Chapter 234

Chapter 234

I might be broken.

Listening as the herald narrates the dire straits at the Bridge and warns the city of a possible Defiled invasion, I find myself lacking the customary existential dread and abject terror one would normally expect. In its place is a slow, smouldering anger and a yearning to ride out and wreak havoc among the Enemy, to bring them death and suffering while driving them from our lands. The latest news from the Bridge is almost a week old, arriving at the outpost days ago yet never making its way to the Magistrate until now. The missive paints a grim picture of imminent defeat, the city evacuated and the outer wall abandoned, Baatars call to arms going unanswered by Sanshu and the Bridges fate all but settled in our absence. The lack of news since then does not inspire confidence and I can only pray my family is safe.

As the herald moves on to list out the accomplished heroes of Sanshu and their rewards, I turn a deaf ear to the proceedings and worry over the future. Mao Jianghongs greatest betrayal wasnt inviting Yo Ling through the gates, but rather his success in isolating Sanshu from the outside world. I doubt Jiu Liang even knows about the Yo Ling's attack, though Shen Yun should have received word from Yuzhen's scouts. The new Guard Captain Sovanna is working tirelessly to clear out Jianghongs collaborators from the surrounding outposts, but the stigma of Defiled traitors will cling to Sanshu for years to come, assuming the city survives that long. Unlikely considering the current circumstances and the Empires trigger-happy stance on Defiled outbreaks, but one can hope.

If the Defiled make it into past the Bridge, were left with two choices. Either we gather all the supplies available and prepare for a long, extended siege, or we cut and run for the Central province, a logistical nightmare given the numbers involved. Neither option is particularly alluring, but the decision is beyond my pay grade, despite my recent, undesired promotion. If it were up to me, Id damn the consequences and ride for the Bridge, but Gerel overruled my foolhardy decision, ordering me to sit tight and wait. Its not without reason considering weve less than thirty battle-ready Sentinels, a drop in the ocean compared to the millions at the Bridge, and Id be leaving behind all our wounded, including Huu and the others still making their way to Sanshu.

For now, theres nothing to do but pray for good news while preparing for the worst. Not even the bear cubs clumsy antics are able to bring a smile to my face as I fret and worry, the fate of my loved ones hanging in the balance. Throwing myself into work, I putter about the makeshift hospital, changing poultices and bandages with Lin at my side, doing everything she can to keep my spirits up. Humming a little tune as she works her mortar and pestle, she catches my eye and beams prettily, undeterred by the ominous mood. Dont worry hubby, she says, butting her head against my shoulder. Ba-Ba and Nai-Nai wont lose.

Yea, I answer, feigning a smile while imagining Baatar and Akanais reactions to their nicknames. Theyre unstoppable. I pity the fools who meet them in battle. Nodding emphatically, Lin returns to her work while I hide my worries. If only I were truly so confident, but having seen the horde with my own eyes I cant help but imagine what will happen if they make their way into the province. The village will be safe (hopefully), but what about everyone else? The speculation dredges up memories of the desecrated village in the mountains, envisioning millions of men, women, and children tortured as the Defiled rampage across these beautiful lands Ive grown to love. Historically, the Empire has always been outnumbered and surrounded, the massive walls our only advantage. With those gone, it wouldnt surprise me if the Empire abandoned the entire province and closed the borders, leaving the north to fend for itself.

Calm down. Things are fine. After evacuating the city, Baatar abandoned the outer wall to better defend the inner one, fighting to hold while Akanai rides to the rescue. Its the same thing Gerel did, choosing to fight on his own terms instead of risking it all on a losing gambit. The city was built as a secondary defence, with the inner walls a tertiary one. Stop assuming the worst and believe in your Mentor and Grand-Mentor. Theyre larger than life and nothing can stop them.

Ser? A familiar drawl draws my attention and I turn away from my work to find Jorani, looking rather pitiful as he hems and haws with Ravil glaring murderously beside him. Err, Ive been sent to demand- ah, request yer vaunted presence to er, meet with the Azure Ascendant. Cringing back, he adds, Alone. Sorry. He was very specific about that.

Whispering the last bit, Jorani gives me a helpless shrug and hopeful glance, terrified of my response. Poor guy, he looked so impressive in his Runic armour, but his loose silk shirt and pants only accentuates his gangly frame. Breathing angrily beside him, Ravil quirks his eyebrow in wordless question while his fingers caress his daggers hilt. Shaking my head ever so slightly, I ask, What does the Azure Ascendant want with me? And why no guards? Or pets? My fur babies are adorable, even the Magistrate gave Aurie a pat on the head.

He ses he wants to talk. Shrugging again, Jorani shifts away from Ravil who growls beneath his breath, prompting the Hangman to nervously step back in line. If theres one thing the former hoodlum knows, its how to rule through fear and intimidation. Standing at attention, Jorani wrings his hands and continues. He aint gonna hurt ye, he just wants a private conversation. Please.

The Ascendant could make for a valuable ally or fearsome foe. The Guard Leader chooses this time to offer her opinion, sipping her tea in the corner. How long has she been there? Fucking ninjas. Best not to keep him waiting.

...Lets assume I theoretically say the wrong thing and somehow upset him. What happens next?

I can picture the smile behind her veil as she shrugs. Then we will mourn your loss.

Praying shes joking, I wake Gerel for a second opinion. Scowling, he rolls away and snaps, Stop whining and do as my Mentor tells you. I cant believe Baatar leaves the diplomacy to this rude jerk, its a miracle the Banner survived as long as it did. Whatever, at least now I know why the Guard Leader followed me into Sanshu, not that it makes any difference.

