Chapter 540

Chapter 540

Though stubborn as a mule and arrogant to a fault, Baatar had no choice but to face the cold hard facts and admit he was utterly incapable as a Mentor.

Given the massive host of issues plaguing his beloved son and Disciple, this meant the sheer magnitude of Baatars own failings were staggering beyond belief. After Ghurda told him about their little talk on the outer wall regarding Rains twisted and tangled Martial Path, Baatar sat the boy down and did something they shouldve done years ago: they talked. There, inside a borrowed Officers tent sitting in the courtyard of Fort Sinuji, Rain explained his views regarding Chi, Insight, Enlightenment, and the Martial Path in painstaking detail while Baatar did his best to comprehend his sons baffling leaps of logic in an attempt to help him untangle the secrets of his abrupt and mysterious quasi-recovery.

Rains tale left Baatars mind reeling in confusion, so they tried again the next day to similar results. And again the next day, and the day after that, but then he took a day off to collate his thoughts and come up with a long list of questions and issues requiring clarification. After presenting his list to his son, they went through it item by item, but each answer Rain provided only brought up more questions and concerns. Unable to make heads or tails of it, Baatar shared his thoughts with Mother, Ghurda, Nian Zu, Du Min Gyu, and anyone else who might offer insight on the subject matter, but these great warriors were every bit as lost as he. Never one to give up, Baatar continued pestering them during the trip back to the Citadel, and now that they were here, he called them all to a meeting alongside as many trusted Experts of the People he could find so they could discuss the matter in depth and perhaps come up with a solution for Rain. Baatar even went so far as to invite the boys friends and followers to sit in and share their experiences firsthand, most notably Dastan, Sahb, and BoShui for their perspective on Natal Souls and the half-rat Jorani because his Path shared a passing similarity with Rains. That said, the aforementioned young talents were left locked behind a Sound Barrier more often than not, mostly to protect them from hearing too much or getting the wrong idea and deviating from the correct Path.

Unless they already had, drawn there by a drunken slip of Rains tongue.

Thus far, Baatars efforts were entirely without use. After sharing what he could of Rains Path, not one of these gathered Experts had any useful advice or information to share, but he could hardly blame them. While each Martial Warrior must forge their own Martial Path, most went about it in a similar fashion, even Warriors whod never had the benefit of guidance or references to draw upon. Such had it been since time immemorial, but despite arriving at all of the same major milestones in his own meandering way, the Path Rain took to get there was anything but standard, a fact Han BoHai was quick to point out. Eyes wide with disbelief, he scratched his beard and said, You mean to tell me that Rain, a twenty-year old boy who holds the title of Number One Talent in the Empire and has exhibited enough power to be considered a Peak Expert, Created his Core and took his first step on the Martial Path only seven years ago? Turning to look at his proud, beaming nephew and Disciple, BoHai sighed and shook his head. How are his peers supposed to compete? Unrivalled, truly unrivalled.

We are not meant to compete with the Mothers Chosen Son, BoShui replied, unperturbed by Rains accomplishments or his uncles dissatisfaction. For he will lead us to victory against the Enemy.

As much as Baatar loved his son, he found BoShuis unwavering faith mildly disconcerting.

Er, beggin yer pardons, Great Ones. Though of humble tone and crooked posture, Hangman Jorani wasnt cowed in the presence of so many heroes like young Dastan or the others. Not to say the half-rat was arrogant or pompous either, but he exhibited proper humility and deference without crossing over into boot-licking like young BoShui. Baatar liked this Hangman Jorani quite a bit, because he wasnt shy about offering his opinion or correcting his superiors during the lengthy discussion. Rubbing his close-cropped hair, Jorani matched Baatars gaze and said, Ye sed the bossman dont remember much of anything before the age of twelve, right? The half-rat was one of the few outsiders who knew of Rains grim past, but he chose his words carefully so as not to divulge it to the others in the room. Well, if thats the case, then couldnt he have found Balance and Created his Core before... before when he was younger, and then just fergot? Or Created it without knowin it?

What does it matter? Nian Zu asked, dismissive of the entire topic. Whether the boy Created his Core at three or thirteen makes little to no difference.

