The early morning bustle roused Song from slumber, the camp preparing to set out at daybreak. Stifling her yawn, she confird Masters presence beside her, snoring lightly in the bedroll with arms wrapped around Sarankho. Quietly as possible, Song sat up and found the comb, a beautiful hand-painted piece gifted to her by Senior Captain Alsantset. Her comb. So many gifts now, the chess set, clothes, hair ribbons... the armour. Taking a mont to thank the Mother for her new life, Song carefully brushed her hair and closed her eyes, taking solace in the familiar procedure.
Working deftly from years of practice, she moved her comb in long, slow strokes, gently untangling the knots. As long as she could rember, this ritual had always been her favourite part of the day. Teacher Du demanded his slaves appear neat and orderly at all tis, believing a clean, well-dressed slave demonstrated that even the lowest of his household was provided for, a asure of his wealth and status. Each day, without fail, Song was given these scant few minutes to prepare herself for the day ahead, both physically and ntally.
Nothing was expected of her in these few minutes aside from fixing her appearance. A simple task she could do without fail, plaiting her hair into a tidy, neat braid. No matter what lay ahead on any day, she claid this short ti as her own and achieved a simple victory each morning. A small, insignificant triumph, but even if the rest of the day was filled with failure and punishnt, she could look forward to victory once again co morning. For a ti, it was all she had, and though things had changed for the better, she still enjoyed the modest victory. A good way to start the day.
After waking and assisting Master with her own appearance, Song followed her out the tent where she greeted the gloomy morning with a smile and a stretch. Ah, what a beautiful morning.
Glancing around at the dark, fog covered landscape, Song lanted how shed never understand Masters taste while wracking her brain for the right response. At Masters request, Song had embarked on a careful study of idle chatter over the past few weeks, learning the subtleties of polite conversation. Yes Master. Beautiful morning. A safe response, echoing Masters sentint and reinforcing her belief.
Or rather an inadequate response, judging by Masters eye-roll. Ah, so much work to be done. Casually, speak casually. You dont have to agree with everything I say and you dont have to call Master. Please, try saying my na. You dont have to address directly, I only want to hear you say it and prove you actually know it.
Yes Master. Song nodded and took a deep breath, carefully enunciating each syllable. Master's na is Sumila. No matter what anyone said, Song couldnt bring herself to address Master by na without a direct order, the fear of punishnt too deeply ingrained.
Her efforts were rewarded with a hug, though it was accompanied with another eye-roll. Well, small progress is still progress. Well work on it again so other ti. Covering her mouth to yawn, Master led them through the camp. Ugh, not enough sleep and no ti for a hot breakfast, but at least were finally taking action. First getting stuck at the fishing village, then guarding the periter as part of the Purges blockade, I thought Id go stir-crazy after all those weeks of twiddling my thumbs.
No ti to brush Sarankho or her brothers either, but an end to their idle days ca as blessed news to many. Unused to inactivity, Master dealt with her frustrations by finding busywork for herself and everyone around her. Rigorous training exercises and brutal sparring matches filled their days, with harsh penalties for those unable to et her stringent standards. mbers of Rains retinue were not the only ones to suffer, Masters distaste for idleness was far reaching, roping in the retinues of Officer Huushal and young magistrate Fung. Over the weeks, Song overheard many of the rank-and-file cursing their fate, but those who complained loudest were often chosen as Masters sparring partners, causing the number of audible complaints to dwindle to nothing. Unlike most others, Song enjoyed the last few weeks. Though exhausting, Masters exercises gave her a semblance of routine, and Rains absence brought a sense of safety.
Sad to say the good tis were over now, but practical as always, Song rely accepted her fate. After a quick al of travel bread and dried at, she greeted her mount Erdene and Masters wagon team, Coto and Gakai, patting each one twice on the head to establish dominance before feeding them. While they ate, she brushed and harnessed the roosequins, faintly amused by the mory of how shed once been terrified of the squeaking creatures. Fantastic creatures, though incomparable to the sheer power of a titanic warhorse adorned in plated mail, roosequins were more versatile and intelligent. Horses offered an unstoppable force when matched against infantry, but after the power of their charge was spent, they were of little use in extended combat.
Not so with roosequins, their ability to navigate most difficult terrain with ease made them exceptional at hit-and-run tactics, able to disengage and reengage repeatedly in a single battle. Their powerful lunging pounce and pack-hunting instincts more than made up for their lack of mass, and she believed an army of roosequin riders in the right place, led by the right commander, could slaughter a force several tis its size with minimal losses.
Morning Mi-Mi. Eyes half-lidded as she wandered in, Lady i Lin embraced Master before turning to embrace Song. Morning Li-Li. Smoothing out her ssy hair, the young miss sat down with a petulant pout. I need your help, Rainy said hes gonna send ho, says its not safe here.
