Jian Xi watches silently as Jiao Xi speaks. As far as the young warrior is concerned she would be nothing but trouble to them, as she clearly feels no regret for her actions and would easily turn to banditry if the opportunity presented its self.
With some effort, the noble heroes truss Jiao Xi to stretcher. For good or ill, she lives and has sworn to serve Hayashi as student to master. It is a vow of profound honor and gravity. For now, they will trust her. Her past deeds warrant caution,for it is said that one must study the past if one would divine the future. However, as the sages say, "virtue is not left to stand alone, he who practices it will have neighbors".
Likewise, they Jian Xi binds the remaining bandit hand and foot, and slings him over his horse. They ride south, back to Bai-Cheng's trading post. Their is a break in the ever-constant rain, and the sun burns through the clouds as they return.
It is the middle of the tenth geng, the fullness of the Hour of the Dog by the time the Bohu and his men open the gates to the fort. An Bao and An Ya are cooking in the house: the smell of roasting duck and vegetables fills the air. Fa Shi and Bai Cheng work with Gao and the other bandits, tilling the soil for the garden to supply the growing community. Rong and Zan practice the katas Hayashi showed them, while cleaning the courtyard of debris.
As Baolin leads his fellows through the gates, Tang Bohu salutes him. My lord, you are victorious! Did you meet stiff resistance?
Rong and Zan bos respectfully to their master. Shifu, we have trained as you commanded, practicing our katas throughout the day..
Zan nods We worked at patching holes in the walls and assisted Fa Shi and Bai Cheng with the repairs to the houses. Then, we decided we should humble ourselves with women's work, but also train, so that we could also fulfill our duties to you, Shifu.. The pair point to several lines of drying clothes hanging beneath a lean-to. several mops, buckets, and brooms lay at their feet to emphasize their point. So far, nothing new has occurred. There have been no more attacks from spiders. Or other yokai.. The two sound very relieved as they say this. Well they should! No doubt the memories of their abduction are still fresh in their mind!
Rong's lips thin fora moment and he sighs in defeat. I have had nightmares, shifu. I see the Torii in my dreams. Eyes look out from the darkness within, and spider legs caress the pillars. Zan nods, indicating he has had this same dream. I fear the dark curse upon this land has not been stopped, or even slowed, shifu. It continues to grow and fester.
Zan nods, again. They still have the mountain villages under their command. Many men there lose hope, as did we, and will gladly sell themselves to the House of Fallen Leaves, to ease the burdens on their families. Or, having no families or prospects of their own, see some future with the demon ninja.
My lord, while you were gone, I sent men to patrol the surroundings. All appears safe for a day's ride in all directions. His voice is gruff and thick with frustration. But, then, the warrior starts and Tang Bohu's normally fierce demeanor blanches, and the wooly caterpillars of his eyebrows appear to droop in shame. I shame myself with my bloodlust. Forgive me, Lord Boalin. I serve you as I have serve my father. I am honored to serve. He sketches a small bow. But, with the bandits broken, what would you have us do now? What will you do, my Lord? Would you take the fight to their commander? The Stag Lord they speak of?
The brave warrior adjusts his armor and weapons, taking a quick moment to survey his men walking the towers. That man, Gao, that lord Jian Xi has taken to training. He is a good man. He believes in the command of the gods to unify Tian Xia under one flag and one name. He understands discipline and duty. He will be a fine and loyal warrior for your cause, I think. His former bandits, here, Bohu's mouth works with distaste, as though he has bit into a sour fruit, are training well. He works them to the point of exhaustion, controlling all their freedoms and actions. Like they were fresh recruits to an army. They are trustworthy as well. Of course, I thought so of my own men, and have the scars to teach me otherwise. The garden they tend goes well and should feed the fort, for now. I would command my men to forage while they patrol, but I fear that would dull their efforts. Hunger is a powerful master, my lord.
Bohu breathes deep, a delicious smell wafts from the Bai cheng's house. An Ya and An Bao are cooking something wonderful, it seems. The shinobi, he gestures towards the two monks Hayashi has begun training, have dark tales of a corrupt torii and demon ninja. I sham myself with these words, but by the gods, I hate this place! It is cursed! Demon ninja, bandits, yokai, yurei, dark Shogun, spiders, is it any wonder it is always raining? It is as though the gods themselves weep for the people condemned to live here.
