by Brian Thomas
It was obvious the emperor and his advisors in the room had no knowledge of the struggle which had taken place or that the fakir, their spiritual guard, was as good as dead. It was time to leave, quickly, before they were discovered. Si Li gathered himself with a silent prayer and then traced his route back through the Sun Palace and to the safety of the Temple.
As they gradually recovered, Si Li bowed gently to Melong. “Thank you Brother, I had no thoughts of making a safe return.”
Melong returned the bow to Si Li. “Thank you Brother, for gifting me your strength to bring me home safe when thinking yourself lost.” They shared brief smiles of appreciation as the stiffness in their long immobile bodies gradually receded.
Hoosinn raised an eyebrow. “You were gone for a long time and I was beginning to fear your mission was not going well. It appears it was not without incident?”
Si Li turned to face them both. “There is much to tell you Brother but it must be later. It is as we feared. Though the stakes are being raised even as we speak and we must act quickly to counter the emperor’s scheme. Our brother, T’ze, will soon be here and the Temple must field the most capable warrior it has available against him when he makes his challenge. We must ensure we select a champion who cannot triumph, to satisfy the emperor’s anger and allow him to recover face. Any priest whose martial skills exceed those of our selected champion or T’ze must be removed from the Temple before T’ze arrives and makes his challenge.”
Melong nodded. “I have been thinking on this Si Li and I believe we have a candidate who would take up the challenge willingly, even knowing the inevitable outcome. Despite all of our efforts his illness remains and he has but a short and pain-filled time remaining in this world. He would willingly embrace a warrior’s exit to speed his return on the Great Wheel, rather than endure the alternative.”
Si Li nodded also thinking of Dong, a gifted warrior priest blighted by a terminal illness that had resisted all their attempts to remedy his ailment. Controlling his anger at the dilemma forced upon them by the emperor, Si Li replied. “Melong will arrange all that is necessary for T’ze’s arrival, while we must also act to demonstrate the Temple will not simply bow to intimidation. The emperor must be made to realise the Temple will not buy its own survival at any price, that our autonomy must be genuine, and we will not meekly succumb to being the emperor’s indentured slaves for life. We must provide a simple demonstration of our own. To show our resolve in remaining independent. It must be subtle, not so strong as to appear a direct threat, but sufficient to ensure the message is clear. We must demonstrate the Temple will adhere to our vows and the covenant, so long as it remains in our interest to do so, but if the emperor reneges on the covenant then the Temple will resist. Above all, we must ensure the emperor does not suffer another loss of face. Otherwise he will feel bound to recover it, as he is intent on doing so now with T’ze.”
Melong nodded his agreement as Hoosinn commented softly. “It is as we discussed then. Our hand is forced and we must take the risk to influence our future. Do we use the same lever we discussed earlier?”
Si Li nodded. “He remains the most appropriate candidate. I will shadow him and await a suitable opportunity. I am confident with a little enlightenment he will make the choices we would wish for and consequently will position us on the branch we seek. His indenture as guardian to the emperor’s nephew is nearly complete and he is but a short distance from the Temple. He will, I am certain, be a stalwart supporter of the Temple’s struggle and a willing addition to our cause.” The two elders facing Si Li contemplated the dangers which lay ahead, before nodding their compliance to Si Li’s proposition. “Then let us be about it, time is now short. Melong, post a lookout so we are forewarned of T’ze’s arrival. Invite Dong to stand as the Temple’s champion and warn him of his inevitable defeat before he agrees to stand for us against T’ze. Hoosinn will arrange for the dispersal of those priests stronger in the martial arts than our champion before T’ze’s arrival. Then I would be grateful if you could return to care for my body while my spirit walks again.” Hoosinn and Melong nodded their agreement. Si Li concluded, “In the meantime I will rest, gather my strength, and pray to the Spirits for support in our endeavour.”
