Chapter 498

Chapter 498

It took a fair amount of research and testing to get done, but Charok, Song, and I eventually figured out the optimal nest-shape for Roc and his cronies where they can pass the winter in relative warmth and peace.

Its a birdhouse.

Basic ass birds.

Poking his brown-and-white feathered head out of the circular entrance, Roc greets me with a trilling laugh as I enter the aviary, which is really just a wooden shack with a gap under the roof for easy bird access. Lining the walls are my laughing bird houses, large, rectangular block homes with slanted roofs which serve no purpose since theyre already indoors, but the birds love it, so who am I to judge. Unwilling to leave his cozy little birdhouse, Rocs cries increase in intensity until I arrive at his door, quieting only when he finally gets his scritches and treat. The other laughing birds know their place and keep quiet inside their warm homes until their turn arrives, forcing me to amble about the hay-strewn room in a haphazard manner to accommodate their strict scritching hierarchy. I dont mind, and to be fair, Ive neglected my sweet birbs for too long now, mostly because they stopped coming out after they laid eggs and I hate taking the stairs, but I dont know how long Ill be gone this time around and I dont want them to forget me.

I feel the same way about my kittens and bears, but the rabbits are a lost cause. Not because theyve already forgotten me, but because they have no loyalty. Unlike my other floofs who are wary of strangers, the bunbuns will let anyone feed and hug them, those furry, long-eared traitors. Even Mama Bun isnt immune to this, though she loves me most...

I hope. Whatever. Ive already said goodbye to all of them, even Mama Bun and Pong Pong. Much as Id like to bring them with me, I promised Pong Pong safety, so I cannot in good conscience bring him on this trip. Also, hes worthless in a fight and I dont want to ship his poop back to the citadel, so its better he stay with Taduk. It didnt take much convincing either. All my teacher had to do was offer the turtle more shrimp and they became best friends forever.

Animals have no loyalty.

All too soon, a knock sounds at the door telling me time is up, so with a heavy heart, I say my last goodbyes to the birds and pray Ill be back in time to see their babies hatch this spring, with Dastan and his retinue in good health to boot. Maybe its asking for too much considering theyre soldiers heading out to battle, but this whole kerfuffle with Jixing and the Disciplinary Corps has left a bad taste in my mouth, and not just because of the blatantly corrupt justice system. My friends, allies, and even subordinates have all offered their support and commiseration for my current ordeal, but I havent heard a single person say anything to defend or sympathize with Dastan, Sahb, or any of the other slave soldiers at the centre of this issue. No one cares that theyve spent more time fighting on the front lines than most, or that theyve been all but sentenced to death despite their heroics, or that these promising Martial Warriors will be wasted for nothing, because at the end of the day, theyre just traitors and slaves.

A sentiment which disgusts me, but no one else. Everyone just expects me to head out to the front lines and toss Dastans former retinue into the meatgrinder until theyre all dead so I can come back safe and sound, but theyre my friends and comrades. I cant just let them die, but I also cant protect them for long, or even at all considering my current condition. While Nian Zu will oversee things to keep me safe, he cant protect my people forever, not that he seems willing to even try. Living Legend my ass, he was all gung-ho about straight up executing the traitors until I pointed out the Emperor favours young talents, whatever thats supposed to mean. Why does the big man on the throne care so much about rising dragons and what sort of protection does this offer? No one can say anything concrete aside from Justicars doling out harsh punishments for the murder of young warriors, or promising young talents being whisked away by Imperial Scions, but those sorts of thing should be the norm, not a privilege of youth and talent.

I hope its not because the Emperor likes having back-up bodies to steal...

Bah. This is the worst. I was actually enjoying my time as a cripple until stupid Jixing came along. Now Im stressed and gloomy all the time again, not to mention the paranoia. I hate it.

