The Warriors Path

by Brian Thomas

  Guang slowly rose from his chair and glowered down at the palace official, whose confidence evaporated in the face of Guang’s obvious rage. The soldiers forming the aisle at either side noticeably braced themselves as Guang rose, fully aware of his anger and ready to perform whatever order he gave. Commander Kayto noticed the changed atmosphere without knowing the cause but the official beside him was suddenly quivering in fear, the empress’s patronage suddenly seeming inadequate protection so far from the Sun Palace.

  As Guang stared down he wanted nothing more than to see this worthless flunky torn to pieces, whatever the consequences of dispatching the empress’s ambassador. As quick as it had come though the anger was displaced by the loss he felt for his daughter. Only a hollow emptiness remained where his joy had been ripped out, which mere anger could not fill for more than a transitory moment. He would not give the scheming empress the satisfaction of knowing how deep she had wounded him and his House, or provide her the lever she needed to secure the support of the emperor against him.

  “Tell your mistress that her words and intentions are well understood. I hope one day to be in a position to reciprocate her sentiments.” Looking to Commander Kayto he added sternly. “If future orders require that you leave our borders vulnerable you will notify us immediately Commander Kayto. To leave House Guang vulnerable to the hordes is to leave the Hansee Empire vulnerable.” Guang turned his back on them, saying bitterly. “Now leave my House.”

  Guang sought the sanctuary of his private rooms to grieve for Swallow, the bright star of his life that would never shine again, lest all and sundry see him lose his composure.

  Chapter 47

  When Ronan’s caravan arrived at Tanyel city he had ordered his men to set up camp in sight of but well away from the city walls while he entered alone and checked for Zanwen’s arrival. There was no sign or news of Zanwen but the city was alive with rumours of barbarian raiders supposedly in the area. The city was on the alert, concerned that the latest news of the imperial border patrol’s whereabouts placed them well to the south and leaving the city vulnerable should the horde attack it.

  As Ronan toured the city’s tea houses trying to find Zanwen or news of his caravan he found he was being viewed with increased levels of suspicion, bordering on hostility. Deciding that no one could have failed to notice he was a barbarian trader seeking Zanwen, who was sure to receive such information when he eventually arrived, Ronan promptly removed himself from the city limits and back to his own camp. He feared if he stayed much longer he was likely to be decapitated by the city guard, just in case he was connected with the invaders they dreaded would be assaulting their gates any minute.

  They had since been camped outside the city for two weeks and Ronan had grown increasingly concerned about the need to start the homeward journey. At last a small group of horsemen approached his camp and Ronan recognised Zanwen amongst them. He sent Markurd to escort them to his tent while he quickly entered ahead of them to organise a formal reception. Calling for one of his stewards to join him Ronan placed a kettle on a fresh brazier and placed a low table on the rugs between where he and his guests would sit. His steward kneeled to one side unpacking porcelain cups and a teapot, giving Ronan a reassuring smile to confirm he knew what was expected of him. There was the sound of people approaching from outside. Then the tent flap was drawn aside and Zanwen entered quickly followed by a companion who sat beside him. Markurd also joined them and sat opposite Ronan’s steward. The steward offered tea to all, bowed and left.

  Zanwen bowed from his sitting position and Ronan was able to detect stiffness in his posture as he did so, drawing his attention to the repairs in Zanwen’s gown which still bore the remnants of some stubborn blood stains. “It is good to see you again, Master Ronan. I am pleased you received my message to meet here in Tanyel city and must beg your forgiveness at the change to our prior arrangement. I offer my thanks that you decided to act on receiving the message as you have, meeting me here instead. You do me great honour.” Zanwen bowed again to emphasise his appreciation.

  Ronan bowed in return, mindful of the correct protocol. “It is good to see you Zanwen. I see that your journey has not been without its hazards. I hope your wounds are not causing too much discomfort? The bearer of your message camps only a short distance away, if you require treatment?”

