Five minutes late, the paddles had driven the ship off clear from port and to the open water, the three sail slowly climb up the masts and stretched up, catching the wind. Emperor Tu still sitting there on the ship''s bow, still contemplating gaze upon the open water, worrying about the fate of his missing brother, fearing the worst may happen, and not only that, fear for his work in the past two years may went up in smoke if Prince Toa''s envoy not have been found. 41 THE SINISTER TREE 3 With that new magic, it will be easy for Emperor Tu to wipe out any force on the battlefield but strangely he did not. Instead, Emperor Tu and his second son Crown Prince Suk Lam, with the help of a general from the Elvas side, lady Derthelin, together they had appealed and urged to three side to cease all hostility and come together in a peace talks, to stop the suffering and bloodshed of the conflict that had plague the continent for the past century. After two years of effort, the peace talk finally will be held at Maseiron, a neutral free city of the Uppers, and Lord Suk Toa had been choosing to be Varlann Empire''s representative. But three weeks after Lord Suk Toa and the envoys departure for the peace talk, they disappeared, the messenger pigeons, carry the routine report about the envoy progress through their rest stops, had stopped flying to the capital. When Varlann contact with the Elvas through General Derthelin, they learned that the Elvas side had not met Lord Suk Toa''s envoys. This created an uproar in Varlann''s court, those who do not favour the peace talk immediately concludes that Lord Suk Toa must have been harmed by the Elvas, and kept pressing Emperor Tu to take retaliation. With the day of the peace talk is drawing near, Emperor Tu must look to this matter himself. An absolute order had been issued by Emperor Tu to all his official, that, all of Varlann''s forces will hold their position, and will not have any move without his approval, those who act against his order will be put to death on the spot, regardless one''s position or social status. Then with his second son Crown Prince Suk Lam, set out to find Lord Suk Toa missing envoys. The land route from Than Hua to Lui Tsuy, follow along Kao Ren Lake''s bank, and cross the eastern end of the Eastern Tar''veen sierra through a difficult mountain pass. Maybe something had happened when they crossing the pass? With that new lead, they changed course in the next morning, Emperor Tu with his son and 100 Brocaded Cloak Guards, follows their new course on that empty road along the lake. Because crossing the lake via boat is the easiest and conveniences way, so the road is rarely being use, nor being maintain properly. The road was badly degraded, landslides gone unclean, falling trees, cracks and potholes that big as a carriage are littered everywhere. Causing their searching effort progress sluggishly, along the road also devoid of any sight of civilization, so they cannot ask for any information either. They searching for the whole day, hoping for some sight of the missing envoy. When late noon arrived, the search party stop before a big fallen tree on the roadside, the reason for their stop is the ruckus causing by a bunches of Black Back Tuves Vultures and a large murder of White Neck Crows fighting over a carcass. The big vultures devouring the carcass, and occasionally spreading their giant wings with a claw on the tip, screaming to chase off those Crows who trying to steal a piece of meat for themselves. Emperor Tu and Crown Prince Lam quickly realized the carcass those scavengers are fighting over for is a human carcass. The Brocade Cloak Guards get off their velelis to chase away the scavenger, while they doing that Crown Prince Lam noticed some strange behaviors of those scavenger. Normally those scavengers will fly off if interrupted by human, but these Tuves Vultures and Crows are not, they walk wonkily like a drunker, some running like a headless Kuuk and suddenly drop dead, while some are just keep flapping their wings uncontrollingly, screaming nonstop, and kept spinning round and round at where they stand. And some went hyper-aggressive, charging at the Brocade Cloak Guards, forcing the guards to kill them. 42 THE SINISTER TREE 4 They continue for two days, at late noon of the third day, the searching team came upon a road junction between the main road and a small dirt road lead to the northwest. For the dirt road, a woman suddenly appeared, hailing them. She seems to be in her mid-twenty to early-thirty, dressed like a normal peasant woman, hair tied up in a bun behind her head, and a nice looking round face. the woman seems very ordinary but somehow she makes Crown Prince Lam felt unease, because of her tone of voice when she speaks, a flat, steady, emotionless tone. And even after the Brocade Cloak Guards announced that she is standing before the present of the Emperor and the Crown Prince, the woman just bows with an expressionless face, she shows no surprise, not even disbelieve of what she heard, as if meeting the "head of the stated" and the "next in line of the crown" in the middle of nowhere like this is perfectly ordinary. "answer me, do you saw an imperial convoy go pass here a week ago?" Emperor Tu asked her. "yes, Your Majesty, there was an imperial convoy had come and stayed at my village about five day ago." The woman answered with a flat tone voice. "really, then did you saw anything abnormal from the convoy?" Emperor Tu asked. "I do not know, sire. But you can ask the elders for more information." She replied. "when we on the way here, we spotted a corpse on the road, that corpse seem to be one of the convoy, do you know anything about that?" Crown Prince Lam asked. "no." the woman answered bluntly with her flat tone, and a blank stare. Her gaze creeps the hell out of Crown Prince Lam, made the hairs on his neck suddenly stand right up. Realized the dying daylight, and the crimson twilight sun is only a length of a hand from the horizon, Emperor Tu decided they will take rest at the woman village for the night and also to meet the village''s elders to ask for more information and told her to lead the way. But Crown Prince Lam came to his father and whisper "father, I think we should just set camp here then go to village tomorrow." Crown Prince Lam said to his father and still kept watching out the peasant woman. "huh? Why?" Emperor Lam asked. "wrong? Unease? what do you mean? She''s just a peasant woman." Emperor Tu frowning in confuse. "uh¡­ it''s just the way she talks¡­ it makes me feel strange." Crown Prince spoke, scratching his horn. "well, I do admit that the way she speaks is strange, but what to worry about that? I think you overthinking too much. Besides, we need to find more information about your uncle as soon as possible, it can''t be help it." Emperor Tu said then rowel his velelis after the peasant woman. Crown Prince Lam have to put aside his unease feeling aside. About ten minutes following the path westward, and cross over a low hill, a green foliage of a big tree slowly come to their view behind the hilltop and then a village with 30 to 40 houses, surrounding the big tree. The tree seems very old and enormous, from a far Crown Prince Lam estimated its high must be about 80 lias tall, the trunk''s diameter even bigger than some of the building in the village, its foliage stretched far, and roofed the entire village under its shadow, with many big branches hang low near the ground. Surrounding the village is a thick wall of bamboo trees, rustling in the wind, and act as the village nature barricade. To the southeast of the village is the main gate. Amaze with the gigantic tree, Crown Prince Lam ask one of the Brocade Cloak Guard next to him, if he know what tree it is. The guard took good long look and guess it maybe a Cerpidar tree, though he said he never saw any cerpidar tree this gigantic. 43 THE SINISTER TREE 5 "hey, miss, why is the village rice field was left unattended and let the weeds grow all over like that?" The woman still kept her steady pace, without even look at the paddy, and a monotone voice she answers "Your Grace, that field was unused for a very long time." So she answered, but when they went past another paddy, Crown Prince Lam saw the same thing. In fact, all of the rice paddies are like that, all are over growing by weed. Furthermore, at this time of the year is when the harvest time begin, yet from when they reached the top of the hill, the Crown Prince saw no paddy is being harvest, neither any piles of straw, one use to see lying around the paddies at harvest time. After a while, they get off their velelies and enter the village''s gate, the gate was built in tri-gate style, arching shape, with the middle arch is the taller and wider than the two auxiliary side gate, a typical Varlann village''s gate design. The gate was made of ready available bamboo, look poorly maintain with a lot of wear and tear went unfix in a long time, the thing slightly swaying in the wind, and cracking like a rusty door hinges, making Crown Prince Lam nervous and worry that it going to collapse on them in any moment. The atmosphere inside the village is no better, Crown Prince Lam can clearly hear the Brocade Cloak Guards whisper with each other. "why are this village is so quiet?" "these people make my skin crawl." They said. Right now, even Emperor Tu have to admit the creepy strangeness of this village. His face now shows anxious and worry, and exchange a worrying looks with his son, then the peasant women spoke. "we''re here, please get inside, the elders are waiting." They tied the velelises outside the common house and step inside. According to Varlann''s village culture, these kind of building is the entire community property, use for meeting, discussing the village''s important affairs, festival activities and feast, also is the ceremony hall, and where the village''s guardiant mascot lie. The common house sat right next to the giant cepirdar tree''s trunk, the building is rectangle, about 15 lias long and 7 lias wide, curved roof with fish scale tiled, its column painted red, the paint is faded and peeling, the building had molded brick wall at two end. The common house looks filthy and shabby, inside is dark, but with a little sunlight left Crown Prince Lam can saw there is people inside it. When they came inside, a group of 6 village elders kneel down to greet Emperor Tu and Crown Prince Lam "stand up, I am here for urgent state matter, no need for formality." Emperor Tu said. With a weird monotone voice, the elders say their thank simultaneously and stand up. "I''ve been told that, one week ago, there''s an imperial convoy had passed and took a rest stop at this village, do you elders have any information about them? Do tell me everything yours know, even the smallest detail, this is important matter." Emperor Tu asked. An old man about 60 of age, with white beard and a wrinkle emaciated face, step before Emperor Tu, interlocking his finger, bow and spoke with a creepy monotone voice. "Your Majesty, it is true that an imperial convoy, had took a rest stop at our village a week ago, after that they continue on their way to the north, we do not notice anything abnormality." "nothing? When we on our way to here, we found a corpse of a man belong to the convoy, the body only about 30 kelias, south of here, do you know anything about that?" Crown Prince Lam said. "maybe they ran into something after leaved the village?" the old man spoke "we don''t know anything about dead body or what had happened to them after they leaved." 44 THE SINISTER TREE 6 "what''re you staring at? Is there something on the tree?" Crown Prince Lam look up, follow the young man gaze. But all he saw were branches and leaves of the giant tree rattling in the wind. Crown Prince scan his eyes all over the foliage, down to the tree trunk, then up to the foliage again. But found nothing of particular interested, what are these people watching? That young man still sitting there in silent, still staring at the thing that only he and two other can saw, and still pay no attention to Crown Prince Lam present. Waving his hand before the young man face, but the young man still gives no reaction, disappointed and creep out by these people. Crown Prince leave them alone, and come near the giant cerpidar tree and marvel at its magnificent size. Then when he touches the tree, a strange and weird feeling that cannot be describe by any word in any language, sending goosebumps rush through his fingertips to his body like electricity, yet that is not all, there is something in that split second when his skin touch the tree, he heard a voice, someone whisper in his ear. Retreated his hand, and bewildered, Crown Prince Lam turn to the two guards and ask if they just said something, the guards confuse and claimed they has utter not a single word for the past minutes. Crown Prince Lam feel bizarre, he clearly had heard someone whispering in his ear, in that short second. Rubbing his fingers, he wondering if it is just his imagination? Then something caught the corner of his eyes, turn around he saw the middle-aged woman, one of the three people staring at the tree foliage. Now she is staring at him with a lifeless gaze. He also quickly noticed she not the only one, but the middle-aged man and the young man he trying to talk with from earlier, had now fixed their stare at him. Irritated by those villager''s soulless eyes, Crown Prince Lam quickly left. "bruh¡­uh¡­uh¡­ that creepy at hell, what wrong with these people? like they''re possessed or something." One of the two guards accompanied Crown Prince Lam complain as they walk down an empty alleyway. "Highness, I feel there''re some kind of sinister evil in this village, we shouldn''t wander along like this, better to return to the common house with His Majesty." An accompanied guard concern. "uhm¡­ agreed, right from the start I had feel something off when we met that peasant women." Crown Prince Lam said "and ¡­do you two feel strange? I mean¡­ from the moment we enter the village to the time we reached the common house, we''re with that peasant woman all the time, and we don''t see her speak with anyone or have anyone run to notified the village''s elders either. Then how does those elders know we a coming to have them wait in the common¡­" Crown Prince Lam stop mid-sentence, interrupted by a man appeared in front of his eyes from a narrow path left of the alley. The man is in his 30, fit and healthy, he wears nothing but a loincloth, and a pair of black boots. His mid-back length hair is a mess, he standing there in the middle of the alleyway, turn his lifeless and sunken eyes staring at the Crown Prince and his two guards. He standing there motionless for seconds, then, his face twitching, his head stiff and tense, tremble slightly, like something within him is fighting to come out. "g¡­ g¡­ g¡­ get¡­ get out¡­ of here¡­" the man struggling to utter a whisper, the whisper sound more like a moan of a dying beast, breathing it last breaths, Crown Prince Lam feel his eyes somehow came alive in that few short moments when his struggling to utter those words. After those whisper, the man keep rambling on with incomprehensible nonsenses, holding his head, rocking side to side then face up to the sky, his face shriveled into a mesh of wrinkles, as if he''s enduring some unimaginable pain, his fingers pinching deep in his flesh like he about to tear his own face apart. "hey, are you alright?" Crown Prince Lam worry and approaching the man. The man suddenly snapped and lunging toward Crown Prince Lam, grasp hold at his collard, his face only a few liamis away from the Crown Prince. The guards drawn their sword to intervene but stopped by the Crown Prince. The man''s eyes maniacally rotating in those deep sunken eyes sockets of his, mouth flustering with each breath he took. Whisper hysterically the man said "h¡­ hear¡­ hear that¡­ hear that?". He silences for a seconds, eyes still rolling mindlessly. "hear¡­ what?" Crown Prince Lam asked. "you hear that?... the Old Gods¡­ the Old Gods are whispering¡­ they whisper¡­ they want¡­" the man mumbling. "the Old Gods? Whispering what? Want what?" Crown Prince Lam intrigued. But suddenly, the man released his gasp, arms went limp and body became motionless again, face up to heaven, he maintaining that postures for several minutes, giving off soft whimpering exhale sounds. Moments after, he lowered his head, staring Crown Prince Lam with the lifeless eyes, and a freakish grin on his face, slowly he turns around and go back to the narrow path where he came from. Curious, Crown Prince Lam follows the man, the dark tiny path, lie between two molding wall and covered in moss, narrow enough for only one person to tightly fit through. After wiggler their way through the path for a while, Crown Prince Lam came upon an open area, surrounded by 4 houses, that man open a wooden door on the wall of the left house of the open area and walk inside. 