by Brian Thomas
Zun rose to his feet, head down to hide his own silent grief, fists clenched at his sides. “My own shame was not sufficient. It seems I forced my father to shameful behaviour as well.”
Shushan glared at him in disbelief, her eyes angry now through her glistening tears. “They were going to kill us all. He saved you and told you he was proud of you! Where is the shame? Would it have been better to have let them slaughter us, his son included, for no crime that we can understand? It is madness and your father saw it as such. He intervened to save you as any sane parent would!”
Zun turned sharply to face her, fists still clenched tight to contain his grief he retorted angrily. “You do not understand! I pile one shame upon another until my lack of honour is vile in my own eyes.”
Shushan stepped back from Zun in hurt surprise. Quite suddenly her own anger drained away to be replaced by a despondent exhaustion as she replied quietly. “You are right. I do not understand. I do not understand why you believe it would be right for those who have welcomed you amongst them to be slaughtered for the sake of oaths to self-interested parasites. Your oaths are merely words and those you revere would think nothing of ordering your death. You are right. I do not understand and hope I never will.” Turning away, Shushan joined the group around the remains of the fire, aiding those who had received minor injuries during the brief battle.
Zun did not turn to watch her but stared instead into the black night. It had all been so clear once but he was no longer sure of anything and he felt a profound sense of loss as a consequence. The anger and passion drained from him as he relentlessly reminded himself he was not the man he once thought he was and every day brought new evidence to confirm the truth of this. Spirits help him, what was right?
Chapter 22
Li Chin flicked the reins, guiding the oxen and his wagon through the narrow gates and into yet another town. He was amused by a momentary flash of pleasure at the expert way he was able to steer the oxen and cart through the narrow passage of the gatehouse. He was developing skills in this new life, skills he would never have anticipated or even welcomed before. Whereas now he was pleased to congratulate himself on his new accomplishments. He followed the lead cart into a courtyard at the back of a tavern, his amusement quelled as he caught sight of yet another poster bearing his image.
This poster warned that he was possessed by demons, giving him an insatiable lust for devouring the souls of his murdered victims, which included the emperor’s esteemed nephew. The poster went on to list a variety of other crimes he had committed, some of which caused him to raise an eyebrow in curiosity as they were new additions since he had seen the last poster and felonies he was certain he was innocent of. It also detailed the punishment for aiding him and promised a reward for information leading to his capture. There was a large picture of his face in the centre, though the image could have been of any warrior who bore a fearsome scowl and wore a topknot.
The only unique aspect of the image was the carefully crafted replicas of the Temple emblems tattooed on the image’s forehead and inside forearms, accurately depicted either side of the face. Li Chin resisted the urge to stroke his shaved head and search for the hidden tattoo, instead glancing to his forearms. He knew there was no more visible sign of the tattoo on his forehead than there was of the tattooed dragons on his arms and he marvelled once again at the magic gift Old Leckey had given him in masking them. With no sign of the tattoos and his appearance altered there was no reason to suspect he was the man described in the poster, even if he stood right next to one as he had inadvertently done in the last town.
Reminded of the masked tattoos Li Chin felt unease at hiding something of which he was proud, tempered by a healthy concern his disguise would be exposed. But the Temple had officially cast him out and he was no longer a member of their order. It was only sensible he take advantage of the magic which helped him hide his identity, saving him from having to fight his way out of trouble every few days. Even so, he was left feeling unsettled whenever he came across one of the posters, for more than one reason.
Zanwen interrupted his reverie as he returned from the factor’s office. “Wondering what you would do with the reward again Healer? If he is anything like the rumours we hear of, you would never live to collect even if the thieving officials who hold the reward would let you have it!”
Li Chin raised a quizzical eyebrow. “If I were able to bring in such a man, despite his fearsome reputation as a warrior of renown and his possession by demons bestowing him with supernatural abilities, I would have thought the officials would be justified in fearing me even more than the man they seek to apprehend.”
Zanwen laughed. “Nothing stiffens the resolve of a palace official more than the prospect of swindling an honest man out of his just deserts. But do not get any bold ideas my friend;” Zanwen wagged an admonishing finger at Li Chin, “you are too valuable to us all to get diced and sliced by a mad Temple priest.”
Li Chin smiled indulgently and climbed down to assist the others in removing the heavy yokes from the oxen pulling the cart. He had quickly bonded with Zanwen and his small group, doing his part willingly and providing his healing skills for the minor ailments they suffered along the way. His most impressive treatment so far had been in administering a poultice to a cyst on one of the oxen, saving it from an untimely slaughter. The beast was back in the harness the following day, resulting in many plaudits and appreciative slaps on his back from the regular guards. Their easy acceptance of him worlds away from how they would behave if they knew he were a Temple priest. Playing in to his role Li Chin had maintained a good natured and unthreatening demeanour, his sword carefully hidden and out of sight. He was sure Zanwen had put aside his initial concerns and along with the rest of the men considered him willing enough but harmless. Li Chin was content they did so, it aided his disguise and he had no desire to engage in violent activity unless it was forced upon him.
