Chapter 501

Chapter 501

Blood burning at the prospect of righteous slaughter, Alsantset wanted nothing more than to join the battle unfolding before her, but even though shed long grown weary of waiting, the situation dictated she continue to wait, so wait she did.

Ever since she learned of the First Imperial Grand Conference, shed done nothing but wait. While little Rain fought on the floating stage and defeated his peers in front of the greatest audience the Empire had ever seen, she sat idle on the sidelines and cheered him on. When he was poisoned, she held her children close and waited while Papa cut open little Rains belly so the Medical Saint could treat the affliction. When he rode out to the front lines, she wanted to follow along in secret to protect him, but Papa refused to allow it because he worried she would coddle him, so again, she sat and waited while praying Dagen and the others could keep her little brother safe.

They couldnt. They failed, and now little Rain was broken, because all shed done was wait.

No longer. Her mind had been made up the moment the Justicar announced little Rains sentence, so she immediately left the banquet to call in every favour and beg every friend for help. Shed already pestered many in hopes theyd join Rains retinue, but aside from Maral, Gansun, and Charoks drinking buddies, no one else wanted to play wet-nurse for a glory hungry foundling, no matter how much she begged and pleaded. To her great surprise, things played out differently this time around, because once word spread of what the Justicars had done, Alsantset was inundated with volunteers looking to join her retinue. Not only would they be under her command instead of her little brothers, but Yang Jixings blatant disrespect touched upon the Peoples bottom line and ignited a fire within their hearts. Though little Rains parentage and reclusive habits made many wary of befriending him, there was no doubt in anyones mind that the blood of the People flowed through his veins, and when it came down to it, the People would fight to protect their own.

Having not grown up among them, little Rain didnt understand or appreciate the close ties which held the People together, so he never truly valued his place among them. He was grateful and it showed, but from the first day he arrived in the mountains, he saw himself as an outsider and because of this, the others treated him as such, but when it came right down to it, he was one of theirs, and they would not allow an outsider to run roughshod over him without a fight. As such, Alsantsets problem wasnt gathering enough Sentinels to fill her five-thousand man retinue, but rather having too many to choose from. Few things could unite a community faster than an external threat.nove(l)bi(n.)com

It also helped that many Sentinels already suspected they were being unfairly targeted by Disciplinary Corps during festive new year celebrations, handed out fines, citations, and punishments for minor transgressions which would otherwise be overlooked. Now, their actions made it clear they were targeting the People as a whole, infuriating any and all whod been affected. Soon, the Empire would see firsthand how well the People could fight, but alas, she had no choice but to wait once again, this time for Lieutenant Colonel Mitsue Watanabe to give permission to join the battle.

So bothersome, this political nonsense, but little Rain insisted on playing by their rules. Better to trust in the strength of the People and meet whatever challenges awaited them head on, but she would listen to her brother and the Colonel General for now.

The minutes ticked by and the conflict raged on while Alsantset awaited her messenger's return, watching and studying as a soldier always should. In all his time spent on the front lines, little Rain only ever encountered Western Defiled, easily identified by their bared, sun-dried chests and human-leather head-wraps, but in the months since his injury, the conflict had scaled to heights never before seen. A more familiar brand of savages had made their way to Sinuji, the pale, rawboned Defiled she fought so often in the north. Clad in thick furs and padded leathers despite the warm Central winters, the colour of their skin and their manner of dress wasnt all that set them apart from their Western counterparts, but also their style of battle. From what she gathered, the Western Defiled favoured dual-wielding short swords or katars to unleash flurries of fast, piercing attacks, but the Northern Defiled were a more straightforward bunch, preferring to swing their large, two-handed weapons in sweeping attacks which were rather hit or miss. A difference in ideologies between precision and power, one made necessary due to the differences in terrain and available resources, since Northern Defiled could hardly rely on precision while living in a land of near-eternal darkness, while the scorching hot native climate of the Western Defiled did not allow for extended bouts of strenuous activity, hence their preference to end fights fast.

