Sevak sighs. "I don't know, Paq. But if we don't do something differently, who will? I do appreciate all you have done for me. I just..."
He shakes his head. "Harming others scarcely seems like a way to improve the situation."
Paq shrugs, "Are you going to make me give it back?"
"Anyway, so what is the plan next? Are we free to go? Where are we going anyway?"
"I had hoped to stay here long enough to retrieve our equipment, but that might not be possible if your actions are discovered," Sevak replies. "Not to mention that it will make traveling through Po Li difficult if we are wanted criminals."
Sevak sighs again. "Paq... the truth is, I worry for you. This path will lead to your own destruction, I fear. As for plans... I had hoped to travel to a city and seek out knowledge, and then perhaps to the jungle. But I have little trust in my plans, after..."
He waves vaguely at their surroundings.
Paq snorts, "Discovered? Unless you think all of the skills have deserted a ranked member of the Goka Thieves Guild, we shall be safe. We'll only get caught if you tell, which if you decide to, give me a chance to get a head start first." The ratfolk grins, entirely unrepentant. On his back the sword growls in irritation.
He is not worthy
Paq goes on, "So, did old Red Teeth there give you any special secrets, nagaji to nagaji? Dramatic last words, a treasure map, tearful confessions of past crimes? They usually do, in the stories. They being the villains."
Sevak narrows his eyes slightly. Had Paq overheard something?
"He said something about Iskassala seeking a place called Lao Shu Po's Trove," he admits, a bit reluctant. What will Paq do with such information? "He was quite adamant that she must not find it."
Paq looks very surprised when Sevak says this.
"Lao Shu Po? Really?" The ratfolk says, rubbing his small receding chin. 'I wouldn't have guessed him to pay attention to other gods. Lao Shu Po is the ratfolk god of course, no one else pays her any mind except to blame her for plagues and such. Which is untrue of course." He corrects absently, obviously thinking.
'But the trove is a myth, a kid's story. At least, that is what I've always heard. But I'm no theologian."
"Many myths have a grain of truth to them," Sevak replies, "And sometimes later people name things after earlier myths. Might I hear the story? If she truly seeks it... it would not be good for her to find it."
Paq looks around the rough field hospital, a small hut crammed with injured and dying men. "Can we go outside? This is not the best place for tales."
And so he can keep his ill gotten booty Zhengyi sounds in Sevak's mind.
Outside the day is bright and clear, with various soldiers and bandits clustered in groups, as the Commandant brings order to the battlefield.
Paq finds a half barrel to sit on, crossing his legs in what must be some traditional ratfolk pose. Obviously pleased with himself he starts to talk in a formal, rhythmic way.
"As all know, Lao Shu Po was not always a goddess. No, she started as the most humble of thieves, a simple rat. Struggling in a dangerous world, she lived by her wits, cunning and skill. Her life would have passed without note by the powerful except for a twist of fate."
"When Tsukiyo, god of jade and weather was killed by treacherous Fumeiyoshi, he was laid in a grave. But the gods were unused to burying their own and it was poorly dug and sealed. Clever Lao Shu Po found a way in and ate some of the body. Some of the old god's godhood passed into her and she stole his powers of night and secrecy."
"Tsukiyo of course returned to life, but he could not find clever Lao Shu Po, so she kept her power. The once simple rat had grown wise with her new powers. She did many wonderful things in these years of which many stories are told."
Paq coughs here and says, normally, "Usually we go on about how great the ratfolk are here. Should I tell you the time she made a naga eat itself? No? Very well."
"But her greatest fear was that the gods may find her and kill her. So, as all good thieves know, she would need to strike first. Lo Shu Po began to collect things from the other gods, be it holy texts, items of magic or anything that may be a check on their powers. She scoured the world, searching in the dark and secret ways she knew so well. Later, she enlisted the greatest ratfolk thieves to aid her, riffling through hidden temples and plundering forgotten tombs."
