Chapter 558

Chapter 558

In thirty-nine years of military service, Binesi had seen countless young talents come and go.

Most were a disappointing lot, a bunch of peacocked fops who bought into their lickspittles lies and believed they were destined to become the next Lu An Jing or DuGu Tian Sha. Most lacked the skills and talents required to go so far, but if Binesi had a copper for every time hed heard a recruit reference one or both of those names, then he would be the wealthiest man in his village by far. What those starry-eyed ponces failed to realize was that they were merely frogs stuck in a well, unable to see how wide the heavens truly are. They believed that in time, they would ascend into the skies with a single bound to become the Mothers Chosen Child, but fame and misfortune often walked hand in hand.

Once a budding young talent himself, Binesi had the good fortune to meet both storied heroes before they rose to fame. DuGu Tian Sha was a talented peasant turned arrogant ass, but reasonably so considering his phenomenal sword skills which helped keep his head attached to his shoulders. A scoundrel of a womanizer, he left a trail of dead husbands, brothers, and fathers behind him, emerging victorious in nineteen life and death duels before the age of twenty-five, and Binesi had gone to great efforts to keep him from meeting his then-future wife, Asane.

Back then, the Northern Province was in the midst of a minor crisis since the Defiled had found a path through the mountains which bypassed Imperial patrols and defenses, allowing them to sneak into the province undetected. Fortunately, they could only ferry small warbands through rather than entire armies, and the heroes of the Empire had worked tirelessly to hunt every last one of them down. Given the circumstances, Binesi had thought theyd done a decent job of it overall, but in light of recent events in Sanshu, he wasnt so sure anymore. Regardless, in those trying times, the Army offered many young heroes a Warrant Officers commission, an offer DuGu Tian Sha accepted, and the rest was history. He won every battle he took part in, often snatching victory from the jaws of defeat, and grew into a household name until a mere ten years later, when he came up against a powerful and ancient Demon whod already killed six Peak Experts and was positioned to overrun the Imperial Defenses along the Northern Wall. With his over-sized broadsword in hand, he single-handedly held back the Demon and its Defiled companions long enough for reinforcements to arrive, but not before DuGu Tian Sha became the seventh victim to fall beneath the Demons wicked, serrated glaive.

The Empire wept, but more than one spurned daughter or disgraced widow pranced through the streets, or at least they would have if not for the sake of decorum.nove(l)bi(n.)com

As for Lu An Jing, his story was even more tragic, simply because of how damned charismatic the man was. A modest and unpretentious man, he cared not for the status or wealth of his friends and companions, only their character and integrity. Though cool and aloof, he had a way about him which made other warriors yearn to impress him, as if they felt an instinctive need to obtain his approval. Where Tian Sha made enemies like drinking water, An Jing made friends as easily as turning a hand. True friends, mind you, loyal battle brothers and stalwart companions who would happily follow him into the Fathers Maw while laughing and cheering all the while. Though already under Nian Zu at the time, Binesi had been so charmed by the young heros demeanour that he accepted the offer for a friendly spar, where he was handily defeated in less than twenty moves during their first match. Still, it was a tale he would tell until he was old and grey, for Lu An Jing was magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. When news came of his death from a Defiled ambush, Binesi visited the local tavern and hefted far too many cups to the young hero whod been taken from them far too soon, and woke up to the lash for arriving late and drunk for duty. Those scars still remained, embedded in his flesh as a physical reminder of his fury and wrath, but he counted it a small price to pay to honour such a distinguished young hero.

Were Lu An Jing still alive, Binesi had no doubt he would have become Colonel General Nian Zus second-in-command, instead of that brutish upstart Baatar who hungered for the thrill of battle like a drunk thirsts for wine.