Outside the laughing birds shack, Kuang Biao and my Death Corps escort greet me with a Martial salute while I shuffle over to my litter, which is essentially a chair on two poles. Its not the most comfortable vehicle Ive ever ridden in, but it beats being carried over Kuang Biaos shoulder like a sack of rice, so Ill take it. On the way down, we stop at Akanais apartment to pick up Song, who stands waiting outside the door with her hair braided in a bun, and armour polished like the good soldier she is. Wishing shed waited inside or even came up to say goodbye to the birds so Id feel less guilty, I say, Is Grand-Mentor in? I wanted to say goodbye before I left. And to Sarankho too, but since shes not out here, then shes probably curled up beside Mila.

Mama is busy. Though she doesnt go as far as extending her arms, Song plants her feet in front of the door with hand on hilt, ready to fight the Death Corps back should they attempt to push past. To be fair, Id be worried too if I were in her shoes, because you do not want to wake the bears. Lovely, hardworking, and talented she may be, Mila is not a morning person and Husolt is both less lovely and more liable to smash someone into a meat paste, so its best to tread lightly around them in the early hours of the day. I find its best to let them sleep in unless there are nearby enemies to eviscerate, and since Id rather not start a rebellion, Ill have to settle for last nights farewells.

Honestly, I think Mila would love coffee almost as much as I do, but despite my frantic efforts to find this sweet, nourishing elixir of life, Ive got bupkis to show for it. This world sucks in so many different ways.

Navigating the stairs in my litter doesnt allow for easy conversation with companions, but once were out of the building, I clamber into my quin-drawn rickshaw and ask Song to join me, opening our conversation with, Hi. My stilted smile makes things even more awkward, but Song responds with a nod as the rickshaw pulls out of the courtyard and we set off on our merry way. This all happened too quickly so I havent had time to talk about it, but Im sorry youve been dragged into this mess.

Not an issue, Song replies in her customary monotone, her eyes on the horizon instead of facing me. I look forward to returning to the battlefield.

Oh good, so Im the only one whos terrified. Cool, cool, cool. Not gonna miss the relaxing rickshaw rides through the citadel?

I enjoyed these peaceful days. To my surprise, Song even sounds like she means it as her expression takes on a wistful look in the reddish morning hue, her bangs fluttering in the wind for a picture perfect moment. Only a single moment though, before her gaze solidifies back into her standard, stony facade. But I am a warrior, first and foremost.

Warmed by her determination, I inwardly applaud her mental recovery, having come a long way from believing she was and would forever be little more than a slave. Hell, shes come a long way in just three months and change, considering she seemed absolutely distraught when her token was destroyed in Sinuji, but it seems shes come to terms with being bound to my side. A good thing too, because Id feel terrible if she was miserable all the time, and doubly so for being the reason for her misery, but shes taken it all in stride and even stopped avoiding me these last few weeks. While still bound to my service, Im always careful to word things so I never give her orders, and shes largely left to her own devices and does whatever she pleases. Five kilometres isnt exactly a lot of room to work with, it also cant be considered a short leash either, enough for her to go out riding with Akanai or spending lazy afternoons reading in her room.

Still a leash though, but unless she feels like shattering her Core, theres nothing we can do about it.

That said, even though she has all the free time in the world, Song isnt wired for lazy. If given the choice, Song probably wouldve spent most of her time fighting on the front lines anyways, because Ive never met anyone more obsessed with the Martial Path. She practices more than anyone I know, is always full of questions, and she still finds time to wake Lin up every morning and help make my medicine, though I suspect its only because Song takes sinister delight in watching me choke down those foul-but-heartfelt concoctions.

Not gonna lie. I love Lin, but Im not going to miss her medicine.

