Chapter 326

Chapter 326

Ill ask you once more, youre certain this information is important enough to wake the boss?

Pausing mid-drink, Jorani choked down his mouthful of jerky and flatbread in his haste to answer. Sure as sure Mister Rustram, he croaked, regretting his decision as the half-chewed food sat painfully in his gullet. Dried rations and water were all he could get his hands on during the short jaunt through camp to the bossmans yurt, but after seven days traipsing through the brush eating leaves, bugs, and carrion, the stale fare tasted divine, so long as you chewed it. Coughing in a futile attempt to clear the blockage, he added, The bossmanll be happy we woke him, but on account of how I cant Send yet, hell probably want someone keeping things quiet. A handy little trick, blocking sound from escaping, it was a sneak thiefs dream skill. While it made the list of things Jorani wanted to learn, Sending still sat firmly at the top. Aint nothing better than finding honest work as an Imperial Messenger, riding past soldiers and merchants alike as they scatter at the sight of your banner.

Swallowing another mouthful of water and praying his throat would clear up, Jorani noted the number twos nervous fidgeting in the flickering firelight, clenching his sweat-soaked handkerchief like it owed him money. Maybe it was just the giant turtle staring them down like she fancied a taste, but it was never a good sign when the top dogs were anxious enough to show it. The bossman probably started another blood feud or something, he loved starting those. Leaning in close, Jorani gave his most disarming smile and whispered, Mister Rustram, ifn ye dont mind me askin, whats got ye all twisted in knots?

Its nothing, Mister Rustram whispered back, which only told Jorani something was afoot. Why else would he whisper? Without further prompting, Mister Rustram kept going, eager to have a sympathetic ear. Its just... the boss has been in a dour mood of late, what with getting exiled from the city, the shark attack, and his difficulties Awakening, so disturbing his sleep to make a report about something you refused to reveal first is... stressful.

Mother above... Shark attack? Awakening? Apparently Jorani had missed a whole dog and pony show while scouting out the winery, but it was enough to know Mister Rustram was just nervous because the bossman was being all cantankerous and such. Nothing to it, Jorani had served under dozens of bandit leaders and learned all sorts of ways to boot-lick and keep his head attached. Dont ye worry about a thing Mister Rustram, aint a doubt in my mind the bossll want all this kept hush-hush. Why, I bet hell even praise ye fer yer keen foresight. Well, Joranis foresight, but it never hurt to let a superior take credit for your work, and it definitely wouldnt hurt to let someone else take the blame.

When the bossman stepped out of his yurt, Jorani straightened up to match his posture. Always match your superiors energy when trying to ingratiate yourself, a small trick hed learned in years of subservience. If the boss is alert, then the lackey should be too, and if the boss is relaxed, relax with him, unless youre on duty or got some other reason to be alert. If the boss makes eye contact, then you hold it for a second before looking away to show submission, unless youre trying to convince him youre innocent of whatever hes accusing you of. Then, you open your eyes wide, stare back without blinking, and deny it, no matter how guilty you might be.

There were a lot of rules and nuances to keep track of, but Jorani hadnt survived this long on empty words and disarming smiles alone.

Studying the bossman with a critical eye, Jorani assessed the situation in a heartbeat. Fully dressed and armed, the bossman looked like hed fallen asleep in his clothes. No wonder number two was all jumpy, the bossman looked exhausted and for Falling Rain, that really meant something. With dark bags under bloodshot eyes, damp hair and loose collar, he hardly looked the part of young hero of the North. Still, weary though he might be, there was a rare intensity to the bossmans gaze, a look usually reserved for his luckless opponents which was now directed at Mister Rustram, Jorani, Jinoe, Ronga, and Siyar. It was only a cursory glance, taking them all in as he did his customary sweep of the surroundings, always on the lookout for danger. Not an easy way to live, so vigilant and guarded, but with how often the bossman came close to dying, Jorani couldnt blame him for being more careful than most.Read latest chapters at novelhall.com Only

Jorani, the bossman said, starting his second sweep of the surroundings. Youre late.