Gao commands his six bandits like a grizzled campaigner breaking in new recruits. Even tending a garden is filled with barked orders and discipline. The former bandits must work as one: arms, legs, and tool moving with sift and perfectly time movements so everything is in perfect step and measure. When one breaks formation, they all stop, move to the side, and do drills either with weapons or as exercise. Then, they return to the garden.
The bandits are exhausted, and silent. Clearly, Gao has been working the hard. However, they have a firmness about them they didn't have before. His methods are providing results. And, they have a humble pride to their movements. Clearly, they value the discipline he has offered them. Their hair has been cut to a uniform length, and bound into a simple knot on their head.
The recruits train well. Each morning, we greet the dawn with a devotional to the Eternal Emperor, may He live forever, and exercises. Then, we scrub the stables and houses clean. Then, we wash ourselves and eat. We practice drill for the next geng, and then tend all the weapons and armor in the fort. Then, there are more drills for another geng, followed by garden work and lunch. After, we work on fortifications. All of the catapults are well maintained, and we've reinforced the dry moat. He puffs his chest out in pride and renewed purpose.
We exercise for another geng, eat dinner and then wash ourselves before another prayer to the Eternal Emperor, may He live forever. Then, we lock ourselves into our cells for the night. It is important that we remember who we once were and our oaths. His normal pride and strength falters a bit, but the redeemed bandit recovers quickly. If I had more men, I could train them to be a fierce army!
Outside, beneath the shade of the tree in the courtyard, An Bao and An Ya are mending cloaks from Bohu's soliders, while Fa Shi and Bai Cheng repair saddles and other leatherwork. The four are engaged in amiable conversation, An Bao looks wistfully towards where Wu Li is giggling as he plays with Yuki.
I long for a child, but so far the gods have not blessed us. Bai Cheng wraps his arm around his wife in a comforting hug. We are happy, truly, but I know my husband wishes for a son.
I would love any child you give me, wife. She smiles back at him and continues her knitting. Who says I cannot teach a daughter to run this trading post? She may not be respected as much as my son would be, in the beginning, but their underestimation will be their undoing! He laughs a proud guffaw. Then! Then, they would respect the daughter of Bai Cheng! She would be shrewd and cunning as any son, and twice as generous! Heaven would smile on her!
Do not worry, An Ya, you will have children in time. When Heaven decrees. Fa Shi and I did not plan to have Wu Li, but he came, and we are so very happy! She folds the much-mended cloak and picks up another. The guards should have uniforms, don't you think, An Ya? The other woman looks the the Gao's bandits, working in the garden in their cleaned but threadbare clothes and nods. He works them hard.
Wife, Officer Gao knows what's best to discipline and train men to fight. He was a temple soldier in Po Li, remember? Fa Shi grunts in satisfaction as his awl goes through a leather belt, creating a small cinch for the harness. He is teaching lawless men honor and discipline. They did not learn it as children, and so must be treated as children. They cannot choose for themselves, because they cannot make enlightened choices. He is firm as a father must be with a wayward son.
Husband, when have you ever been firm with Wu Li? You spoil our son! An Ya giggles fondly at her husband's joking glare. I thank Heaven we did not have a daughter, or I fear she would have the run of you!
A peony cut closely will never bloom Bai Cheng says sagely. They sit for a moment in silence, contemplating the dark nature of their home, and the struggles they face.
Then, Wu Li laughs in the distance and they're brought back to the present with lightened spirits. They all laugh for a time, each agreeing that children are blessings and it is better to be gentle with them in such a harsh place than as strict as they would be in the cities or villages of Lingshen.
But, your words, Bai Cheng, are wise. Fa Shi puts aside his awl and begins rubbing oil into the leathers. Officer Gao's bandits are like children, and he may be cutting them too closely. Perhaps uniforms, as An Ya suggests, will provide mulch for their blooms?
I will speak to Officer Gao and Lord Baolin. Bai Cheng agrees, and picks up his own oil. Although, I am more concerned with my trading post. We have so little space! The bandits are stacked like wood in the stables. Lord Bohu's men make camp inside our small courtyard every night. The two shinobi sleep in closets.
Be thankful, to our lords, husband! An Bao gives a stern look to her husband, even as he opens his mouth to protest. I know you meant know disrespect! But, they do much for us, and our burdens are theirs as well! We are small for the moment, but we will grow. You do not plant a tree one day and expect fruit tomorrow! They bring enlightenment to Shenmen! There is much to reclaim!
