Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Blinking, I stand and watch as Man Giao leads the way through the Defiled ranks, the sun already high in the sky, and starting to dip down. It's after noon? Shit, we started this in the morning, when did so much time go by? A high-pitched ringing in my ears drowns out all other sounds, but I can see that we are winning, the Defiled being pushed back. Arrows rain down upon them from the east, the Sentinels firing from on high. I should be there with them, killing from afar, ready to lend aid if the soldiers begin to crumble. Why did I even come down here?

A hand pulls me by the arm, turning me to face Fung. His mouth moves but I hear nothing, his face lit up in obvious elation. Shaking my head, I say, I can't hear you. It's weird, speaking but not hearing the words. I repeat myself a few times, but I still can't hear my own voice. Fung motions for me to stop speaking, and moves his mouth slowly, pointing at my chest, then my ears. He taps his own ears a few times, gesturing for me to do... something.

My head feels like it's in a fog, unable to think clearly. What the fuck just happened? Fung tries to lead me away, but the world spins and I fall to my knees, feeling nauseous and unable to stay upright, the world spinning around me. Two of Fung's guards help me up, and together they march me back while I try not to vomit, following Fung for a short jaunt until we reach a tent. Inside, several injured soldiers lie on tables while healers and physicians treat them, with more injured waiting at the sides. The soldiers sport a wide array of wounds, from bites to cuts, missing limbs and punctured lungs, I see them all lie about in various stages of pain. I can almost hear their moans and screams as I watch them writhe in pain, but it is only my imagination, my brain filling in the sounds I expect to hear.

Fung's guards seat me on the ground, and Fung gives me a thumbs up, patting me on the shoulder. Motioning for me to wait, I return his gesture, and he turns to leave, likely jumping back into the fray, a battle maniac to the core. Slumping in my seat, I cradle my head in my hands, exhaustion settling in as the adrenaline rush fades. Unable to control it, my body begins to shiver, starting with a small shudder and escalating into full body quaking. What the fuck was I thinking, just charging into battle like that? My mind goes back to the scene, but this time I see all the dead and dying, the soldiers I left behind, the Defiled I crippled and let bleed to death, the savagery I displayed as I cut through the Defiled.New novel chapters are published on

I was just so angry and hateful... and so powerful. I was strong, almost as strong as Huushal, my sword crashing through weapon and armor. Crashing, not cutting, I wasn't Honing my sword, it was just pure, unadulterated power. How did I fucking do that? And how did I survive killing that bear thing? I wasn't even thinking, just fighting on auto-pilot, like watching through my own eyes as my body went on a rampage, my mind clear through it all, feeling every action, every emotion. That isn't who I want to be, violent and savage. All of a sudden, the day's fatigue just hits me and my mind feels drained and my arms like wet noodles, so I lower them into my lap, my head hanging as I close my eyes and drift asleep. Answers aren't important, introspection can wait, you just need to sleep.

It feels like I only just closed my eyes when a hand roughly grabs my chin, bringing my face up to see. Blinking the sleep out of my eyes, I watch a bearded man's mouth moving, but all I can hear is the same high-pitched ringing. Motioning to my ears, I speak once again. I can't hear anything.

The man makes a face, and his mouth moves once again, but this time, I can hear it. Ruptured eardrums, too close to a shock wave, it happens often. Can you Send? I don't need you yelling at me. Shaking my head, he grimaces. Well, can you heal it yourself? It's not exactly life threatening. If you can't, then wait until we have some spare time and energy.

He leaves after I acknowledge his instructions, moving on to another patient. Fuck, I should have healed my injuries earlier and helped out in the tent. I can do things, stitch wounds, wrap bandages, create medicines. Okay, heal my ears so I can walk, then help out. Closing my eyes, I reach for Balance. The ringing in my ear is distracting me, my exhaustion stopping me, or something. I can't find Balance, and it isn't the first time. Shit. My entire fighting strategy depends on me being able to fix myself after I take massive injuries. This is not a good sign for my future. It's been like this since... since when? I was healing fine while running from the Society. It isn't important.