History was filled with similar such tales, and DuGu Tian Sha and Lu An Jing were merely the most recent stand-out talents to suffer this tragic fate. Both were of unremarkable birth and rose to become the preeminent talents of their generation, and both died young and left grieving widows and fatherless children behind. Whats more, they were both victims of their own success, because if they had been men of lesser talents, then they might still be alive today. A lesser warrior would not have been called to fight such a powerful Demon, and a lesser commander would not have been dispatched to stop such a dangerous Defiled incursion without support, but alas, such is life. The Mother favoured some children over the others, but only because She held high expectations from her chosen few, and there was no better example than the Bekhai foundling, Falling Rain.

The orphan who became a foundling, the foundling who became a warrior, and the warrior who became the Number One Talent in the Empire. Had things continued in this manner, then there was no doubt in Binesis mind that Falling Rain had it in him to become one of the greatest duellists of his generation and perhaps even the next DuGu Tian Sha, which was ironic considering the foundlings part in eradicating the DuGu family line. Unlike DuGu Tian Sha, Falling Rain had the Bekhai to back him instead of a powerless peasant family, or a merchant family and hostile in-laws as was the case with Lu An Jing, so young Rain had the potential to go further than either of his predecessors. Then, disaster struck and he shattered his Core in Sinuji, causing his star to fall from lofty heights into a midden heap of tragic calamity.

Or so most of the Empire believed, Binesi included, until just over a week ago when he watched the frail and crippled young foundling slaughter three Demons with his bare hands, and send several more fleeing in what could only be described as terror. Forget becoming the next storied hero of the Empire. Falling Rain might well already be one, but to say this left Binesi with conflicted feelings would be a gross understatement.

As a proud, mountain warrior, Binesi never shied from sharing his origins with strangers until recently. Now, whenever he mentioned hailing from the Saints Tribulations Mountains, he would inevitably be labelled as Bekhai, a misconception which vexed him to no end because he had no simple way to explain it. The Bekhai were but one of dozens of communities who called those northernmost mountain ranges home, and the only ones who felt the need to label themselves as anything besides citizen of the Empire. Pretentious and unpatriotic is what it was, calling themselves Bekhai as if it somehow elevated them beyond other citizens of the Empire, and Binesi would have no part of it. Except now, with their star on the rise and their warriors making names for themselves, the Bekhai label was being stamped on every denizen of the Saints Tribulations Mountains simply because they all gathered under the Khishig banner, who were in turn led by their respected Bekhai founder, Herald of the Storms Akanai.

The unfamiliar words were to blame, more evidence of the Bekhais lacking nationalism. Khishig was merely Sentinel by another name, yet they refused to use the Common variant out of sheer stubbornness. As outsiders, the people of the Saints Tribulations Mountains had enough difficulty integrating with city-born citizens of the Empire, and calling themselves by a different name in a different language only exacerbated those woes. Thats why Binesi refused to join the Khishigs even though they did good work keeping the people of the mountains safe and happy, and it was why his children and grandchildren would never join them, not so long as the Khishigs retained their separatist bias.

Unity above all else. That was the Empires greatest weapon against the Enemy, and the Bekhais actions threatened to ruin it all. They could barely keep their own community together without resorting to infighting and exile, so how could they ever hope to integrate with the rest of the Empire?

Despite Binesis issues with the general Bekhais attitude, he always respected their martial spirit, for many a heroic warrior had emerged from their ranks. Thus, imagine his confusion upon meeting young Falling Rain, a foundling who perhaps wasnt the best example of Bekhai upbringing, yet a disaster of such massive proportions that Binesi had no choice but to question what those Bekhai fools were doing. His mysterious strength aside, Falling Rain behaved like a feckless, mule-brained man-child who was every bit as spoiled as those poncy noble fops who spent their days idling about the citadel so they could later claim to have been a part of the defence efforts. Granted, he contributed more than his fair share of blood, sweat, and coin towards keeping the Empire safe, but it was hard for Binesi to match the peerless young warriors deeds and reputation with the giggling fool seated in the grass before him, even though they were undoubtedly one and the same.