Except it did. It made all the difference in the world to those who knew of Rains past and origins. Baatar had never considered this possibility before, but it made too much sense to ignore. How else could a malnourished child of twelve survive in those hellish working conditions and the subsequent Lung Rot which killed all the other, healthier, older slaves? Perhaps Rain Created his Core before he was sold as a slave and simply didnt remember, just like he didnt remember his life before the mines. It would explain how he learned the Forms so quickly and why the State of Enlightenment came so easily to him, because he had already embarked upon the Martial Path and was only having difficulty finding Balance after his harrowing experience in the mines.

Or worse, as Monk Happy pointed out through Sending what young Jorani had been hinting at, Rain might have forsaken Balance entirely and relied on the Father and his dastardly Spectres to Create his Core.

If this were true, then the boy couldnt be held accountable for his actions considering the Canston Trading Group had purposely abused him and other slaves like him to manufacture Demons, Defiled, and Anathema. Given how he never truly succumbed to the Fathers whispered lies, Baatar would have liked nothing more than to call it water under the bridge and never mention it again, but the possibility that Rains Core was Created with the Fathers aid and guidance could not be ignored. Monk Happy went on to claim that the Penitent Brotherhood had studied the Defiled Martial Path and found it almost identical to the Imperial Martial Path, likening them as two sides of the same coin, but almost identical still meant there were minute differences, and understanding those differences might go a long ways towards solving Rains current woes.

Unfortunately, this open discussion was no place to speak of the boys meandering Path between Mother and Father, because while Baatar trusted every last person in the room with his life, trust only went so far in a matter of this magnitude. Should word of Rains Path reach the wrong ear, the consequences could mean an end to the Empire as they knew it. The Penitent Brotherhoods theory regarding the Mother and Father was hardly a new one, but it was far from popular for reasons which had nothing to do with logic or fact and everything to do with fear. If it were true and it became known to the world at large that one could become a Martial Warrior with help from the Father while retaining ones sanity, then Baatar could only imagine how many arrogant, ignorant, or desperate fools would leap in headfirst and succumb to the Fathers whispered lies. While Rain might have found success by siphoning strength and Insight from the Father and His foul minions, not everyone could be as stubborn, wilful, and fortunate as little Rain, able to remain true to himself and withstand the Fathers covetous gaze long enough to develop a Talent and attract an Elemental Spirit to Cleanse himself of Spectres.

Besides, if word got out, the Emperor might just order all of their deaths outright to suppress this information...

The Colonel General is right, Yaruq said, her voice filling the empty silence Baatars internal musings had left behind. A discerning and intelligent woman, the half-gazelle Bannerman was lying to keep the ignorant few in the room from wondering what Baatar and the People were hiding. The boys first step along the Martial Path is of no consequence, so let us move on.Follow current novels at novelhall.com)

Yes, Mother said, agreeing a little too quickly as she too noticed the risks, but the Herald of the Storms was no practised liar and it showed. My Grand-Disciples Path only grows more ambiguous and uncertain from there.

Ha. An understatement if Ive ever heard one. Seemingly amused by Rains plight, Du Min Gyu stroked his beard to hide his smile and shook his head with a feigned, drawn out sigh. I will never understand your People ways, leaving such talented youngsters to flounder without instruction. We all must forge our own Path to the Peak, but what harm is there in letting youngsters learn from history and avoid making the same mistakes? Its a miracle Rain has gone as far as he has while moving through uncharted territory. Think of how far he mightve gone with proper guidance.

Bah. Help. What help? Dismissing Baatars concerns with a wave of his hand, Taduk asked, What makes you think he needs help? Little Rain got this far on his own, so I trust hell figure out the rest given time. Shrugging, Taduk added, Or he wont. So long as he is alive, healthy, and happy, everything else is of no concern.

Snorting in undisguised disapproval, Du Min Gyu muttered, The People way.

Rounding on the old fart with a glare, Baatar reminded himself that it would be rude to blacken his future in-laws eyes. Swallowing his pride and a handful of rude phrases which came to mind, he instead growled, What would you have me do then?

Mentor the boy, Du Min Gyu replied, and he even had the gall to shrug as if the answer were so obvious.

Only Sarnais firm grasp on Baatars wrist kept him from lunging across the table to smack that hateful smirk off the old farts face. What do you think Im doing here?

Trying to make sense of the mess youve made? Du Min Gyu shrugged again, and this time, there was a glimpse of challenge in the old warriors gaze, almost daring Baatar to bring this to blows. Oddly enough, this made him like the old fart more. Steel and fire a plenty, this one, and little Yan would learn much from him, teachings she would eventually bring back to the People. Almost disappointed by Baatars restraint, Du Min Gyu sighed and explained, The Medical Saint is not wrong to trust in the boy, for he understands more of his Path than any of us could ever hope to, but this does not mean he cannot benefit from our experience. Tell me, why did you exclude him from this meeting?