Unfortunately for the Imperial defenders of Sinuji, the Northern Defiled were far more effective at assaulting defended positions than their Western counterparts simply because there was no room on the walls to dodge. Their cleaving attacks clearing the way, the Defiled stormed the fort walls with reckless fervour where soldiers of the Empire died trading blows with the surging tide of Defiled. The death toll grew exponentially as time wore on and the defenders grew tired, their arms heavy and lungs burning as they stood firm in the face of death, but brave and courageous they might be, grit and fortitude only went so far. All it took was one breach in the line, one gap into which the Defiled could gain a foothold on the wall, and the outer wall would be overrun in spectacular fashion.

And overrun it was, its staunch defenders slaughtered to the last after a quarter hour of fighting. Two inner walls still stood between the Defiled and ultimate victory, not to mention the open killing ground awaiting them in the forts courtyard, but even if Sinuji held today, the price would be dire indeed. If they didnt hold, and it looked like they wouldnt since Lieutenant Colonel Watanabe had yet to adjust his tactics or even ready his reserves, these Northern Defiled would hold the abhorrent honour of being the first to bring down a border fort. Seeing how there was little she could do to help from where she sat, Scrying on the battle was both a waste of Chi and self-inflicted mental abuse, but Alsantset could not bring herself to stop, for there was a good chance that none of these valiant soldiers would live to tell tales of their heroics, so the responsibility fell to her to bear witness and spread word of their sacrifice.

Hmph. Arriving at her side unnoticed, Nian Zus scornful grunt spoke volumes to his discontent. How can Juichi be so talented, yet his kinsman so lacking? This Mitsue Watanabe is an untried fool, frozen with indecision when he must chop nails and sever iron. Raising his voice, the grizzled veteran infused his words with Chi to be heard by the soldiers in Sinuji. This is Colonel General Nian Zu of the North, taking temporary command over Sinuji and all military forces within. Obey my orders or face Military Punishment.

Leaping into the sky, the Hero of the Wall set off for the fort at top speed while uttering orders in rapid fire sequence. With his cadre of fifty Peak Experts accompanying him, he made for a noble and gallant sight which filled Alsantset with awe and reverence. A faction with even ten Peak Experts to command was a force to be reckoned with, yet Nian Zu had fifty such warriors he trusted enough to bring along on this treacherous expedition, which meant he was confident none of those soldiers at his side would ever betray him to Imperial influences. Justified or not, his confidence spoke volumes to his character, and Alsantset looked forward to seeing this Living Legend in action.

Her orders soon arrived through Sending, so Alsantset readied to ride out, but not without hesitation. Though it would shame her to stand by and watch while citizens of the Empire were slaughtered by the Defiled, shed come here to keep little Rain safe, because she didnt trust the Death Corps assigned to him by the Legate. Loyal slave soldiers they might be, but their loyalties lay with the Imperial Clan rather than little Rain. Since recent events had shown his Imperial title held no weight with other Imperials, why would the Death Corps be any different?

Not bad, but the hunt had only just begun. Checking Suret to make sure she could still go on, Alsantset walked the quins for ten minutes before trotting back to the battlefield, where she repeated the same tactic with similar results. Since the melee combat was entirely without suspense, she arranged it so that a different batch of riders led the charge each time, so that everyone would have a chance to claim a kill in their first battle on the front lines. Of course, she herself led from the front every time, which was simply a perk of rank; If the others didnt like it, then they could attain rank for themselves and face public scrutiny like she did.

There were plenty who could do so of course, since she was hardly the strongest warrior present, outclassed by many outstanding talents of several generations, most of whom cared little for rank or recognition. Tenjin and Tursinais strength needed no explanation, and Jochi and Argat were formidable foes when they werent playing the fool, which accounted for the warriors in her generation. Then there was the ever cheerful Dagen, always smiling these days after his marriage to Bulats mother, Maira, and a capable warrior strong enough to match her, if not defeat her outright. Of course, there were also the former bannermen, fifteen in total, all here to protect the little foundling theyd brought home, led by Huushals mother and Mentor, the fearsome half-bear Ghurda.

