Chapter 179

Chapter 179

Outside the wood and stone palisade, Xiao HuoLong crouched in the tall grass beneath the waxing moon, his gaze locked on the ramparts. A pair of armoured sentries patrolled the walls, illuminated by the torch they carried. Easy enough to take them out with a pair of crossbows, but thered be other soldiers hidden in the dark, ready to sound the alarm should any of the sentries fall. The little outpost couldnt hold more than a hundred soldiers, easy prey for his... associates, for lack of a better term, but why work harder than necessary?

A round of chuckles interrupted his silent vigil, HuoLong ignoring the urge to turn and glare at the offenders. Back in the day, if one of his Firebrands had shown such poor discipline, he wouldve had the idiot beaten like a dog. Alas, these were Butcher Bay Bandits, too high in the pecking order to be lectured by a mere Laughing Dragon. An arrogant and disorderly bunch, worlds apart when compared to his Firebrands, but when you had a secret-fucking-island to hide your unruly enthusiasts, then you could afford to lower your recruitment standards.

He almost hoped a patrol would stumble across them so he could see a few Butchers with steel in their throats. Itd serve the noisy bastards right. A time and place for everything, thats what he told every new recruit. Do your duties, pay your dues, show yourself capable of self-control, and youd be rewarded. The best wine, choice cuts, first pick of entertainment, this system, along with his carefully crafted reputation, allowed him and his Firebrands to hide in plain sight for years, something he took great pride in, worthy of praise.

A shame no one else saw it that way.

A new pair of sentries began their circuit of the wall, their torch dipping twice in quick succession as they approached his position. At the long-awaited signal, HuoLong let out a relived sigh, glad to finally begin. These Butcher Bay Bastards put little stock in patience. Gesturing for them to follow, he dashed through the grass and across the field, knowing the alarm wouldnt be raised. A side door waited for him, swinging open with a touch, revealing a single soldier standing in wait over the corpse of his ill-fated partner. Pointing to his white armband, the soldier whispered, Keep an eye out for these. Friendlies.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Nodding in reply, HuoLong turned and whispered to Malang, the nominal Butcher leader. No prisoners, not tonight.

Spitting at his feet, the pale, heavily-scarred bandit sneered. Yea, yea, ye told me enough times. Should name yerself Cackling Nag instead. Malang stepped through the door and skirted into cover, disappearing from HuoLongs sight as he settled in to wait once more. It pained him to admit, but Malang and his boys were adept at their craft. Armed with long daggers and small crossbows, they moved liked ghosts through the palisade, HuoLong only able to track them by their results.

A lantern snuffed, a door opened, a soldier killed, throughout it all he barely glimpsed Malang or his people, plying their deadly trade unseen and unheard. It was almost magical how they worked, stalking their targets before striking, killing in a single blow and catching the body before dragging it away, their deaths instant and silent. Hed heard tales of Wraiths, the shadowy assassins of North, with their pitch black daggers and inhuman stealth, but seeing it in action left him in awe. It wasnt a learned skill, no these Wraiths paid a price for their talents, each one sharing the same gaunt, sinewy build and pale skin, covering themselves from the sun with broad hats and long sleeves. Their skills made them less real, their physical strength and stamina diminished in exchange for abnormal speed, dexterity and stealth.

Difficult to say if hed make the trade given the choice. Though the careful stalking appealed to him, hed found nothing in life which matched the thrill of open combat. Creeping forward in the Wraiths wake, HuoLong led his contingent into position on the walls, securing the main gates and the compact, wall-mounted catapults. Loading one in silence, he turned his catapult inwards to face his targets, the mess hall and barracks where off-duty soldiers gathered to drink and carouse, their boisterous laughter filtering out.

Emerging from the nights gloom with his customary sneer, Malang appeared at his side and nodded. Works done. Lighting the pitch-soaked projectile, HuoLong took a deep breath to savour the moment as the other catapults lit up in response. So satisfying, looking around at his true comrades, those whod been with him for years, illuminated by their blazing gifts of destruction, Firebrands one and all. Even though lately things hadnt been going his way, he always liked to stop and appreciate the small joys in life.

Pressing the lever with gusto, he grinned at the sound of the catapult leaping into action, the flaming projectile arcing through the air with a satisfying whistle before crashing thunderously into the building. Shouts of alarm sounded as more burning projectiles followed, the barracks and mess hall igniting in flames from the dry tinder and lantern oil scattered by Malang and his Wraiths. So beautiful, the orange-red blaze leaping into the night skies as the screams grew in intensity.

Laughing in time-honoured tradition, HuoLong sauntered down the stairs to enjoy the fruits of his labour up close. Trapped and facing certain death, some braved the flames and ran out only to be cut down by blade or bolt, their futile struggles and inhuman shrieks filling him with child-like glee. The enticing smell of burning flesh produced a hunger in him, so he tore the arm off a smouldering corpse and snacked away. Dinner and a show, not bad for a few hours waiting and a few minutes work.

Sadly, it ended all too soon, the flames sputtering out after consuming all it could, nothing but the blackened stone foundation and charred corpses remaining to mark his little bonfire. Their mission complete, his associates gathered around him, their scowls and muted protests souring his mood. His euphoria tapering off in the face of duty, HuoLong sighed and asked, What? Ye harbouring a complaint then voice it. None of this grumbling bullshit.