Not the best start, but hed survived through worse. First, acknowledge your guilt. Sorry boss. No need for excuses unless the bossman asks for one, because otherwise he aint interested. Luckily, even on his worst days, Falling Rain was the most rational bossman Jorani had ever served under. A raised eyebrow was all it took and Jorani seized the opportunity to explain. We ran into complications and I made the call to travel only at night. I told Mister Rustram here we found some damning evidence and he figured itd be best we kept it all quiet like. The bossman nodded along but appeared distracted as he studied Joranis sneaks, finally settling his frown on Siyar. Looking to number two for support, Jorani found none forthcoming, so he continued, Ye know, with one of them Chi sound barriers or maybe we at least step inside? The days might be warm and sunny in Central, but at night, the cold breeze coming off the Azure Sea sapped the heat right out of your bones.

Stilling but for a twitch in his cheek, the bossman stopped looking around and fixed Jorani with an unnerving, predatory glare. Thats all it took to put Jorani on edge, hairs raised by this unnerving calm before the storm, a heavy, suffocating atmosphere brought about by the bossmans stare. Whatd happened these past few days? The bossman was a harsh taskmaster sure, but he was never one to rule through fear or brutality, at least not before. Now, with his jaw clenched, muscles tensed, and deliberate, measured breaths, the bossman looked ready to explode into violence at the drop of a hat. It took all the courage Jorani could muster to stand firm without flinching and only managed it because he knew running might set the bossman off.

After long, torturous seconds, the bossman pursed his lips and huffed. Fine. Glancing at the empty space beside his door, he asked, Would you mind?

Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo. The fattest monk Jorani had ever seen appeared out of thin air, sitting with his eyes closed and head bowed. Such vigilance, such perception.

Not really, the bossman replied. The grass beneath you has been pressed flat to the dirt. Mister Rustram, when were done here, find our guest some proper accommodations.

Unnecessary. This one requires nothing more than the earth as his bed and the sky as his shelter. Opening his eyes, the fat monk frowned and said, The barrier is in place. Ordinarily, this one would refrain from taking action, but there is an unpleasant... odour, for lack of a better word, hanging about your soldiers.

You feel it too? Turning his attention back to Jorani, the bossman said, Out with it now.

Right. Swallowing his resentment over hostile treatment, Jorani recounted their trip to the winery, emphasizing their lack of preparation and how unpleasant the entire journey had been, but the bossman appeared unmoved. Then we legged it and left them none the wiser. His tale finished, he grimaced as Siyar handed over both copper vessels, one sealed and one broken, wrapped in several layers of cloth, and shoved into a metal helmet. Real nasty stuff. Near as we can tell, its sunlight what sets it off. Ronga got some of that stuff on his hand and it stayed harmless for hours til dawn, but once it got goin, it spread real fast. Worked its way up the arm and couldve killed him if we hadnt lopped it off.

Interesting. The bossmans response was less than ideal and Jorani could feel Rongas heart dropping. Losing a hand might be nothing to the Undying, but to a cut-purse, their nimble fingers were what they relied on to survive. They might be Bekkies now, but you never forget your roots. Turning to the monk, the bossman asked, Your thoughts? The monk said nothing out loud, but after a short pause, the bossman sighed. Yea, seems about right. Okay, time to pass this up the ladder. With that, he strode off with the monk, giant turtle, and Mister Rustram in tow, leaving Jorani and his people standing in place. No thank you, no dismissal, not even a cursory good job, the bossman just left like that.

No. This was unacceptable. Even the most sadistic bandit leader would offer a few words of praise, if only to keep up appearances.

Gesturing for the others to follow along but hang back, Jorani rushed over to the bossmans side while giving the giant turtle a wide berth. Beggin yer pardon boss, he whispered, struggling to sound both deferential and authoritative at the same time, but maybe ye could spare a word fer me boys back there. Not fer nothing, but they slipped into a heavily guarded compound and back out without so much as raising a whisper. I made it sound easy, but it was anything but, and Ronga did lose a hand bringin that stuff back. A little pat on the back would go a long way towards -

Belatedly noting the boys silence, Akanai stepped back and studied his expression once more. Still angry but directed inwards, likely blaming himself for not understanding sooner. His body language screamed of confidence, back straight, shoulders square, and head held high, but his eyes, so pained and mournful it pained her to look at. Whats wrong child?

She could see the struggle within his mind as he considered telling her his problems, but ultimately, silence won out. Its nothing, he Sent, feigning a smile. Like I said, its been a long day and theres still much to do before morning.

Hm... Leave him be or press a little harder?