45 THE SINISTER TREE 7 As of now they had lost sight of that man, his lantern light has swallowed by the thick darkness of the tuner. Striding through the darkness, Crown Prince Lam do not sure which direction this tuner leads, but he guesses, maybe it run opposite to the direction from when he following the man. One of the guards concerning, but overwhelming with curious Crown Prince Lam still step forward. After 5 ¨C 10 minutes or so, the tuner opens to a big cave, they cannot estimate how big that cave is, far from where they stand, there are wooden lantern poles arranged into a semicircle with a few lit lanterns on top of them. The lanterns shine punily, doing their best to withheld against the surround thick darkness of the cave, they light up a stone pedestal in the middle of the columns semicircle. With the two guards, Crown Prince Lam approaching the pedestal, this place looks like some kind of altar. About a few steps away from the pedestal is a small pond with tree roots, that 5 ¨C 6 time bigger than a house''s column, haft submerge in the water. Crown prince guesses these roots must belong to the gian cerpidar tree he saw on the surface. The trio still overwhelming by surprise, and unknown to them, from the darkness of the cave, lantern lights appeared and silently creeping toward them. 46 THE SINISTER TREE 8 Startle by the voice, Crown Prince Lam turn around to find they had been surrounded by a crowd of people. They standing there, at the edge of the light of the lantern poles, some of them carry a small lantern but lowered them so that only their lower haft being lit, Crown Prince Lam can count about ten persons, standing at the light edge of the lantern poles the rest is obscured in darkness. Three men step forward into the light, one middle-aged and two quite young, only 20 ¨C 30, the middle-aged man is bearded, with a van Dyke beard style about the length of a palm, tall and thin, emaciated and slightly long face, sunken eyes and lifeless gaze, wearing a red cross-collards robe. But yet, Crown Prince Lam still can recognize that familiar face, his uncle, the missing Prince Suk Toa. The other two, one is wearing Brocade Cloak Guard uniform, the other is just a man from the village. "uncle? Is that you? Why are you here?" Crown prince lam asked. Prince Suk Toa return no answer, turn his lifeless eyes staring at his nephew. His face, stiff, expressionless, look more like a mask than a face, dimly lit by lanterns, emitting an extremely eerie ghostly vibe. Slowly, Prince Suk Toa walk toward Crow Prince Lam. "is that you, Lam? Do you hear that?" Prince Toa spoke in a creepy monotone voice. "h¡­hear what, uncle?" Crown Prince Lam frowned answered. "the Old Gods¡­ the Old Gods are whispering¡­ they whisper¡­ they want¡­" Prince Suk Toa mumbled. "w¡­want?" Crown Prince Lam starting to worry by his uncle behavior, a vague dreading sense raising in his mind. Prince Toa stand before his nephew, he stands still in few seconds, then grab Crown Prince Lam collard out of sudden. "you¡­ Lam, they want you." Put his face extremely close to his nephew face, Prince Suk Toa spoke with a freakish wide up to his ear grin. Just like that, Prince Toa hold on to his nephew collard, slowly push Crown Prince Lam toward that strange liquid pond, mumbling "they want you." with a creepy monotone voice as he goes, ignoring Crown Prince Lam told him to let go of his hand. Seeing that, the two Brocade Cloak Guards intervene but the villager and Prince Toa''s Guard charge in, shoved them into that weird viscous greyish liquid. And the strange thing is the liquid cling to their skin like water do but do not cling on to or make their clothes wet. The two guard stand up, flush off the droplets on their skin, bewildered by what just happened, scolding the pair just shoved them into the pond. But one of the guard, abruptly stop, he gave off a gasp, like he just saw something startle him, then went silence, his face become dull-witted for a brief moment, then wrinkled and turned pale, grinding his teeth, he grasps hold at his head, body trembling, he screams out loud "STOP! MAKE it STOP! MAKE IT STOP!" Then collapsed and stop breathing. "shame, he won''t hear." Prince Toa spoke, still kept his freakish smile on his face. "shame? What''re you talking about, uncle? What wrong with you?" Crown Prince Lam said "let go of me." But Prince Toa still firmly grasp hold on Crown Prince Lam''s collard and pull him toward the pond. The remaining guard of the crown prince quickly help his lord and put Prince Toa away, he stands between them pointing his sword at Prince Toa, make him keeping his distain. But his body starting to shaking out of sudden, his face convulsing, the guard drop his sword, bend down on his knees, holding his head, softly wimpling like having a fever. "hey, are you alright?" Crown Prince Lam asked the guard. The man did not respond, just kept clenching his head and mumbling "stop it, please, someone stop it." He acting like that for a minute then roll over on the ground, curled up in fetal position, softly whining like a sick puppy. 47 THE SINISTER TREE 9 When he poked his head out of the trap door, a figure and a flash of steel of a lunging sword aim right the crown prince''s face. Fortunately, the sword''s tip had stopped a few liamis from Crown Prince Lam face. "Lam? Is that you?" Emperor Tu surprise, when he realized who''s head just came out of the hole on the floor. Jump out of the hole, Crown Prince Lam quickly seal the trap door shut with magic. Momently, a loud "thump" come from behind the trap door. Looking around, Crown Prince find himself in the village common house, scattered the floor is the dead bodies of the village''s elders and some villagers, some Brocade Cloak Guards accompanied Emperor Tu were injured. The doors and windows of the common house are closed shut and blocked with the common house''s furniture. Loud thumping kept sounding, as the villagers from the outside hitting the doors trying to get in. "father, what happening here? Are you alright?" Crown Prince Lam concerned. "I''m fine, the villagers sudden went berserk and attacked us, forced the Brocade Cloak Guard''s hand." Emperor Tu explained "and you? where have you been? You making me worry. Why''re you climb out from that hole?" So Crown Prince Lam retold his strange encounter. "so Toa and the convoy are here? And he trying to throw you into that strange pond? What is going on? I don''t understand anything here." Emperor Tu''s mind boggled with the things his son just told 48 THE SINISTER TREE 10 Some minutes late, Crown Prince Lam regain his consciousness amid a desperate scream of a man, after few seconds he realized a mesh of small roots are tying him to their giant main root, next to the Crown Prince is his father Emperor Tu, he is completed unconscious, with a badly bleeding wound on his head. Looking around, Crown Prince Lam find other survived Brocade Cloak Guards amid the rubble of the common house, also tied into the same giant root like him and his father. The scream he heard earlier is from a Brocade Cloak Guard tied into the far end of the gian root, surrounding that poor man are Prince Toa, the villagers and some of the convoy members, the guard body is violently convulsing, eyes rolled up into his skull, mouth moaning "make it stop". Couple minutes late, he died, seeing he is dead the crowd turn to the guard tied next to that ill fate man. They forced his mouth open and pouring some of that grey liquid into his mouth, ignoring his plead for mercy. The guard anxious, breathing heavily, bracing for the awful fate about to befell him, sweat pouring down into small stream swept away the thick dust on his face, and turned it into some odd impressionist painting. Not long after, the guard starting to convulsing, screaming nonstop "SHUT UP, SHUT UP, SHUT UP." His eyes rolling up, face up to the sky and turned all pale, he creaking his teeth and wimpling for a moment then turn silence. The Brocade Cloak Guard sitting still like a statue, his face turned dull-witted and no long respond to anything. Knowing another ill fate soul had join their rank, the crazy crowd grin freakishly. 49 THE WHITE CHILD 1 "Come now child, don''t be scare, tell me what happened?" then goatee man friendly smile "Go on Mai, tell master taosih here what you saw." The father softly spoke with the little girl on his lap. The little girl, 8 to 10 years of age, timidly staring at the goateed taosih while her father comfort her to tell the taosih what has happened. "It''s¡­" little Mai mumbling "it''s¡­ the ghost, the ghost caught big sis." "Alright, then can you tell me where that happened and how is your sister disappeared?" the goateed taosih asked. After a few minute patiently comfort the little, she finally opens up and retold what happened on the day her sister disappeared. Five month ago, on a sunny day little Mai and her big sister Lan, 15 years old. The two sisters went to the nearby forest to gather firewood. At late noon, the girls go bathing at their favourite spot at a stream run through the outskirt of the forest, a wide and shallow pond, not far from that stream is an old rundown abandoned mansion, overgrow with brushes. The mansion sat on the other side of the stream, and the two girls can saw it clearly from where they stand. When little Mai was chasing a frog in the water, the little girl unknowingly come near the old mansion and something spooked her. Frightening, Mai ran back and cling to her big sister. Lan comforting her sister and ask what happened but little Mai won''t speak, the girl just shaking in fear. Worrying, Lan decided to return home, when they passing the old mansion, little Mai bust into tear and refuse to keep going. Lan find that odd, they had walk passed that old mansion countless times before to get to their favourite bathing spot at the stream, but Mai never reacted like this until now. After a few minute of asking, Mai finally told her sister she saw something near the old mansion earlier, in the bushes. Seeing her sister still too scare to keep going, and twilight is approaching soon, Lan told her sister to wait at the side of the path and go check the bushes around the mansion. Little Mai reluctantly agreed and wait, everything was fine as first, Lan going into the thick brushes to have a look around, and spoke out loud to her sister that there is nothing here to reassuring Mai, but then, the teenage girl went silence. The town folks search for Lan that night, and the three next days. All of the old mansion''s ground and the surrounding forest has been thoroughly search but no one can find a trace of the teenage girl. The only trace their found is Lan''s footprints around the dense brushes surround the mansion, as if she has vaporized on the spot. As of Mai, the little girl was so frightened she can barely eat and sleep several days after the incident, and do not say a word of what had happened, just bust out in tear every time someone asked what happened. The local official can''t do anything until little Mai can spoke about what she saw. Then finally 4 days after the incident, "a ghost caught big sis." Little Mai finally spoke. On that day, Mai said she saw a figure in the bushes, the little girl not sure whether that figure is male or female, she can only sure is that, the figure is about her high and either white in colour or wearing white clothes. "And that is when the rumour of a haunting started?" the goateed taosih asked "Yes, master taosih. The mayor doesn''t know what to make of what''s Mai said, so he just assumed she was traumatized and use ghost to rationalized what happened for her sister. After another week passed, the search for Lan still yield nothing and had been call off." the father''s eyes swelling with tear "please, master taosih, if you can then please prevent this tragedy to happen again and help us find some answer." "I''ll do to the best of my ability." The goateed taosih said, politely bow and took leave. 50 THE WHITE CHILD 2 That encounter made Fung on edge for the rest of the day, she barely touches her dinner, easy to freak out and keep jumping at every shadow she saw. When night fall, the teenager asked if she could sleep with her parent. Finding that odd, Fung''s parent trying to comfort her and asked if something happened to her. After hear Fung''s encounter at the abandoned mansion, and due to the unsolved disappearance of Lan, the parent highly concerns, and plan to bring her to the mayor office to report the incident next morning. At midnight, an ear piercing shriek shook the house, the parent woke up and found their daughter curled up in a corner of the room, Fung''s face pale as a corpse, all teary eyes and trembling uncontrollingly. "Please stop it, please stop it." Fung kept gibbering. After an hour of unstop sobbing, Fung finally mumble about something outside the house is trying to get her. The father checked all the inside and outside the house but nothing was found. Yet Fung still not seem to calm down, worrying, the father fetched the town''s physician to have a look at Fung. After the examine, the physician concluded, Fung''s physical health is still normal, but she''s suffering from extreme stress and anxiety, so he prescribed an herbal tea to help calm Fung''s mind and help her sleep. The medicine seems too work as Fung finally able to sleep after took it. Next day, when the mayor''s secretary came to investigate Fung''s father report and take Fung''s testimony, he finds the girl has vanished and the family is scrambling to find her. According to Fung''s father, early in the morning when he goes checks on Fung, he found the front door of the house was wide open, there was no sight of break in, the lock was open from inside and Fung was no trace to be found, the mother said Fung seemingly had recovered a little, she was eating dinner and quite calm when she goes to bed. A search was launched and went nowhere, for 5 days, the town, the forest, the abandoned mansion, all searched. Fung simply took off into the night and vanished. The haunting rumour, of course, exacerbated further and spreading quicker and wider. Eventually, the rumour came to the capital, and caught ears of the goateed taosih. When he came to the town, yet another incident had happened. To avoid a town wide panic, the mayor had sent his assistance mage to perform an exorcist at the abandoned mansion to ease the mind of the town folk. With a few town guards accompanied the mage, they set out early in the morning. Then the guards return, awfully early and by themselves, with a disturbed face they report. When they''re arrived at the abandoned mansion, the mage suddenly froze on the spot, and his eyes turn milky white. Then one of the guards caught a terrible sight. "It''s a figure of a small child wearing white clothes, standing at a window of the second floor of the mansion." One of the guards said, "its¡­ its eyes, it''s like a bottomless pits of darkness, I¡­" the guard tremble in recollecting. And so they panic and run for their life, leaved the frozen mage behind. After a while and finally get a hold of themselves, the town guards return to the abandoned mansion and find the mage had vanished. "Master taosih, as of now, with my assistance mage had gone, I really don''t know what to do with this evil anymore, please help us." The mayor interlock fingers and lowed his head, pleading for help. "Then, can you tell me anything about this mansion? Are there anything happened before Lan''s disappearance, any rumour about haunting of any source?" the goateed taosih asked. "Uh¡­ there is none, master taosih. I never hear anything paranormal in all those years I''m in office. No rumour of any kind, Lan''s disappearance just happened out of nowhere, it''s like some kind of evil just suddenly move in there." The mayor rubbed his forehead. "I''m just a normal man, and don''t know much about magic and arcane matters, I¡­ really don''t understand. As of that mansion, it was a vacation mansion of a wealthy man from the capital, and it has been vacant for a long time and felt into disrepair. That''s that, the owner of that mansion haven''t visit it for years, there was no atrocity or violent event of any kind ever happened there." "Very well, I''ll have a look at that place first thing in tomorrow." The goateed taosih said "Thank you, master taosih. Do you need some guards for assistance?" the mayor said "No need, I''ll go by myself." The goateed taosih said then took his leave. 51 THE WHITE CHILD 3 "If what the mayor said is true, and particularly on the case of the assistance mage. Before the guard saw the allegedly "ghost" the assistance mage''s eyes turned white and he froze on the spot, that would mean he was using his telepathy. But why would he do that if not to defend himself from a telepathy attack? And if the mage indeed was defending himself from telepathy attack from a magic user, then who attacking him? Another mage? But the guards assertively said there was no other soul within their sight when they''re there. The guard''s testimony said that they were about 20 to 10 lias away from the mansion when it happens. Let just assume that they were right and let give it the shortest distance in this case, 10 lias. Even at that distance the possibility of another mage telepathy attack the assistance mage is nil, because telepathy attack only viable in short range about 3 to 5 lias, and the attacker must maintain constant and undisrupted eyes or physical contact. I never hear of any mage able to pull a telepathy attack beyond that range without killing oneself, not even in the wildest rumour. Even naturally gifted in magic like the Elvas, even my wife, as her best can only pull a telepathy attack at 6 lias. Does ghost able to do such thing? Does ghost truly exist? Aucelen once dismissed the existence of ghost¡­ hum¡­ I not so sure, but she is an Elvas after all, let just say her Elvas brain is right then. There was no such thing is ghost and all these paranormal incident was caused by a magic user, then the only magic user, I think¡­ the only one that might able to do such feat that I can imagine of is¡­ her. Is it possible? Is she still alive, after those years?" Emperor Lam sigh, sitting at the table in the room, he pondering about the possibility. One day, lord Wu''s family face quite a disgrace, lady Hue was pregnant, and for some reason, she remains silence about the identity of the baby''s father, and decided to keep the foetus. Time passed and everything quiet down a bit. Then one day, lord Wu announced that his daughter just give birth to a healthy baby girl, also, she had reviewed the father name, and of course it was Emperor Lam. Lord Wu''s words express extreme happiness in this good news as so the entire imperial court. It''s naturally, for the fact that Emperor Lam, to this day, only have one consort is very odd to everyone. And they also urging Emperor Lam to have lady Hue as his first concubine. This news shock Emperor Lam, and causing trouble, to say the least, for his relationship with his wife. Especially after the banishment of their only son. As wise and reasonable as an Elvas can be, Empress Aucelen is not some infallible goddess, even if she trying to control her emotion, Emperor Lam