"All of this she tucked away into a secret place. The Trove of Lao Shu Po. Many have searched for it, gods and men alike for the wonders it must contained are beyond story and legend. Some claim their are secrets there that would undo entire peoples...but the Trove is impossible to find, for it never remains in the same place. She only reveals it to the select few who are called to her priesthood and have made the journey to add to the collection and they are sworn to secrecy."
Paq grins but says, "I did not do it truly justice. If we ever go to Goka, I shall find a true story-teller to give it properly, but those are the facts." then he frowns, "But it is just a story. Surely our bandit lord didn't think a child ratfolk legend was true?"
"He seemed convinced Iskassala thought it was true. And anything she thinks is true is something to be wary of," Sevak replies. "Of course, we scarcely have any way of knowing if she truly does... and unless you happen to be a priest of Lao Shu Po, your tale hardly gives us any information as to its actual location. I suppose we shall simply have to be watchful of any signs that Iskassala truly is seeking it."
Paq's whiskers twitch, "Well, if we do end up in a big city, we could find a priest. Most cities in Tian Xia have a few of us hanging about. Might be worth nosing about."
Then he shrugs and goes on, "Which leads us back to the other question. Where are you leading us?"
"Somehow I doubt they'd be willing to tell us..." Sevak replies, doubtfully. And truth be told, he wants little to do with Lao Shu Po if he can help it. "For destinations, the next fair-sized city will do for now. I just... I want somewhere to stop and think. To study something beyond what I have known. It is hard to be different when I have seen so little beyond Nagajor."
Paq taps his fingers together, tiny claws clacking. Finally he raises four fingers.
"Well, let's think of it this way. I assume we can cross west off our list. I doubt either of us want to go back to Nagajor, yes?" He lowers one narrow digit. "North is into Po Li. Some big cities there, remnants of the old Empire. I've never been actually, but I hear they have all gone sort of strange since the collapse." He lowers another finger.
"East takes us to Dtang Ma. Don't know anything about it except there is a big rain forest there and it is run by sorcerers."
One finger remains at the ratfolk says, "South would lead us into Nagajor but into the volcanic mountainous part and eventually into the Valashmai jungle. No cities that way."
Sevak nods. "Po Li sounds better than Dtang Ma. Sorcerers sound too close to naga at present, at least without knowing more."
Paq looks genuinely surprised at this remark. when he sees Sevak's expression he explains, "I assumed you'd jump at the chance to drag me through another muddy, wet rainforest. But now you offer the chance of warm beds and regular meals? Are you sure you are really Sevak?"
Then he laughs and says, 'Po Li it is, heart of the old Empire. Are we going to say goodbye to our illustrious Commandant?"
"We should," Sevak replies. "With luck they will have found our gear."
He pauses, then asks, quietly, "If I had said I was going to the forest, would you truly have come with me?"
Paq grins, revealing small white teeth, "Well of course. You lead to fun places. Evil bandits, angry talking swords, gold eating lions, who would want to pass up such things?"
The ratfolkt hen sobers and says, "You were my ticket out of a boring life trying to get killed in a gladiatorial combat. It is a debt I can never repay. Besides, at least things are always happening around you." he holds up a thin, dexterous hand. "That said, I would prefer if I didn't need to nurse you again."
"I shall try to avoid that," Sevak replies. He hesitates, then adds, "And thank you. Now, I suppose it is time to return to the Commandant."
Together they head back to the soldiers and find the Commandant, restoring order. He gives orders with casual command, and is clearly a long time commander. When he spots Sevak and Paq he waves them over and indicates a small pile.
"Your gear, I presume?" Indeed, everything is there except for the gold. Weather that was taken by the Red Mouth's men or the troops is irrelevant.
'So, you move with more purpose, Nagaji. Have you chosen a direction?'
Sevak nods. "North," he says, "Away from Nagajor, and into the cities of Po Li. Which of them have the best libraries or teachers? There is... much I would learn, away from the naga. And... which would accept a nagaji?"