Mussing his hair so she could fix it again, she pursed her lips and sighed. No sense pressing him for more, he was nothing if not stubborn. If he didnt want to talk, itd be easier to get blood from a stone. We are here should you wish to speak. Now, regarding Joranis discovery, Im not certain what you expect me to do. Manufacturing this... weaponized sludge, despicable though it might be, breaks no Imperial Laws. Shed have thought the boy would be ecstatic to find something like this, always going on about empowering the common folk and fixing greed, corruption, and inequality like it was so simple.

Well thats the thing. Looking her straight in the eyes, Rain Sent, Something about the sludge feels like its related to the Defiled. I think its made from Demon Ichor, but I cant be sure before Blobby comes back. Even then, I cant prove any of this without revealing my past indiscretions.

You lost the Heavenly Tear? Was it because his lack of piety finally angered Her too much? Akanai should have put a stop to this Blobby nonsense and instilled an appropriate amount of fear and reverence into him.

Yea, but its no big deal. I was waiting till sunup to go get it back, and now I even have bait.

Gesturing at the cloth-stuffed helmet beneath his arm, the boy certainly looked confident enough, but Akanai wanted to lift him by the scruff of the neck and shake some sense into him. Religious implications aside, a droplet of Heavenly Water was a treasure grand enough to move the Emperor himself, and the boy wanted to wait until morning to get it back? Taking a long, calming breath, she grit her teeth and Sent, Explain.

Oh, sure. My best guess is...

The boys explanation did nothing to calm her nerves but there was no helping it. He was right to wait until sunup, so she pinched his cheek and gave him a hug, lamenting the woes of familial affection. Giveme the unbroken vessel for safekeeping. I will pass a message along to Yuzhen and seek her advice. Until then, you are to keep your mouth shut, your temper in check and take no action against the Canston Trading Group, understood? The Legate would not be pleased to hear of this third-hand, and even less pleased if news of this were revealed to the public.

Amber eyes glowing with hunger and determination, the boy grimaced and answered, Yes Grand-Mentor, but if there is an assault on the winery, I want a part in it.

Impudent brat, call me grandmother or Mother-in-law.

I havent married Mila yet, grandmother.

Oh? After all you two have done, you would dare try to escape? Finished with his hair, she hugged him again, unable to promise him what he desired. Even if Yuzhen brought this to the Legate, he might not allow an assault against an Ancestral Beasts holdings. He might even believe this sludge to be a new weapon for the Empire and make moves to secure it. No, if the boy was right and this was all a Defiled plot, it might be best to send her own people to this winery. Now off to bed with you. You are the number one talent in the North and the youngest second grade Warrant Officer in history, and after your foolhardy display of Awakening in the bay, you will undoubtedly be challenged by your peers.

Sleep can wait. Still lots to do. I wanted to go over the gifts again and make sure theres nothing wrong with my presentation. Could I run through it with you once, so you can tell me if there are any accidental veiled insults or whatever? Then I figured Id try to bind my new weapon, if theres still time, since I might need it soon enough.

As much as Akanai wanted to lie down and nuzzle her husband, the boy had good reason to be nervous. It wouldnt be the first time he accidentally insulted someone important and with tomorrows event taking place before the eyes and ears of the most influential individuals in three provinces, a mistake would be costly indeed. Stifling a sigh, she went into her yurt and returned with his new Spiritual Weapon, lovingly crafted and wrapped in oiled-leather by Mila. If you fail to bind it, return the weapon in the morning. The boy was a tempting enough target without adding an unbound Spiritual Weapon into the mix, and if she didnt mention it, hed probably use it as stakes in a wager like the degenerate gambler that he was. Come my most troublesome grandchild. Present me your gifts as you would to the Legate and let me count how many times he would sentence you to death.

Putting an arm around his shoulder, she was delighted when he snuggled into her embrace instead of pulling away shamed-faced like he normally would. So many small changes these past few days, swimming about the bay without a leash, behaving like a gentleman with Mila and Lin, and asking his superiors for advice before taking action. Assaulting the monk in public was out of character, but even she felt the ascetic had overstepped his bounds by intruding on the boys yurt. While neither of them spoke of exactly what transpired in there, she assumed it had something to do with his... deviant hobby.

Young men could be worse than monkeys in heat, but at least Rain had the decency to relieve himself in private instead of sneaking off with whores and handmaidens like Fung. Perhaps a brief stint with the Penitent Brotherhood would do both Fung and Rain some good; a couple months living as a eunuch might change their perspective on women for the better.

Only... how was she to convince them to accept it?

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