Chapter 221

Chapter 221

Though his exhausted body demanded rest, Rustrams mind refused to settle and leave him in peace. Seated in the grass next to his splayed out roosequin, he idly scratched his mounts neck while watching elite soldiers bustle to and fro, digging trenches, building barricades, fetching water, and generally preparing for the battle ahead. Menial work mostly, unsuited for warriors of distinction, but there were no camp followers here, their supply trains left far behind with the infantry. Many pointed looks turned his way as he lazed about and each time, Rustram suppressed the urge to rush over to apologize and assist, humility and subservience ingrained into him from an early age. The nobles were to be pampered, at least until he was rich or powerful enough to join them.

Why did he feel so guilty? They were all soldiers serving the cause, and Rustram earned this break as did his Sentinels, riding all day without rest. So what if they were the pampered sons and daughters of nobles and wealthy merchants, accomplished duelists one and all? These so-called elites were nothing more than peacocks of the army, accustomed to strutting about and flaunting their strength in the city without ever fighting on the front lines. Shrimp soldiers and crab generals, let them experience the drudgery of war and learn how the majority of a soldiers efforts were spent outside of battle. Travelling, scouting, positioning, fortifying, days or weeks of labour all for a few hours of bloody, exhausting battle, only to be rewarded with more work should you survive. Thats what war was all about.

It was almost enough to make a grown man cry.

Looking as miserable as he felt, the adorable Mei Lin trudged over with a veritable menagerie of beasts in tow. Five roosequins, three wildcats, and two bears roaming about and exploring the camp amidst the hectic preparations. Looking uncharacteristically concerned, Mei Lin sat at the edge of the Sentinel resting area, tugging at her braids and sighing as she leaned against Jimu, the largest, meanest wildcat of the three. Poor girl, working so hard to be cheery and bright. The Bekhai raised their children strong, even a non-combatant like her, but all the stress from the past week piled on with the impending battle was finally affecting her mood.

Feeling it was his duty to reassure her, Rustram walked over and greeted her with a smile, warily eyeing the vigilant wildcat. Lady Mei Lin, are you feeling unwell? Should I request Major Yuzhen set aside a place for you to rest, perhaps somewhere quieter in the centre of camp?

Scrunching her nose and shaking her head, Mei Lin puffed her cheeks and sighed. Thank you Roo-Roo, but she already offered and Im not tired. I took a nap on the way here. Im just upset, I thought we were going into the city, but Major Yuzhen said were staying out here.

You want to go into the city? The words slipped out in surprise. Taking no offence at his incredulous tone, Lady Mei Lin merely nodded and buried her face into Jimus fur, putting an end to their conversation. Truly a fearless young woman, willing to brave Defiled Bandits to be at the bosss side, no matter the risk. Falling Rain was a lucky man, blessed by the Mother in love and life.

Unwilling to press the issue or admit he'd rather be out here, Rustram smiled and excused himself, making his way over to where young magistrate Fung and Warrant Officer Dastan were holding a meeting. His arrival earned him a raised eyebrow from Dastan. There was no scorn or contempt in his eyes, only questioning why this unranked soldier dared approach two Officers like equals.

As he should. Belatedly realizing his mistake, Rustram turned red with embarrassment as he saluted and bowed, furiously searching for something to say. No longer in command of Rains retinue, Rustram had no place here, but luckily, young magistrate Fung gave face. Ah good, we could use your input here Mister Rustram. This fine soldier is Falling Rains second-in-command and a sound tactical mind. He oversaw the construction of the fishing town after our first clash against the Butcher Bay Bandits.

Smiling warmly, Officer Dastan offered Rustram a salute. Ah yes, the brave warrior who rallied the soldiers. I also hear youre responsible for negotiating a substantial pay increase for the fishermen. Clever move convincing the various villages to pool together before selling, it gives them significantly more leverage against the Council. Despite being a member of said Council, Dastans praise seemed genuine and heartfelt.

Saluting and bowing again, Rustrams face reddened even further. I merely offered the idea, the villagers worked the rest out by themselves. The niceties done with, they went over their defences together, discussing what actions to take in case of emergency. Out on the southern flank, they were isolated from the bulk of the army, guarding against ambush and held in reserve in case of a frontal action. There wasnt much to review, with little over two hundred soldiers between them, every response to any emergency was essentially fall back towards Major Yuzhen.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

Their business concluded, young magistrate Fung insisted they all dine together in his tent, even inviting Lady Mei Lin. Feeling awkwardly out-of-place at the table, Rustram ate his meal in silence, savouring the hot stew and soft buns somehow procured by Fungs manservant/torturer. An odd career choice to be sure, but an expert in both his crafts. Dastan followed suit while Fung and Mei Lin chatted like old friends. Their meal passed in relative peace, and they sat around the small table and sipped tea. Feeding the bear cubs half a bun each, Fung shook his head in fascination, smiling as he watched the little animals eat. Seeing Rains success with rearing animals almost makes me want to brave the carnugator island to search for eggs. I daresay Id strike a dashing figure riding into battle atop a massive, armoured lizard.