"Ahh, headed toward civilization?" The Commandant says pleased when he mentions Po Li. 'I have been out here so long, I often forget there is a large land beyond this bickering over rivers and fields."
Paq laughs but the man doesn't laugh with him. Ratfolk seem beneath his notice.
When Sevak asks about cities The man says, instantly, "Changdo, of course. It was the Imperial seat in the old days, the Imperial Archives are still there, although the eunuchs are very protective of the ancient scrolls."
"As for being a nagaji, once you leave the border you will be an exotic curiosity, mostly. A few, who have heard stories from the front may look at you oddly, but we have not fought a war with the nagaji in many a year." he deigns to glance at Paq, 'The plaugebringer will cause more of a stir. Changdo is mostly a human city, after the Empire of old."
The ratfolk stops laughing, but says nothing.
"Such prejudices about ratfolk are far less justified than any stories about the cruelty of many nagaji," Sevak responds. "It is a tragedy so many believe in them. Many ratfolk have suffered unjustly because of such beliefs."
He pauses just a moment, then adds, "Thank you, Commandant. If there is nothing further, we will depart."
The man holds up a hand to prevent Sevak from leaving. His face is troubled as he says, "Be careful in your journey north. My people hold great faith in omens and auguries, predictions of the future. Things have been clouded of late and there is much unrest among Po Li. I have not gone north in some time so perhaps I am being inaccurate, but keep your guard up. Things are amiss."
Then he lets Sevak and Paq go, heading north toward the famously fertile plains of Po Li.
The pair head north for the rest of the day, leaving the river behind. The land around them dries and rises, becoming rolling plains and hills. They don't get very far the first day but it is nice to be away from the rotting remains of the Imperial city and Paq remarks it is nice to be able to see farther then the next tree.
Together, they set up camp in the lee of a small hill, with a low fire. Guessing from the crude directions the soldiers offered, they have a few days before they hit a main road, an old imperial highway, and then civilization. Once they get there, villages should be common. Paq in particular waxes eloquently on the virtues of sleeping in a bed.
Night comes quickly and Sevak looks forward to rest. However, as she slips into the land of dreams, an all too familiar voices hisses out of the void, complete with two burning red eyes.
"You are miserable, unworthy servant, nagaji." the Spirit Naga says, voice stern.
For a brief moment Sevak considers pretending to misunderstand, to act as if she actually cared for his friends. But he is tired of these talks. They go nowhere. Best to end it quickly.
"I would be more miserable if I had not saved her after being responsible for her state," he retorts.
The insubstantial spirit hisses in frustration. "Not the woman, you idiot. You nearly got killed because you are too weak to use the powers I am giving you.
There is deep rage behind the words, but when it speaks again, the naga's voice is icy. "That was your last chance and you squandered it. I have decided you will never serve me as you must. I will need to take a more active hand."
Then the dream fades, and Sevak awakes in the night with a shock.
Around him the land is dark quiet, save for the swooping of bats and chirps of the crickets. A gentle breeze stirs, cool and refreshing. Despite the pleasant surroundings, Sevak's heart is cold.
What had the naga meant by an active hand?
Sevak was, in a way, surprised it had taken her this long to reach this conclusion. It was not as if he had hidden his distaste for her power. He had thought her angry because of the power he had destroyed, not the power he had not used.
He would not use that power. Some things came at too great a price.
He tried to push away the thought of her last words. Surely she would not attack him or his friends to try to force his hand... surely she could not do worse than that...
He had to meditate, to seek peace. Sevak closes his eyes and focuses on the sounds and smells around him. They were out in nature. He should be at home here.
...Had he ever, truly, been a druid? He had gone through the training at Iskassala's command, with the intent to serve her, not nature. He had never really used his skills in defense of the natural world. He wondered just who the oread druid in the ruins was. Perhaps Sevak should have sought him out, instead of fleeing... but he could not have stayed there knowing what Paq had done.
