Chapter 235

Chapter 235

Sitting in the lotus position, Milas thoughts drifted through her mind without focusing on any one in particular. Her weight pressed down into the soft cushioned bed, the silk sheets kissing her calves. Though her eyes were closed, she sensed the afternoon sun bearing down upon her, slipping through the open window alongside the spicy, sweet scent of incense carried in on the light summer breeze. Nearby, the rhythmic sounds of Songs breathing formed a comforting cadence, the sweet girls reassuring presence always welcome.

In this moment, Mila only needed to breath in, then out, and all else becomes secondary. Her stress and frustration, her needs and desires, her dreams and ambitions, they all melted away as she immersed herself in Balance, made inconsequential by her Effortless Presence. Her favoured method of meditation, the process came naturally to her from a young age, captivating her in the present moment without dwelling on the details. It was a welcome change to her normal life, inundated with all the details shed been taught to observe, from positioning and body language to quality and workmanship. This was her escape from it all, allowing her mind a moment of tranquility in her hectic schedule of near constant training.

This was her time to heal and recuperate, and nothing else mattered.

Though talented in many areas, Healing was Milas greatest failing. Why bother learning when one of Mamas healers were always nearby? Tokta loved to fuss over her, clicking his tongue and shooting Mama biting glares as he tended to her bruises or burns. Mila didnt mind the injuries, as each one taught her a valuable lesson, like not to cross her feet while charging an opponent or always be wary of the forge even after hours of cooling. Mama didnt push Mila too hard to learn healing, because she believed the time was better spent learning to avoid injury, and Mila agreed wholeheartedly. If forced to risk your life for victory time and time again, it was only a matter of time before death swooped in to claim you.

Rain seemed to be the exception to the rule.

Hopefully.

Outside her window, a loud clamour arose as hundreds of boots moved through the manor. Rains retinue barked orders and insults, trying to bring order to everything, but it only added to the noise. Her peaceful meditation broken, Mila scowled at the interruption, wincing as her healing cheek cracked and split. How maddening, even after a full day of healing, she had yet to recover from her burns. Checking her wounds in the mirror, Milas heart sank at the ugly visage staring back at her, all scabby and peeling skin with no sign of progress. How did Rain do it? She understood the concept of creating Panacea, but the difference in speed was astounding. Rain could have healed this burn in a handful of hours, while Mila would be stuck looking like a monster for at least another day.

Even with a hole in her face, Song looked better than Mila, a portrait of peace and serenity as she sought Balance. Song explained her method as focusing only on her breathing, silently reciting sutras to regulate everything from the movement of her abdomen to how often she drew breath. Eventually, it led to the same thing, her other perceptions drifting through without awareness, but Songs injury was affecting her ability to find Balance, because of the air escaping out her cheek with every breath. Still, the results spoke for themselves and it pleased Mila to know Yan was in good hands with Du Min Gyu.

Covering her face in bandages, Mila prepared to go out and see what all the fuss was about. Though Rain claimed not to care about her appearance, she was still a young maiden yet to be wed. How could she expose her betrothed to such hideousness? Though she moved quietly as possible, when she opened the door, Song darted up to join her, always at her side. At least she stopped calling Mila Master, Songs progress slow, but steady as she recovered from her cruel and inhuman treatment.

Smiling at Song, Mila took her by the hand and strolled out, still annoyed by the interruption. Chaos and disorder awaited her as she stared out at hundreds of injured strangers moving into their manor. Spotting Rain, Mila stomped over to demand an answer. The Peoples contributions were anything but minor and Sanshu had plenty of space, so why were they forced to share their camp with strangers?

Forestalling her angered interrogation, Rain smiled as she approached, opening his arms for a hug. Smacking them aside, she muttered, Not in front of strangers. Losing the upper hand, she blushed as he brushed her hair behind her ear, the idiot showing the world her dreadful injuries. Whats happening? Who are all these people?

Good to see you too my love. His smirk melted her anger as he took her free hand, nodding in greeting at Song. These people, he said, gesturing around him, Are the remnants of the Mothers Militia and the newest members of my retinue. I get a thousand right? This is like... half that. Probably less. Ugh, Im gonna go broke buying them quins...

Stunned by his answer, Mila closed her eyes and shut her mouth, reining in her outrage. This idiot, did he never learn? First he befriends a bunch of cripples and layabouts and now he seeks bandits and cutthroats to fill his ranks? Hardly an improvement, even if these bandits seemed marginally stronger, with a few dozen spiritual weapons scattered among them.

Whats the matter love? The vein on your forehead is throbbing through the bandages.