  Zanwen gave a small smile. “You are too kind. Please do not concern yourself, it is of no significance. I am, however, pleased to hear the one who delivered my message is also with you.”

  Ronan waved a hand casually. “Not with us. The imperial guard search for a lone man seeking to leave the empire and we have already been warned not to allow any empire citizens to accompany us. For the time being, I have decided it best if he is not seen with our caravan. He camps alone and will follow us when we leave.”

  Zanwen nodded in understanding but before he could respond again there were a few brief words outside the tent before the guard lifted the flap and Li Chin entered. Without invitation he sat completing the square facing Markurd. As Ronan showed his surprise, Li Chin merely cocked his head to one side saying. “The imperial guard is not near, nor will it arrive before we finish and I leave again. They march in the opposite direction on the road to House Guang.”

  Markurd glowered at Li Chin, refuting his confident statement gruffly. “You cannot be sure and such actions wouldn’t make sense. The emperor’s men could be upon us any minute!”

  Li Chin considered Markurd, knowing the man’s concern was for Ronan and the others in the caravan, reminding himself that these men were barbarians who could not be expected to have the manners of a civilised culture. Though he thought there was room for some hope, as Ronan had at least provided tea and was regarding him speculatively, no doubt remembering the last time he had come upon Li Chin. “If I were able to explain in a manner you could understand why this was not so, your concerns would only remain unalleviated.” Li Chin raised an eyebrow speculatively. “But I have, nevertheless, confirmed the accuracy of my assertion.”

  Ronan was confident that, without necessarily knowing how Li Chin had verified his statement, Li Chin would not say so unless he was certain. He hid a smile as Markurd squirmed. Markurd was uncomfortably aware he owed his life to the healer, yet remained distrustful and suspicious of him. Turning to Zanwen and his companion Ronan was surprised when he recognised the leader of the men who had left him to battle the bandits, Zun. Zun was watching Li Chin intently, his face impassive and giving no indication of his thoughts as he did so. Li Chin seemed to bear Zun no animosity despite Zun’s earlier decision to abandon them. Though Ronan could not be quite so forgiving.

  Seeing Ronan regarding Zun, Zanwen gestured to him. “Allow me to introduce my associate and founder of my adopted city, Lord Zun.” Hearing his name, Zun turned to look at Ronan, giving a brief bow but no other sign of recognition or indication of what he might be thinking.

  Ronan didn’t take his eyes off Zun as he replied coldly, “We have already met.”

  Zanwen was surprised that they had met before and at Ronan’s lack of warmth and curious he turned to Zun translating. “Lord Ronan says you have already met?”

  Zun nodded as he regarded Ronan. “I did not know who he was at the time but he is the barbarian who was duelling with Mading when we surprised them. When we left I told Sheywen’s men that there was great wealth in the wagon or death and honour if they rode with me to your aid. Some joined us but many stayed behind after we rode away. Those who stayed did not realise the wealth would come from the emperor if they returned the mad priest.” Zun flicked a glance at Li Chin, “The one you are calling healer. I had no expectation the bandits would live to collect the reward if they attempted to take the Temple priest. This barbarian, Ronan, stayed to protect the priest from those bandits who remained behind.”

  Zanwen felt a small shiver pass down his spine at hearing Zun casually confirming who Li Chin was, even though Li Chin had all but confirmed it himself at their las
t parting. Zun had said or done nothing to confirm his suspicion but Zanwen thought he could also detect coldness in Zun towards Li Chin. This reunion which he had looked forward to expecting it to be one of warmth and friendship was far from what he had anticipated. Deciding to test their recent friendship, he ventured cautiously, “How do you know the healer Lord Zun?”

  Zun turned to face Li Chin while replying to Zanwen’s question. “I was ordered to apprehend him. In attempting to do so he defeated my swords with a stick and convinced my men that he drew down lightning upon them. They ran from what they believed were demons. Last time I saw him I had honour and a House I was sworn to. When I woke my honour, like my men, was gone and I was a fallen warrior. Less than nothing.” Zun concluded with resignation, “My duty was clear and I failed in its performance.” Not losing his stern visage he concluded, “I follow a new path now, less than what I was before he entered our lives.”