You want a treat? Falling Rain asked, speaking in a sickly sweet voice while bringing his half-closed hands to his lips and nuzzling it like cat cleaning its paw. This is how you ask. Paw to mouth, and you get a treat."

Predictably, the bears and wildcats ignored the foundlings words and actions to stare at the treat in his hands, and the rabbits were even less composed as they incessantly pawed at his legs, but Falling Rain was patient and determined, if nothing else. Stop, he admonished, and miracle of miracles, the rabbits actually listened, settling back on their haunches while continuing to paw at empty air. It reminded Binesi of how panhandlers on the streets would press their palms together and beg for alms, which apparently was on point since Rain shook his head and said, No, not beg. Thats for attention and to look cute. If you want a treat, you do this. Putting hand to lips again, he then pantomimed eating the treat with a silly smile before continuing, See? Tap your mouth to show youre hungry, and then you get a treat. Easy peasy.

This was Falling Rain, son of the Bloody Fanged Wolf and the Piercing Rose, Grand Disciple of the Herald of the Storms, and a warrior standing at the forefront of his generation.

How... disconcerting.

Though Binesi understood the foundlings circumstances better than most, he couldnt understand why the Bekhai gave Falling Rain so much leeway. Perhaps it had something to do with his parents, but Binesi had no idea who they might be, except that they had to be amber-eyed exiles else there would be no amber-eyed foundling to bring him. Regardless of his parentage, if the Bekhai were willing to overlook Rains origins as a child of exiles and bring him back into the fold, then they should have worked harder to help him integrate with their people. As things stood, the foundling was neither wholly Bekhai nor was he a true citizen of the Empire, and his lacking sense of belonging was sorely felt by all sides. The citizens of the Empire couldnt wholly accept him because his behaviour was too incomprehensible to see him as one of their own. He didnt carry himself like a peasant or even a noble, but more like a foreign savage who knew nothing of local customs or etiquette and felt like he could march in and criticize their way of life. Make no mistake, his gift to the Legate was filled with commendable ideas, including cast iron, cheap paper, clear glass, and more, but the manner in which he presented it was almost offensive. All these brilliant ideas had been thrown to the masses like scraps to beggars, and even the lowliest peasant had their pride.

None of this kept people from using his ideas, but it made them feel less than grateful for the opportunity. Ironically, the foundlings methods would have spread faster if hed simply kept them secret and used them to earn himself a staggering fortune, because then he would have every noble and merchant in the Empire breathing down his neck while desperately working to uncover his secrets.

However, Binesis patience had long since worn thin, and he was in no mood to explain his every thought. Not all assassins carry Spiritual Weapons. This one was too basic to ignore however, and the foundlings surprise only served to vex Binesi even further. Whats more, you are a soldier in the Imperial Army currently stationed in an Imperial Citadel, so from here on out, you will wear armour and carry a proper weapon at all times outside the manor.

Pretending he couldnt hear the foundlings grumbling, Binesi closed his eyes and massaged his temples while waiting for Rain to return. He was beginning to understand why the Bekhai gave him so much free rein, because it might almost be easier to clean up the foundlings messes and be done with it.

The next few hours passed without incident, with the foundling spending an inordinate amount of time out by the lake, and even making good on his promise of a nap. Perhaps he stayed out so long to annoy Binesi, but it was akin to biting his own nose off to spite his face. It was his life in danger, not Binesis, and the foundlings unruly behaviour really only added undue stress to his own guards. Not entirely above spite himself, Binesi decided he would wait until later to tell the foundling as much, and he idled the time away in Concealed silence until Divine Blacksmith Husolt arrived with his half-cat daughter in tow. Narrowing his eyes, the formidable man moved in front of the girl and pointed his staff directly at Binesi. Who are ye and what are ye doin there?