Unable to stay angry no matter how hard she tried, Mila sighed. Rain, she said, looking into his concerned, amber eyes. You are the cleverest idiot Ive ever met. Youre a Second Grade Warrant Officer, which means more people of influence will take note of you. A retinue of a thousand elites is nothing to sneeze at, but youve chosen these, these... Ruffians to stand at your side! Why? This was an honour which should have gone to the Sentinels, and it hurt to know Rain thought so little of his people.

Sighing, Rain brought her hand to his lips. Couldnt be helped. Your noble bandit asked me to look after Jorani, and these ruffians are all Oathsworn to follow him for the next few years. Couldnt really leave them to go back to their bandit ways, now can I? Switching to Sending, he told her about his meeting with the Ascendant. Puffing her cheeks, Mila pouted as she considered Rains story.

No wonder the Azure Ascendants cared nothing for the backgrounds of those they robbed. It took away from the romance of it all, since no one wanted to cross an unbound ancestral beast, especially one strong enough to claim a territory encompassing a city, much less its surroundings. Mila had never met an ancestral beast but shed heard stories, and seeing Rains smitten look made her giggle. At least this one was a man, knowing Rain, hed probably lose control if itd been a woman.

Shrugging, Jorani defends his choice. If he's Defiled, then he's playin a game I aint ever heard of. Had plenty of chances to turn against us and didnt. Wouldnt have made it out alive without him and his.

Bulat and Ravil both agree, so I put Jester Wang on the shortlist. Hmm... If only we had time to loot the Butchers hideout, there's probably tonnes of booty stored there. Anyone else? Thats seven, I need at least one more. Even though Ive only got four-hundred and thirteen new soldiers, I figured I can put each leader in charge of fifty as a trial run before picking the best of them. What about Pran or Saluk? Theyre squad leaders, so it shouldnt be too big a leap.

Bulat shakes his head. They wont accept. Had to bully em into looking after ten, and even then Rustram did most of the work. Theyre better off as your guards. What about Kabi?

He didnt make it. Joranis whisper is met with silence, all of us having suffered losses. Same with Light-fingered Yu, else hed be on the list too.

Returning to the matter at hand, I go over my options. The only other names I know are Silva, Viyan and Birca, but theyre the most irresponsible members of my retinue, a trio of drunks and degenerate gamblers. Theyre good people, but sorely lacking in leadership qualities. None of the Sentinels want anything to do with leadership, having tagged along to follow Tursinai or Mila, so whos left?

Ugh. Leadership. So troublesome.

I guess I have enough leaders for now. While the others leave to gather the chosen few, I take a seat next to Mila and sigh. And to think, I was all prepared for a relaxing vacation but then the Defiled had to go and ruin it.

Ha. Milas adorable snort puts a smile on my face, despite the dark circumstances. Its too much, I cant be gloomy all the time. Work hard Rain. Train your new retinue, but dont let yourself fall behind.

Yes love.

Youve picked up many new skills, so remember to practice them. Dont forget your old skills either, or the ones youve yet to learn. Though youre capable of Honing and Guiding, youre still a long way from comprehension. Your period of explosive growth might continue but dont count on it. Too much of what you know is based on instinct, which is odd considering how much you like to question things. Learn it, master it, and you will stand unmatched for decades to come.

Its nice knowing she has so much faith in me, but its also a little intimidating. What if I fail? What if I disappoint her? As if sensing my thoughts, Mila squeezes my hand and flashes her beautiful smile, and just like that, everything is okay. Resting against her shoulder, I say, Youre too good for me.

I know.

Boss. Rustram peeks his head in, causing Mila to shove me away. Honestly, things would be less scandalous if she just left things as they were, but now Rustram will wonder what we were doing. The Magistrate sent someone over. Youll want to see this.

That doesnt sound great... Heading out, Im greeted by a familiar face, bruised and battered as he kneels on the grass with his fellow companions, their weapons in hand. Beside him stands an administrator, who clears his throat and offers me a box with both hands. By order of Magistrate Chu Tongzu, Dastan Zhandos and his traitorous companions have been granted clemency, their lives spared. The Magistrate offers this token as thanks for the Peoples heroic defence of Sanshu. May you use these slaves well in defence of the Empire.

Taking the box out of reflex, I look down at an innocuous golden pendent sitting within, swallowing at the sudden weight of it all. Beaten and broken, the misguided former Warrant Officer kowtows thrice, his family, retinue, and all their loved ones following suit. Our lives are yours Master, Dastan says, his bitter and mournful tone sending a lance of pain through me. We await your command.

For the crime of being born into the wrong faction, Dastan Zhandos now suffers a fate worse than death, alongside the rest of his family.

Despite all the beauty Ive seen and the love Ive found, its things like this that make me hate this world.

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