Jian Xi walks up to Gao and checks on his progress with the former bandits. "Gao what can you tell me of Jiao Xi?" He asks his arms tucked into his sleeves as he watches over his men.
Jian Xi walks up to Gao and checks on his progress with the former bandits. "Gao what can you tell me of Jiao Xi?" He asks his arms tucked into his sleeves as he watches over his men.
Gap salutes Jian Xi as the bloodrager appears. Lord Jian Xi,
Jiao Xi is an honorless dog! She laughs at the misery of others, and uses her own men for practice with her katas and jutsu. She is a stron warrior, but corrupt and evil.He grows grim and orders his men to wash for night. she respects only power and coin, and will use either as an excuse to switch sides or do as she pleases. She is undisciplined and skilled, my lord. And, that makes her dangerous. Jiao Xi could be useful to you and the other nobles, as an assassin if she were properly controlled and trained. But, I fear that she would bring shame to Lord Baolin's purpose and the name of the Eternal Emperor, may He live forever.
Jian Xi nods his head as Gao speaks his knowledge following much the same as his initial thoughts towards the woman. "No your words are much inline with my own thoughts. She was taken alive during our raid, would she have any useful information on the stag lord? Also I'd like to watch tomorrow your men and maybe even join in."
Staying with his cousin, Xiang Lun responds to Tang Bohu, "Though all is safe now, we have struck this Stag Lord two mighty blows - first, by preventing him from preying upon the inhabitants of this outpost, and second, by dispersing and destroying his forward bandit camp. I have no doubt there shall be retribution from him. We must keep up our guard remain vigilant."
Dawei observed Gao's training at some length, pleased with all he saw.
"It is good that they accept discipline. With time, they forget how they once thought and accept that the live only to serve the Eternal Emperor, May We All Bow to His Will."
Jian Xi nods his head as Gao speaks his knowledge following much the same as his initial thoughts towards the woman. No your words are much inline with my own thoughts. She was taken alive during our raid, would she have any useful information on the stag lord? Also I'd like to watch tomorrow your men and maybe even join in.
My lord, it is possible that she would know about the Stag Lord. Certainly, more about his bandits and highwaymen. He bows, clasping his fists before him. I would like to train with you very much, Lord Jian Xi. The men would like that as well.
Dawei observed Gao's training at some length, pleased with all he saw.
It is good that they accept discipline. With time, they forget how they once thought and accept that the live only to serve the Eternal Emperor, May We All Bow to His Will.
May We All Bow to His Will Gao intones solemnly. The men were without purpose under Heaven, ignorant to propriety and discipline. They performed the superstitions of the savages of this land only from habit, without thought or belief. Now, they accept. Now, they know the Truth. The Eternal Emperor, may He live forever, has given them purpose.
Staying with his cousin, Xiang Lun responds to Tang Bohu, Though all is safe now, we have struck this Stag Lord two mighty blows - first, by preventing him from preying upon the inhabitants of this outpost, and second, by dispersing and destroying his forward bandit camp. I have no doubt there shall be retribution from him. We must keep up our guard remain vigilant
Lord Xiang Lun, you are wise. I send my men to patrol a days' ride in the four directions for just such a worry. So far, we have found nothing. But, these cannot be the only bandits under the Stag Lord's sway. And, I do not think he will tolerate this defeat.
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Zan: "We worked at patching holes in the walls and assisted Fa Shi and Bai Cheng with the repairs to the houses. Then, we decided we should humble ourselves with women's work, but also train, so that we could also fulfill our duties to you, Shifu..
"So far, nothing new has occurred. There have been no more attacks from spiders. Or other yokai.. "Rong: "I have had nightmares, shifu. I see the Torii in my dreams. Eyes look out from the darkness within, and spider legs caress the pillars.
I fear the dark curse upon this land has not been stopped, or even slowed, shifu. It continues to grow and fester. "Zan: "They still have the mountain villages under their command. Many men there lose hope, as did we, and will gladly sell themselves to the House of Fallen Leaves, to ease the burdens on their families. Or, having no families or prospects of their own, see some future with the demon ninja."
Hayashi said nothing as they spoke, and then nodded, saying sternly, "Thank you for your reports, gentlemen. Carry on."
Moving away from the shinobi, he climbed up onto the settlement's walls, looking to the north-western mountain chain against the horizon."The dreams have faded from my side--only due to my training," he thought.