still can tell that his wife is jealous. Though Emperor Lam had trying to talk to her wife about this subject, Empress Aucelen kept avoiding it by saying that she''s understand, that she knows this is Downers custom, and it''s understandable and preferable for an emperor to have many wives. But she''s not talking to him if it isn''t an utmost importance state matters, and her language turned extremely formal even when they''re along together. He''s no longer felt that warm and loving feeling from her gaze no more, the gaze of her blue eyes turned freezing cold and disdain is her react to his touch. And she kept sleeping in her private library with the excuse of researching. This show how the news affected her, even when former Crown Prince Tua has been trip of his tittle and banished to the military. Empress Aucelen still express her understanding in her husband decision, their still effuse their thoughts to each other, and her love for Emperor Lam is still remain warm, although she was saddening by their son''s fate. Once again, with the excuse of research, Empress Aucelen avoid sharing bed with her husband. It has been 4 nights in a row already. So this time, no matter how she reacts, Emperor Lam will force her to confront him. When Empress Aucelen came to her library, she finds her husband sitting there in her desk, turned around, she trying to leave but the doors slam shut in front of her by Emperor Lam telekinesis. "Lam¡­ have not I told you, that¡­ I¡­ understand, and¡­ fully support of you having lady Hue as your concubine?" Empress Aucelen''s eyes glistering, voice slightly tremble. "The baby girl is not mine." With an assuring voice, Emperor Lam said. "It¡­ heh¡­ are¡­ how can you be sure about that?" Empress Aucelen said after seconds of silence "Yes, I do meet her from time to time, but that was just friendly meeting, we''re just friend." Emperor Lam said, treaded quickly across the room, Emperor Lam grabbed his wife shoulders, turn her to look at him. "Look at me, look at me. Tell me, why would I lie, huh?" Emperor Lam said, stare into her eyes. "By Quelas''Airuth the supreme, and in the name of my father and his ancestor, in the name of my mother and her people, I swear this to you! The kid is not mine!" after a deep breath he continue "you don''t believe me? Then mind probe me, mind probe me, see if I''m lying to you, do it!" Seeing that glistering pair of black eyes of her husband and those tear about to come out from his eyes, Empress Aucelen sudden realized maybe she had been unreasonable to her husband. She let out a hiccup and rest her chin on his shoulder. "I¡­ I trust you." Empress Aucelen whimpering in her husband arms. "By the gods, Aucelen. Even if I want a concubine, I would never do it behind your back, and sleeping around like this." Emperor Lam sigh. "Of all the races in Varlaurea, I thought you Elvas must be the most understanding and level head of all, why don''t you just let me talk about this with you, what happened to you, silly girl?" Emperor Lam whispered to his wife. "Sorry, I¡­ do not know why am I acting like this, it¡­phew¡­" Empress Aucelen sigh "oh¡­ this is embarrassing, this is the first time I ever felt this much jealousy." "It''s alright, it''s alright." Emperor Lam whispered Empress Aucelen softly smile "but¡­ if the child is not you, then why lord Wu and lady Hue claimed it is? What are their motive? Why are they doing this?" "We''ll find out, we''ll find out, my love, for now¡­ just stay like this for a while, I miss your warm, leaf-ear." Emperor Lam rest his cheek on his wife chest. They just stand there in silence, holding each other tight in their arms. 52 THE WHITE CHILD 4 "We''re along now, what do you want to tell me lord Wu? Is it about your daughter?" Emperor Lam spoke when they reached his study room "Y¡­yes, Your Majesty, I¡­" the man falteringly spoke "You don''t look so well, is something happened?" Emperor Lam asked "Uh¡­ Your Majesty, it¡­ I¡­ I don''t know how to say this¡­ but¡­ may I urge you to meet my daughter and the child?" Lord Wu said. "Lord Wu¡­ I already told you, right now I''m very busy with the dike project. I''ll look to the matter of your daughter concubine status later" Emperor Lam sigh. "No¡­ no, Your Majesty, I came to you today not because of that, it''s¡­" lord Wu twitched, his face tense and his eyes darting around the room like he just saw something. "Lord Wu? Are you alright? Sit down, talk to me" Emperor Lam asked, poured lord Wu a cup of tea "Thank you, Your Majesty." Sipped down the tea lord Wu continue "Your Grace, something very weird is happening to the infant in the past few days..." he spoke with a miserable look on his face "¡­ first, is¡­ I don''t know how to describe them¡­ odd dreams? Nightmares? It happened to everyone in the mansion, kept everybody up at night, and causing insomnia and fatigue. Then some of the servants reported strange happenings around the infant''s room. Objects or furniture were at place where they shouldn''t be, and the servants also says that, sometime when they''re near the infant. Their mind suddenly gone blank, and they felt confused, lost track of time and their surroundings, like something had took over or poking around in their mind. And the hallucinations also, some of them says they heard voice where no one to be found, and saw things¡­ or shadow, figure¡­ in their eyes corner¡­" Give off a big sigh, and with a disturbed face, lord Wu continue "¡­ I don''t believe them at first, until it literally happened to me just the night before when I playing with the infant. Also Hue is acting very strange even before she gave birth, she is¡­ sometime caught talking with herself, or acting like she''s in a trance or something. Then¡­ just the day before the infant somehow walk and speak. And it''s not the toddling way of walk or baby babble, she walks and speak like a full grown child." "I was about to find a taosih to take a look of this, but I think since Your Majesty is also a powerful mage yourself, perhaps it''s the best if you look into this yourself? The child is your, after all." Lord Wu pleading "Very well, I''ll came to see them tomorrow." Emperor Lam said "Thank you, Your Majesty." Lord Wu thanked and took leave. 53 THE WHITE CHILD 5 "Ah, mother. Look, we have guest." The child spoke to her mother when she saw Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen walk came near. "Hello." The child said "Hi there, little one." Empress Aucelen stooped down to the child "how are you, can you tell me your name?" "My name is Li. Lady why are you look so weird?" the child said "Li, that is Empress Aucelen, Empress of Varlann. Address Her Grace properly." Lord Wu said "It is alright, lord Wu." Empress Aucelen said, then turn to the child "me? Strange? What make you say that?" "Well¡­" the child took a long look at Empress Aucelen "you¡­ look difference from everyone else. Your hair''s colour looks like my bracelet''s colour" Li point at her little gold bracelet "¡­and your eyes looks like the sky, and your skin white like the cloud, and your ears are pointy and long like the bamboo leaf in the courtyard. Why is that?" the girl poke with an enthusiastic curiosity voice, her black eyes glistering. "Oh! that man over there." Li curiously pointing at Emperor Lam "why is you have horns, mister??" "It''s because, Her Grace is an Elvas, dear." Lady Hue said "and that man, my dear, is His Majesty Suk Lam, Emperor of Varlann, and your father." "Hi, little Li, how are you?" Emperor Lam stooped down "My father???" Li curiously looking at Emperor Lam, then turn to her mother "Are you mistaken mother? He''s not my father." They all look at each other when the infant said that. "What do you mean by that, little one?" Empress Aucelen asked. "Mother is mistaken, that man isn''t my father, I''d met my father¡­" with some cute gestures Li continue "...father beard is big and longer than mister emperor, he also has a long moustache, and his face look kind of funny coloured, and he''s definably don''t have horns." "Hue, what on earth is the kid talking about?" lord Wu spoke Ignore her father lady gave off an eerie smile "No, Li you''re the one mistaken, His Majesty is your father. Now say ''father'' little one" "No!" lady Hue growled, her eerie smile faded, replaced by irritation "His Majesty is your father. He¡­ guaranteed¡­" took a deep breath, she paused, her mouth''s corners twitching "last time, Li, His Majesty is your father." "Lady Hue? What do you mean by "he guaranteed"? Who is ''he''?" Emperor Lam said "Li! His Majesty is your father¡­" lady Hue said, then turn to Emperor Lam, she became agitated "Your Majesty¡­ you must believe me, Li is¡­ is your daughter¡­ she is your daughter. She is¡­ I¡­ I.. no¡­ no, no, no, no, no¡­ no¡­ she definably your daughter, it''s¡­ it''s¡­" the Downer woman became more and more agitated, she bended down, body shaking and eyes darting around. "Hue, calm down, what happening to you." Lord Wu started to worry "Mother, are you alright?" Little Li said Emperor Lam try to calm her down, but the Downer woman suddenly grabbed hold at his collard "Your Majesty¡­ I¡­ I''m so sorry¡­" lady Hue spoke in tear "It just¡­ it just¡­ I love you, I truly am, I¡­ NO¡­ she is his daughter." Then she dropped to the ground, cover her face and sobbing nonstop, while mumbling unintelligently. "Mother! Are you alright." Little Li starting to cry, at that moment all of them felt an intense qigun aura suddenly emitting from the little infant, with it also, it''s an intense telepathic wave rushing out to all direction from the crying infant, making lord Wu and even those who''s in approximate to the courtyard felt intense pain. Even powerful mage like Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen also effected by the infant''s power, their head felt like being hit repeatedly by a hammer. Empress Aucelen quickly grabbed the infant hand and use her telepathy to calm the child down and put her into slumber. After everyone had recover, Empress Aucelen explain to lord Wu about the infant power, and that, all the strange happenings in the past few days was cause by the infant''s magical potential. Lord Wu was astounded to learn that, indeed, a week old infant can walk and talk by herself, and also possessed an immense magical potential is never heard of before. Mage only exerting sign of their magical potential when reached age 13 ¨C 14. But to Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen, the infant''s words just a moment ago are more noteworthy. Empress Aucelen pick up lady Hue while Emperor Lam tend to the infant, with the unconsciousness Downer women on her arms, Empress Aucelen proceed to mind probe her. "Your Grace! Why are you¡­" before lord Wu could protest her invasive act on his daughter, Emperor Lam stop him. After a minute, Empress Aucelen gave her husband a look that he was hoping to not receive. "Lord Wu¡­ I''m afraid¡­ the empress has confirmed something that I was hoping to be proven wrong." With a big sigh Emperor Lam said "Lord Wu, your daughter¡­ has ''the madness''." Empress Aucelen said "W¡­what!?! It''s can''t¡­ be! Are you sure Your Grace?" lord Wu shocked by that revelation. 54 THE WHITE CHILD 6 "I don''t care. If there is a way to save her then please, Your Grace." Lord Wu kneeled down "Very well, I will contact my people to tend to lady Hue." Empress Aucelen said "Thank you, Your Grace." Lord Wu overjoyed and kowtow to her. "Lady Hue, tell me, exactly how did that man made you bear His Majesty child?" Empress Aucelen broke her silence. "Is it? You lay with that man is it? You stupid, stupid girl." Lord Wu grinding his teeth "No, father, I swear in front of His Majesty and Her Grace, I swear in honour of our ancestor, in the name of Quelas''Airuth and the Five. I did not lay with him." Lady Hue affirmed "it''s just¡­ I¡­ not sure how¡­ but, all I did is just gave him a strand of hair of His Majesty, then all I remember is some strange magic ritual, and¡­ and¡­ I was in a haze for days. And... and a few weeks later I starting to have sign of pregnancy. I swear! I didn''t lay with him!" "I... at first can''t believe it, nor do I think the child is His Majesty blood, I was scared, but¡­ but then, somehow, I don''t know how, I¡­ I heard voices¡­ in my head¡­ whispering¡­ and¡­ and the voices¡­ claims the child is His Majesty¡­ I¡­" lady Hue broke down in tear again. Heard that, Empress Aucelen silence for a few seconds, then she abruptly changes attitude, claimed that lady Hue is just a victim who had been took advantage of, and mandate lord Wu have to take care of her. Then suggest to her husband that they return to the palace. "Talk to me Aucelen." Emperor Lam asked his wife, when they''re in the carriage. "What''re you up to?" "Am I that obvious?" Empress Aucelen smile, then show her husband something in her handkerchief, a strand of hair she plucked unnoticed when speaking with Li. "You plucked that from the infant? Are you plan to use your tests to verify if she''s my daughter?" Emperor Lam sigh "Are you sure? Had her confession just now not enough? Beside how can you convince anyone that your tests are valid? No one understands how your tests work, even me. I only trust your test result because I trust you." "Lady Hue did say she do not know how the man name Liu can make her bear your child, without she lay with you, right?" Empress Aucelen said, put her handkerchief back into sleeves pocket "Well¡­ I''m not so sure what she means by that¡­ uh¡­ maybe that man is just lying to her to¡­ I mean¡­ with her?" Emperor Lam shrugged "There is a way." Empress Aucelen said "What!? Are you sure?" Emperor Lam surprise "Indeed, I will tell you more when I had the test result." Empress Aucelen sigh. "I am so hope I was wrong." 55 THE WHITE CHILD 7 "Hu Xia" Emperor Lam spoke as a familiar name come to his mind. "He still had the ancient spell book from the disciples of Ochwesi, isn''t he? Maybe his stumper upon something like that in the book and try it out for some sicken twisted reason? Or maybe that''s the reason he wants the book in the first place." "You mean, this man, Liu is actually Hu Xia? It¡­ it¡­ is possible." Empress Aucelen contemplating "Hum¡­ come to think of it, the man I saw in lady Hue''s memory do resemblance Hua Xia, if removed the beard and moustache. And since he also has "the Madness" maybe he has passed it onto lady Hue to¡­ easily manipulating her." "But the thing is¡­ why''s he doing this? Why''s he uses magic to create a child of mine? For what?" Emperor Lam wondering "Wait, remember when you mind probe Touton? Isn''t you''d learned something about his master, who''s we also learned is Hua Xia, is traveling to find a way to bring the Abandoned Old Gods back to this world." Emperor Lam trying to connect the dots "Maybe through some mean, he learned of the ancient book''s existence and it containment of ancient arcane knowledge that might help him. That''s why he stole it with the help of my brother Nin, and maybe Li¡­ I don''t know¡­ he thinks created Li might help somehow¡­" 56 THE WHITE CHILD 8 "Stop it, Li! I don''t mean you any harm!" Emperor yelled, and the qigun aura stop as fast as it appeared. "Li, Is that you? Come out, I just want to talk." Emperor Lam said Minutes of silence passed, then from the second windows on the left, a small head poke out. A little girl, about 5 years old, with a medium bob-cut and flat bangs, her black hair dotted with some white locks, her cute face also dotted with some strange small ashen grey freckles like dots. The girl looks down at Emperor Lam with her round shiny black eyes, seconds passed her mouth moved, and she spoke. "You¡­ know my name?" "Yes, yes I know your name." Emperor Lam smiled and removed his disguise amulet. Li''s eyes glistering and blurt out an "whoa" as she saw a pair of antlers suddenly appeared on the stranger''s head. "Do you recognized me?" Emperor Lam asked "Hum¡­" Li chun out her cute lips as she recollecting her memory "Ah! Are you the man that mother mistaken as my father?" "Yes, it''s me. I had been looking for you for 5 years." Emperor Lam smiled. "Looking for me?" Li frowned then turn her head looking around the mansion ground from her vantage point "Um¡­ mister, I think you should leave now, before father come back." "Li, where are your mother? How is she?" Emperor Lam asked The girl silence, sadness can be see clearly in her eyes. Li nodded, lunged herself out of the window, and landed on the ground like a feather. "Mister, I really thing you shouldn''t stay here for long¡­ if¡­ if not¡­" Li spoke Emperor Lam stooped down and hold her shoulders "Li, listen to me." With an affectionate voice, Emperor Lam look into the child eyes "I''d hear, in the past few months, there a people gone missing around this place. Do you know anything about that?" The girl avoided Emperor Lam eyes as she hears the question. "Come, I won''t blame you, tell me." Emperor Lam said Li''s eyes glistering, her lips slightly move but not spoke into word. Seconds later, she mumbles "I¡­ I didn''t mean to¡­" still avoid Emperor Lam gaze. "Did you do something bad?" Emperor Lam rubbing Li''s head "don''t be scare, tell me." "I¡­ I didn''t mean to hurt them¡­ I had try to scare one of them away¡­" Li murmured "but¡­ but then¡­ father make me lure them in for him." "It''s alright, it''s not your fault." Emperor Lam smiled "but what do your father want from those people?" "I don''t know." Li said "he kept those people under the ground." "Can you show me where that place is?" Emperor Lam asked "No, father forbid." Li shaken her head "you should leave mister, if father see you he might get angry." Before Emperor Lam can say any other word he suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of his neck. Reached behind he found a small dart on his neck, Emperor Lam Sprang up on his legs, look for the hidden assailant, but can''t find a single shadow in the courtyard. Li startled and run off into the wood, Emperor Lam tries to go after her, but he started to feel lightheaded and his limbs felt weak, collapsed to his knees, his head is spinning, and vision starting to blur. Then from