Perhaps sensing his frustration, Mother answered in Baatars place. Open discourse is not our way, not for one so young. Better for us to discuss this without the boy present lest our idle musings and careless remarks negatively influence his perspective and Path. Once we have settled on a possible direction, we can then tailor our advice and suggestions so as not to interfere with his decisions, allowing him to shape his Path as he sees fit and become the Warrior the Heavens intended him to be.

A... valid concern and fitting solution. Sounding surprised by his own compliment, Du Min Gyu stroked his beard with a frown and muttered, So you were not leaving little Yan to languish in mediocrity, but leaving her free to explore her own potential. Hmm, most interesting, like the difference between a wild meadow and a cultured garden, both beautiful and natural in their own ways. Shaking his head, the old fart frowned and added, But the boy... Rain has all but completed his Path, or at least made his way to the Peak before, albeit in the darkness of night. All he needs is a little guidance to find his way back up again by the light of day, help we can all readily provide.

When faced with a difficult decision regarding the Martial Path, Baatar did what he always did: he turned to Mother for guidance. Arms crossed and lips pursed, she blew a strand of blond hair out of her eyes before shaking her head in defeat. Perhaps he is right. Perhaps the boys Path is truly set and he is qualified to join his elders in discussion, though I fear his steps misguided. You make this decision, pup, for I dare not claim I have only his best interests in mind.

Meaning Mother was a traditionalist who would refuse based on principle alone.

...I will think on it, Baatar said, standing from his chair to see everyone out. It was a cowardly decision, but he needed the time to consider his options. Last to leave the room, he strode arm in arm with his beautiful beloved Sarnai, who after many months of slow recovery was finally hale and healthy enough to walk without assistance. While running was still out of the question, it felt good to have her at his side once more and see her hold her head up high, no longer ashamed of her infirmity or trying to hide her age, a bold and confident woman once more, the mountain rose he knew and loved.

Upon returning to their manor, they greeted the Guardian Turtle before moving around her bulk to step through the double doors. There in the courtyard, they were met with the sight of their loving family, all seated in the grass and enjoying a sumptuous feast of a myriad variety of steamed buns, with everyone sitting close to the doorway so they could keep the Guardian Turtle company. Mother and Father had arrived ahead of them and sat with sister Song, and ravenous Taduks lips were already stained with red-bean paste. Du Min Gyu had also arrived, though the ornery old codger chose to sit on a chair at the side, with little Yan and the half-cat Kyung attending to him. The girl and her husband were also here, cuddling Baatars darling grandchildren who were too busy eating to say hi, surrounded by the bears and wildcats hoping to steal away a treat.

Then there was the boy, their precious, worrisome boy, the son they found whod brought them so much joy and good cheer. Hi Mom, Rain said, extracting himself from his beloved betrotheds to hug his mother tight. Hi Dad. Baatar got a hug too, and he held the boy close, so happy to see that bright smile once again. Little Rain had been so despondent in the days since Sinuji, but it seemed like things had taken a turn for the better, at least for tonight. Laughing as he hugged back, Rain sighed and murmured, Glad to see you too, but if I were you, Id let go and find a seat before Teacher eats all the sweet buns. Mila already ate all the lotus paste buns, so all thats left are red bean and egg custard, but there are precious few left. Feigning a wince as Mila pinched his calf, Rain corrected himself and said, We ate all the lotus paste buns. All of us. Not just Mila. Lowering his voice, he added, Guess I really shouldve made five dozen. Theres also meat buns, barbecue pork, minced beef, and...

By the Mother above, it was good to see Rain in high spirits again, not to mention know he was feeling good enough to do something besides play with his pets or stare off into the distance. His decision made, Baatar accepted a plate of steamed buns, clapped his son on the back, and sent him back to his betrotheds with a smile, hoping this good mood would last until tomorrow, when Baatar brought him to seek guidance from the greatest Martial Warriors in North and Central.

Whatever the boys new Path, he would have to walk it on his own, for there was no one qualified to guide him, but even if he could offer no advice, Baatar would do everything in his power to help.

Even if it meant swallowing his pride and admitting that Du Min Gyu was right.

Chapter Meme