by Mark Swaine
“I cannot rid of you can I?” says Shaozu in a weak voice.
“No you cannot,” replies Chika.
“For caring for this man you have my gratitude, but you may leave now assassin,” says Yu-Huang formally.
“I am not leaving him,” replies Chika.
“Chika, this man is the Emperor, you must do as he commands,” says Shaozu kindly.
“I do not care what title this man holds, you do not understand. You saved my life, I now owe you a life debt,” says Chika.
“Then I release you from it,” sighs Shaozu.
“No, from this day forth I go where you go, we will eat together, drink together...”
“...sleep together,” smirks Yeman Ren whilst winking his bushy eyebrows at Shaozu.
“Do not encourage her my stout friend, besides I know not of any women who would desire to bed a one-legged man,” says Shaozu disappointedly.
Shaozu is proved wrong as he feels five slim fingers move their way up his stump and inner leg.
“If what you say is true, there is not one woman worthy of bedding you,” says Chika seductively.
Yeman Ren and Yu-Huang look at the ceiling awkwardly whilst Shaozu stops Chika's hand going any further. Smiling at her accommodatingly, he kisses her hand and holds it in his, much to her coy amusement.
“What will I do now? My service in the Jade army is finished,” says Shaozu hiding his heartache.
“Do not despair brave soldier, you will continue to serve. Regarding your leg, I possess not the ability to grow you another, but I may know somebody that might be able to help you,” says Yu-Huang. “I swear to you Shaozu, the people responsible for this will face dire consequences. Remain here and rest, assassin you may remain by his side. Major Shoazu Zu, I must leave, but I will return for you, until then you will act as my eyes and ears in this place,” says Yu-Huang.
“Yes my Emperor,” replies Shaozu firmly.
Yu-Huang leaves the bed chamber and enters the living quarters with Yeman Ren. Yeman Ren suddenly turns back to Shaozu and sniffs in his direction.
“You smell of wheat ale and opium,” says Yeman Ren sneakily.
“They! she made me take it,” replies Shaozu in a sudden bout of paranoia.
“Yes, of course she did,” says Yeman Ren with a downturned grin.
“No I did not, he compensated a raider twenty cowrie shells for a full jug of ale,” fibs Chika running with Yeman Ren's gag.
“Do not say that aloud, I am Jade soldier. Yeman Ren she is lying,” protests Shaozu.
“I do not believe you. My, my, my, what would the Emperor say?” says Yeman Ren, feigning disappointment with a shaking head.
“Get out of here,” says Shaozu laughing.
Yeman Ren leaves the room laughing and turns back at the door as Shaozu calls for him.
“Yes?” asks Yeman Ren.
“You have my eternal gratitude,” says Shaozu.
“For what?” asks Yeman Ren.
“Looking out for others, looking out for me,” says Shaozu in a tired voice.
“No gratitude required my friend,” says Yeman Ren respectably before leaving the room.
In tall-roofed living quarters, Yeman Ren lowers himself to Yu-Huang's height and looks sternly into his face.
“I have had my suspicions about your fading powers for a long, long time now. You failed to see the creation of the Legion of Shāshǒu. You failed to foresee the attack on the lands abound the Huanghua city, you are even blind to the gambling ring in the Pits of Guàiwù. I think... you are blind to those who are evil, or possess a dark heart, or possess dark intentions,” says Yeman Ren.
Yu-Huang listens intently to the blunt truth and has no reply.
“Were your people or your Ministry to become aware of these matters, you would become a target,” warns Yeman Ren.
“What are you saying Yeman Ren?” asks Yu-Huan, in a quiet demoralised manner.
“You do need a body guard. I will stay with you until you dismiss me of my duties. ‘Tis the least I can do, not only for you, but to rebuild my honour. Give me a chance to reclaim my honour whilst uniting our two kinds, and we will make stronger, the bond between man and troll,” says Yeman Ren.
“Yes, for the sake of troll, man and all those who rebel against our struggle to remain in the light,” smiles Yu-Huang.
Yeman Ren smiles in return and the two leaders bow to one another in gratitude.
CHAPTER twenty-three
The Gāo Fēng Temple, earlier.
As Kamui Li sleeps soundly in his bed, nurtured by the rolling thunder and warmth within his chamber, the Ministers argue drunkenly and soberly amongst themselves in the archive hall. Chung Denshi remains silent and his ears remain deaf to their nagging as they drown their sorrows before a tall blazing fireplace. The more they guzzle and gulp from their ale and wine filled goblets, the heavier their statements of spite become. Chung Denshi sips from his goblet whilst pondering heavily on what the Emperor had proposed him after the meeting. With the prospect of eternal life and untold secrets at his fingertips, he can't bring himself to counter each and every one of their complaints, not when he knows he must sacrifice his plans to be with Anming. Chung Denshi is brought out of his thoughts as Peng Shi begins baiting and inciting further hatred into the already stagnant air. His words of condemnation for Yu-Huang are severe and meaningful and incite fury in Chung Denshi. In his mind’s eye he imagines striking each of these men for their offensive remarks and teaching them some humility and respect. He considers the reality of punching each one of them in the face, but dares not blow his cover, which is exactly what Peng Shi wants. So the patient Minister simply nods solidly in agreement whilst raising his goblet in the direction of the offensive Priests. Chung Denshi's fears are confirmed as one of the arrogant and younger Priests finally dares to say it. Peng Shi toys with his goblet then rises from his seat to begin a stroll around the table whilst addressing each of his brothers.