The Butcher Bay delegation all looked to Malang to speak for them, none brave enough to speak for themselves. Though they liked to mock the righteous thief behind his back, they knew their strength was lacking in comparison. Only Malang dared voice his opinion, not out of personal strength but rather confident in Yo Lings backing. Running his hand through his greasy hair, the pale Wraith spoke, eyes averted. Dont see the point in acting all stealth-like when ye were planning on lighting the whole place up like this. Coulda saved a few for sport is all. Im thinking the Small Dragon has small ambitions, too scared to let a few soldiers run free.

Saber in hand, HuoLong answered with a smile. This is why yer boss put me in charge, because yer skulls too thick to fit a brain. If left to you, wed be here all night, stuck in the sticks while glory passes us by. Ill handle the thinking for you, youre shit at it. All you lot need do is follow orders. Knowing it wouldnt be enough to ease their displeasure, he paused and glanced around, ready and waiting for a challenge.

Pivoting around, he slashed out with his saber, the blade cutting deep into the torso of an attacking Wraith. The bastards were sneaky, but little danger if you were expecting them. The offending Wraith convulsed in the dirt, gaping at its missing arm and exposed ribs. Kicking aside its dagger, HuoLong braced his boot against its throat, slowly choking the life from the pallid would-be mutineer. Speaking over the choked screams, he addressed everyone present, former Butchers and Firebrands alike. Now see, you all must think Ive gone soft, getting beat by a young Warrant Officer, ignoring all yer muttered quips and veiled insults, letting all these soldiers die too easily. Now, this is my fault, I accept it. Ive been too tolerant, too lenient, on account of my respect fer Yo Ling. Here Ive been wandering the lands with my Firebrands for years and years, never knowing the Spectre was one of my own, a kindred spirit. Im in awe of what hes accomplished, and I let that affect my judgment of his subordinates.

Some of the Butchers looked him in the eye, many smiling from his compliments and even more transfixed on the dying Wraith. Exerting a little more pressure, he broke its neck and shrugged. See, before we left, Yo Ling asked me who I wanted in my little party. I could have asked for Vithar and his impressive comrades from the North, but I didnt. I could have gone with Gen and his fanatics, but I didnt. I asked for Butchers to fill my ranks, because Id grown up hearing about yer reputation as the biggest, baddest motherfuckers around. Pausing for effect, he glanced around at the Butchers, meeting Malangs gaze. I am sorely disappointed.

Kicking aside the corpse, he paced back and forth, putting his charms to work. Though the time for hiding is over and many of you wish to celebrate unrestrained, who among us has not endured? Whats a few days more? Are you all happy with this tiny victory? A hundred odd soldiers, not a single worthy opponent among them? Im not.

My heart pangs in regret for all those people I couldnt save. So many of them dying in such horrific manner while I stood and watched, too afraid of the consequences to help. Your faith is misplaced Lin, Im incapable of protecting anyone. Making eye contact with the leader of her guards, I say, Tomorrow, you will take Mei Lin and ride for the Bridge. Ill send a few Sentinels to escort you. Maybe all of them, after I talk to Mila, Huu, and Fung.

Ignoring Lins protests, I leave her with a kiss on the cheek and head towards Mila, chatting with one of Yuzehns aides. After greeting an over-enthused Aurie and an indifferent Li Song, Jimjam and Sarankho, Mila sends the aide away and strides over towards me, beaming with her hands behind her back as she waits for my praise.

Poor girl, Akanais methods have her starved for approval. Thank you Mila, youve done an incredible job.

I know, she replies, In fact, I should take your Token for myself. I deserve it.

You do. You really do. If only it worked that way.

The smile falls from her face as she senses something amiss, her small, delicate hand reaching for my own. Is everything all right?

Pulling her into a hug, I concentrate on my chi, putting my words in before transmitting it to her. Its a little similar to talking with Baledagh while hiding my normal thoughts, which made it easy to learn. Sending without skin contact is much more difficult, some nonsense about locking onto the recipient and what not. Try not to say too much, dont know if were being watched. I need to know, on a scale of one to ten, with ten being treason, how bad would it be if we just... left in the morning? Packed up and went home?

Pushing back from me, Milas eyes are filled with confusion and concern. NINE?

The sound of her voice explodes inside my head, like a gong going off in my ears. Hiding my wince, I ask, When did you learn to Send? Geez, and here I thought shed be impressed by my new skill.

NOT LONG,IVE BEEN PRACTISING WITH TURSINAI BUT SHE SAYS IM A LITTLE LOUD. SORRY.

Didnt even notice. My deadpan response earns me a punch on the arm, her pout in full force.

WHEN DID YOU LEARN?

Err... this morning, Yuzhen showed me how. Another punch. Dont be jealous. So leaving is out of the question?

YES. WHY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE? THIS IS OUR CHANCE FOR GLORY, THE REASON WE CAME OUT HERE. DID SOMETHING HAPPEN? TALK TO ME...

Shaking my head in answer, I pull her close for another hug, her arms squeezing tight around me. Sorry,cant talk about it.

Guess Im stuck fighting for a cause I dont believe in. The Empire doesnt deserve my help, my blood, my sacrifice, so they wont get it. Fuck glory, let the Defiled and the Empire duke it out, Ill hang out on the sidelines and pick off targets from range, ready to grab the easy win or run home if things go south.

Honestly, either way works for me.

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