Chapter 2
Li Chin reached the brow of the hill and paused to study the road winding down to a small village. The village clustered around a fork in the road, the main road making its way through the valley to the right of the river and above a flood plain, while a smaller turnoff gradually ascended the mountains starting to crowd the distant horizon. Thin tendrils of smoke from the village’s cooking fires drifted lazily up into the still air. The peasants in the most distant fields, their work done for the day, were starting to make their way back to their homes. The whole valley was vivid green with the season’s crop, only broken by the russet browns of the thatched wooden buildings and the heavily silted river.
Li Chin glanced up at the sun, well past its zenith, his gleaming black topknot trailing over one shoulder. He slowly relaxed, wryly smiling in recognition of the tension he had felt. At midday his five years of bonded servitude, his indenture as guardian to the governor of the Wing-Ho province on behalf of the Temple in the Clouds, had expired. Following his previous Master’s death from a weak heart while he slept the mantle of authority had passed to the Master’s first son, Zu Wah. The new Master and his household were now on their way for Zu Wah to be formally inaugurated as Wing-Ho’s governor at the Sun Palace, where he would make his oaths of fealty to the emperor, his uncle. On reaching the village Li Chin would take the turnoff leading to the distant mountains, which would eventually take him to the Temple and home for the foreseeable future. Zu Wah and his retinue would continue without him on its own journey to the Sun Palace.
Li Chin waited patiently, the double handed sword hanging at his waist his only burden, enjoying the gentle breeze as it stirred his plain grey gown. He was both pleased and relieved his indenture as guardian to the Wah House had come to an end. As the moment had drawn closer Li Chin realised how much he was anticipating escape from his vows as guardian under the Temple’s covenant with the emperor. The vows were uncompromising in their commitment of the guardian’s obedience to his master, to protect his master’s life at all costs and to perform his master’s instructions to the best of his ability. However loathsome those instructions might be. It was a burden all the Temple guardians bore, but for him it had recently become heavier. He had learnt firsthand how some of the Temple’s priests had returned changed after their own indentures, the idealistic and enthusiastic young men who had left so full of hope of aiding their people, returning hardened and disillusioned by the reality of their duties.
Chow, captain of Zu Wah’s life guard, came to a halt beside Li Chin, resting a hand on his own sheathed sword in a familiar habit. Removing his ornate lacquered helmet he exposed his lined features and greying topknot to the comfort of the cooling breeze. With a sigh of relief he mopped his brow using an old cloth, which he stuffed back into a pocket behind the tails of his armoured jerkin before replacing the helmet. Chow was wearing armoured uniform, the dark leather and coin sized blackened bronze plates only relieved by the circular Wah House emblem picked out in gold and red silk thread, repeated on the chest and back of his black tabard. A white plumed crest on Chow’s helmet denoted his rank of captain. He scanned the terraced fields and the returning peasants on the slopes leading to the heavily cultivated valley floor. Glancing across quizzically at Li Chin Chow enviously observed that he bore no signs of fatigue or discomfort from the march in the hot weather. Barely out of his youth and young to be appointed as guardian Li Chin would have picked up the pace if not slowed by the rest of them. “I suspect you will be pleased to leave us Guardian, to take up a quiet life in the Temple. A warrior’s life in a Great House presents too many complications for you?”
Li Chin was surprised the captain’s comment had so closely followed his own line of thought, penetrating a ha
bitual masking of all emotion. “I have been honoured to serve my five years with the life guard and the rest of the Wah House. But yes it is true, I am pleased my indenture is served and I can return home to the Temple. During the last months I have found it difficult to find the right way to guide Zu Wah and my counsel displeases him, which he takes out on those unfortunates around him. Zu Wah’s confidence in his leadership grows without justification and he values my counsel less each day, seeing it more as an obstruction than aid.” Li Chin looked sideways at Captain Chow. “I suspect the household will also breathe easier with my departure. Though, whilst I can return to the Temple, I fear for you and others in the household if a way is not found to curb his anger and lust for blood. I only hope the next priest assigned to take on the role of Zu Wah’s guardian will form a new relationship without the legacy of having first served his father coming between them, as it seems to have done with myself.”
