by Brian Thomas
Ronan threw the stick he had been fiddling with into the fire. “And now that you are back you are no less vulnerable. This is no place for scholars and priests. You should return to the cities where you belong.”
Li Chin was curious to see through the gruff tone that Ronan was genuinely concerned for his safety. “We each do what we must and the cities have their own dangers.”
“You mean the emperor’s guards who search for you. You are the Temple priest, this guardian they search for?” Ronan queried.
Li Chin neither confirmed nor refuted Ronan’s question but was nevertheless confused that while Ronan guessed he was the Temple priest sought by the imperial guard he still considered him vulnerable and was concerned for his safety. “You know of the Temple priests, the skills and duties of a guardian?” he asked.
Ronan flicked a hand casually. “The history was explained to me, the magical things the Temple priests can do. I have also heard the stories about the man they search for, though I do not believe all the things that are said about you can be true.” he stated firmly.
Li Chin cocked his head to one side. “I too have heard some of the stories and they are indeed exaggerations, or distortions of what happened. But I am able to do things that many others are not.”
Ronan selected another stick, poking an end into the glowing embers as he thought, before looking up at Li Chin from under his dark brows. “A man with knowledge can achieve much that another might not and to the ignorant it could appear more than it is.” Li Chin raised an eyebrow and Ronan gave a small smile as he added, “but I am willing to admit that this is an old land and some in it might know things others, a foreigner such as I, might not understand,” he waved the stick in Li Chin’s vague direction, “such as this other place you were in just now.”
Li Chin gave a small smile in return. “The more one comes to know, the greater one realises one’s ignorance and limited understanding of everything.”
It was Ronan’s turn to raise an eyebrow. “Ah, this is more like the mystic platitudes I have come to expect from priests. Words which imply much but say nothing. Why not just speak plainly of what occurs? That you sink so deeply within your own thoughts, you became oblivious of your surroundings?”
Li Chin was irritated at being dismissed so readily. Temple priests were normally shown great respect and generally were held in awe by the people. “And this demonstrates the gulf which sits between our people and barbarians. Our society has developed over millennia during which time great knowledge has been accumulated, its warriors achieving a martial skill beyond anything you could aspire to match, its art and crafts attaining a subtlety beyond your ability to grasp and its women achieving a level of sophistication and delicacy you could never appreciate. I am reminded of the old adage, learning a poem by heart does not make a poet. I suspect that it is not possible for me to speak plainly enough to explain all that you do not yet understand and if I could, we would both expire of old age before it were all conveyed adequately.”
Ronan grew hot at Li Chin’s words and leaning forward he gestured with the twig at Li Chin. “I know enough to realise that I could have spitted you like a hog at the butchers a few moments ago and you would have been entirely ignorant of the deed, until you met your Spirits!”
Further irritated at the truth of Ronan’s claim Li Chin also became heated at Ronan’s angry expression, even if his tone remained neutral and his features immobile. “So, is this the purpose for your being here, to fulfil your promise of gutting me should my treatment of your friend fail him?”
For a moment Ronan glared angrily at Li Chin appearing ready to use the small twig in his hand to do the gutting. Regaining control he sat back and forced a broad smile. “I did not come to argue with you but to thank you. Markurd, my friend, recovers well. I have come to give the thanks I was unable to give earlier because of your departure,” opening his hands, Ronan added seriously, “if I have something you wish and it is within my power to give then it is yours.”
Li Chin’s own irritation disappeared to be replaced by a stir of interest at the invitation. Was Ronan more than the simple trader he seemed, could he be the King who never is, the never-king? He studied Ronan closely as he sat arms open in invitation, though starting to look a little concerned at what Li Chin might ask as he sat regarding him silently. “My knowledge is given freely without obligation. I ask for nothing in return.”