Master snorted. That idiot, theres an entire army here to protect you, you couldnt be safer. Dont worry Lin, Ill speak with him. Where is he?
Wincing as she found a knot in her hair, Lady i Lin shrugged daintily. Dunno. His tent was gone when I went to visit.
Wielding her comb, Song silently stepped in to brush and braid Lady i Lins hair while she chatted with Master. As she worked, she felt the scrutinizing gaze of the Ladys veiled protectors. It was only right for them to be cautious, the four mysterious warriors charged with Lady i Lins safety, but the attention was unnerving. They had an unseen quality about them which caused Songs hair to stand on end, their re presence instilling awe and trepidation. No one else seed to be bothered by them, but Song was loathed to turn her back to any of them, but especially the Leader.
There was nothing special marking the Leader as such, all four protectors veiled and cloaked, even dressed in identical black-leather armour. Only their choice in weapons differed, but even without them, picking out the Leader was easy as turning ones hand, her poise and deanour proclaiming regal confidence and demanding absolute obedience. From behind her veil, her eyes seed to miss no detail no matter how small, able to peer through the souls of those she gazed upon and finding them lacking. Ard only with twin daggers strapped to her thighs, she moved with a casual arrogance and grace which Song associated with supre warriors, those above even Teacher Du and Lieutenant General Akanai, an unmatched, solitary apex predator.
Even given Healer Taduks accomplished reputation, securing a top-tier expert to guard his daughter was awe-inspiring. In retrospect, Milas betrothal to Rain made more sense now, his skills as a healer well proven, though he seed determined to collect wives like he collected pets. Poor Master would have to suffer marrying a shaless philanderer.
Finished with Lady i Lins braids, the Leaders lodious voice surprised them, her words directed at Lady i Lin. Hmph. Having your thrall to brush your hair, how decadent. Taduk spoils you excessively, but that is his way.
Shooting a dark glance, Lady i Lin bit her lip and looked away before mumbling, Li-Lis not my thrall, shes my friend.
Do not delude yourself, she is a thrall, broken and oathbound to serve. You think she brushes your hair out of affection? Service and fear drive her, loyal only to that which binds her. Were her Master to give the order, your Li-Li would cut you down without hesitation.
Lady i Lin remained silent this ti, staring at the dirt. Song wanted to kneel and apologize, but Master held Song in place. DONT, ITLL ONLY MAKE THINGS WORSE.NOT YOUR FAULT. IGNORE THE BITCH. YOURE OUR FRIEND.
Masters skill at Sending still needed plenty of work, but it was improving. It only hurt a little this ti and the ssage ward her heart.
The Leaders statent cast a pall over their little trio, Master and Lady i Lin idling in silence while Song complied with Sarankhos wling insistence to have her belly rubbed. The Leader wasnt wrong, Song was a tool no different from Masters roosequin. Though grateful for her pleasant life, Song believed it to only be a passing fancy, Master unaccustod to owning slaves. In fact, Song was the only slave among the Bekhai, an entire populace without slavery. In ti, Master would understand Songs place and use her accordingly, until death relieved Song of all her burdens. No matter how much she wished otherwise, in this life, freedom would forever be denied to her.
Perhaps for her next life, Song could request to be Bekhai...
Ah my two lovely betrothed sitting together in silence with Li Song. I'm a little worried, you aren't planning anything evil now are you? Rains voice interrupted Songs daydreaming and as always, she turned to face him, guarding herself against his advances. So far, hed done little more than look, but she was certain she remained untouched only because of Masters protection and jealous nature. Rain seed different ever since his return, more intense and brooding, the smile on his face not reaching his eyes.
Auric and the bears trailed his heels, the little cubs ungainly gait and awkward steps warming her heart. The cubs leaped into Songs arms as Lady i Lin leaped into Rains. Hubby, I dont wanna go ho, I wanna stay with you.
Master chid in to support her friend. Its safer here with the army, there might be more Defiled lurking in the woods. Besides, following a Purge, travellers will be heavily scrutinized. Without your Token of Office, they might run into troubles on their journey.
Undeterred by Lady i Lins tears and Masters words, Rain shook his head. No. Lin, youre going ho, were here to fight a war not sight-see. Be a good girl, Ive no ti to argue. Untangling himself from Lady i Lin, he turned to Master. I received a special assignnt from Yuzhen and need to head out, so I need you and Song to find Tursinai, Tenjin and then pick two of our strongest to go with you.
Masters eyes lit up in excitent. Ooo, a special assignnt. Sounds dangerous. What are we doing?
Im investigating a fire. Youre escorting Lin ho. Handing her a sealed letter, Rain ignored Masters glare. These are travel papers granting you all safe conduct, signed and sealed by Yuzhen herself. Youll have no problem getting to the Bridge.