“The Samurai are the cause of all our woes; the Witch Hisako-Hisa wants only the Samurai and these twin blades. What if… what if , we called upon the Darkness and grant her request in ridding of the Samurai... as a show of good faith,” says Peng Shi carefully.
The Ministers are suddenly quiet, afraid to entertain the possibility of replying to the young Minister's solution.
“Ask yourself my brothers, what if Emperor Yu-Huang and his people are spared as a result of our intervention?” continues Peng Shi logically.
The Priests ponder upon this course of action in the interest of acting in the Emperor's good favour, and some of them even look with a slightly concurring nod as they look at Peng Shi.
“This course of action may be mutually beneficial,” says Peng Shi.
“Of what do you speak brother?” asks Minister Pán.
“Let us face facts: we will never serve as Elders, Emperor Yu-Huang will never grant us access into the Tower of Guang, and he will never deem us worthy enough to granted with the gift of eternal life,” says Peng Shi.
“How do you know of this, new Minister? Who is not even an High Priest,” says Chung Denshi frowning with a patronising smile.
“I know Emperor Yu-Huang's first Priest, Elder Priest Yama, ruined everything for us. ‘Tis not detailed in full, ‘tis only revealed that due to his blasphemy, Yu-Huang revoked the gift of immortality and has sworn never to bestow it on another mortal for as long as he lives,” replies Peng Shi.
“You have misunderstood the scriptures my fellow brother. Our Emperor removed the spell as an act of love and kindness; it was only after the spell was removed when Elder Priest Yama chose to curse our great leader. Read the scrolls again Peng Shi, only those who pass the test are deemed worthy of eternal life. But even if you pass, that does not imply the Emperor is indebted or obligated in any way to brand us with a spell that forbids our mortal passing,” says Chung Denshi.
The other Priests listen to Chung Denshi's words, and the way they are portrayed by his calm demeanour. In
spired by the Minister's patience, a few raise their tankards to him whilst smiling with admiration and understanding of his role.
“My brothers, we are not here to debate why the Emperor will not bestow upon us what is rightfully ours, we are here to discuss the Emperor's protection. The Emperor is preventing us from protecting him while the Samurai bring this foreign menace right into our homes. We have been replaced by the Samurai, we on our own, but there are sources of power that might aid us in quest for immortality... so that we might better protect the Emperor not only from the foreign savages, but from himself,” replies Peng Shi intelligibly.
“The Darkness?” replies Chung Denshi.
Too late, an outburst of uttered coughs attempt to hide Chung Denshi's 'D' word and they look around anxiously, paranoid of prying ears.
“Precisely,” smiles Peng Shi, unafraid.
Chung Denshi glances at his brothers once again being swayed by glorious prospects posed by Peng Shi. Peng Shi had only been with the council a few seasons, and is far too young to be made a Minister in his opinion, but his master Jian-Heng pushed for his rise in the Brotherhood. Jian-Heng thinks Chung Denshi regretfully, he was a constant nuisance and a misguided hindrance, but he was not evil. He certainly didn't deserve to die by the hands of his cowardly pupil using him a shield of meat, thinks Chung Denshi recalling his screams. Chung Denshi wonders what Jian-Heng ever saw in this disrespectful and dangerous brat, and considers his presence here an unwelcome enigma. It upsets Chung Denshi that he should be forced to hide his undying loyalty for the Emperor in order to appear amicable to his brothers. During his upbringing in the Brotherhood, many of the much older High Ministers have been like Uncles and fathers to him, and those he grew up with were like brothers, cousins and good friends. Chung Denshi has fond memories of each of the Priests at the table, and it pains his heart to see them being so easily conned by a Brother who is clearly only interested in serving himself at his family’s expense. Chung Denshi had given Peng Shi the benefit of the doubt many times as often as he could whilst offering wisdom and counsel that might help him understand the purpose of the Brotherhood. Even though Peng Shi was not his student, it is the responsibility of all higher ranking Priests to ensure the younger monks stayed on the path to true enlightenment. But as time progressed, Chung Denshi realised that Peng Shi is indeed selfish and cruel, and had even informed Jian-Heng that Peng-Shi does not belong in the Brotherhood. After listening to many of Peng Shi's self important lectures, Chung Denshi reached the conclusion that Peng Shi is nothing more than a glorified instigator who relishes in raising many a sore and taboo subject. Peng Shi loved to raise the subject of the forbidden spell of immortality, and the more he did, the more the other Priests rallied to his support. Peng Shi's favourite topic was the Darkness, and was raised much too often for Chung Denshi's liking.