Ronan dropped his hands, looking a little relieved and giving a brief shrug. “It is what I was led to believe. I would invite you to join us but my first duty is to the caravan and it would be abusing my responsibilities to put it at risk for a personal obligation. If, however, you can find us once we are well clear of the imperial guard’s patrol, then you would be welcome to travel with us for as far as you wished.” Cocking his head to one side he added. “You would be welcome in my own lands and I’d be honoured if you would stay as a guest at my house for as long as you wished. Our king prizes knowledge above all else. I have no doubt he would also make you equally welcome and he would be generous if you would share your wisdom with my people.”
Li Chin could see the offer was genuine and bowed again in appreciation. “I have no desire for material wealth beyond what I need to live. Otherwise my knowledge is free for the asking.”
Ronan nodded in understanding. “Well, I understand it is the custom to offer food to Temple priests and I have brought fresh meat, it hangs outside.” Almost apologetically he added, “It seems little enough when you have returned my friend’s life to me.”
Li Chin still seated bowed his appreciation again. “I am grateful and thank you for your gift. Now I think it is best you leave.”
Ronan looked a little surprised, his eyebrows rising. “You have a pressing engagement? I thought we could share the meat, learn a little more of each other and possibly reduce the gulf of ignorance between us.”
Li Chin smiled internally at Ronan’s sarcasm, though his features remained stoic. “An interesting prospect, but a large band of horsemen approaches from the east, I believe intent on mischief and due here very shortly. If you are to avoid them you must leave now.”
The hint of a smile in the healer’s eyes was the first sign of emotion Ronan had seen from him. The hint of humour and the warning delivered in the same neutral tone as the rest of his conversation left Ronan uncertain if he had heard correctly. “Who approaches? How do you know they approach?” he asked, shocked the warning might be accurate.
Li Chin tilted his head slightly. “I do not know who, but amongst them I recognised a man who believes I drew down lightning upon him. It was by his scars that I was able to recognise him. As to how, I was watching them when you entered my camp.”
Ronan leapt to his feet and threw back the tent flap as he went outside to scan the horizon. There was no sign of anyone approaching but he was inclined to believe the calm assurance of the man who had made the claim. “Quickly, let us break camp and move on, perhaps they can be avoided.” So saying he began pulling at the pegs holding the felt tent in place against the wagon.
Li Chin had recovered from his spirit walk and rose to follow Ronan as the tent began collapsing around him, pocketing a piece of blackened wood from the smouldering remnants of the fire as he did so. He watched Ronan begin throwing items unceremoniously into the back of the wagon, frowning as they landed untidily. “These men are almost upon us. I have a wagon drawn by oxen that do no more than a slow walk. I cannot outrun them, whereas you have a horse. You should leave now before it is too late.”
Ronan did not reduce his haste to clear the camp and having finished with the tent made to bring the oxen to harness. “I cannot share the fatalism of your people. They are not here yet. They may camp before they arrive or they may be distracted by something else. It does not matter; I will not give up hope until there is nothing left to hope for. If they come from the east, we will head west and increase the chance we will not meet at all.” By now the oxen were almost in the harness and all but ready to
pull the wagon.
Li Chin stood watching curiously, placing fingertips together. “Unfortunately, another large body of horsemen heads this way from the west, though I do not believe intent on mischief so, you at least, should indeed head for them.”
Ronan paused to look at Li Chin impatiently. “Well don’t just stand there, get a move on and we can both go that way together.”
Li Chin raised an eyebrow. “Though not intent on mischief, their leader appears to be a man who has reason to feel I brought dishonour upon him, as a result causing him to give up all he valued. I do not know what his intentions towards me would be if he was to meet me now but I do not suppose he will feel well disposed towards me.”
Ronan’s look of impatience turned to incredulity as he spluttered, “Great Gods man! I know you are irritating but is there anyone in this land that is not set against you?”
Li Chin ignored the question looking up at the rise to the east which marked the edge of the hollow he had camped in. Horsemen began showing along the skyline, others joining them until hundreds of men were outlined. “You should go before it is too late.”