behind a bush, a figure appeared, slowly approaching him. "Well, well, well, fancy to meet you here." The figure spoke. "Don''t worry, it won''t kill you, just a knock out drug, you''ll be back to your sense after an hour or so, and we''ll have a nice chat." 57 THE WHITE CHILD 9 "Hua Xia." Emperor Lam spoke. "Hua Xia???..." the beard man tilled his head "Oh! You mean me." "Hah hah, yes, yes that was my name. Uh hum¡­ uh hum¡­ yes that was my name¡­ although I don''t use it anymore. Hah hah." Hua Xia slapping his forehead "So what now? Are you going to kill me?" Emperor Lam smirk "Kill you? What do you mean¡­" Hua Xia slightly wave his hand "Oh¡­ we have a kind of bad start, aren''t we?" "No, no, don''t worry I won''t kill you, I just want to talk." Hua Xia smiled "Talk? Alright, then we''ll talk." Emperor Lam said "what are you plotting here? Why''re you trying to bring back the Old Gods?" "Me? Bring back the Old Gods?" Hua Xia said "Oh, so you had met those Orcs. They must had told you about the book then. Why wouldn''t they¡­ the Old Gods¡­ hum¡­ what exactly are you afraid of the returning of the Old Gods? My little emperor. Why are you¡­ and those Orcs scared of that premise so much? Is it because of those stories? The stories that said how terrible the Old Gods are? Or because of the new established doctrine of the New Gods?" Hua Xia paused, put his face closer to Emperor Lam "Tell me, when was the last time, yours prays answered by Quelas''Airuth and the Five? Do they care about us? Or. Do they even existed? Hum¡­? But the Old Gods, the Old Gods¡­ I know they''re real." "How? You may had already know that¡­ I can hear the Old Gods whispering." Hua Xia pointed to his ears "Do you know there was tales of old time, time when the gods walk among mortal. Imagine such a world, with legitimate gods, which can communicate with us mortal and actually care. Now those are the gods I can worship, not just some stone statue collecting dust in some temple. But hearing the Old Gods whispering is not the only thing I can. No, no, that''s not all. Throughout the years, I also had peek into the mind of the Old Gods¡­ No, no, not just peek¡­ immerge in it and do you know what I find?" "Wow, you''re even madder than I imagine." Emperor Lam smirk. "It''s seem¡­" Hua Xia gasped Emperor Lam face, and creepily rubbing his cheek "our mortal tongue had fail to make you see what I see¡­ don''t worry I can help with that¡­ I can make you hear the Old Gods, my little emperor. I can help you." "Thank, but no thanks." Emperor Lam said, his eyes turned white and Hua Xia flung backward into the darkness of the room. With his telekinesis Emperor quickly remove the restrain on his arms. But before he can loose the rope on his legs. The madman Hua Xia lunged on him, knocked over the small candle, threw the room into a pit black darkness, and fleeing to a faint trip of light on the floor, where the door would be. After freed himself, Emperor Lam rush through the door, and find himself in another large dark room with stone floor, dimly lit by a dying small candle on the floor, the large room seem to divided into smaller sections with makeshift wooden dividing panels. And not far from where he standing, Emperor Lam saw Hua Xia, holding a touch and a small bag, fleeing toward an archway, there also a man following him. When they saw Emperor Lam, Hua Xia order his follower to slow Emperor Lam down, Hua Xia''s follower wave his hand followed with a spell, several wooden dividing panels near Emperor Lam, broke off and felt on him. Counter the attack with his telekinesis, Emperor Lam throw the wooden panels back to his opponent. The follower put up a barrier around him for defend, caused the panels to broke into pieces upon impact with his barrier. Before the dust and splinters from the broken panels subsided, Emperor Lam closed in and blow his opponent to the stone wall of the room with a close-range lightning strike. Trucked by lightning strike, even the follower''s magic barrier had help mitigated the damage. Half of his body still badly burned, a normal person would be dying in agony right now. But to Emperor Lam surprise, the follower''s horrible burn wound seem to have no effect on him, he stands up like he felt no pain, grasped a piece of wood from the broken panels and lunge forward. Emperor Lam quickly kick him at the stomach, dropped the follower to the ground and with his telekinesis drive the piece of wood in the follower''s hand through his heart. Only by that Hua Xia''s follower is completely dead. 58 THE WHITE CHILD 10 By the time Emperor Lam get out of the cave, Hua Xia has vaporized into thin air. After 2 hours searching for any trace of Hua Xia around the cave entrance and find nothing, Emperor Lam give up and find the way back to the mansion. At the abandoned mansion he combing the place again in hope of finding Li, but when twilight is approaching, Emperor Lam has no choice but return to the town. Surprised the entire town with his presence, Emperor Lam announce that the evil at the abandoned mansion has been dealt with, and all the misfortune happened were caused not by anything paranormal but by a rogue mage who is being wanted by the Imperial Court, the entire town was relief after learn that. When the next morning come, Emperor Lam brought a couple of men from the town guard, and retrace his way back to the cave entrance in the wood, to re-examining Hua Xia''s underground hideout. When they venture into the cave, some 10 -15 lias from the entrance, they find a small room, built into a small nature cave room with wooden panels, inside it''s a small bed with some living utensils, also there are children clothes and a self-make ragdoll. This seem to be where Li and Hua Xia was stayed in the past months. After went through the tunnel and return to the room under the ground, they realized that the place is actually a large basement beneath the mansion. At the northern wall of the basement is a stone staircase lead to a trap door to the surface. Emperor Lam recall the northern part of the mansion is cover in rubbles of the collapsed roof, no wonder the previous search can''t found this trap door. Also Emperor Lam later learn that this mansion was belong to a rich man who''s a part of a huge smuggling ring from Chihan, the mansion was use as a drop point and warehouse of the smuggling operation. After the smuggling ring busted by Imperial officer, the mansion felt in to disrepair and abandoned. 59 THE GREY MAIDEN 1 The southeast borderland between Varlann and Chihan, its wilderness spans wide and as far as the eyes can see, a thick carpet of forest stretch out on all direction to the horizon, swaying gently under the cool morning breeze. On that horizon of tree, the splendid sun slowly raises, shower its golden ray over all things. Due to the heavy rain last night, the forest now glistering like fine jade by the lingering rain drops on the foliage as the sunlight sweeping over them. Dotted that landscape were a few sights of civilisation, villages of farming communities and a charming small city. Overlook them all, not far to the north, on a highest hill, stood Heitei fortress, the name mean "Black Stone" due to the black granite stone of its foundation and its wall. The fortress server as a landmark to defined the border between two empires, and also a safe haven for the nearby folks in case of war or nature disaster. On top of the fortress tallest tower, there stand a man of late twenty, with a short moustache. Taking in the cool early autumn air and the smell of the forest, "Such a wonderful sight." He thinks, while gazing upon the beautiful ethereal sight unfolding before his eyes. It''d been his morning routine lately, to take a troll around the fortress early in the morning and watch the sun raise on the tallest watchtower of the fortress. "Your Highness, general Lee said the girl had awake." A soldier approached. "I''ll be there shortly." The young man said Gaze on the morning view one more time and stretching his limbs, the prince took leave and heading to where his next business be, the teenage girl mentioned by the soldier. Striding down the spiral stair the prince reminiscent of what had happen. Amidst the pouring rain last night, about passed midnight, a teenage girl about 15 to 16 year of age, shown up at the fortress main gate, tatted clothes and soaking wet, sobbing nonstop and talking incoherently, she begging the guards to save her and then felt into unconsciousness, her face was badly bruised, legs were filled with cuts and thorns from the forest brushes, mud mix with blood from the wounds as she ran barefooted thought the wilderness. The soldier quickly brought her inside and have the stationed physician tends to her. When prince Tua was noticed of the incident, the girl was suffering a fever, in her delirium state, she kept mumbling about some kind of evil want to get her, then finally slipped into sleep with the help of the medicine. "Doctor Chen, how is the girl from last night?" Prince Tua said as he approaching the physician''s table in the infirmary. "Highness, the girl is stable, her fever though still persists but had gone down significantly." Physician Chen said "Thank for you hard work doctor, can I speak with her?" Prince Tua asked The teenager laying on the bed in the corner of the room, when Physician Chen state Prince Tua''s name she trying to stand up but told to stay in bed by the prince. "How are you feeling now? Can you speak?" Prince Tua asked "Y¡­yes, Highness." The girl mumbled after a few seconds timidly staring at Prince Tua. "Can you tell me your name?" Prince Tua asked The girl remain silence, starting to shaking, staring at Prince Tua with a fearful eye. "It''s alright don''t¡­" Prince Tua reached out his arm trying to comfort her, but she recoiled immediately, clinging to the bed sheet, tear swell up in her eyes and a trauma filled look on her face. "Well¡­ whatever happened to you must be very horrible¡­" Prince Tua sigh "It''s alright, just rest. You''re safe here. You can tell me what had happened whenever you''re ready." Prince Tua smiled, reassured the girl then took leave. Prince Tua then meet with General Lee, the commanding officer of this fortress before he arrived here. And have he send some men to the town and the villages in the region to investigate about the girl. After that, the rest of the day is just routine training overseer. The next day, the physician notified Prince Tua that the girl wants to peak with him, when Prince Tua meet her in the infirmary at noon, the girl was sit on the edge of her bed and staring out of the window, but not to enjoy the view outside, her eyes look alert, like she was on the lookout or afraid of something or some threat might be lurking outside. "Are you alright?" the girl jolted when Prince Tua call her. "Your Highness." She said try to stand up to bow "No need for formality, just sit." Prince Tua said, pull up the chair Physician Chen brought to him "So¡­ doctor Chen said you want to speak with me?" "Your Highness, I don''t know who to turn to, but you must help me, please, I begging you." With a trembling voice, the girl kowtow on her bed "It''s alright, calm down, first can you tell me your name?" Prince Tua asked "My name is Xuan, Your Highness, Sai Tuxuan." The girl answered "Sai Tuxuan? So you''re the daughter of Sai Lung ''the generous'' of Saida Village?" Prince Tua surprised "Yes, Your Grace." Xuan said "So what''d happened? How do you end up in the state when the guard found you?" Prince Tua said "Your Highness, there¡­ there some kind of evil is consuming my village." Xuan said with a trembling voice "Some kind of evil? What do you mean by that?" Prince Tua said sit forward on his chair "I¡­ I¡­ I don''t know, but¡­ but there was definably¡­ definably something¡­ weird, something evil is happening in my village, Your Highness." Xuan said wipe a tear off her cheek "It all started about¡­ a month ago, I think, at first people went missing, the local governor was alerted but to my knowledge he never sends any help. So my father did all he could to aid the villagers in the search for the missing people. Then some of the missing persons returned, not simply returned, it''s like they''re just reappeared in the village, no one knows how did they get back or where did they gone. I heard from the servants in my house that those who came back are acting weird." "Acting weird? how?" Prince Tua questioned "Rumours said they speak in a strange manner¡­ very¡­ monotone, like¡­ like they''re no longer themselves... some even says, maybe the people that returned are not the people who went missing¡­ like they''d been replaced by something that look like them¡­ I don''t know how, but then I''d seen it with my own eyes. One of my maid also went missing and comeback, and she did act like that, when I ask about her change of demeanour, she just says that she has been enlightenment, that she had heard the voice of gods or something. And¡­ there are also some strange activities, that I''d heard, like strange gathering in the woods. My father took noticed, he went to town to press the governor to act again, while my brother trying to investigate the matter himself, and he went missing too" Xuan snorted and continue with a trembling voice, eyes wetted with tears "¡­that was 5 days ago, and then the night before yesterday¡­ the night I ran to here¡­ that night¡­" Xuan trembling in recollection "some dozens of people stormed my family estate, they attacking everyone, when some of them busted into my room, I recognized nearly haft of them were the people in my village, the ones who went missing and came back, I tried to fought back but they beat me senseless¡­" Xuan stop again to take a deep breath "luckily a servant came to my aid, so I be able to escape, as I ran through the courtyard, they didn''t notice me, thanks to the pouring rain, and I think I''s saw those people were tying up the servants and dragging them to¡­ Quelas''Airuth know where." A hiccup busted out of Xuan as she can''t hold her emotion anymore "I don''t know where my father is or if he''s alright¡­ and my brother¡­ please, Your Highness, please help me." Spoke through a bust of emotion, Xuan climb down the bed kowtowing to Prince Tua "Calm down, calm down" Prince Tua said, help the girl get up "Don''t worry, I promise, I''ll look into this. Now have some rest." "Thank you, Your Highness." Xuan smiled in tear. Returned to his office, Prince Tua ask General Lee if the men were sent to investigate about Xuan from earlier has returned. The general replied that almost all of them has return but empty handed, the remained few who haven''t return yet were sent to the remotest villages, and it may take them about a day or two to reporting in. As they talking a soldier come through the prince office''s door. "You Highness, there is a man called Sai Lung waiting at the fortress gate, he said that he heard his daughter is here and came to retrieve her." The soldier said "Mister Sai Lung is here? Very well, bring him here." Prince Tua said A few minutes later, a middle-age man came to Prince Tua''s office, the man is in his 50s, a little fat, rounded face with a small goatee and long moustaches, there is a large bruise on his forehead but other than that the man look quite healthy. "Mister Sai Lung, it''s a pleasure to meet you today." Prince Tua greeted "The honour is mine, Your Highness. Thank you for sheltered my daughter." Mr. Lung said "I''m glad that you suffered nothing major from the assault at your estate the night before." Prince Tua said "Thank you for your concern, Your Grace, but what do you mean by my estate was assaulted?" Mr. Lung smiled "Huh? The assault at the night before, your daughter told me that? Was I wrong? Then what happened to your head?" Prince Tua stumped "There was no assault, your Highness, what you''ve heard must be one of my daughter many fantastical tales¡­" Mr. Lung sighed, his eyes seem blank. "It''s saddened me to say, this bruise was caused by her. You see, my daughter''s mind was sick, she sometime loosed her grip on reality and imagining odd thinks, it''d been like that since her mother passed away two years ago, I''d find many doctor to treat her but the best they can do is ease some of the symptoms, but every now and then she''ll act up like this." Mr. Lung again give off a sad smile, or an attempt of a sad smile, then he continues "please, Your Highness, can I retrieve my daughter now?" Surprised by what mister Lung said, Prince Tua sighed, gave his condolence and told a soldier to lead mister Lung to the infirmary. When the man leaved the office, General Lee who remain silence the whole conversation spoke "that was odd?" "What do you mean, general?" Prince Tua turned to the general "Him." The general said "I don''t know, but there is something about him I find odd, Your Highness. I''d known him since I was stationed here, he''s a very jolly man even well passed his wife death, and¡­ his story about his daughter¡­ I never heard he mentioned his daughter be like that since his wife passed away. In fact, I''d heard, from his mouth, not long after missus Sai passed, that his daughter was the one who held him together and cheer him up... and¡­ and¡­" General Lee sighed, scratching his chin "oh well¡­ I guess you can''t really know a man." "And what, general?" Prince Tua asked "I¡­ well¡­ somehow¡­ I find his manner in the whole conversation with you is¡­ strange. It''s felt like he was¡­ acting or something. And is it me or the way he talks a little¡­ monotone?" General Lee said 60 THE GREY MAIDEN 2 Later that day, Prince Tua reached the infirmary and queried Physician Chen about Xuan, something about what General Lee said after his meeting with Sai Lung is bordering him "Doctor Chen, I need to talk to you." Prince Tua walked into the doctor''s office "How may I serve, Highness?" Doctor Chen bowed "Uhm¡­ from earlier, when mister Sai came to retrieve his daughter, do you¡­ see anything odd? I mean anything you can think of as strange, even the smallest thing." Prince Tua asked Stroking his beard for a few moments, the physician