Chow looked intently at Li Chin. “Ah yes; the son.” Breaking off his scrutiny Chow instead studied the peaceful village they would soon be entering and gently sucked through his teeth. “It is true the son is not the father.” Chow thought briefly of his late master, the previous governor of the Wing-Ho province. Distant and inscrutable, as were all the masters, old Master Wah had never shown any sign of emotion in all of the forty years or so Chow had served him. But whilst he had been hard in his justice and dealings with his people it had been justice, of a sort.
Chow struggled to suppress what he feared might be disloyal thoughts about his new master, wondering what level of control the new guardian, Li Chin’s as yet unknown replacement, would be able to exert over Zu Wah. However benign or vindictive, for Chow and the rest of the life guard there were no choices or dilemmas. They had all sworn unfaltering obedience to the Wah household, a Great House with strong ties to the emperor, their lives before their master’s, his word was the law and they were his vassals to command.
“Ha; philosophising over morals!” Chow shook his head in admonishment and spoke with enforced conviction to reinforce his own resolve. “The Temple priests’ battle skills are legendary, but how can you achieve peace of mind when you question the morals of your master’s commands? Duty and loyalty are all; this is the code, the way it has always been and always will be for warriors sworn to a Great House. There is only unquestioning loyalty or chaos!”
Chow visibly calmed and looked away to the village, an idyll in direct contrast to the passion of his outburst. “Still, warriors should be pitted against warriors from the other Great Houses, where there is honour and pride in a true test of skill and courage. There is no honour in meting out petty punishments to peasants and artisans.” Chow brushed aside his qualms, “I know you have tried to guide Zu Wah away from…” he hesitated not wishing anything that could be interpreted as disloyalty, “excessive punishments. I hope the replacement guardian proves to be the moderating influence and wise counsel to Zu Wah you have been. I honour you and hope you find the peace you seek in your temple, Guardian.”
Li Chin gave a slight bow of his head. “Perhaps you are right Captain. My concerns are my own and a luxury which is not available to you or the rest of the life guard. I am sure the next guardian will prove better equipped to direct Zu Wah along the correct path.”
Chow smiled at Li Chin, relieved that his familiarity had not caused offence or insult. “Ha! See, did I not say there is only the code for warriors, the one way? In the meantime, I shall look forward to the battles ahead with warriors from the other Great Houses. With this master I am sure it will only be a matter of time before we are called. Or even against barbarians. I have heard they are over six feet tall, a full head taller than the tallest man in my guard. Now that would be a worthy opponent against which to test our skills!” Chow positively glowed at the prospect of battling peers or barbarians, not caring which, and looking as though both would be preferable.
Glancing over his shoulder, the captain saw the rest of their party approaching. Twenty porters were carrying a covered litter with ornate silk screens, partially drawn to provide shade and privacy whilst allowing the meagre breeze to reach its occupant, the opulently attired Zu Wah. Ten of the life guard led and a further ten followed the litter as honour guard for the governor in waiting. The guard had the same uniform as Chow, though without the emblems of rank on their shoulders or the white crest on their helmets. Their dark uniforms and heavy boots contrasted with the bleached hemp tunics and sandals of the porters and the thirty household staff following the last of the life guard. Behind the household staff was an enclosed wagon carrying the essential baggage to support a master while travelling, drawn by two oxen which set the plodding and methodical pace of the party. Bringing up the rear were a further one hundred soldiers in ranks of four, completing the escort for a master of Zu Wah’s rank and status. Chow turned towards the village again. “Come; let us see what this miserable excuse for a village has to keep Zu Wah in good spirits until your departure!”