Ronan ran to his horse and tightened the saddle. “Come, my mount has a stout heart, we will ride double.” Leaping on to the horse’s back he reached down to Li Chin. “Come man, we must go.” he snapped impatiently.
Instead, Li Chin placed his hands in the opposite sleeves of his gown. “I would slow you and cannot accept your aid. Carrying both of us will only result in the beast being run down and we will both be caught. You do this from a sense of obligation when none exists. You risk your life and I can offer nothing in return.”
The horse began prancing nervously, aware of the approaching horsemen and its rider’s tension. “Hellfire, there cannot be a more frustrating man than you in this world.” Ronan’s impatience mounting, he snapped. “Stay then, but I cannot so easily bow to fate and make no attempt to save myself, even if you will not.” Ronan kicked his horse, making it leap from a standing start and was swiftly galloping away from the cleared camp.
After watching Ronan ride off for a moment Li Chin climbed the wagon to stand on the seat. His sword and second blade were fastened on hooks beneath the seat, within easy reach but out of sight. He made no move towards them as he watched the horsemen come closer, followed by burgeoning rain clouds from the same direction. They were still a few hundred feet away when he turned at the pounding of a galloping horse from behind. He raised an eyebrow curiously as Ronan pulled up sharply and began dismounting to stand between the wagon and the approaching horsemen. The horsemen continued to close the gap at the same leisurely pace while Ronan fastened his helmet in place, hitching his shield to a more comfortable position and checked that his sword would slide free of its sheath without sticking. “The nag is blown. They would have had me in no time at all.” He mumbled in explanation to Li Chin.
Li Chin glanced at the horse. Its ears twitching as it watched its strange rider, snorting before nonchalantly starting to graze on the grass around it, looking sound and hearty. “You offer me your life, but I can offer nothing in return.” Li Chin said neutrally.
“I do nothing of the kind you arrogant cretin!” Ronan snapped testily.
Li Chin raised both eyebrows curiously at Ronan. “You have a plan?”
Ronan rolled his shoulders and pulled his helmet down more firmly on his head. “I have heard how the Hansee people settle disputes by single combat. I will challenge their leader and either defeat or kill him so that we will be left in peace.”
Li Chin continued to study Ronan as the horsemen pulled up in a broad semicircle, with Li Chin and Ronan the focus of their attention. “I believe adherence to such an arrangement requires both sides honour the outcome and I fear these men may have left such niceties behind. What is your plan if you win and they still attack?”
Ronan gritted his teeth in irritation. “Then I shall have to fight each one of them until they are all dead, or they decide the prize is not worth the trouble.”
“Ah. That might work.” Li Chin turned to face the hundreds of men now arranged in front of them. “Though it could take a long time as there are so many of them. What if you lose? Honour would require I give myself and my goods over to them?”
Ronan snapped back in exasperation, “Great Gods man! Is there never a bright side that you can look upon?”
Li Chin looked at the sky behind the stationary riders, the dark clouds slowly gathering behind them. “It may rain soon. It would be good to finish the killing before the rain begins, so that we do not unnecessarily become wet.”
Ronan cursed under his breath and gesturing irritably growled, “Perhaps you have a better plan or some trick you could perform which would send them on their way?”
Li Chin frowned in irritation at Ronan. “I am not a performing monkey that does tricks. You are obviously the military strategist, so we will adhere to your plan and improvise if it does not work.”
Ronan cursed under his breath again. He would have no use for an alternative plan if the first failed, just a gravedigger.
While approaching Sheywen had been watching the odd pair snapping at each other in the barbarian tongue like an old married couple. His initial curiosity was replaced by irritation as they continued to bicker, almost as if he and his men were not there. “Enough! Stand aside and we will take what we want. Raise a blade and you will die where you stand.”
Li Chin turned to face the man who had spoken. It was grossly discourteous to interrupt as he had and he obviously lacked manners or honour. “Try to take what is mine and it will cost you your lives. Alternatively, take nothing and leave as you are. The choice is yours and I care nothing for which you make.”