Inhuman, that was the only word to describe Sumila, the bestial whore relying on her tainted blood to overpower him. Besides, everyone knew half-beasts lived for hundreds of years, so it was impossible to tell her true age from a single glance. Perhaps she was decades old, using her appearance to bully the young. His defeat wasnt all bad, fuelling his desire for power and showing him the need for caution. The heavens were high and the world larger than he expected, and while Gen held great potential, he needed time and diligence to reach the apex.

While ruminating on this thought, Bei returned with two corpses in hand, dissolving their flesh and tending to his wounds, his pain washing away beneath her tender ministrations. Finally doing something right without his prompting, Bei offered him a new breastplate, scavenged from the battlefield and thrumming with life. Trying it on, he felt it shift around, a little too large for his slender frame, but the Spirits assured him he would grow into it. Checking himself in the mirror, he found it less eye-catching than his first breastplate, though its dark, bloody surface matched his silvered-plumed helm well. Without seeing his reflection, he almost forgot he was wearing it, so smooth and comfortable around his head like a second skull.

Jianghongs voice sounded in Gens mind, giving him a start and summoning him to the restaurant. Hardly able to contain his excitement, he took Beis hand and ordered her to bring him away. The world blinked in and out of existence around him, and in a matter of heartbeats, he appeared at his destination, standing on the lowest balcony of the restaurant with Yo Ling and Jianghong.

Gen my boy. The greeting was less enthused than usually, Yo Lings face flushed with drink. I see youre wearing Naziers armour. Snorting, he snidely remarked, Might as well, the fool has no use for it. Dying to a brat like Falling Rain, Naziers a disgrace to the Butcher name. Youre unharmed?

Nodding, Gen hung his head in shame. Im sorry, I lost too.

Aye, but at least you're still breathing. Defeat seems to be a common theme of late. Lost Kaliyan and a few others, but our former guard captain survived, running away with his tail tucked between his legs. At Yo Lings taunt, Jianghongs eyes flashed with anger, his hand jerking towards his sword hilt before catching himself. Ignoring the danger, Yo Ling turned his back to them both and strode to the rail, looking over his army of Butchers. Raising his voice to a booming echo, he spoke to everyone present. Youve all disappointed me these past few days. A city primed and ready for the taking, yet were still stuck in this first district, something the enemy gave up without a fight. Disgraceful.

The silence was deafening as every warrior in earshot stopped what they were doing, their full attention given to Yo Ling. Glancing slowly across the crowd, every eye turned away from his gaze, too ashamed to meet his eye. You can make excuses all you want, blame it on all the riffraff coming out to defend Sanshu, but I know your measure, and so far, you have been found lacking. I look out from this balcony, and you know what I see?

Monsters. A small voice in Gens mind piped up but he ignored it without thought, hanging onto Yo Lings every word. I see my Butchers, my comrades, my conquering army. Some of you worry weve been trapped inside the city now that the Marshals little pet is at our door, but I tell you, youre wrong. Some of you gaze upon our enemies and despair, seeing soldiers, guards, Corsairs, Militia, and Bekhai all arrayed against us. I tell you again, you are wrong, but talk is cheap.

Leaping from the balcony, Yo Ling landed with a heavy crash, brandishing his mace with a grin. Come my comrades, he roared, pointing to the north. Beginning with our oldest rivals, the Crossbone Corsairs, we will destroy our enemies one by one, and before the sun sets tonight, Sanshu will be ours. Let us show the traitor surnamed Liu the error of his ways. For Butcher Bay!

For Butcher Bay!

Leading the way, Yo Ling marched towards the northern bridge, lifting the mood and dispelling all doubts through sheer charisma, a general leading his troops to victory. Emerging from the shadows, a half-dozen Transcendents surrounded him, an honour guard for the greatest warrior of his generation. Gen's heart soared at the sight and he leaped down to join them, though far less gracefully. Knowing they would need Beis strength, he sent her away to heal her wounds, instructing her to return with all haste.

This was history in the making, and Gen was lucky enough to see it with his own eyes.

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