Zanwen had presented his false trading credentials on so many occasions as they worked their way through the provinces that Li Chin no longer tensed as they were offered to guards and factors alike. Zanwen was known by most of them already and they gave the licences only a cursory glance before haggling over the tariff he was obliged to pay for entering a town or using its market place. Li Chin like the others in the group had come to regard their trade as normal and consequently added credibility with their natural behaviour. Though, more than once Li Chin had wondered at the slow pace of the caravan dictated by the oxen, the repetitive nature of one day on the road after another lulling them all into a false sense of security leaving them unprepared for a genuine challenge when it came. Nevertheless, all was well and the danger seemed only to reside in Li Chin’s mind for the moment.
As the last of their oxen were coerced into the pen Zanwen gathered his sub-commanders and Li Chin, leading them into the tavern. The tavern’s proprietor bustled over, wiping greasy hands on a stained apron all welcoming smiles and largesse. “Lord Zanwen, what a pleasure to see you again! Food and drink for you and your men?”
Zanwen returned the smile and it was obvious they knew each other well. “Only your best, Mai! Save us from the poorer stuff reserved for strangers. We have been on the road for a long time and we are ready for your most delicious offerings, so long as they come quick!”
The innkeeper bobbed his head up and down keeping the broad smile in place until he turned, all business with two sharp claps to organise his staff to clear a table. The group squeezed into an alcove with wooden benches around a table, while the serving girls cleared away the remnants from the last occupants.
Li Chin looked curiously around the bustling tavern. They had done well to get a table as it looked to be the last one available with many standing as they talked in small groups around the smoke filled room. On the far side of the room Li Chin saw a group of soldiers and not far from them, at a smaller table, what he took to be their officer and an official.
In very short order their own tab
le was being laid with steaming bowls of food, trays of clay beakers and a generous jug of rice wine. They quickly began helping themselves to generous portions of the food as it arrived, a treat they had been looking forward to over the last few days as the caravan had drawn closer to the town. The rest of the men were camping outside the city limits, with a few guards stationed on the valuable trade goods in the tavern courtyard to provide a token guard in the otherwise secure compound.
Zanwen’s men began to eagerly eat their way through the various dishes presented to them and Li Chin noticed the surprise in Zanwen’s eyes as the tavern’s host returned. The man squeezed unobtrusively into the alcove, such that he was screened from much of the tavern while able to stand discretely beside Zanwen. “I hope you will forgive my intrusion Lord Zanwen. The food is good?”
Though the enquiry was innocent enough there was obviously another subject on the man’s mind. “The food is excellent, Mai. Better even than the promises I made to my men that it would be.” Their host nodded distractedly, with a half-hearted attempt at the previous wide grin which had greeted their entrance. “Is there some other issue you wish to raise with me?”
The man seemed to come to a decision and joined Zanwen on the bench, keeping himself screened from the rest of the tavern Li Chin noticed. “Indeed. We have known each other for a long time Lord Zanwen. Your custom is always welcome, as indeed you are. So I hope you will not be offended if I ask whether you have caused offence to one of the Great Houses?”
Zanwen was all attention as he replied cautiously. “They are easy to offend but I am aware of no such difficulty between myself and any House, be it one of the Great or lesser Houses. May I enquire why you ask?”
The man leaned back a little looking somewhat relieved. “Indeed no, of course you would not have done so. You have always been most civilised in your conduct and honourable in your business transactions. It is just that there are a lot of military movements in this area. Houses Guang and Tanyeu have resurrected an old dispute over Sung–Lo city and there have been a number of armed clashes between them. Even House Wah has become embroiled in their conflict, which shows no sign of abating. This does not concern you of course.”
Their host did not look comforted as Zanwen replied. “Such disputes have a habit of escalating and dragging all kinds of innocents into them. It is bad for trade and will affect us all. We have seen many a displaced family on the roads in the last few months.”
Their host nodded, frowning in agreement. “Aye, bad for trade. And bad for those of us who just wish for a peaceful life, while the powerful play their Great Game at our cost.”
Zanwen prompted. “There is more to your question though, something to do with the military movements?”
The man glanced over his shoulder cautiously before leaning forward to whisper. “People have been enquiring about traders who pass through. Not ones who trade on behalf of Houses Guang and Tanyeu but for other Houses. They have your name from somewhere and specifically asked me about you. They wanted to know when you last came by, when you would be expected again, which House you represented.” The man glanced nervously at Zanwen. “I told them what I knew, little though it is Lord Zanwen. I hope this will not cause you a problem.”
Zanwen placed his hands carefully on the edge of the table, sitting upright again. “Of course not. Though I am pleased you let me know. I shall be sure to add something to the bill for your generous consideration.” The man nodded his head again, smiling in relief that he had done the right thing and there was nothing to worry about. “Who was asking these questions of you and wishes to know these things about me?”