recollecting "Uh¡­ strange? I don''t think¡­ Er¡­ maybe there''s one thing¡­ it''s hard to say¡­ and I may be wrong, but when mister Sai came and after exchanged a few word with miss Xuan, she seems to be¡­ afraid. When they walked passed my desk she was glancing at me, as if she was begging for help, and seem to be hesitated to leave with her father." Physician Chen replied. "What do you think of miss Xuan when you tending to her? Do you think she might have mental health issue?" Prince Tua asked "Highness, the amount of time she was here is too short for me to be of certain, but based on what I had assessed from tending her for the past 2 days, I''ll says no. She''s traumatized from being assaulted, and suffered a little concussion, but mental ill? I highly doubt that." The physician answered. "Thank you, doctor. I''ll take my leave." Prince Tua said and went back to his office. When the next day arrived, General Lee reported that all the remain dispatchers has returned, except for the one. Prince Tua pacing to and fro in his office, hesitating, thinking on about how should he act next, after his talk with Physician Chen and now last dispatcher, the one who has been sent to Saida village still hadn''t return, Prince Tua think Miss Xuan story is worth to took notice to say the least. But how should he handle the situation, can''t just barge in the Sai estate to talk to her about these things, beside Prince Tua is with the military, this situation is not his jurisdiction but the local governor. And this borderland''s inhabitant comprised of nearly 80 percent are immigrant from Chihan, the Sai clan is very respected and influential not just to their village but also to the whole region, they also have many connections from Chihan. Offended them may cause unrest in the immigrant population. Moreover, the behaviour of the governor is suspicious, why''s he didn''t do anything about these incidents? Perhaps, Prince Tua should investigate this himself¡­ off the book. "Hey waited, do you know what the deal with that man?" Prince Tua pointed at the half-awake man "Oh boy¡­ that''s just sad, my sir. You must be new in town, I assume." The waiter shook his head, look at the passed out man "his has been like that for¡­ over a month by now, since¡­ practically his entire family¡­ well¡­ disappeared." "Disappeared? what happened?" Prince Tua asked "I don''t know much, but, rumour is. About two months ago his wife and their two kids went back to her home village to visit her parents and never return, no one knows what exactly had happened, the women have done such trip countless time before and the road was safe, her home village was not that far from the city either, it''s just over a day of public carriage ride. He reported it with the governor but nothing was done, I heard. The poor sod searches and search, yet still¡­" the waited sigh "His wife and kids were just¡­ vaporized into thin air, and so he came here every day to drown his sorrow since. Poor guy." "So do you know where his wife home village is?" Prince Tua asked "er¡­ it''s¡­ Sa¡­ Saida village, I think." The waiter answered Prince Tua thanked the waited with a few coin and continue with his meal. Day break, he came to the governor''s office to pay him a visit under the guise of filing a missing person report before heads to Saida village. But the prince only can meet the governor''s secretary, the civic servant pessimistically shook his head and told Prince Tua that the governor is not in office right now. Also, he told the prince don''t get his hope up, because there had been three reports of missing in recent time and not one case is being work on. He said, the governor hadn''t tending to his duty for a few months now, all he does is locked himself in his study, even barely interacting with his own family, and sometime disappeared for days, no one knows where he went. After exchange a few words Prince Tua took leave and continue his way to Saida Village. The ride took about one night and a day and a haft to get to Saida village. When Prince Tua reached Saida village, it already about near noon of the next day. What welcome them is an air of eeriness as they rode along the road lead into the village, passing through the village''s agriculture land. There were a few villages tending to their field and their eyes were following the Prince and his bodyguards as they rode passed them, but not in a curious "who visiting us?" way, no, some of those eyes seem¡­ lifeless, with blank face expression and an unnerving unblinking stare. And those who with that kind of gaze are standing still, mid action, like a statue or a puppet suddenly froze in space, only move their head to track what they saw. After a while, the village''s gate was within view. It was a typical tri-gate style of Varlann, but it differences than other village gate Prince Tua has saw, because how beautiful and ornamented it was. The gate has curved tiled roof, with reliefs of gate god and poem, carved into each column and colourfully painted, wish for a prospered life for the villager, safe travel for the visitor and ward off evil. Also a lia high, thick stone wall wrapped around the village for bandit protection, it''s seem this village have a very generous benefactor. They get off their velelis when reached the village''s gate and proceed on foot after registered their velelis to the Public Carriage Stable''s stable, as they walk toward the village''s inn, the "welcoming" eyes of the few villagers on the road continue to fixated on them again, the abnormal behaviour of those villagers starting to get on their nerve. Inside the inn, they somewhat relieved when the man at the receptionist table shown surprise at the sight of customer, it''s seem like he''s one of the normal one. "We¡­ welcome my sirs, what can I help yours?" the man said "Three rooms please." Prince Tua said to the receptionist, swept his eyes around and found the lobby of the inn was empty, he continues "Eh¡­ receptionist, do you know where the Sai estate is?" "Er¡­ the Sai clan''s estate? Is¡­ northwest from the village just follows the road to the northwest after you reach the central square." the man replied "Business is slow er?" Prince Tua smiled "Ye¡­ not very good these days" the man nodded "So I heard¡­ there was some commotion at the Sai estate a few days ago, do you know anything about that?" Prince Tua said, put a handful of coins on the receptionist table. The man looks at the heap of coins then glancing at the windows and front door for a few second to make sure no one was near. Swiped the coins into his sleeve''s inner pocket he talks "yes, my sir. It''s did happen 4 - 5 days ago. I''m not sure what''s the exact reason, but someone did witness a mob of some dozens men stormed the estate in the middle of a rainy night. But you know what''s the weird part is? Master Sai Lung, the owner of the estate, who was in his estate on that night, claimed that there was no such assault at his estate. And if you see him, you can clearly saw a big bruise on his forehead." "Really, well that''s weird." Prince Tua nodded "But it not ended there, no my sir, I heard the day after the allegedly assault there is a soldier from the Heitei fortress came to asking around about some girl who shown up at their doorstep. He was directed to speak with the Sai family, because¡­ you know¡­ they practically run this village." the receptionist said "Is that so? Then what happened to that soldier." Prince Tua asked "No idea" the receptionist shrugged "that all I heard about that, probably get some missing person info and then returned to his station I think." The receptionist''s words confirmed Missus Xuan story, then Prince Tua ask "Thanks, and one more thing, when I was on the way here, I saw some villagers were acting kind of weird, what the deal with that?" The receptionist''s expression changed, he lowering his voice to answered the prince "You''re not hearing this from me, alright." He learns forwarded cautiously continue "I guess you''d meet those returned villagers? Ye¡­ some strange things are happening in this village, people gone missing, some came back some don''t, but the one that does will become like that. Furthermore, not long after all of the missing starting to happen, there were mysterious gatherings at night in the forest, I bet the returned missing people had joined some kind of cult. And then there were rumour about some strangers lurking around the village too." "Strangers lurking about? When was that happened?" prince Tua curious about the new information. "Well¡­ a few days ago I think. I heard some hunters spotted on more than one occasion, some strangers loitering at the outskirt forest around the village, the hunter not sure if those were man or woman because they covered from head to toe, but he can be sure is those strangers is tall, towering over him, likely near two lias, he estimated." The receptionist said "Where did that happened?" Prince Tua asked "At the forest outskirt, just outside of the village, over the southern hill." The man said "Thank you." Prince Tua smiled again and received his room 61 THE GREY MAIDEN 3 With the new information from the inn''s receptionist, Prince Tua wondering what does these strangers doing here, does they have something to do with these missing and gatherings in the wood? After settling in to their room and a quick lunch, Prince Tua call his bodyguard to his room to plan their course of action. "So¡­ the first thing we''ll focus on is these so called strange gatherings in the forest. But all we known was, there are mysterious gathering in the wood, and there''s no information about where these gathering took place. And if what the receptionist just told us is true. I think these strangers might have something to do with the situation, we''ve to look out for them while searching too, if we encounter any of these individuals, we''ll have to apprehended them. So we''ll started here¡­" Prince Tua pointed at a wooded area south of the village on the map. "we''ll sweep this whole area till dusk, searching for any trace of activity has occurred there and continue in tomorrow until the whole area has been surveyed. If nothing was found we''ll move to the western part." "But Your Highness, just the three of us?" A bodyguard concerned "Yah¡­ I know, but if we get more people, we''ll drawn attention. We''ll get to the southern hilltop first, surveying the wood from a high ground and pick out point of high potential first, and started with them. So that''ll eased our workload." Prince Tua scratching his cheek After that, with a few bags of water they rode to the southern forest of the village. After 10 minutes, they reached the southern hill, on the top of the hill overlooking the southern wood, sweeping their eyes over the woodland, surveying the area before venturing in. The woodland''s vegetation isn''t very dense, and its acreage is not very large either, dotted the landscape were a few large patch of meadows, rock formations and caves. They quickly located a few rock formations that potentially can be a place for gathering or hideout place for those strangers and started they search at the nearest location to them. Tied their velelises to a large tree nearby, then head downhill into the forest. The first three locations came up empty, but then at the fourth location, in a cave created by an overlapping rock formation, one of the bodyguard found a remnant of a campfire, fresh animal bone piled up in a corner and crumbs of bread. "How long do you think this campfire has been here?" Prince Tua ask the bodyguard "I''m not so sure Your Highness, but I think it''s just recently, a week top, and with the amount of ash in it, it''s must be used multi times." The bodyguard said After a minute or two for the two bodyguards catch up with the prince. After Prince Tua explained what he saw, the bodyguards are as stump as the prince, the footprint is there, it''s fresh, but where''s the person this footprint belongs to? There''re no other footprint or any sight that shown someone just run off into the woods. Prince Tua thinking for a minute, then told his bodyguards to spread out, but still keep each other within eyesight, to find more clue, he told them to pay attention to the stem of the surrounding trees. And so they search, and not for too long, one of the bodyguard spotted a clue on the tree stem at three o''clock from due north and from about four to five lias from the mysterious footprint. Fresh moist dirt stuck on the tree bark, this proved Prince Tua''s conclusion that the person who that footprint belongs to is a mage, he must have had use magic to control his body weight and jump from tree to tree to escape into the woods without leave behind footprint. Follow that line of deduction, they quickly found more of similar clues on the trees. But eventually the dirk trail on the tree bark ended, though Prince Tua still can deduced the general direction of the mysterious person, but nothing to say that person don''t changed his or her direction. Should they spread out to find more clue? Prince Tua wonder, but from when they started to follow these dirt trails he''d a feeling of being watch. Moreover, what''s the intention of these individuals? How many are they? Are they malicious or not? He doesn''t know, spread out and fumbling in the wood like these won''t be a good idea. Therefore, Prince Tua told the two bodyguard to kept close and guard him while he meditated. Like all mage, Prince Tua can feel the present of other through the Qigun field. This ability usually being use passively, only when the other partisan was using magic and in a close proximity, and the more powerful the magic being use is the easier it can be sense from a longer distant. But to actively searching for other without the other be using magic, Prince Tua need to meditated, to closed all his earthly senses and tuning his mind to the Qigun field around him. It''s like to see but instead with eyes he sees the surrounding environment with his mind, feel the vibration of energy around him. Eventually, a picture of fuzzing shapes made of vibrating qigun energy starting to developing in his mind, at first he can only felt the present of the two bodyguard near him, and the longer he meditating the range of his view wider. He can feel every living things and non-living things surrounding him, from the weak vibrating of a rock, to the steady hum on the forest trees, to the energetic vibration of a deer foraging for food nearby. And then, in just a flash of second, some dozens of lias away from where he meditating, a strong vibration came into his view, so strong that it''s stand out from all the background energy and can only come from a mage. But it''s not the only one, there were two more of such vibration, then they gradually dissipate, but not because they disappeared, more like¡­ they''re moving away from Prince Tua. It''s seem whoever were watching them had realized what Prince Tua is doing and trying to flee. The prince sprang up and head to the direction of the vibrations while his bodyguards are struggling to keep up. And not for too long, Prince Tua can saw figures moving amidst the trees, three of them, dressed in clothing style that Prince Tua can''t recognized, covered from head to toes and wearing conical hat with veil. They''re moving fast, knowing Prince Tua is in pursuit, to engaging them all is a bad idea, the prince is alone, his bodyguards had been left behind and there''re no way they can catch up with the speed of a mage. All Prince Tua can, is try to catch just one of them, with his magic, the prince clapped his palms on the forest ground mumbling a spell, aimed at the one at the rear of that group of strangers. Slight tremor shook the ground and the trees roots shoot up from the earth and bound the feet of the stranger, made that stranger fell over. The other quickly stop and help their comrade, while Prince Tua closing in. The Prince can barely come any close to them, he has to took cover behind a tree while a barrage of dirt, rock, tree branches and a few fireballs hurling toward him at the speed of an arrow by the magic of one of those strangers. After a few second the bounded person had torn off the tree root binding and they quickly took off into the wood. Prince Tua leave his cover to trying to give pursuit again, but one of the stranger turn toward the prince, behind that stranger''s veil booms a mighty roar, Prince Tua was knocked back a few lias by the shockwave of that stranger''s roar. Right the second his back smack to the forest floor, the ground just gave in, sunk down several dozen liacens (1 liacen = 1 centimetre) created a shallow hole and swallowed haft of the prince''s upper body. Then with their telekinesis, those strangers dumping a load of dirt into the hole and on top of the prince. When the two bodyguards caught up and help Prince Tua get out of that earth hole, those strangers were gone. "Highness, it''s already late noon, I think we should head back." A bodyguard said "Ugh¡­ yah, I think I have enough of action for today." Prince Tua groaned washing dirt off his face and eyes The three men, climb their way back to the hilltop where they left the velelises, but before they can untie their ride and head back, there a young woman rush out from a nearby bush approaching them. Her eyes look lively, so Prince Tua can certain that she''s not one of those villager, but her face look worry and scared, her head kept turning left and right as if she watching out for something. She pacing quickly toward the three men and before Prince Tua can say anything. "Get out of here!" she spoke with a subdued voice, so only she and the men can hear "I''m sorry, what?" Prince Tua said "Get out! It''s for yours own sake." The young woman spoke, emphasized the words "get out". Then, with the message delivered she pacing downhill toward Saida. "Well¡­ thanks for the late message, anyway." Prince Tua smiled, watching her head popping down the hill By the time they got back to Saida, dusk has set and cool wind starting to pick up, large clusters of grey cloud are rolling in from the south, what left of the twilight sunray desperately squeezing through any gap between the clouds to reach the earth. Under the fading light slowly being swallowed by the thick veil of cloud blanketed above, those "welcoming" eyes of the villagers are even more unsettling for their nerve. They quickly retreated to the inn, Prince Tua order a hot bath and dinner through a worker at the inn, because the receptionist from earlier is nowhere to be found. When he came back to his room from the relaxing hot bath, Prince Tua found a set of dinner has already place on the table in his room. It''s was a simple meal, with a dish of stir fired veggies, a slice of braised snakehead fish, a bowl of tofu and meatball soup, and a medium bowl of rice. Although simple meal but must be very well cook, because the smell of the food is killing Prince Tua stomach. He digs right in without hesitation, but after a few bite, he finds the taste slightly¡­ strange, not in a bad way nor the food were badly prepared or anything just¡­ strange. Prince Tua shrugged and continue not thinking much of it, "probably over seasoning, can''t demand too much from country cooking" he thought. Beside, after all that walking and chasing, his brain is no longer have the strength to resist his stomach''s demand. So he eats, and the whole thing gone within minutes. After stuffed his stomach, the prince laying on the bed relaxing, picking his teeth with a toothpick and listen to the rain outside the window. He reviewing what he has encountered in the wood this noon, especially those strangers. There something familiar about them, Prince Tua was not very sure, is it their clothing? He never saw anyone dress like that, at the least in recent memory. So why he has the feeling he has saw¡­ well¡­ their hat style somewhere before. "Yes, those stranger''s hat look kind of familiar" Prince Tua thinks while letting out a big yawn and find his mind became more and more drowsy. Why''s he felt so drowsy? the sun just set not too long ago, he can''t be this tired, he also has been through heavy training with the military, just a little walking and running can''t drain him that much. But he can think clear anymore, his body is totally giving up and slip into the cosy embrace of slumber. 