The most pressure, however, came not from Alsantsets seniors in the retinue, but from her juniors instead. From what little she saw, young Huu might soon be a close match, with his powerful blows and unyielding demeanour as he scythed through the Defiled uncontested. Then there were the two young talents who stood at the heart of this matter, Dastan and Sahb, both twenty-four years young and already Domain capable Experts. While she was confident she could defeat either one in a fair fight to the death, victory would not come easily or without cost since she had yet to Develop a Domain herself. Even if she had, she would still be considered young since she was still a few years shy of thirty five, but Dastan, Sahb, and her little brother were all monstrous talents the likes of which had never before been seen.

Oh, poor, sweet, Rain, if only theyd arrived even fifteen minutes sooner, then they mightve spared him from this cruel twist of fate. The most talented Martial Warrior in ten-thousand years, now a cripple who could barely walk without aid...

After five repetitions of her simple bait and switch, this battle for Sinuji was all but won save for a few stragglers still holding out on the ramparts, so Alsantset Sent a request to stand down and received permission instantaneously. Having run the quins ragged for well over an hour now, she ordered her people off the animals and walked everyone back to Rains position, where she found him dug in with a small, but sturdy formation of Death Corps infantry backed by Protectorate longbows, mechanical crossbows, and the curious, but unwieldy cattle chariots. There were even a half-dozen portable catapults laid out and ready to launch, though Alsantset didnt think theyd be of much use out here on the open field. Better if they were placed in a tower overlooking the fort defences, where theyd be free to rain death down upon the Defiled waiting to scale the walls.

Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo. Before she could even greet little Rain, the aged Abbot appeared before her with palms pressed together. If it is permissible, this monk would like to give last rites to the dead.

No dead here, reverend, she replied, her tone as warm and relaxed as could be. A few scratches which the Healers will see to, but I am sure the soldiers in the fort will appreciate your efforts. The ones still living, at least. The dead likely didnt care too much about last rites anymore. Already Jigari and Abjiya were making their way through the ranks to tend to the wounded, though oddly enough, they saw to the injured quins first while their companions tended to the Sentinels. Rain had mentioned something about Panacea being used on animals, but this was her first time seeing it in person. While unable to make out what they were doing, she could tell by the quins warm reception that the Healing was working and they appreciated the gesture, which made Alsantset want to spend more time practising her little brothers easy Healing method, if only to keep Suret safe.

Even though Alsantset would never let the quin sleep in her bedroom like little Rain was wont to do, sweet Suret deserved to live a long and happy life, with plenty of adorable pups to raise and cuddle...

This monk speaks not of Imperial dead, the Abbot replied, his voice and expression equally deadpan. This monk means to offer last rites to the Defiled dead.

...Madness. Sheer madness. Absolutely not. If the Imperial soldiers see you, there will be riots and bloodshed. See to the Imperial dead, monk, and if you must offer the Defiled last rites, then do so privately where none can see. If you cannot agree, then remove yourself from this retinue, for I will not ride with Defiled sympathizers.

Such anger, such sin.

Not in the mood for a long-winded lecture, Alsantset fixed the Abbot with her best glare and his mouth snapped shut, because while prayers and rites were fine for monks, the Mother helped those who helped themselves, and there was no one around to help the Abbot. Pleased by his pragmatism, she sauntered over to her brothers side and accepted the damp towel he had ready for her. Just by accepting the towel, she felt more refreshed and unburdened, pleased by the man he grown into in the years since theyd first met. A thoughtful boy who loved his family and never asked for anything, but shed rather he be a little more selfish at times, especially since he would rather run off and die than ask the People to fight for him, an altruistic, charitable soul too good for this world.

No matter. Crippled or not, Alsantset intended to see him live a long and happy life, the same as Suret. If not, then she would either die keeping him safe, or die avenging his death, because if he should fall thanks to Yang Jixings schemes, then she would hold not only the Prime Minister and the Yang Family culpable, but the Imperial Clan as a whole. The People fought for the Empire because they counted themselves a part of it, but should the Empire reject them, then so be it. If Falling Rain were to die at the hands of the Imperial Clan, then as their figurehead, the Emperor would follow soon after, even if Alsantset had to work with the reviled Enemy to do it.

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