Finding Lin for a goodbye hug, she smiles and whispers, Dont worry Hubby, just... Dont say too much, ya?

Wonderful. Even my sweet Lin thinks Im an idiot.

Outside the hospital, we find Ral giggling as he rubs his face in Mafus fur, with Chey doing likewise with Aurie. Happy to see people enjoying life, I leave them to play with my pets while I say farewell to Mila, my stoic sweetheart taking the news in stride. Do you think hell ask you to join the Ascendants? Her eyes shine with hope and wonder. It makes sense, you set Jorani on the same path, stealing from the rich and leaving the poor untouched. The Ascendant is noble as a bandit can be, his identity shrouded in mystery and intrigue. I wish I could go with you, few have ever met him so remember every detail and tell me all about it. You cant become a bandit, but it would make for a grand tale...

Ignoring the tiny voice in my head telling me everyone who has met him is probably dead, I smile at her whimsical curiosity and wonder. Mila the fan girl, its delightful seeing her so animated and lively, especially considering she didnt get the promotion she was hoping for. Even Li Song got an honourable mention for injuring the Demon Bei, but Milas duel against Gen was swept under the rug, overshadowed by Zians seven consecutive duels, the showoff. With her skills, its only a matter of time before she rises to fame, but I imagine its frustrating to see her equals and lessers climbing the ranks while she wallows in obscurity.

Well... If things go horribly wrong, therell be plenty of chances for her to prove her worth, so theres that.

Tearing a reluctant Ral away from Mafu, we board the waiting carriage, listening to the gentle giant rave about quins. Theyre so fluffy Jor, like a big furry sock. Can we go back after and see them again?

Sure Ral, I answer, smiling at his enthusiasm. You come visit them anytime.

Chuckling, GangShu smiles again, this time more naturally. Well, at least yeve got balls. I thought yed be like my boy there, stutterin an stammerin fer hours before he got a word out. Sighing, he shakes his head. A damn shame. Thought Id found another son who made it big like Daxian here, but Hangman Jorani aint nothin but a sham.

Neither confirming nor denying anything, I glance at Jorani in sympathy, seeing the anger and hurt in his eyes. Absentee father or not, it cant be easy to hear that, but something tells me GangShu isnt exactly father-of-the-year material. There are plenty of rat-eared bastards hanging around Sanshu, and after seeing their progenitor, I cant blame the ladies. GangShu is so dreamy, even I want to cuddle him. Its like theres some primal urge telling me to submit to him in every way, his power and beauty beyond human standards.

So no homo.

After a long silence, GangShu clears his throat. Well, if ye cant bring it out fer a look, then thats that. Time to pack up and head elsewhere. Standing to stretch, he nods at me. Im leavin my boy in yer hands. Hes a little cowardly, but hes got promise, so do what ye can. Dont matter if he croaks, Ive plenty of others runnin around. Im sure one of emll take after their Pa. Best of luck now, and give em hell.

Blinking in confusion, I turn in my seat as he strolls to the doors. Wait, I say, against my better judgment. Youre leaving Sanshu?

Mhmm... more like the province. Heard stories about Heavenly Water in the south and always wanted to visit. Pausing at the door, he turns to frown. I shouldnt have told ye, so keep it between us, ya?

...But Sanshu could use your help. The North could use your help.

The other Ascendants ignore me as they file out the door, though Lei Gong shrugs in apology. Chuckling, GangShu shakes his head. Why should I help?

Because the Defiled will slaughter and torture millions. Because you can save lives. You cared enough to come save Sanshu right?

Thats got nothing to do with me. I'm here cuz a couple o' sneaky bastards tried to take whats mine, so I swung by to warn em off. Baring his teeth in his fearsome smile, he adds, This is my territory, and I wasnt ready to let them northern bastards waltz in and take it.

But wont they take it after you leave? I dont understand him.

Mebbe, but who cares. Yeve got the only thing I stayed fer.

What about all the people wholl die?

With a patronizing look, GangShu asks, What about em? I might look human, but that dont mean I am. Why should I care if ye slaughter each other? Thats life. How many chickens and cows ye think were slaughtered fer yesterdays feast? To them animals, yere just as bad as the Defiled, if not worse. Should I stand on their side and slaughter all humans? Just be thankful I aint seeking justice for all the rats in the world. Laughing as he turns to leave, he adds, Besides, you've plenty of help beside ye, won't be needing me.

Chasing after him to ask more questions, the hall stands empty as my words catch in my throat. Why was he looking for Blobby? What was he gonna do with it? Why did it choose me instead of the powerful ancestral beast? My first meeting with an ancestral beast was rather disappointing, though Im curious if theyre all equally attractive. There was something about GangShu that made me like him, despite his callous attitude towards humans.

Awkwardly standing beside me, Jorani shuffles his feet and says, So like I sed, its kind of ye to offer, but Id like to sign with ye. The othersll probably come along too, plenty of tough bastards in the Militia.

His shy, hopeful smile almost breaks my heart, the cowardly half-rat terrified of being thrown away. This is the 'plenty of help' GangShu mentioned? Well... beggars and choosers and whatnot. Clapping Jorani on the shoulder, I say, I could always use more tough bastards. Happy to have you on board. Sizing him up, I ask, You still have that Runic Armour? Were totally the same size, Im sure itll fit me.

Nah, the stingy old bastard took it back, said treasuring jade is a crime, whatever that means. He gave me this fancy lookin rod tho, might come in handy.

The iron rod seems wholly lacking compared to a full suit of Runic armour, and I fight to hold back my tears.

Dammit. So close.

Chapter Meme (I'm so sorry)