  Zanwen barely breathed. Zun’s admission was unprecedented given the sensitive nature of a warrior’s honour and their refusal to admit failure. Zanwen had not heard of another warrior in a similar situation who had not taken his life, rather than face the shame of their failure.

  Li Chin matched Zun’s glare with equanimity and managed to convey empathy, if no sympathy for Zun’s plight. “A man’s honour, if it is real honour, cannot be lost like a broken sandal. It is what makes him who he is. It is the very essence of his spirit. I decided there was no honour in performing the commands of a dishonourable master merely because of oaths; words lost in the wind as soon as they are spoken. Honour is built on honourable deeds done, not merely honourable words spoken. You failed to perform an impossible mission you could never have fulfilled and your intellect has made you realise this even if pride would have you think otherwise. I see no men without honour within this tent. Merely men who are strong enough to defy doctrine and who choose to walk their own path. A more difficult path. A true path of honour.”

  Li Chin raised one eyebrow speculatively. “Perhaps it is time to acknowledge what your people already have accepted, that you are their Lord, whom they would follow and honour above all others.” Zanwen watched Li Chin and Zun as they silently studied each other, wondering at the intimate and painful discussion they had in front of him and the barbarians, even if they knew the barbarians could not understand what was discussed. To all intents and purposes they were oblivious of anyone else’s presence as they watched each other intently.

  Eventually Zun relented a little. “I sought isolation and to avoid responsibility for others. Instead, I found others seeking me to be responsible for them. I did not consider myself worthy to lead. Only to show the way and aid them until they found another to lead them. Now I find I have a House which has grown around me, family and friends I do not wish to lose. They seem to want none other to lead them. Responsibility has grown up around me to the point I no longer feel that I may honourably leave.” Zun paused before adding philosophically, “I will think on what you have said. Perhaps it is the path that determines which man will take it, as much as the man who decides which path to take.”

  Li Chin nodded in agreement. “It is true not all paths are open to every man. The route to greatness is selective and nature abhors a vacuum. If a man is filled with the capacity to lead it would be contrary to his nature not to do so when there is need.”

  Ronan shuffled irritably as the tension between the healer and Zun seemed to ease while they spoke in their own tongue, apparently oblivious of Markurd and himself as they did so. They all turned to him as he gestured to Zun. “I was fighting to save the healer’s life, this man had no obligation to stay and help but neither did he have to encourage the bandits to persist when they might otherwise have left us.”

  Zanwen muttered a translation to Zun, who gave a slight frown as he replied to Zanwen. “Mading was about to win the contest when we arrived. The barbarian would have been killed but I suspect the priest was never in danger.” Looking at Li Chin in accusation he added, “I did not know the Great Game being played by the priest but I wished no part of it, my duty was to you and our caravan. The barbarian was invited to join us but showed great bravery and honour in staying to protect someone against impossible odds, if poor judgement in attempting to protect someone infinitely more adept with the sword than he is.”

  Thinking quickly, Zanwen said to Ronan. “Lord Zun says he saw you duelling and that you showed great bravery. He did not believe the healer’s life was at serious risk.” Zanwen bowed as he said this. “Lord Zun is a swordmaster and praise from such a man is not given lightly.”

  Ronan frowned suspiciously at Zanwen, while Zun regarded him impassively unable to follow Zanwen’s translation. Ronan turned to Li Chin who raised both eyebrows in confirmation. “Lord Zun did indeed say these things and Master Zanwen is also correct in his assertion regarding praise from swordmasters.”

  Still frowning suspiciously Ronan caught Markurd looking at him speculatively and with a new respect. Clearing his throat, he dismissed the subject turning to Zanwen. “The season is late, let us to business so we can use what time remains to good purpose.”