Their host, more relaxed now, paused as he rose to be about his business. “First, a few months ago it was an official and a warrior from House Tanyeu. But earlier this morning it was the official and the warrior at the table over there from House Guang. You know them? Should I inform them you are here?” he suggested helpfully.
Zanwen leaned across the table to get a look at the two men replying casually. “I do not know them and am tired from our travels, unfit to converse with representatives from a Great House until I have bathed. Please do not disturb them. I am sure it is just a casual enquiry. Let them find me tomorrow if they still wish to do so.”
Their host looked keenly at Zanwen, showing more concern than he had so far and began wringing his hands. “They have men spread all over the town.” he looked meaningfully at Zanwen. “If you do not wish your sleep disturbed, perhaps you would be better sleeping outside of the town this evening.”
Zanwen returned the look. “I think perhaps you are right.” Placing a handful of coins on the table, far more than the cost of the food, Zanwen turned to his men who had been listening to the exchange as they finished eating. “It would be good to get an early start so we can establish a camp sufficiently far from the town that we will not be disturbed.”
Their host was nodding sagely as he swept up the coins expertly with one hand. “A wise decision no doubt, Lord Zanwen.” quickly finding an urgent task elsewhere in the busy tavern to occupy him.
Zanwen and his men stood to leave the alcove but paused on seeing one of their guards who had been left to watch the trade goods outside working his way through the Tavern towards their table. Trying to remain unobtrusive he whispered in Zanwen’s ear as the rest of the group watched silently.
Zanwen nodded. “Go to the camp out of town and get as many men as you can but bring what you can gather quickly. Make sure they bring bows and keep them out of the tavern or the courtyard. They are to watch and only involve themselves if it becomes necessary. Avoid any acts of aggression and try to remain unobtrusive. Go!”
Turning to the rest of his men Zanwen told them, “One of our men was at the factor’s office when an official came in and began asking about a caravan which had just arrived. Our caravan it seems.” As he spoke the two men pointed out by the proprietor earlier also received a visit, from a soldier in Guang livery who snapped to attention before addressing the seated warrior. The two men immediately stood, the warrior signalling to the soldiers at the other table to join them as they filed out towards the rear of the tavern.
Zanwen pursed his lips, turning to one of his men. “Go and get the town factor. Do not take no for an answer and bring him to the courtyard.” The man quickly left the front of the tavern as the rest of their group followed the Guang soldiers towards the exit leading to the rear courtyard.
Zanwen’s guards were standing nervously between the wagons and the Guang soldiers, who outnumbered them at least two to one. Their relief was visible when Zanwen and the rest of his men quietly fanned out behind the Guang soldiers making the odds more even. Zanwen asked coldly. “Is there a problem gentleman?”
The Guang official turned to face them his irritation at being interrupted obvious, though this turned to satisfaction as he guessed who the person addressing him must be. The warrior turned and quickly assessed the danger but, not particularly impressed, held a small sneer as he rested a hand on the hilt of his sheathed sword, the implied threat clear. The official placed his hands in either sleeve of his gown, somehow managing to look down his nose at them as he spoke looking up to them. “I am a factor for House Guang. I am enquiring of this man where his caravan’s trade licences are, I wish to examine them.”
Zanwen ignored the warrior, addressing the official who would have the senior authority. “I am responsible for these goods. I have the appropriate licences, which have been presented to the proper authorities and recorded as correct. I am aware of no obligation to present them to representatives of House Guang while outside of their own province. Is there such a requirement?”
The official was oily and confident in his reply, despite being flanked front and back by Zanwen’s men. “House Guang enjoys certain privileges with regard to exclusive trading rights granted by the emperor. We merely seek to protect those rights and would clarify any issues regarding the licences, which may have been granted to your own House. Fo
rgive me, but your House is?”
The inference that as representative of House Guang he represented a major force in the empire, whereas Zanwen could only be representing a minor House, was intended to be both intimidating and insulting. The sneer on the face of the warrior became more pronounced when there was no immediate response. Zanwen did not have an academy warrior, a swordmaster, of his own, placing him at a serious disadvantage and no doubt the official’s own warrior was the source of his confidence even when surrounded by Zanwen’s men as he was.
Zanwen stiffened. “The emperor is aware of what licences he has issued and needs no assistance from other Houses to verify what he already knows well. This town is a House Wah domain and their factors have confirmed their satisfaction with our documentation and we have paid the tithes that are due. There is no requirement for further examination, especially by other guest Houses merely passing through the province, when our trade has already been confirmed as lawful and in good order.”
Li Chin did not look at Zanwen but was nevertheless impressed at the robust response he had adopted, delivered however politely in the face of the official’s attempt at intimidation. There was not the slightest indication of the concern Zanwen must be feeling and for a heartbeat the official hesitated at the reminder he was interfering with a palace sanctioned trader.