He then sought out his allies, and called each of them to convene with him.
Rong and Zan mark the map the names of their villages , there is Three Trees at the southern edge of the mountains, and Sunset Peak to the north. Three Trees is the closer of the two, and thenbrave heroes set off for that poor village at first light. At first, the way is easy. They have traveled these forest paths before, and they know them well. But, once they turn slightly north, and enter the mountains, the path becomes less sure, and their travel slows to a crawl. Luckily, Hayashi's apprentices said that their villages are not too far inside the mountain Dane, and should be easy to find.
By nightfall of the second day, they find the village. It is a small and muddy place, the people eke out harsh and meager lives form the u forgiving stones of the Gossamer Mountains. As they enter, villagers turn their heads so as not to acknowledge the brave heroes.
Three Trees is a desolate and miserable village in the foothills of the Gossamer Mountains. Its roads are choked with mud. The Drab stone houses slump to the side on slanted, buckling walls beneath moldering thatched roofs. The terraces are overgrown with weeds. Everywhere, there is the stench of rotting vegetation left too long in water, and a cloud of thick smoke hanging in the air. At the very end of the village, sits the mouth of the silver mine, the lifeblood of Three Trees.
As the brave heroes ride into the town, and the citizens hide their gazes, one man walks calmly towards them. He wears the insignia and robes of a mayor. His fine clothes, just barely more lustrous than the common folk of the town, are heavily stained with mud and poorly mended. He greets Baolin and the others with a formal bow and smiles.
Greetings, honorable dignitaries! We have heard of your great deeds in the lowlands! Welcome to Three Trees! He bows again and gestures towards the town hall. I am Chao Shi, mayor of this humble town. Please, let us go inside from this foul rain!
The man's eyes stare vacantly at the heroes. He's not blind, for his eyes are not clouded or unfocused. Rather, he is not the one guiding his vision. He is clearly not in full control of his actions, and is being guided by the will of someone else.
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Once near the town, Hayashi detaches from the rest.
"I will watch out for any ninja and pacify any threats. This is their domain, after all." he said to them, before disappearing into the shadows.
"Greetings, honorable dignitaries! We have heard of your great deeds in the lowlands! Welcome to Three Trees! He bows again and gestures towards the town hall. I am Chao Shi, mayor of this humble town. Please, let us go inside from this foul rain!"
Noticing the mayor's eyes from a distance, Hayashi's brow furrowed, and he resolved to find whatever dark will was leading the town (Yokai or otherwise)--before his allies could be lead into a trap. He has not failed them before, and will not fail them now!
Seeing the man's eyes, Dawei too suspected foul play and looked for ambush.
Well, he seems friendly, even if the people are afraid of strangers.
Xiang Lun defers to his cousin, seeing no cause for alarm in this situation.
Baolin bows in respect to the mayor of the town. "Good day, Chao Si." The rain dribbles upon him, getting into his eyes. "It would certainly be good to have respite from the elements." He moves to follow the mayor into a place where they can be free from the dreary rain - until the qinglong steps in front of him.
The dragon speaks - as he so rarely does - with a great booming voice. "Another sees through your eyes. So many of our enemies have been led astray by false spirits. Who gazes upon us?" The dragon coils with readiness to pounce if some ambush should fall upon them, and Baolin moves his stance to a more ready one. They do not attack, but rather wait for a satisfactory explanation.
Chao Si blanches, and the citizens seem to melt away into the buildings. Honorable sirs, please, forgiveness! I mean you no harm! None who call Three Trees home mean harm to great and noble dignities such as yourselves! He bows, falling to his knees in the muck, and raises his clasped fists in obeisance.
Several shadows reveal themselves to be armed men. They wear blackened armor and carry strong looking weapons. At least 5 heavily armed men stand in the shadows, with hands on hilts, ready to strike. One more has an arrow trained on Baolin.
Please, noble ones, I do not know what you mean. I am as I am! I heard we had visitors to our small town and left my wife and dinner to speak with you!
Jian Xi looks around in confusion as Qinglong speaks his hand drifts towards his sword hilt but he doesn't draw yet still trying to figure out what the dragon is speaking of.
Jade Moon stands towards the back of the group as they enter the town. She feels the weight of the town pressing on her. She can almost imagines that after time it must be this weight of of depression that had caused the homes to buckle.