62 THE GREY MAIDEN 4 Cold breeze gently blowing on his face, Prince Tua stir to aside to avoid what was disturbing his slumber, but he found his hands and legs were bounded and a piece of cloth is stuffing his mouth. After a while Prince Tua finally came back to his sense, and realized instead of the comfy bed he was laying on the wooden floor of a wagon, his face was pressed against the wagon wall, there''s a small crack where the cold air draft in and woke him up, through the crack Prince Tua can see raindrop splashing against the ground. "How''s this happened?" the prince wonder. Then he remembers the stranger taste of the food and cursed himself for being too stupid. But he awakes now, with the blood of Elvas and Dragon inside his vein had made him very resilience toward any substance known to man, he''s harder to drug and quicker to recover, so the sleeping pill in the food had wear off quite fast. Whoever trying to kidnap him, had fail to take his lineage in account. Prince Tua also glad that his magic ability is still in full capacity, it''s seem the kidnapper don''t know he''s a mage. Silently, Prince Tua removed his bound with telekinesis, he turned to his left and found a pair of eyes staring at him. Held down his gasp, Prince Tua quickly recognized the inn''s receptionist face, haft of his face covered in dry blood from a large split on his fore head. Prince Tua try to find his pulse but the man is cold as a corpse or rather he already is a corpse. Prince Tua sit up working on the rope on his legs then amidst the sound of the rain, heavy footsteps approaching the wagon. Through the crack he can saw the shadow of two person carrying something heavy toward the wagon. Prince Tua lied down evoked his qigun and wait, not for long the rear veil of the wagon flung open and two shadow appeared with lantern light on their back. They were dragging something into the wagon. Prince Tua sprang up, and launched two punches in the air in front of him. Air from his punches compressed in a tick of the clock and launched toward those shadow. Hit! The two shadow knocked to the ground, dropped their load. Prince Tua quickly launching himself out of the wagon, tumbling on the muddy ground a bit and quickly get back on his feet ready for a fight. A flash of lightning lit up the scene and follow soon is the roar of thunder. In front of Prince Tua are the Saida''s villagers, about three of them, Prince Tua can saw under that flash of lightning. And the heavy load, that two villagers just dropped is one of his bodyguard, the man has woken up, realized he''s bounded the man struggling about. The villagers staring at Prince Tua for a whole minute long with their eerie blanked eyes. Then from the inn''s door, came two more villagers, carrying Prince Tua''s other bodyguard. The two villagers just got hit by the water jet, got back to their feet almost instantly to the surprised of Prince Tua. The spell he just cast maybe not lethal but still hit with enough force equal to being hit by a bat. No one can get up immediately like that, does these people felt no pain? No matter, when a villager just drawn a knives and charging at him. Prince Tua cast his spell again, this time with lethal force. The water jet ripped through the air and flesh alike, punched a hole the size of a grape on that villager stomach, yet he still rushing in. Leaned left to avoid the down stroke blade, Prince Tua grabbed hold and twisted the attacker wrist, dropped his knives. With a firm twist of his hip, Prince Tua slammed his elbow to his attacker elbow and a loud "crack" of broken bone sounded, yet the attack still coming at him with his right aim flailing like a string-less puppet arm. Then another villager charging at him, then another and another, weapon drawn. Soon the whole group are bearing down on him, with the help of his magic Prince Tua fought off one after another, slammed one to the inn''s wall, punched a hole through one''s knee with water jet, yet they kept getting up and kept jump on him. Prince Tua slowly forced into retreat, until one of his water jet get a lucky hit right on the middle of a villager''s chest, and with that the villager dropped death on the ground. A sharp pain rushed through all of his nerve fibres. In a moment of distraction by the realization of how to kill these people, a farming scythe from a villager sunk it blade right through Prince Tua''s thigh. the prince retaliates with a magical reinforced punch, hit right at the middle of the attacker''s chest. The villager launched into the air with the crunching sounds of his entire ribcage being shattered into a million pieces, then hit the ground with a thud and a million percent of death. Another villager tries his luck and took a right hook to the face, a magically reinforced right hook and his head turned a whole 200 degrees to the right, with multi loud "crack" of broken jaw, broken neck vertebrate and fractured skull. His body limped over and fell motionless on the ground. Witnessed the death of three of their comrades, the other two seized their attack and stand still at where they were staring into the empty space in front of them. The fight grind to a hold out of sudden, Prince Tua stumped at remain his opponent''s inaction. They just standing there in completed still and silence amidst the rain. Prince Tua was no better, confused and don''t know what to do next. Then the prince slowly shifts his leg leaning to the right. Still no reaction from the two villagers. Then he moves one step to the right, still nothing from the two men. Bewildered but bolded, Prince Tua cautiously move around them, eyes still fixated on them, expecting any movement from them, but they still standing there. Prince Tua now move behind them and slowly back stepping toward his bodyguard still struggling with his bond. Quickly with his telekinesis, Prince Tua freed his bodyguard and told him to wake the other up while kept watch over the villagers. "What are they doing?" one of the bodyguard wondered while tending to Prince Tua wound. The other one has get back to their room to retreat their weapon while Prince Tua kept his eyes on the two villagers still standing like a statue since the fight stop. "I don''t know¡­ ugh¡­" Prince Tua groaned as the bodyguard applying a makeshift bandage on the wound. "This is bad, Your Highness¡­" The bodyguard said "I can''t just pull the scythe out like this, it may cut off your major artery. All I can do know is just tightening the bandage up and slow the bleeding. We must return to the fortress or as least Vudai" "Do it¡­ I can use magic to seal the wound¡­" Prince Tua said, still kept an eye on the two villager "Are you sure?" the bodyguard asked again "Uh¡­ well¡­ sort of¡­ just do it." Prince Tua said The prince takes deep breaths, bracing for the pain, praying that he had payed enough attention in his mother healing magic class. The bodyguard grabbed firm as the scythe. As he about to pull the scythe out, something hit the side of his face, make him fell over and leave a bloody cut on his cheek. Then from a far, there''re sound echoing through the rain. The sound getting louder and nearer by the second, it come from every streets and alleys. Soon Prince Tua realized that were the sound of footstep, and soon a flashed of lightning review a mob of people marching toward him. Some are men, some are women, there even some kid in the mix. They''re aimed, some with farming tools, some with sword, some with bow, and some carry just a bamboo sticks. There are dozens and dozens of them maybe more and Prince Tua don''t think they''re friendly. The mob getting closer and closer with each flash of lightning, out of sudden that two villagers jump on Prince Tua and his bodyguard while they''re distracted by the approaching mob, they quickly throw them on the ground with the help of the other bodyguard returned from the inn. That two villager get up again, lunging at them but was quickly take down by the two bodyguard now aimed with sword. The mob starting to pick up their pace. An arrow from the mob flew toward them and plugged it cold shard on Prince Tua shoulder. The mob charging in. "Go! Highness! Get out of here!" the wounded bodyguard yell "Please Highness, you must leave, we''ll try to slow them down. GO!" the other bodyguard shouted Prince Tua got no choice but to leave his men behind. But with his wounded leg, how far can he go? Still, he moves, using his magic to supressed the pulsating pain from his shoulder and thigh, and enhance his legs to allowing him to run for a bit. Prince Tua run and run, dare not to look behind. He run, but not for long. What he did to help his legs moving and the pain supressed starting to drain him. The pain from his wounds starting to make him harder to concentrated, to kept the qigun flowing throughout his body to help supress it, and the more he can''t keep the qigun flowing fluently throughout his body the more the pain increasing in intensity, and thus the harder for him to control his magic and the qigun flow. And cold rain pouring on him only making thing worst. Soon Prince Tua starting to slowing down and slowing down and slow down into a limping movement. Yet, forward, he still limping and limping and limping with the help of his sword as a crane. How far has his gone? How long has he limping like that? Prince Tua don''t know, he just kept going until a flash of lightning revealed something, something flares up the flame of hope in him. A sign, a wooden sign hung on a building left of the road. "Public Carriage Stable" the sign said. The villager''s gate is nearby. Prince Tua pick up the pace toward the stable, his velelis is in there, he might get through this¡­ Thunder roared after a flashed of lightning, the booming in the air sound like a frustrated cry. A cry for how cruel of a mistress fate was. To the right of Prince Tua, in clear view was Saida''s village gate, and also in clear view were some dozens of villagers, pitch folk and stick in hand, and the village''s gate certainly had been locked. Still, Prince Tua limp toward the stable, maybe somewhere along the stonewall around the village, maybe some section of it felt into disrepair and he may find a gap, enough for the velelis to went through. He struggling to push open the stable door as the wound of his leg and shoulder opposing the effort with their excruciating pain pulsating throughout his body. Make his way toward the velelis holding stall. Prince Tua gasped as a flash of lightning once again lit up the space and reviewed¡­ a gruesome scene. Blood, the entire of the stable floor is covered in blood, blood of the velelises inside the holding stalls. All three of them, oh! those poor, poor creature, their throat¡­ slit. Cried the prince, the velelis lied death inside one of the stall was his favourite. Pain of the flesh and pain of the heart fused together and fuelling a flame of anger, drawn his sword, he limped back outside to the rain. His mind starting to spinning and he barely thinking straight, because of the blood lost from the wounds or because of his anger? he doesn''t know and doesn''t care. Outside of the stable, those villagers still standing there between him and the gate. And behind him, from the street he came from, that mob of people is marching in. "Come on! Come and get some, your fuckers! The fuck yours still staring at, yours fucking freak?" Prince Tua shouted profanity that he never thought as a gentleman of his status would ever say The mob charging in, five jets of water launched, but mostly hit somewhere within those charger''s adornment and legs, only one hit a fat women head, brought her down on the spot. More are charging in, Prince Tua brace himself and plunged his sword at the chest of one of them as they get in range, taken another one down before a bamboo stick whacked him in the face and make everything spinning. Prince Tua fell to the ground stunned, ears ringing and vision blurring, his system is shutting down. Before a completed black out, Prince Tua felt water plashed on his face after a "thud", something¡­ something looks like a pair of foot just landed in front of him, he can''t be sure and that all he aware of before it went completely dark. 63 THE GREY MAIDEN 5 Prince Tua don''t know how long has he been out. He remembers feeling the sensation of movement while slipping in and out of consciousness, like he''s being carried by someone or something, the rustling of leaves, the smell of mud, of rotting wood. And the cold, it''s like some evil force is syphoning the warm from the prince''s body. His body shivering while memories flashing through his mind, like a picture slide show. The prince remembers thinking "is this how he''ll dies?", he wonders how will he be remembered? Mother and father would be devastated, he thinks, especially mother, Elvas has long memory and prone to depression. He remembers the image of his mother on the raining day like this night, the image of her sitting in the gazebo in the palace''s garden, the look in her eyes, so sad and melancholy, she had endured much. And now, if he¡­ "Would mother withstand the news of the death of her only survived child?" The prince wondered. "Oh poor mother!" Prince Tua felt so guilty by the thought of putting his mother through that. And what would his father think? Will father disappointed by him? He must be. A great man he is, battling monsters, ending a hundred years long bloody conflict, brought peace to the people. A man like him must have much expectation for his son. What had Prince Tua archived so far, aside from get his hand dirty with his own father''s blood? Prince Tua felt proud and shame as the same time to be his son, and to live in such gigantic shadow. To die like this must brought much shame to father, so no, he can''t die like this, but should he? Someday he''ll inherited the throne, will he be worthy of his father legacy? To bear such burden give shrive to his mind, maybe this a chance for him to escape. "Drink this, it''ll help." A low but warm voice spoke to the prince through the cloud of dark thoughts in his mind. Prince Tua felt a big hand gently held his head and a warm liquid slowly pouring into his mouth. Bitter to the touch of the tongue, but it had a pleasant herbal fragrant to his nose and a sweet after taste to his throat. There''re crackling noises of firewood and the warm of a campfire gently enveloping him. The prince mind slowly at ease as the pain from his thigh and shoulder slowly subsided, his body heat raising back to normal, negative thoughts slowly fade, give place for sweet memories of his childhood, and soon slumber come. Prince Tua woke up and find himself lying on a bedroll and the sound of bird chirping of a new day welcoming him, in front of his eyes was a ceiling of a cave and a still smouldering campfire next to him. "Wajam! You''ve awake, prince of Varlann." A croaking voice with a heavy accent spoke to him. "You best lie down, Highness. You''d lost quite a lot of blood." The old Orc said as the prince trying to sit up "Wh¡­ who''re you?" Prince Tua check his shoulder and right thigh and found his wounds has healed. "I am Kwanjobo. We''ve met before if you recall." The old Orc smiled "Kwanjobo" the name does have a familiar ring to his ear. "Are¡­ are you one of the disciples of Ochwesi that my father had met in my uncle''s coup?" Prince Tua asked "Yes, that was I, how are you felling?" Kwanjobo asked "Uh¡­ I¡­ I felt fine. But where am I? how do I get here." Prince Tua asked "You''re in our hideout, my brothers had rescued you from the village last night." Kwanjobo said "Oh¡­ thank you very¡­." two figure walked into the cave interrupted the prince, covered from head to toe with veiled conical hat, Prince Tua quickly recognized the strangers he encountered in the wood yesterday. They bowed and said something in Oricish, the Orc''s language, with Kwajobo. "Wait¡­ weren''t you