Taking a deep breath, I try to focus. I can do this, I just need to relax. I've been too tense, too angry lately, with good reason, but it isn't helping. Find Balance, then go kill more Defiled. Simple plans are the best. Aware of nothing, but awareness itself. And that god awful ringing, holy fuck. I almost want to dig out my ear with a knife, that shit is infuriating. Stop, stop, I need to center myself, distract myself from my anger. It will still be there where everything is over. Just think happy thoughts, of relaxing in a bath, surrounded by lovely ladies, like Yan, Mila, Song, and Lin. Yes, relaxing.

My ears tingle and the sound cuts out as I begin to heal. Odd, I didn't even examine my injuries yet. Well, it's working, so no need to worry. Just go back to the imaginary bath, with all the ladies. Ever since I gave Yan her weapon, she's slowly become more and more feminine. It's the way she walks, back straight, shoulders up, hips swaying, and feet light. Confidence does wonders for a woman. She has a nice ass, a little bony for my tastes, but a nice shape, peach-like and rounded, accentuated by her swinging hips. It's been too long since I've fucked anyone, and she is starting to look tasty. The next time she mouths off to me, I should just grab her by the horns and shove her cute little mouth down to where it can be of use. It's not soap, but it'll do nicely for my purposes, and it'll teach her not to talk to me like that. The little horny bitch needs to learn respect, and I'll gladly teach her all about it.

Mila is another sexy little delight, with more meat on her bones, firm and toned, her freckles giving her a cute look. She's not gorgeous like Akanai, more of a girl next door type, but far too bossy as she is. I should show her who's really in charge. She'll enjoy being docile, being dominant doesn't suit her, she needs a man to take control and I am more than willing. It'll take a few spankings, maybe even a few beatings, but she'll see things my way in the end, and be happier for it.

It would make things too complicated though, dealing will all the 'relationship' crap. I've already got everyone nagging at me about Lin, I don't need them nagging about Mila as well, and Akanai will do more than nag. While there's no one to bother me about the orphan, I don't need to listen to Yan's whining either. I should just ask for the chain. Why bother with relationships or whores when I can just fuck the slave for free? She's everything I like in a woman, strong yet docile, long hair, long legs, curvy hips and just the sweetest pair of tits I've ever seen. Seeing her makes me think that there's a local form of plastic surgery, no one can look that perfect. She would make the perfect companion, just there for me when I want her, out of the way when I don't. I bet the little cat-slave knows all sorts of tricks to please her master, and after the last few weeks she probably needs it bad. Who knows what sick, twisted shit she's used to, but I would like to find out. I'd be doing her a favor anyways, she's always asking to serve, looking for purpose in her worthless life.

Honestly, why don't I just agree to marry Lin? I should enjoy the tasty little treat before she changes her mind. She'd be willing no doubt, desperate to do anything for my approval. It would be simple, having her learn exactly what I like. Isn't that the dream of every man? To have a sweet little wife that knows exactly what you want, and is happy to give it to you. Besides, age of marriage is 20, I have three years to make up my mind. There's no harm making an informed decision, don't want to go into this blind. Too bad she isn't here though, that would solve so many of my current frustrations. I'll write her a nice letter, keep her on the hook for when I return.

I still cannot believe you attacked a fucking Demon, Rain! Such bravery, I could barely quail before it, and I was within Man Giao's protection! But you, you just roared in challenge, and threw your sword at it, a true Young Hero. I thought it would just collapse and die, and damned if I won't tell that story to everyone I know.

Oh, Young Master Fung, you are likely mistaking bravery for foolishness. Jing Fei sniffs, the pompous little bitch still not looking at me. As if a barbarian like your little friend could overcome the aura of a true Demon. I've heard it can render even the most stalwart soldiers into a crying mess, and this pet of yours is only a savage. However, it would not surprise me if the barbarian were more attuned to the Demons, accustomed to their presence.