Upon hearing the Qinglong speak she feels an uneasiness that is hard to describe. By all appearances the Mayor was being truthful to them yet she trusted the dragons's opinion as she subtly prepares a throwing dagger and brings a spell to her lips if need be.
The stars enter Baolin's eyes. With them, he sees those who would hide from them, weapons in hand. He points to the strangely-armed men. "Step from the shadows! We have not come here to harm you. Return your arrow to its quiver, and let us speak as friends." He gazes upon the mayor of the town. "You were asked a question, and I expect an answer. Who looks upon us through your eyes?" While his words are an offer of peace, he stands ready to summon a constellation of magic should the others attack.
The stars enter Baolin's eyes. With them, he sees those who would hide from them, weapons in hand. He points to the strangely-armed men. "Step from the shadows! We have not come here to harm you. Return your arrow to its quiver, and let us speak as friends." He gazes upon the mayor of the town. "You were asked a question, and I expect an answer. Who looks upon us through your eyes?" While his words are an offer of peace, he stands ready to summon a constellation of magic should the others attack.
Chao Shi rights himself from the mud, a happy smile fills his face. I am married to the most wonderful woman! Yaoren gives me fine clothes to wear and does all the hard work of running this town. She lets me be free to meet dignitaries such as yourself. Please, come, meet my wife Yaoren.
Tears run freely down his cheeks as Chao Shi speaks of Yaoren. He smile grows wider, but Jade Moon does not think his tears are of joy.
[dice=Perception]1d20+8
Hayashi relaxed from his tense position, and drew back his hand from his knife, remaining out of sight from the men Baolin called out.
Jade Moon studies the mayor looking for any hidden meaning to the tears which spring from his eyes.
Confused by Qinglong's proclamation, Xiang Lun casts his spell to detect magic, seeking to identify how another could see through this man's eyes.
As Baolin speaks with the man and he named his wife, Xiang Lun considered the name "Yaoren" and if he had ever heard of it in his studies.
Xiang Lun casts his spell and sees the flow of chi about the man. His mind is filled with water and wood, the elements of trickery and change. But, they are contained in with metal and fire... This is a strong magic, old. The mayor has been controlled for a long time. But, nothing about Yaoren is familiar, save that she must obviously have some talent with magic.
Jade Moon senses fear oozing off the man in waves. He is terrified of something. But, he also desperately loves his wife. She thinks she's heard Hayashi's trainees speaking of Yaoren, and how much she terrifies them. She has been the wife of the mayor since befoe they were born. The mayor, by the way, is only a little older than Jade Moon herself.
Hayashi, from the shadows, overhears the citizens whispering about how horrible Yaoren is. The oldest grannies remember hearing stories from their own grandmothers about a time when Three Tree Village was happy. There was always rice on the terraces, and the mines flowed. Life was hard, but it was fair. Then, Yaoren came, and spun her webs. She infected the guards.. seducing and manipulating them. NOw, she owns them all... mothers weep when their sons are handsome and strong, and fathers pray for daughters.
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Hayashi, from the shadows, overhears the citizens whispering about how horrible Yaoren is. The oldest grannies remember hearing stories from their own grandmothers about a time when Three Tree Village was happy. There was always rice on the terraces, and the mines flowed. Life was hard, but it was fair. Then, Yaoren came, and spun her webs. She infected the guards.. seducing and manipulating them. NOw, she owns them all... mothers weep when their sons are handsome and strong, and fathers pray for daughters.
Standing in a position to hear this unseen, Hayashi narrowed his eyes, and thought, 'I smell the work of Yokai and Oni. Their aura is heavy here.'
Intrigued by this Yaoren, Xiang Lun says to the mayor, "Tell me, will it be possible to meet your wife?"
Chao Shi nods, and his smile widens. Yes! Yes! Yaoren would love to meet such brave heroes! You will love her, as well! Yaoren is the most beautiful and graceful woman in the village!
He spins on his heels and leads the heroes towards a small home only in slightly better repair than those around it.
The house Chao Shi walks towards has a dark aura. It almost blinds Hayaahi with it power. Even Jade Moon and Xiang Lun, who are not even trying to sense it, can feel the corrupted energy. The building seems as though it's covered in purple flame!
The house is covered in the purple flame aura of the yokai. It's black spiderwebs of corrupted chi have been spun about the whole building and then lit aflame!