  Zanwen smiled in relief, bowing again as Ronan and Zun regarded each other curiously, any signs of the former tension now gone. He turned to Li Chin eager to leave the last subject behind them. “If the imperial border guard is on the way to Guang what can be their purpose in heading away from this area when they know a nomad horde is in the vicinity?”

  Li Chin replied confidently. “They escort an imperial official to House Guang, ostensibly to report on the destruction of the Guang caravan. The fact that the Sun Palace official takes the imperial border guard with him to do so, especially when the border is under threat from nomads, carries other messages.” Li Chin counted off the points on his fingers as he made them. “That the Northern provinces rely on imperial soldiers for the border patrols, that the Sun Palace may add to or remove the border guard as it wishes, for all this implies regarding the vulnerability of the Northern provinces. It is difficult to know what other message is intended without knowing the rest of the Great Game in play.”

  Zanwen looked surprised. “But their caravan was not destroyed. It returns with Shushan escorting it home thanks to the intervention of Lord Zun.”

  Li Chin nodded his understanding. “But the Sun Palace official does not know this, only that he has seen the remains of the caravan on the site of a great battle where the caravan was overrun and presumably destroyed. He takes his partially informed interpretation of events with him to House Guang.”

  Zanwen thought briefly before smiling slyly. “Our nomad scout recognised the body of one of the nomad clan leaders amongst the dead. We kept the leader’s head intending to give it to the imperial guard but we should instead have Shushan present it to Master Guang. He would appreciate the gift.”

  Li Chin regarded Ronan. “I believe we have something which may complement the gift and enhance its value.”

  Ronan was uncertain before looking pleased when he understood. “If you mean also giving him the grisly memento from our encounter with the bandits, be my guest. I will be pleased to see the stinking thing leave my camp.” Ronan called out to a guard and a basket was soon brought to the tent. Ronan pulled back the lid to show them the head of Sheywen resting on a bed of salt.

  Zun looked from the salted head of the swordmaster to Ronan with a new respect but before he could ask how they came by it, Li Chin spoke. “Sheywen was a swordmaster from the Wing-Ho academy which implies a connection to the empress. We may assume he was on a clandestine mission as he wore no Wah insignia.”

  Zanwen nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, yes it becomes clearer. House Guang’s old conflict with House Tanyeu resurrected but in this conflict it is only House Wah which suffers lost territories, in their Wing-Ho province, to both Guang and Tanyeu. One wonders if it was merely coincidence that neither of the two warring Great Houses suffered any losses in their conflict. Whereas their weakened neighbour ceded much
to both of them while their House was in disarray following Zu Wah’s death. If they did indeed work in concert to attack House Wah this would invoke the enmity of the empress whose family House is House Wah. Sheywen, a swordmaster of the Wing-Ho academy is connected to the empress through her family’s Wing-Ho possessions. The interference with the imperial guard by the Sun Palace official exposing the Guang border to attack could only be the work of the most powerful players within the Sun Palace.” Looking up he added decisively. “It cannot be coincidence and Mading has told of how Sheywen had highly placed friends who gave him intelligence and influenced the location of the imperial border patrol.”

  Markurd snorted derisively. “You jump to conclusions quicker than a flea to a hound’s backside. What proof is there that Houses Guang and Tanyeu were working together, especially when they have just been engaged in a war with each other? How do you know this man was from the Wing-Ho academy, did he tell you this, have you seen him there?” Looking around at the blank faces he shook his head. “I thought not.” he concluded decisively.

  Li Chin raised both eyebrows. “I believe we can be confident that this man was a swordmaster,” as Zanwen translated Zun nodded confidently, “and that he would not use the name of another swordmaster,” Zun nodded again. “Then he is as we have concluded.”

  Markurd raised both hands, looking to Ronan. “A giant leap based on the known facts presented here, or is your confidence supported by arcane evidence not available to the rest of us?”

  Zanwen daren’t look at Li Chin, wondering if Markurd would live to leave the tent and even Zun wore an impatient frown at Markurd’s tone, even though he could not directly follow the words.