Out of petty revenge, I ask, Hows your Aura coming along? I already know the answer, but I like asking because when I do, Song always crinkles her nose and pouts in frustration. Its adorable, and I cant help myself when it comes to cute. Its the same reason Ill sometimes wake the sleeping bunbuns just to see them yawn, or wrap Aurie in a blanket burrito and laugh at his big, sad stare. Cruel, but I need the cute to survive. No progress, Song replies, her scowl so similar to Mila and Akanais. Luo-Luos musical performances have done nothing to help, so Mama and Sister have been trying to teach me how to appreciate the arts, but I do not understand. Music is pleasant to the ear, but nothing else. A painting depicts an image, but unless it is informational, like a map or a portrait of a wanted criminal, then what is the point? A dance is simply wasted movement, and poetry wasted breath. What do the arts have to do with Aura and the Martial Path?

Wait. Was I supposed to pack food and stuff for the Colonel General too? Glancing around in vain hope, I realize the Hero of the Wall brought literally nothing aside from his weapons and armour, not even a horse to ride on or waterskin to drink from. Then again, I probably shouldve expected as much from a guy who defended a single, static position for most of his career. What does he know of supply lines? Wondering how to best politely word the question, I ask, Colonel General, err, will you be... um... needing... anything? Dude didnt even bring any guards. Does he think this is a picnic or something? He is a hundred-and-one years old, even if he looks mid-fifties and can probably bench press Moomie...

Comrade Du was kind enough to lend me his carriage, and it is waiting outside along with my guards and provisions, Nian Zu replies, an answer which fills me with trepidation, but he reads my concerns like an open book. No need to worry, the Colonel General says, his smile not quite reaching his eyes. Unlike myself, Comrade Du has family and friends to think of, so he will not be joining us on this trip.

...Well, this is awkward. Then this soldier awaits your orders, Colonel General.

Let us head out and make room for others. Climbing onto my rickshaw, he squeezes in beside me which makes for an awkward ride, but luckily the Abbot is much skinnier than Mahakala else we definitely wouldnt have fit. Luckily, the gates are already open and its only a short ride across the bridge before Nian Zu dismounts and saunters over to his waiting carriage, ringed by no less than fifty heavily-armoured veteran soldiers each carrying a distinct Spiritual Weapon, or at least something that looks like one. A true elite force, but I hope they know what theyre getting into considering Jixing is liable to threaten and blackmail anyone on my side.

Praying I wont have the deaths of innocents on my conscience or traitors to look out for, I turn to the Abbot and ask, You said there was another monk from the Brotherhood with you? Is he staying at the citadel?

No, Jorani made arrangements for our Brother and Kukku, and they will arrive with the others.

...What others?

Instead of answering, the Abbot gestures behind us and I lean out the rickshaw just in time to see Alsantset riding out the gates, followed by thousands of quin-mounted Bekhai and cattle-drawn wagons packed with soldiers, yurts, and provisions. Trotting up beside me, my sister scowls before my disapproval and says, What? I hold the rank of Major and am free to visit the front lines as I please. Softening her tone, if not her expression, she reaches up to pat my cheek and Sends, I know you mean well little brother, and refused to ask for help out of concern, but you cannot play these games of politics without losing a few pieces. You are one of the People, and every one of these Sentinels is aware of the risks and here of their own free will. We will protect you little brother, or we will fight to the last to avenge you.

Warmed by the sentiment, I look out at her retinue and find many familiar faces in the crowd, all here to help me fight against the odds. Theres Tenjin and Tursinai, here to protect Song as usual, and Argat and Jochi trying to blend into the crowd. Having changed out of his monk robes, Jorani rides at the head of them leading most of the former bandits from Sanshu, with Chey and Ral at his side. Lang Yi cuts a striking figure in his Khishig leathers, his eyes burning with anticipation as he stations himself close to me with the rest of the former miners, each one ready to lay down their lives in my defence. Next to arrive is Wang Bao leading his people in wagons and Ulfsaar on his charioteers, their morale high and spirits lively as always, scoundrels to the last, but my scoundrels. The eight survivors from Shen Huo are here too, each one grinning wildly as if setting off for adventure, though Rustrams grin might have something to do with the lovely Sai Chou sitting beside him, with most of the Protectorate following along to boot. Aside from Chu Xinyue and his people, my entire retinue is here in full force, ready to fight alongside me once again and refusing to leave Dastans crew on their own.