Nooooo! Masters sullen refusal seed childish to Song, yet strangely endearing. Normally so powerful and commanding, in front of her betrothed, she was reduced to a sweet, innocent girl. I looked after your retinue for weeks, you cant send away when things are getting interesting.
Before we set off, you agreed you would follow my orders, correct? These are my orders, escort Lin back to the Bridge. Softening, Rain reached out to stroke Masters cheek and whispered, Please do this Mila, Lins not the only one I want to keep safe.
Unable to keep the smile off her face, Master turned away and snorted. Th-this isnt up for discussion, idiot. Im not leaving and neither is Lin, you cant sweet talk your way out of it. Were safer here with the army, and thats that.
Dont fight on this. Yuzhen agreed this was the best choice, Ill have her order you gone if need be.
Yuzhen this, Yuzhen that, how familiar. You want us gone so you can spend more ti with her, dont you? Ive seen how you blush, dont deny it.
Master was still looking away, so she missed the anger flashing through Rains eyes. Major Yuzhen and I, he said through clenched teeth, have nothing more than a professional relationship. Reaching out, he took Masters hand and furrowed his brow. From Masters widened eyes, Song deduced that Rain had learned how to Send as well and his ssage was less than complintary to the Major.
Admonishing herself to work harder so as not to sha Master, Song gathered the pets onto their wagons, the sweet kittens and cubs now seasoned travellers. No matter the outco of this argunt, they would all be setting out soon, soldiers and Sentinels scurrying about in preparation. Deflating, Master puffed her cheeks and shrugged in apology to Lin. I guess were leaving...
Tears stread down Lady i Lins face, shaking her head. Noooooo...
Enough of your feeble whining, the Leader snapped in irritation. Are you now a thrall for him to order as he pleases? What will you do next, beg? You wish to stay, then stay, you dont need his permission. Your pathetic display is unbecoming.
A dangerous glint entered Rains eye. I dont like the tone of your voice.
Unperturbed, the Leader sniffed. Then you are excused, foundling. Her aura erupted in a violent burst, Song trembling as activity ground to a halt around them, soldier and Sentinel alike frozen in fear. Run along and go play your little soldier gas, Ive no patience for your antics.
A second Aura covered Song, protecting her from the brunt of the Leaders Aura, and the observers let out a collective sigh as the pressure eased. Her jaw dropped as she followed the emanations to Rain, his Aura surging around him as he stared defiantly at the expert warrior. You think because you have strength, it allows you to disrespect those without? That you can act with impunity, without consequence?
In a word, the Leader drawled, Yes.
Draw.
At Rains challenge, the other three protectors gathered around the Leader, ready for Rains attack, but it never ca. Instead, every Sentinel within hearing range hefted their bows and drew their arrows, targeting the Leader and her companions. Master and Lin pleaded with Rain to stand down, their words the only sounds audible in the stifling silence as he locked gazes with the Leader.
Tilting her head in unconcerned curiosity, the Leader studied Rain carefully, the seconds ticking by ever so slowly. After a heart-stopping pause, she finally spoke. Hmm... your Aura is neither overbearing nor sturdy, yet instead of breaking, it bends beneath my pressure. Its a little like pushing mud, it gives way, yet retains its shape. How intriguing. After another pause, she gestured at the surrounding Sentinels and asked, So what ssage is this little tantrum ant to convey?
That being polite costs nothing in comparison. Rains voice hardened as he moved Master and Lady i Lin aside, daring the Leader to act. Hands at his side, shield on his back, sword in belt, Rain stood unard, yet gave off the impression of a tiger ready to pounce, a naked blade drawn from its sheath. He was insane, by now he must realize the Leader alone could deal with his entire retinue.
Sighing loudly, the Leader shrugged and dispersed her Aura while the other protectors lowered their weapons. Fair enough. Slaughtering everyone here is hardly worth the effort. Very well, Ill not speak too sharply to the girl, but I dont see why it matters so much. Its not as though shell shatter at a harsh word. We wont be leaving though, she wishes to stay, so we stay. You need only worry for your own skin foundling, shell not co to harm.
...Fine. At Rains command, the Sentinels lowered their bows and followed him away. Quivering as the tension drained from her body, Song leaned against the wagon for support, watching the animals within. Unaffected by the minor clash, Sarankho cuddling with Auric while Jimu patiently suffered the attentions of the cubs, all of them oblivious of their close brush with death. How fortunate the Leader stepped back, sparing Rain and everyone present. Lifting a cub into her arms, Song mounted Erdene and cuddled with the small bear, steadying herself while lanting the end of her carefree days
Then again, her days as a slave seed numbered now that she followed a madman into battle. Perhaps her dream of becoming one of the Bekhai was closer than shed thought.
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