As they started down the road Captain Chow contemplated Li Chin and their relationship. Chow had tremendous respect for the young guardian and a kind of pride he imagined he would have for a son of his own, if he’d had one. Chow was not sure such emotions were appropriate towards a Temple priest. They were strange animals at best and this one, a guardian to a nephew of the emperor no less! He must rank high within their fraternity to hold such a post. The appointment was an indication of the intelligence and astounding martial skills Chow had seen demonstrated by the boy, guardian he corrected himself, on a number of occasions. Chow mused that while he could keep his feelings from showing, he could not prevent them in the first place and however inappropriate, he was proud of the youth.
As the caravan entered the village the peasants threw themselves to their knees, genuflecting until the entourage had completely passed them. All work and activity came to a stop as Captain Chow called a halt in the central square. The villagers didn’t need to know which master was in their presence, for them all masters held the power of life and death. Captain Chow cast off his doubts and braced his shoulders, turning to Li Chin. “The Spirits favour the strong. Our land is full of strong Houses with proud warriors of great skill, who will keep the empire safe for future generations. If the weak are not there to serve the strong, then what purpose do they serve? If I must use force to keep my House and the empire strong; then so be it. The sacrifices of the weak seem a fair exchange against the security of all. Your concerns feel strange to me, but I know you to be both a strong and honourable warrior. This is a good thing, a thing in which to take pride.” Chow bowed to Li Chin and bid him a traditional parting. “May the Spirits guide your way and your journey’s end find a warm welcome.”
As Li Chin listened to the simple but hard philosophy by which Chow lived, he realised how much he would miss the hardened warrior. Steadfast in his adherence to the warrior code he lived by, a code he believed right and was willing to give his life for. His life, for the protection of his House, which was all the family he knew. Li Chin offered Captain Chow a deep bow and was gratified to see the restrained surprise and pride in the older man’s eyes. Li Chin replied with a traditional warriors’ parting. “May your enemies be worthy, so that your honour will be great.” They both bowed, small smiles reflecting their mutual respect.
The porters placed the covered litter on the ground and Zu Wah’s chamberlain sent the regular soldiers to billet in a field outside the small confines of the village. Placing his hands in the wide sleeves of his gown, the chamberlain strode to the centre of the village. While the Wah house servants started bustling around the covered wagon the chamberlain called out imperiously to the silent and grovelling villagers around him. “Where is the village headman?” A man bent by a life of toil in the fields, his grey plait trailing in the dirt, quickly crawled forward until he was at the feet of the chamberlain. Bobbing up briefly before putting his head to the ground again, he looked as though he wished anyone but himself was the headman. “Up man!
” the chamberlain demanded impatiently, causing the old man to rise gingerly to his knees, but ready to drop down again at the first opportunity.
“My name is Xiou. I am the headman for this village, Lord.” He replied, casting surreptitious glances at the ornate litter and the tattoos on Li Chin’s forehead, which marked him out as one of the fabled but rarely seen Temple priests. The man in the boxed litter must be an important person to be escorted by a Temple priest, to have command over and to warrant the protection of a guardian.
The chamberlain looked down at Xiou coldly. “Order the preparation of food for our men and bring the best of your stores for my staff to select what we need for our master.” The chamberlain’s imperious tone was indifferent to the difficulties surrounding his instructions.
Xiou looked at the party of a hundred and fifty plus men and hesitated briefly before suppressing what he truly thought, responding with a breathless, “At once Lord.” Springing to his feet, he quickly marshalled the other villagers still on their knees back to their own feet and purposeful activity.
Li Chin was watching the preparations by the villagers, assessing the impact of feeding so many on the obviously meagre resources of the village. Behind Zu Wah’s litter Li Chin could see some of the household servants who were busily unpacking rugs, cushions, fine china and other paraphernalia, anxious to shield their master from the rigours of travel and the discomfort of being away from his palace. Zu Wah emerged from behind the litter’s silk screens and began walking imperiously towards him. He turned to face Zu Wah, bowing his head. Zu Wah was wearing an intricate gown with a small upright collar trimmed in fine embroidery, the gown seeming to glide just above the dusty village square as he drew closer.