Paq... how long could he keep traveling with the ratfolk? He understood his pain, and it felt wrong to turn him away after all he had done for Sevak... but at the same time, he grew more and more uncomfortable with being an accomplice of sorts to his thefts. Perhaps... perhaps when they reached a city, they would part ways. Perhaps it would be best for both of them.
...He was trying to meditate, not dwell on his problems. With a sigh, Sevak pushed the thoughts away again and tried to clear his mind, to focus on the wind and the earth, plant and insect...
Detecting nature has never been a problem. Sevak's training was, if nothing else, extensive in such things. He can name the nightbird's he hears calling, detect each insect as it buzzes past and even tell the date and time by the passage of the Moon and stars.
While it is soothing he does not touch that deep well of...oneness with nature. It he is not truly connecting. That said, he thinks, perhaps foolishly, he has made some progress. He no longer feels walled off or blocked. More he is simply just not going deep enough?
In any case, he is still at it when the sun rises and Paq starts to stir.
Sevak and Paq head north for several days. The road leads to higher, drier ground away from the winding river, leaving the jungle behind. gentle hills rise and fall beneath them, covered with thick rich grass and light woods. The air is rich and fragrant with the smell of growing things. When they make camp, the earth is dark and rich, and Sevak can practically watch plants grow. This is prime farmland, although it seems strangely empty.
Here and there they pass old ruins of farmsteads or small villages, nothing remaining but stone foundations linked by overgrown rutted tracks. This was once a rich area, the heartland of the old Lung Wa Empire before it fell. While people still live in the north, the population is a shadow of what it once was. As far as they can tell, it was densely populated with farms and smallholds all the way to the river. Sevak has the feeling that few wish to live close to nagajor now, without the Imperial Army to protect them. Sevak himself knew the naga rarely raided, but perhaps the average Tian farmer was not so educated? Fear of the snake people still ran high.
The lands do become less wild as they trek north, and they find signs of hunters or loggers in the area, and well kept paths. Paq pauses at one such small camp and roots around. He finds nothing of value but says, "This place is often used, we must be close to a town. I wonder if..."
The ratfolk is interrupted when both of them hear the sounds of horses...behind them, coming up the same half-covered trail.
"Hide?" Paq says, looking nervous. It seems to be the ratfolk's first instinct.
Sevak hesitates a moment. "You hide. I will stay more visible," he replies. Paq is skilled at hiding, but Sevak... better to not be seen trying.
Instead, he steps off the path and a little away from the camp, then turns to see who approaches.
Paq slithers off to hide int he bushes, and as usual, melts away entirely. Sevak really needs to learn how to do that. Could Paq train him?
As Sevak takes center stage however, something happens. He feels dizzy for a moment and the world shimmers, as in a heat wave. It passes so quick the nagaji is almost sure he imagined it....
The ex-druid has no time to reflect. Even as he ponders, two riders appear, thundering down the pass. A pair of dusty Tian men, with scraggly unkempt beards, rusty armor, and blood spattered clothes. their eyes are wild and wide, shouting warcries as they rush onto Sevak.
Sevak shakes his head slightly, wondering what had come over him as he tries to decide on a course of action. These seem like... madmen of some kind, berserkers bereaved of their senses. He doubts diplomacy will work, but neither will he jump straight to violence.
He quickly calls on his magic to protect himself and steps off the road while drawing Zhèngyì. "I do not wish to fight, but will defend myself," he calls out as he takes a defensive position.
As he pulls the sword, Sevak hears a strange, muted roaring in his ears. It concerns the nagaji, but he can't quite tell what it is. What was going on?
The two rushing men say nothing but continue the charge, rusty swords swinging wildly.
Sevak tries to pick a piece of ground that would be unwise to charge into with a horse--somewhere with a log or roots or anything that might trip a horse up. He feels sorry for the beasts, but would rather bring the insane men to the ground than try to fight against them while mounted. He tries to focus through whatever the odd sensation or sound is, hoping it is not related to his dream the other night.
If one of them still draws close, he will slash at him with his blade.