Even the Sentinels came along, from Yans friends and fellow orphans Altan, Tomor, and Mugi, to Alsantsets gorgeous-but-disapproving friend Maral and her grumpy, jealous husband Gansun, and even the Healers Jigari and Abjiya along with their medical aides. Orgaal is there, looking as bored as always, and so are Agadei, Kiril, Hadai, and Tuya, Charoks friends who handled the powerful warriors in Gens retinue while I roughed up their leader. Not only that, but the Sentinels from Alsantsets retinue are no less enthusiastic, returning my stare with grins and smiles a plenty, mostly unfamiliar faces, but supportive ones. There are even former members of the Iron Banner joining us, the same heroes who saved me from the mines and are now here to guard me against the Imperial Clan. The fierce, scarred Khagati, the kind and portly Mengu, stern Ghurda who always -

Hang on. Ghurdas here?

It doesnt take long to find who Im looking for, and his hulking form brings a tear to my eye. Sitting atop a quin almost as large as Mafu, Huushal makes for an imposing sight with his massive sabre strapped to his back and single armoured shoulder guard to protect him. Radiating focus and ferocity, he doesnt smile or say anything, but simply nods in response to my stare before following Ghurda away while his two wives trail behind.

Gotta say, the twin half-bear sisters Yesui and Yosai look less than pleased to join me, but theyre still here and I am grateful for it. Plus, this means Huu doesnt hate me, so maybe we can be friends again. Thats the most important part.

Overwhelmed with emotion, I grin and wave to greet the new arrivals, though my good mood dissipates when I see two well-dressed quins pulling an all-too-familiar rickshaw. Waving back with both hands as if shed done nothing wrong, Lin stands beside the seated Luo-Luo whose arms are wrapped tight around Lins waist, holding fast for fear my sweet wifey will fall out. Proud as can be, Lin directs her quins and comes to a stop directly beside me, beaming from ear to ear as she says, Hi hubby.

No. Using my strictest voice, I point at the gates and say, Go back inside. This is not a game.

Dont wanna! Hands on her hips, my sweet wifey stands tall in defiance, something shes never done before. Im coming, and you cant make me leave. Youre weak now, and Im strong, so you gotta listen to me, ya?

...Shit, is this how marriage works? Am I being bullied?

Turning to Luo-Luo, I raise an eyebrow in silent question and she meekly replies, Lord Husband, this one made the decision to come along after receiving advice from Mother-in-law. Since this one is the cause of strife between Lord Husband and Yang Jixing, then her presence may cause him to stay his hand, or at the very least restrain him from acting in too overbearing a manner. Forestalling my argument, she adds, This one took it upon herself to sublet all our business ventures to Marshal Yuzhen, allowing her to use the foundation weve built for military projects at the low cost of upkeep and a nominal fee.

Yup. Pleased as can be, Lin grabs a pot from behind her and hands it over with both hands, the stench assaulting my nostrils and making my stomach turn. And this way, I can keep making your medicine, ya?

... Oh joy.

Still, this isnt the worst thing in the world, especially since Mama Bun, Blackjack, and most of the bunbuns are also in Lins rickshaw, while the rest are with the bears and wildcats in a wagon with Luo-Luos handmaidens, and theres still a giant rooster I have yet to meet. I dont see Pong Pong, which means Taduk wisely kept the tiny turtle, but this is still infinitely more floofs than I expected to have, not to mention two out of four (or maybe three out of five) waifus and the overwhelming support from my retinue and the People, so things are looking up.

The People. Not the Bekhai, not anymore, because even though I was almost exiled, am currently crippled, and was drafted into the Army, I am, and always will be, Falling Rain of the People.

Chapter Meme