are¡­" Prince Tua sat up "Yes, you have encountered three of my brothers and sister in the wood, and also had been here in this cave before you encounter them." Kwanjobo smiled Prince Tua look around again and finally recognized the hideout cave, he and his bodyguards discover yesterday. "I am apology for what happened in that encounter too, my brothers and sisters were not recognized who you are." Kwanjobo spoke as the 2 other Orcs sat down, removing their hat "No offence taken. So¡­ that were yours. But what do yours all doing here?" Prince Tua said "Well, it''s was a long story, but first, let me introduce you with our sister, Noxolo "the resilient", she also is the one who tend to your wounds last night." Kwanjobo introducing the Orc women with an oblong face and a cute short round nose, her hair braided into multi small, shoulder length braids. With a physique no less than her male counterpart. "Thank you for your care, my lady." Prince Tua said "No mention, I happy that you''ve recovered well." Noxolo spoke with a warm smile "¡­ and this is Olunwa ''strong arms''" Kwanjobo introduce a tall, muscular Orc with a quite big afro hair. "¡­ and there was Ngbambe too, I beliefs he''s on lookout duty outside." "As for why we''re here, I think, you must already aware of our mission of retrieving ancient artifacts, and the mad man name Hua Xia who''s in possessing of an ancient tome of magic stolen from us. We had tracked Hua Xia all the way here to this borderland. We also had learned that Hua Xia was not along, he has another companion, a young woman only being refer as "the Grey Maiden", who Hua Xia believed to be an avatar of the Old Gods. For the past few days we had monitoring this village and found¡­ disturbing thing has taken root in this region. Hua Xia is building a cult follower around this "Grey Maiden" here in this region, and was the reason behind the series of missing person in this village and the surrounding area for the past moths. I''m afraid¡­ as least haft of this village had been indoctrinated by them." Kwanjobo said "As least half? How''s that possible? From my knowledge, Saida village have over 400 inhabitants, how can Hua Xia amassed that much follower in that short amount of time? Normal people don''t just wake up one day and go join a cult out of the blue like that?" Prince Tua questioned "That¡­ I''m afraid¡­ is true" Kwanjobo sighed "¡­while on surveillance, we''d discovered their hideout and gathering place, where Hua Xia with the help of this "Grey Maiden", performed some kind of indoctrinated ritual, a lethal one at that, some victim didn''t survive it, but the one who did¡­ they''ll be reduced to nothing but a mindless drone, you already encountered them last night." "My father must be informed of this, do you know where''re they?" Prince Tua asked "We had discovered their hideout north of the forest. But after our fail infiltrating attempt, Hua Xia and the Grey Maiden has relocated; we think they are now residing in a mansion north of this village, a place they had attacked and took over just a few days ago." "The Sai estate!" Prince Tua exclaimed "You know that place?" Kwanjobo asked "Yes, the daughter of the master of that estate had come to the fortress I stationed asking for help. Then her father, later has come and retrieve her." Prince Tua said "A young woman? We do see a young woman had been brought back to that estate, two or three days ago. Also before that there was a soldier too¡­" Kwanjobo shook his head "¡­I''m afraid they had all met the same fate at the other villager." Silence reign over the prince with that information, if only he be more decisive, if only he''s act quicker. But his thought remorse was cut short for another Orc rushed into the cave, who Prince Tua guessed must be Ngbambe, with an urgent voice he spoke to Kwanjobo in Oricish. The old Orc sprang up on hit foot like a cat and head out of the cave, Prince Tua follow right behind him. On the outside, at the direction Ngbambe''s finger was pointing at, amidst the trees and bushes was figures moving about. They''re many, spread wide, moving in line, slowly, methodically. They''re searching, every bushes, every rocks, every trees. "They are searching for us." Prince Tua said, turned to Kwanjobo "We must leave this place, Elder Kwanjobo, please follow me to Heitei fortress, we''ll be safe there." "By your lead, then." Kwanjobo smiled. 64 THE GREY MAIDEN 6 A beautiful day at the Imperial palace, the sun shine brightly on the blue sky. Birds chirping on the tree''s foliage, amidst the ringing of the wind chimes outside the study room of the palace. Emperor Lam sitting there on his ironwood "Phank", a kind of divan-like furniture, but larger and usually have square shape, use by every Varlanner, rich or poor. Next to him is a pile of old dusty books, leaning against a tall pillow, resting his temple on his fist, he''s thinking. Thinking about some weird thoughts he had lately, about the behaviours of a person dear to him. The person that is his wife and the thought of she''s hiding something from him. In recollection, Emperor Lam recalled some of her behaviours from past events. When she learns about the origin of the stolen artefacts of the disciples of Ochwesi, she was¡­ highly concern? No¡­ more like she was¡­ panicking, Emperor Lam think, very difference to her usual calm and collected self, at least to him, she seems to too adamantly to following him to help¡­ or rather she wants to resolve that incident herself, and seem very reluctant to let him going to Mei Lin by himself. Another occasion is when they were exploring the Elvas ruin in the swampland around Jar Dee, he has noticed her behaviour is strange when she discovered those writing on the wall. While Empress Aucelen staring at those writing, a strange dreadful expression fixed on her face, Emperor Lam did catch that expression of her, but he doesn''t think much of it at the time. Then another occasion, it happened not long after their marriage, when he told her about some old story, one of those was a weird incident his and his father, former Emperor Suk Luo Tu, encounter with an evil tree and a stranger village. After heard his story his wife just disappeared from the palace for a whole month without telling anyone, only leave behind a note on their bed, vaguely say about some personal business she has to attend to. And then the incident with lady Hue and her child has made him suspicious the most, after Lady Hue and the infant disappeared she was frequently stay in her private library for research purpose, sometime all day and all night, even missed meal, some servants overheard Empress Aucelen alone in her private library, having a conversation with someone. But they don''t understand what those conversations are about because Empress Aucelen was speak in Elvas tongue. The only explanation for that is Empress Aucelen was communicate with her people through the magic mirror device in her library. Not just the servant only, one more than one occasion Emperor Lam too witness that, and some of her conversation with her people seem to be tense, when he asks what is it about, she just brush it off at personal matter. But her behaviours must be explained. How? How do Emperor Lam explain his wife behaviours? What does he know so far? What make her behave like that? The Old Gods. Yes, the Old Gods, that seem to be what triggered those behaviours from her. An artefact and tome of magic which dated back to the time of the Old Gods. Some weird writing one the altar of a bunches of cultists who worship a monster mean to be a holy beast for the Old Gods. A child created by some ancient magic that only her people know about, a child who created by a mad man who''s in possess of that ancient tome of magic, a mad man who claimed to heard the whisperings of the Old Gods. Is this it? Is this the pattern? What does the Old Gods have anything to do with her? What does his wife know about the Old Gods who he just found out were not just mere legend and myth from a bygone age? With that in mind, Emperor Lam turn to the old tales. Because he once heard that every myths and legends, no matter how absurd they sound must started somewhere in the truth. Maybe, just maybe he''ll find some kind of clue that show some connection between his wife and the Old Gods, and in turn explained her behaviours. So he started at the beginning, the oldest of tales. The old tales says: "In the beginning there was nothing but chaos, in that chaos born Quelas''Airuth. Then Quelas''Airuth created the sky above and the earth below, and all the things that live between. His creations were so beautiful that it attracted the other gods to inhabited it and felt in love with it, thus the mighty Quelas''Airuth give the other gods the right to rule over all of the creations on his behalf. After Quelas''Airuth went into reclusion among the stars, the other gods also try their hand in creation, the gods look to the black fertile soil of the earth and deem it was good. Thus with it they created a kind of being in their own image, the Black Ones. The gods taught them magic, ancient language, how to worship the gods and all manner of civilisation. Then due to fatigue, the soil they collect was lacking and impure. Some mix with yellow river mud, so born the Downers. Some mix with white clay, so born the Uppers. Some mix with green moss, so born the Orc. Born last was the Dwarf, due to lack of material and mix with stone, so they were short and love the mountain. Then the gods commanded the Black Ones be their delegates and gave them the right to rule over all other." The old tales say: "In the beginning, there only a sea of chaos, emerged from that sea was a cosmic egg. From that egg hatched Quelas''Airuth, and with the two haft of that cosmic egg, Quelas''Airuth created heaven and earth, between heaven and earth Quelas''Airuth created all manner of living things. Then from the good black soil, the Qumui were created to be Quelas''Airuth companion, taught them secrets of magic. From the image of the Qumui, Quelas''Airuth created other beings, but Quelas''Airuth was exhausted after created so much, thus losing concentrating. Some soil mix with the yellow river sand, thus birthed the Downers. Some soil mix with the white limestone, thus birthed the Uppers. Some soil mix with leaves, thus birthed the Orc. Some was make hastily, mix with stone and lack of material, so become the Dwarf and they were short and love the mountain. So before took rest among the stars, Quelas''Airuth commanded the Qumui will be the messenger between the people and the heaven, and so be the Qumui are the guide of the people." The old tales say: "At first, there is just chaos, from chaos birth an egg, from that egg born Quelas the male and Airuth the female, the firstborns, the first beings, they slept for thousands of years long before awoken. After awakened, with the first haft of the egg shell they form the heaven and other haft to create the earth. With heaven and earth formed, they have intercourse for hundreds of years and gave birth to all things that holy, and all things that mortal, after their intercourse they when to heaven and rest among the stars. The things that holy became the many gods and goddess, and they find the world the Firstborns left behind is so beautiful they felt in love with it, but boring and stupid were other mortal things. So they will create a new being with the black soil that they deemed was good, tirelessly they work and the First Folk was born. But overtime the gods was tired and mistake happened, the soil they collected was lacking and impure. Some mix with yellow mud, so born the Downers. Some mix with white sand, so born the Uppers. Some mix with grass and born the Orc. Some formed carelessly, thus they were short and become the Dwarf. Then to the First Folk, the gods taught them magic, taught them how to speak, taught them rituals to worship the gods, and be given the right to rule over other folks." There is something in these creation stories, some kind of pattern, something in common that they all share. What can that thing be? Emperor Lam think, then he realized what that common things shared between these stories are. His wife, or rather her people, the Elvas. They''re nowhere to be found in all of these stories, the oldest of tales, even all the tales down the line, in the Age of Gods, in the Age of Wandering, nothing, nothing mention about a people that known as today as the Elvas, why? "Maybe the tales did mention them, but in a difference name?" Emperor Lam think. A knock on the door interrupted his thought, a servant outside the study room''s door spoke, informed Emperor Lam that lunch has ready, and said that his wife is waiting to eat with him. Leaved the study room, Emperor Lam head to the dining hall, considering on confront his wife about his suspicions. Reached the dining hall, Emperor Lam told all the servants to leaved them along before the surprise of Empress Aucelen, sat down on the chair next to her, look deep into Empress Aucelen eyes, Emperor Lam spoke. "Do you still love me Aucelen?" "Wh¡­ what on earth are you talking about?" Empress Aucelen stumped at the question "Of course, I am still love you. What is this all about?" "Are you hiding me something?" Emperor Lam continued "Wh¡­ what? Me? Hiding something from you¡­" Before Empress Aucelen can finished, Emperor Lam cut off her sentence "You was behaving strangely lately, like you''re hiding something from me. What with all the secrecy? Why can you tell me? You become very anxious since the incident with lady Hue and the infant, and kept locking yourself in your library, and kept meeting with your people in secrecy, I, myself has caught some of those conversation, by the sound of them, they were stressful to say the least. You were clearly panicking when you learn about the artefacts of Ochwesi, very difference from your usual self. The dreadful look you had when we found those strange writings on the wall at the monster altar in the Elvas ruin." Emperor Lam stood up and walk around the table as he spoke with a steady and calm voice. "And the most importantly where have you been for the whole month after you heard of my story of the evil tree?" Before Empress Aucelen can said a word the emperor continues "With all of that, make me curious of your behaviour, as if anything that have the slight relate to the Old Gods triggered you. It''s like there some kind of connection between the Old Gods and you, or rather your people, that you don''t want me to know, or anyone to know. So, I had done some reading in the past week in the royal library, and I think I''d found something interesting in those myths and legends. That is, none of them, not single one of those tale mention anything about the existence of your people." Emperor Lam sat down again in front of his wife "But they do mention about a kind of First Folk, some kind of messenger or servant of the Old Gods. Kwanjobo once said, the Old Gods are real¡­ so I think¡­ maybe your kind, the Elvas, have something to do with them. The legends also said, the Old Gods fought among themselves, bring about unspeakable catastrophes, and drowned the old world, and those messenger or servant of the Old Gods participate in their war, fought for them like champions and foot soldiers. Those messengers, servants that those tales mention." gently hold her face with his palms, Emperor Lam look into his wife''s eyes. "Are they your people?" Empress Aucelen turned her head avoid his gaze. Emperor Lam squeezing her hands say "Come now Aucelen, I''m your husband, you can tell me anything. Please trust me, if you still love me please don''t kept any secret from me. Have I kept any secret from you?" Empress Aucelen thinking. What should she say now? Come up with some excuse? Lie? Completed brush his question off? She sighed loudly, and gazing into the air. With great sadness in her voice she spoke "My people called it¡­ the Great Shame. A¡­ secret, that all Elvases keep in their heart, like¡­ a kind of racial sin that we felt responsible for. You know¡­ world destroying calamities and you people were¡­" Empress Aucelen sigh, with slightly trembling voice "¡­ it is not something you can be proud of." "Oh, you silly, foolish girl¡­" Pulled his wife into his embrace, Emperor Lam whisper "¡­why hide from me? You think I''m going to hate you just because your people involved in some catastrophe from eon ago? And I thought you''re supposed to be wise." "Uhm¡­ maybe because of the love I have for you had turned me into a simpleton." Empress Aucelen smiled, snugged her head into her husband''s chest "And¡­ there was another reason for my secrecy." "What other reason?" Emperor Lam asked "I know what Hua Xia is plotting with the creation of the child Li." Empress Aucelen said. 65 THE GREY MAIDEN 7 Later that day, went strolling around the pond in the palace''s garden to clear his mind and comprehend what his wife has said at lunch, a servant came to Emperor Lam and presented a letter. The envelope has the military seal from Heitei fortress where his son''s stationing and letter said: "Dear father I hope you and mother still well. I write to you today is to informed you that the mad man Hua Xia has been found, he''s now residing at a border village named Saida, not far from where I stationing, Heitei fortress. Furthermore, right now staying at the fortress with me is Kwanjobo and his brothers and sisters, the disciples of Ochwesi. They had follow Hua Xia to this borderland and has help me in discover of Hua Xia''s evil plot. His madness is manifesting fast in the region, at the moment I write this letter, over haft of Saida village has fallen into his hand and his accomplices a person known as the "Grey Maiden". Not much to be known of this person. What I''ve known so far is that, this "Grey Maiden" is being worship at some kind of herald or avatar of sort of the Old Gods. And Hua Xia and the Grey Maiden is plotting to turn the entire region into their base of operation, to turn every innocent soul here into a mindless drone for their maniacal cult. I can assure you that I''ll do anything