Sheywen sat back in his saddle studying the odd couple in surprise. Gesturing to his men who watched silently at either side he asked, “I am curious. How do you intend to achieve this miracle?”
Li Chin gestured down to Ronan who stood between them, helmeted and with his shield strapped in place. “This man challenges you to a duel. If you win you may take what you wish but if he wins, you will ride away.”
Sheywen regarded Li Chin and then Ronan, wondering if they were either mad or drunk. “Do you not realise we are bandits, here to steal your goods? What if we were to lose the challenge and decide to take the goods anyway?”
Li Chin cocked his head slightly. “Then he will kill as many of you as he can, until you are all dead or decide the cost is not worth the prize.”
There was a second’s silence before all of the mounted men began laughing as they looked down at Ronan standing ready before them. “What did you say, why are they laughing?” Ronan asked Li Chin in irritation.
Li Chin looked down at him. “I told them your plan.” Raising an eyebrow again he added, “It seems to amuse them.”
Ronan glared angrily at Li Chin. “By all the Gods…did you have to learn to become this obtuse or does it just come naturally? Surprise in a conflict is crucial, knowing what the other side intends already puts you on the path to victory, and you just tell them what we have planed. Some fool led me to believe you knew military tactics!”
Li Chin frowned down at Ronan accusingly. “You did not say the plan was secret or required the element of surprise. It would have been more prudent not to have revealed it to me or to have informed me of its importance if this were the case.”
Sheywen watched the pair incredulously before turning to Mading. “If you have never fought a barbarian you should do so. Their technique is interesting and beware the shield, it is not just for defence. Get down there and take him, before they start fighting each other and you miss the opportunity.” Those near enough to hear chuckled and Sheywen interrupted Li Chin as Mading dismounted. “Your champion will have his chance to prove his skill against my man here.” Then adding loudly with a broad smile, “If he succeeds with his first plan then we shall see how well he does with the next!” The watching men laughed again, eager for the entertainment to start as Mading drew
two broad blades from sheaths strapped to his horse, swinging them in wide circles to loosen his muscles.
Ronan watched carefully as the heavily scarred man began swinging the two broad-bladed swords, whilst regarding Ronan from hard cold eyes as he assessed his opponent. The man was large for a Hansee, well muscled and obviously skilled with the two blades which now began whirling in opposite directions. “Can you tell me anything of this man that I might use against him?” he asked Li Chin without looking away from his opponent who calmly worked his way unperturbed through warming exercises as if in a training session.
Li Chin watched Mading as he effortlessly swung the large swords, thinking back to the last time he had seen him on the hill top. “He was a sergeant, a leader of forty. He will have been awarded his position for proven fighting ability and would be expected to pass on these skills to his men. He has battle tattoos that are only awarded for outstanding bravery in battle, usually for overcoming overwhelming odds and probably turning a battle in his side’s favour.”
Ronan ground his teeth. “Gods, must it always be gloom and pessimism, give me something I can use!”
Li Chin looked down at Ronan, affecting a slightly disinterested air. “It is your plan. I suggest you take him quickly, save some strength for the others if you win but must, nevertheless, resort to your second plan.”
Ronan stepped forward to meet Mading, trying not to focus on the twirling blades but instead watch his eyes which would betray his intent to strike. There was no sign of fear, only the calm and professional demeanour of someone performing a job he was competent at. Then there was no time for further thought as blows began to rain down on him. Mading was strong and for his bulk surprisingly fast. From the outset Ronan was hard pressed to fend off simultaneous blows from the two swords, a technique unusual in his own land and one he had not fought against before. Stepping back and then immediately forward he surprised his opponent with his own speed and was inside the two blades, fending one away with his own sword he raised his shield flat above his head to fend the second sword crashing down from above. The blade screeched against the shield and Ronan tilted it further to shed the attacking blow. Part of the same move he then drove the shield’s edge forwards into the man’s throat.