Swallowing my anger and smiling sweetly at her, I speak in a cordial tone. Call me a savage again, and I'll give you a reason to name me so. You're a pretty young thing, and I will delight in ruining you. She pauses to finally glare at me, probably looking into my eyes for the first time. Lovely brown eyes, I'd like to see them full of fear. I will do things to you that will make you curse your grandmother for a whore for spreading her legs to your grandfather.

Slapping the table, she continues to glare at me, as I ogle her tits, knowing it makes her uncomfortable. I really would like her to call me savage, just one more time, so I can act, tear the little bitches clothes right off, show her that I am to be respected. She backs down, glaring at Fung instead. Well? Are you going to let this your friend speak to me, your betrothed, like that? Close. She's spirited, too scared to say savage, but her intonation of 'friend' says it all. She'll be fun to break.

Fung! You never told me you were betrothed to such a lovely little creature. You really must share once you are married. She is a little headstrong perhaps, so I recommend that you have a wedding in the style of the People. That will properly teach her, that the weak are here to obey. My eyes never leave her, and finally, she quails visibly, which does interesting things to her breasts. I love how everyone thinks we're terrifying and feral.

Fung remains silent, and after a long pause, Jing Fei storms out of the tent in anger. After another pause, Fung asks, What happens at a People wedding? I can hear the trepidation in his voice, and I delight at his discomfort.

Shrugging at him, I laugh. I have no idea, actually. I don't think there actually is a ceremony, or at least I've never been invited to one. The imagination is a wonderful thing. Say a few words and they imagine the torture all by themselves, far worse than anything I could do. Well, not without preparation, at least. I'd need some tools to really get to work.

He laughs with me, shaking his head. It seems I will need to rely on you to keep her at arm's length. She has caused me no end of troubles lately, always needling me with her words, following me about. He sighed. It is a troublesome thing. She has been trying to become pregnant with my child, and then I fear she will have me killed or crippled. I cannot let my guard down, even for a moment. She is a vicious child, at odds with me ever since we were young.

Then why not - I draw my thumb across my neck. Strike first. Strike hard. No Mercy. And... Sweep the leg? That doesn't make sense. I'd be glad to take care of it. I'd have some fun first, of course.

Falling Rain, you are a good friend, and a terrifying enemy. Forget her, let us eat and be merry now that she is gone. Remain here for the night, I've some lovely courtesans to keep us company.

A little debauchery will do me good, and a lot will do me better, and we return to feasting, intent on stuffing myself full until I cannot eat anymore. Before we finish dinner however, lovely little Mila arrives with Zabu in tow. Rain! What the hell were you thinking? You disobeyed orders and broke formation. You could have been killed. She is far too stressed about being in command, like I said, it doesn't suit her.

I don't need your worry, this is war. Grow up. My tone is harsher than intended. She's only looking out for me. Softening my voice, I continue, Here, eat some food, have a drink. Or five. Maybe she will join in the debauchery, that would be fun. I'm going to rest here for the night. I'm too lazy to make the trip up the mountain, and I'll likely fight on the front lines in the morning. I mean, I killed a Defiled Champion and attacked a Demon. I deserve to sleep on something other than dirt. What's the point of going back, just to get bitched at. Fuck that.

Her eyes narrow at me. You are a Khishig, Rain, so you will camp with the Khishigs. If you do not return with me right now, I will ride to Mama to the Lieutenant General instead.

Tch. Little brat, ordering me around. Nothing I can do about it right now, I need to play my part of the dutiful Khishig. Fine, threaten to run to mommy, that's very brave of you. Standing, I say farewell to Fung. Remember, if you ever need an ear to listen, or a borrowed sword, all you need to do is speak. I'd love to get my hands on that pretty little bitch. I'll find you on the battlefield in the morning, we'll kill some Defiled together, it'll be fun. He smiles at me and I leave to follow Mila up the mountainside, the cold summer night refreshing and comfortable. There will be more bloody work to be done in the morning, and I can hardly wait. I will make the Defiled fear my name, and drive them out of my home, the lands where I was born.