within my power to stop this madness from spreading. But I know well that, this kind of matter is not to be taken lightly, so I sent this letter to notified you and hope to received your aid soon. Your son. Suk Tua." Empress Aucelen was right, to turn a living person into some kind of vessel, an avatar so the madness of the "Abandoned Old Gods" can be manifest and took root in the mortal realm, and through that giving birth to a living god on earth. "Is such feat even accomplishable?" Emperor Lam still felt stupefied at the thought of it. And this "Grey Maiden" is no doubt to be the girl Li, the child Hua Xia has created for his maniacal plot. But nevertheless, such madness must be stop, no matter what. If Hua Xia is to be succeeded who know what calamity might be brought upon Varlaurea continent. Thus, without a second wasted, Emperor Lam told his wife about their son''s letter and prepare for departure. Right at dawn of the next day, the pair heading to Heitei fortress with the full force of Brocade Cloak Guard. Before heading out, through the magic mirror, Empress Aucelen also send a message to her people, calling them to send aid in case of the worst that may happen. Awfully slow is the passage of time, to them the sun crawl with such unforgiveable sluggish speed through the heaven. Oh! How they wish they can just leave the Brocade Cloak Guard behind, with just their own magical power they can run faster than a velelis can run. But they know, doing so for the entire road to Heitei fortress only exhausted them and rendered them unable to fight when they reached their destination, the only choice is to be patience and endure this dreadful feeling. The weeks finally passed, there, on the horizon is Vudai, the border city, and not far beyond that is Heitei fortress where their son are. When they were only a dozen of kelias from the city, an old man of 60 jump out from the roadside bushes, standing in the middle of road, waving his arms and yelling for them to stop. "You! How dare you get in the way of His and Her Imperial Majesty, Emperor Suk Lam and Empress Aucelen!" A Brocade Cloak Guard yelled "Your Majesty?" The old man said, eyes widening with surprise. "I''m so sorry Your Majesty, but you can get into the city." He kneeled down "Why? what''d happened?" Emperor Lam asked "Your Majesty, the city has been taken. About three weeks ago, there was a mob lead by a man and a young girl dressed in white, who called as Grey Maiden or something, came from a nearby village and started to arresting people for no reason, I heard they are some kind of cult of sort. They perform weird ritual right in the open street and turn people into one of them, some people had die because of those ritual. And what worst is, the city governor, he doing nothing. When the captain of the guard lead men to intervenes, I heard that, with some kind of power, the young girl brought the city guard to their knees, literally, when the guards trying to apprehend the leaders of the mob, they suddenly scream in terror and drop to the ground unconscious, then be turn into one of those cultists too. The cultist held the entire city hostage, they took away all of the healthy men, women, even children too, only the weak and the elderly like me were spare. The arresting continues for two days straight, until an army lead by a prince from the nearby military base shown up. They battled the cultist, trying to retake the city, but the power of that girl proven to be too overwhelming, they were force to retreat and rescue as much people as they can to the fortress and entrenched there. The cultist now controlling the city and the surrounding villages and laying siege on the fortress, I had volunteered my old bones out here to warn traveller not to go near the city." "Is there any way to the fortress?" Empress Aucelen aksed "Ah, yes, yes, I''ll shown the way." The old man said They follow the brave old man through a small forest trail, going around Vudai city on foot to preserve the velelises''s strength, when they traverse a small hill not far from Vudai, what had befallen to the city unfold in front of their eyes. The quaint city left in ruin, some building was reduced into a pile of rubble, some burned to the ground, there even what seem to be a remain of a house beneath another house. They continue until twilight of the next day and Heitei fortress is within sight. From their vantage point, they saw a rows and rows of cultists, some 10,000 of them, just sitting there on the open field around the fortress, probably waiting for order from their master. A section of the fortress''s outer wall had been breached, with her Elvas''s eyes, Empress Aucelen can saw movements inside the fortress, the defender still holding on. But what she concerns the most right now is her son, Prince Tua. "Do you see him, Aucelen?" Emperor Lam anxiously asked "Yes!" after a few minutes scanning her eyes Empress Aucelen cried out in relief "I can see him, he is in there, leading the troop." "Good, good, thanks the gods." Emperor Lam gave off a relief sighed "Men! Prepare for battle." He jumped on his velelis and lead the Brocade Cloak Guard for a charge, Empress Aucelen right by his side. There''s no rest after their long journey, nor do they need or want any, their son is being siege and they can''t stand still. 66 THE GREY MAIDEN 8 The red sun slowly set on the horizon, those cultists still sitting there on open field, oblivious of what about to come. "This will be quick." Emperor Lam confident. The cultist may have the number, but aside from some Vudai city guard dotted their rank, the rest of them were barely armed, Empress Aucelen also instructed the men to aim at their head or chest only, and also to covered their mouth and guard from the enemy blood splat. After a quick battle plan, Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen rode side by side leading 2000 Brocade Cloak Guards into the battle field. A sound of horn echoing the crimson sky. After cleared the forest, their rank formed into a wedge formation, they''ll cut through the cultist rank and rode to the foothill of Heitei fortress, then turn around for another swept, until there are none left to kill. What a glorious sight to behold, red sun on their left, its twilight rays painted everything with a crimson hue, the Varlann flag glow like fire, flying in the wind, an ominous dust storm rose behind them, kicked off by 2000 velelises thundering downhill. Dagger-axe spear pointed forward, they bearing down on their enemy like an unrelenting landslide. With only a few lias left to reach their enemy, Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen, at the spear head of the wedge, unleashed their magic. Ear busting were their lightning bolts, like a blade made of pure light, it cut through the cultist rank in front of them, like a deadly viper, it jumping from cultist to cultist, reduce them into a smouldering corpses on their wake. Their formation melting through the cultist rank like a red hot blade sank through a block of butter. With just only a minute or two, they had cut through the cultist rank all the way to the foothill of Heitei fortress. Then from within the fortress wall, a sound of horn, and thousands of cries erupted from the fortress, through the collapsed section of the outer wall, the fortress defender led by Prince Tua, with four tall figures of the disciples of Ochwesi closely behind him, they bursting out from the breached like a swamp of furious hornet. The Brocade Cloak Guards turn around and do another sweep, and like before the mindless cultists just fell down like weed before a farmer scythe. Everything is going well, just another one or two sweep and the cultist are no more. With a derange grin, Hua Xia greeted Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen. Shouted at the Brocade Cloak Guard captain, Emperor Lam gave him the command of the troop. The pair broke off from the formation, their lightning bolts once again melted a clear path through the cultist rank to where the head of the snake are. Closer and closer, their distance to the enemy decreasing fast, just a few dozen lias more, but a painful shriek came from their velelises as the poor creature''s legs were twisted broke by an invisible force, sent them tumbled down to the ground, and threw the pair rolling on the grass while a psychic wave sending a coruscating pain through every nerve fibre in their body. Endured the pain, they quickly get back on their foot and blew every cultist trying to get near them sky high with fireballs. With the nerve pain torturing them, every step they took felt like being stabbed by millions of daggers. Yet, the pair still move forward, forward to the head of the snake, to cut it off one and for all. "Hah hah hah hah¡­" gave off a maniacal laugh, Hua Xia spoke "¡­Lady and gentleman, may I present to you two, the herald of the Old Gods, my greatest work, Li ''the Grey Maiden'', witness her power and tremble is pain." From Li finger tips, a lightning bolt bust toward the pair. Empress Aucelen braced herself and block the bolt, sparks are everywhere as the bolt stopped in front of her palm, the heat from the lightning bolt felt like it about to melt through her hand, such incredible power. But Empress Aucelen has withstood the strike, channelling her qigun while her husband fire breath defends a perimeter around them, Empress Aucelen chanting a spell and about to show off her Elvas''s power. A ball of fire, the side of a velelis burst out in front of her palm, then it imploding and collapsed into a fist size ball of pure light, constantly giving off static spark. The ball of light flew forward at Li and Hua Xia, engulfed them in a blinding light and incinerated anything nearby that are not protected by a magic barrier, before released an earth shaking boom and a shockwave travelling hundreds of lias from the epicentre, blow off and knocked over anything that not anchored to the ground. Yet, when the dust settled down, in the middle of a small crate created by the explosion. The cultist pair still stand, Hua Xia maniacal laugh mocking Empress Aucelen''s attack, as another lightning bolt come from Li, it clashed mid-air with Emperor Lam''s lightning bolt, shooting sparks to the surrounding area at where the two bolts connected, electrocuted anything standing too near. The two person''s magical struggler went on for many minutes straight, until the point of contact of the two lightning bolts slowly moving toward Li. The girl''s breath rhythm increasing more and more as the struggling went on, she''s losing this fight, Emperor Lam guessed that his wife spell has did more damage than what the eye see. Hua Xia must notice this too, for that grin had disappeared from his face, replaced by a look of disbelieved and confusion. Another lightning bolt flung toward the girl Li from Empress Aucelen. Though the girl did blocks it, but her body started to trembling by the effort and Emperor Lam''s gaining more of the upper hand. Another minute went by, and now Li''s nose started to bleed as Emperor Lam''s lightning bolt has completely overpower her bolt. The nerve pain has also gone from the pair as Li''s now on the defend before both lightning bolts. Suddenly the girl gave off a scream, an ear piercing, high pitch sonic scream, Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen can felt their body vibrating by the scream and has to disengaging if they don''t want their ears to went deaf, their brain to liquefied and drift out of their noses. The girl Li is no better, barfing up blood and felt to her knees on the grass, heavy breathing and shaking uncontrollably. Hua Xia yelling something, and before Empress Aucelen and Emperor Lam recover from Li''s sonic scream, load and load of mindless cultist charging at them like mayflies throwing themselves at fire. One after another, Emperor Lam and Empress Aucelen lightning spell turned them into a smouldering corpse, piling up around them, the stench of charred flesh was unbearable. Then it''s all ended, they stop charging in at the pair, when the two get out of the ring of piling corpse, the cultist are retreating, scattered to the nearby forest. Hua Xia and Li are nowhere to be seen. Scouts was quickly sent to tracking them. 67 THE GREY MAIDEN 9 Nightfall, the field outside the fortress lit up by numerous of pyres, pyres for the death, and a giant pyre to get rid of the cultist bodies, which been placed inside a giant three lias deep hole as Empress Aucelen order, their bodies must be burned into ash and burry to prevented any future "complication" may happen. Empress Aucelen and Emperor Lam, their son and the disciples of Ochwesi has took turn to use their magic to kept that pyre burning, at this rate is might took an entire night. The heat can be felt from the fortress''s wall. Emperor Lam sitting on the fortress wall watching the flame, he''s all too familiar with this kind of sight. The memories of the Hundreds Year War, of the destruction of Schivelon city again haunting him, sipped his cup of tea, Emperor Lam gave of a big sigh, disappointed and annoyed at the fact he has to see this kind of sight again after he ascended to the throne. This to him¡­ felt like a failure, he has try his best to be a good enough emperor, to bring prosperity and up held peace for his subjects, to¡­ never saw this sight again, and yet, here is it. Inside the fortress, a small celebrate being held, look down to the crowd below, seeing their smile is like a consolation, it somewhat eases his exhaustion in both body and soul. "Your Majesty, why''re you up here?" Prince Tua came up to his father "Why don''t you join the other?" "Really? You''re my son, stop that formality alright. Beside¡­ I like it up here. How about you? Still holding up?" Emperor Lam said "I guess¡­" Prince Tua smiled, leaned at the parapet next to his father "Tough day isn''t." "Well¡­ I get used to it." Emperor sipped his tea "You did a pretty good job here too, son." "Thank, father. I don''t think I''m that good, at least compare to you." Prince Tua smiled, looking at the haft moon above "wonder¡­ if I ever be like you. I mean¡­ if can become a good enough¡­" "Don''t." Emperor Lam stroked his beard "What?" Prince Tua surprised "Don''t be like me, son. Be better than me." Emperor Lam said, gazing at the giant burning pyre. "That¡­" Prince Tua gave off a surprise gasp "¡­wow¡­ that is a pretty big task to say the least¡­ I mean¡­ look at you father, battled monsters and such. And what of me? What of me¡­ what has I archived up until now, aside from¡­" Prince Tua sigh "¡­aside from get my hand stained with my own father blood." He mumbled A hand smack at the back of Prince Tua''s head "Ouch! What was that for?" the Prince flinched "For your stupidity, what else? Still beating yourself over that?" Emperor Lam scorned his son "Well¡­ I¡­ er¡­" Prince Tua scratching his head "See that pyre, son?" Emperor pointed at the giant pyre "Those cultists¡­ they are all my subject, to let thousands of them turned into some kind of mindless animal like that by a mere lunatic, and I have to cut them down and burn them like this. I considerate that is a failure, son. Being an emperor is about protecting your people. If¡­" Emperor Lam look at his son "¡­if you can protect them, to make them felt safe and hopeful even in darkest days, feed them when they''re hungry, to make life grow and nation prosper, and¡­" the emperor looks at the pyre again "¡­ and make sure, that¡­ while you still sit on that throne, that sight will never happen again. If you can do just that, I''ll considerate you''re a damn fine emperor, and a better emperor than me, and when I went to Mien Papa arms and meet the ancestor, I''ll brag to them how great my son is." "I¡­ well¡­ I''ll try my best." Prince Tua smiled "Yeah¡­ you better be, son. Or me and the ancestor are going to have a very, very, very disappointed look. No pressure." Emperor Lam said, the father and the son share a laugh. "And one more thing¡­ about¡­ your marriage status¡­" Emperor Lam stroking his beard "Oh, please¡­ can we not going there." Prince Tua groaned "Oh, I''m going there, son. You''re nearly 30 already, what on earth are you doing? I already have you when I in my twenty, didn''t I. There are some fine court ladies I''d found for you. For example, there are lady¡­" Emperor Lam enthusiastically spoke "Alright, stop¡­" Prince Tua interrupted his father "¡­stop, I know you care for me, and I thanks you for¡­ that, I''ll marry when I ready. And¡­" Prince Tua scratching his head again "¡­well¡­ I did meet someone¡­ I think she¡­ will be suited for me." "Is she a beauty? Care to let your old man know the name of that lucky girl?" Emperor Lam smiled "That it''s, I''m out." embarrassed Prince Tua run away from his father. Gazing at the moon and finished his mug of tea, Emperor Lam head back down. While cheering with the celebrating people, he met Kwanjobo came back from firing the pyre outside. "How are you feeling, Kwanjobo? Didn''t over work yourself too much, I hope." Emperor Lam asked the old Orc "Wajam! Emperor, thank for you concern, nothing a good rest can''t fix." The old Orc smiled "When the scout comeback there may be more fighting, can you still kept up?" Emperor Lam said "Worry not, Your Majesty. These old bones still can go for another round." Kwanjobo said "So, what will you do after all of this had over?" Emperor Lam asked "Er¡­ not much, I''m afraid, after retrieved the tome my duty will resume¡­" Kwanjobo said "¡­but¡­ before that I will go and visit my son and wife graves and¡­ er¡­ find some way to improve our security." The Orc smiled. After a few more chat with the old Orc, Emperor Lam went to his chamber. Inside, his wife, Empress Aucelen felt at sleep on the chair with the magic mirror in her hand. Put the mirror on the table, Emperor Lam stroked her golden hair and watch that peaceful gorgeous face. He reached down, caring her in his arms and bring her to bed, Empress Aucelen stirred and open her eyes. "Oops, did I wake you up?" Emperor Lam said His wife just smiled and snugged her head into his chest as he carrying her to the bed.