He knows now that his obsession to rally the High Ministers to his cause has been building up to this moment the whole time. Chung Denshi had originally put the young Priest's interest in the Darkness down as curiosity whilst assuming his ignorant youth and lack of understanding were too blame for his constant questions. If Chung Denshi had known what he knows now, he would have reported his concerns to General Arachie long ago. Peng Shi is all too aware of Chung Denshi's loyalty to the Emperor and the people, and knows that all he need do is expose him. The manipulative young man, who commands the same power of words as Chung Denshi, knows he must oust Chung Denshi from this and any other future meetings. Peng Shi shoots Chung Denshi a short smile, for he knows all he need do is keep jabbing here and there and sooner or later his patience will crumble under his frustration. Peng Shi is all too aware that it is easier for him to expose Chung Denshi, than it is for Chung Denshi to maintain his cover of loyalty. But then, Chung Denshi has never been disloyal to his brothers, providing they remain true to the purpose of the Brotherhood. Knowing he is in a precarious position, and in the crosshairs of every person awaiting his reply, Chung Denshi chooses his next words carefully whilst standing to his feet and raising his tankard of wine.
“Should we decide to invite the Darkness within these walls, its evil hailing from the damned realm of Diyu will consume us. No, I will not endanger the Emperor, his people or my Brothers for the wanting and desires of one foolish Priest,” says Chung Denshi, looking at Peng Shi.
“‘Tis not only I who desires the secret magic the Darkness possesses...” replies Peng Shi, “...but my Brothers also. Do not feel shame for embracing your desires,” adds Peng Shi, to an eventual nod of reluctant heads.
“Black Magic my Brother? Tell me you are not considering this action of insanity and betrayal,” pleads Chung Denshi, dreading their reply.
“‘Tis a solution, a means to an end. The Darkness holds untold powers: the gift of resurrection,” whispers Minister Jīn.
“How are we to truly serve the Emperor in such a short period of time? Do you not wish to serve his glory to the end of his days? We must do this for his own protection,” says Peng Shi to a group of nodding heads.
“That is not your decision,” replies Chung Denshi holding his calm. “No, I will not endanger my brothers to the Darkness, to willingly invite this evil within the confines of our walls is sacrilege, and high treason, punishable by exile,” says Chung Denshi.
“Do you not wish to know the secret of eternal life?” asks Minister Máo.
“Not at the expense of damning my mortal life,” replies Chung Denshi. “Peng Shi, your line of questioning grows dark. Were the Emperor to hear you now he would…”
“...he would what?” interrupts Peng Shi. “He dares do nothing. You all saw how he reacted at the stadium,” says Peng Shi to a group of nodding heads.
“I saw how he reacted, with a release of energy that cleansed the Empire of its undead illness,” says Chung Denshi.
“He should not have allowed the attack to happen in the first place!” snaps Peng Shi. “Hundreds of deaths might have been avoided were he sound of mind, including my dear departed Master, a wise tutor who was taken from us far too soon,” says Peng Shi, genuinely.
“Minister Jian-Heng fled to save his own life instead of trusting in the soldiers that died to protect us, and as a result of his cowardice, he died,” says Chung Denshi, plainly.
“How dare you,” says Peng Shi bitterly.
“How dare I? How dare you! Jian-Heng may have been a self-righteous, reckless coward, but he cared for the people just as much as I. Jian-Heng was a friend, we had known each since we were both very young, we grew up together. Not only did you betray your own master's life, you assisted in his demise by seeking to save your own!” grills Chung Denshi.
“What are you saying Brother Denshi?” asks Minister Wén.
“He too fled with Jian-Heng, and when our Brother was torn being apart by the undead, Peng Shi used his body to conceal himself,” reveals Chung Denshi.
“Brother Shi, is this true?” asks Minister Jīn.
“Have you ever known me to lie?” says Chung Denshi setting his tankard down on the table with an annoyed hard thud.
Chung Denshi glares at Peng Shi whilst reaching for a pot of wine, and Peng Shi struggles to find the words that might get him out of this grave situation, and then he smiles kindly at Chung Denshi.
“I am afraid you have misunderstood the circumstances of Master Jian-Heng's death,” says Peng Shi after a prolonged silence.
“I was running to aid Minister Jian-Heng when I noticed he was being set upon by the Undead, but I was too late. Jian-Heng sacrificed himself when the Undead turned their hunger to me, my Master saved my life,” says Peng Shi solemnly.
“You lie; Jian-Heng would not have sacrificed his life for anyone!” shouts Chung Denshi.
“Brother Shi, your tragic tale of heroism will remain in our hearts and minds always,” says Minister Dewei with his eyes glazing over.
Chung Denshi halfway through taking a generous gulp of wine spits the red substance out in a bout of laughter. Still laughing at the
Priest's remark, a table full of disapproving looks glare upon the disrespectful Chung Denshi. With a half-cocked smile, Chung Denshi looks at each of his brothers in staggered disbelief.
“You cannot be serious, you do not actually believe this, this... cursed servant of darkness!” shouts Chung Denshi furiously. “Brothers, my dear brothers, I beg of you, seek reason. The Emperor's strength will see us through this, but you must keep the faith,” urges Chung Denshi taking his seat.
“The Emperor has no faith,” says Peng Shi with a hidden smile whilst casually reaching for a pot of ale.