For a moment, Binesi thought hed accidentally revealed himself while distracted, but it appeared that Blacksmith Husolt had discovered him through other means. Keeping his hands in plain view, Binesi dropped Concealment and said, I am Major Binesi of the Imperial Army, here on Colonel General Nian Zus orders to supervise private Falling Rain. The Divine Blacksmith kept his guard up and even shifted over to stand between Binesi and the foundling, so Binesi added, I am husband to Asane, father to Aska and Teekway, grandfather to Mani, Matchi, and Ayas.

The traditional greeting of a fellow mountain dweller seemed to put the Blacksmith at ease, but not by much. I see ye, Binesi, the Blacksmith Husolt replied, though he left out the traditional offer of home and hearth one presented to a visitor from afar. Typical Bekhai arrogance, never one to trust anyone who didnt ascribe to their ideals. Dont see much need for ye, if Im speakin true. The lads safe here in the citadel, and ye can be damned sure well keep him safe wherever we send him.

Swallowing his arguments to the contrary, Binesi shrugged and foisted all responsibility off to the Colonel General. I am but a humble soldier carrying out his sworn duties.

Aye ye are, which is why youre still standin there instead of out taking a swim in the lake. Nodding as if he hadnt just threatened an Imperial soldier, a Major no less, Blacksmith Husolt promptly ignored Binesi and turned around to face his daughter. Alright then. Give your pappy a hug now lass. Thank ye for lunch, thoughtful child. Even Mila aint ever bought me a meal before, so bless your sweet heart. Turning to the napping foundling tucked in the Guardian Turtles giant arms, he shook his head and sighed. Sometimes, I wonder if the lads got himself a death wish, sleeping out in plain sight where any fool with a bow could end him.

Rain doesnt want to die, the half-cat replied, treating the obvious joke with matter-of-fact concern. He works very hard at staying alive.

True, true. Giving his daughter a kiss on the forehead, Blacksmith Husolt gave Binesi one last warning look before sauntering away to continue his mission of single-handedly arming each and every Khishig with a Spiritual Weapon. It was so extravagant, Binesi was almost tempted to send his family to join up, but his sons already had a Spiritual Weapon each, and his oldest grandchild was only seven and years away from needing one of her own.

Since the half-cat seemed wary of his presence, Binesi thought it would be best to remain in plain sight, if only so the girl would feel reassured with him standing there. It didnt work of course, and she didnt relax until Tenjin and Tursinai came over to exchange greetings. He didnt know either of these younglings well, but had seen them both fight in Sinuji, and they were a promising pair, so he swallowed his pride and accepted his lot as the suspicious stranger amongst them.

It would seem Falling Rain was not the only member of the Bekhai who didnt understand the concept of giving face. Then again, perhaps it was just that this entire family simply didnt care to. They were certainly powerful enough to disregard face, civility, and decorum, so it could be that Rain and the other youngsters were simply following suit. Powerful parents who doted on their children and turned them into spoiled little monsters was a tale as old as humanity itself, so it shouldnt come as a surprise to learn that the most prominent warriors amongst the Bekhai were terrible and over-indulgent parents.

With Tenjin and Tursinai flanking him, the half-cat girl no longer paid Binesi any mind and sat down with little Mei Lin to chat. Like the foundling, this Li-Li spoiled those animals rotten, but she was a far more effective teacher than he was. After a quarter hour of steady and incremental improvement, she finally taught the white wildcat Sarankho to ask for a treat, and the other wildcats picked it up soon after. The bears were next, but they took a little longer, and by the time they were patting their muzzles for food, Binesis patience was a thing of the past. Enough playtime, he snapped, marching over to give the foundling a rude awakening. He can nap inside the manor as easily as outside. While Imperials looked down on using ranged weapons, Blacksmith Husolts errant comment and subsequent inaction had struck a nerve, as it perfectly encapsulated the Bekhai policy of leave Rain to fuck things up.

Except now Binesis job was to keep Rain from fucking things up. Having never failed the Colonel General before, hed be damned if he failed the Living Legend today.

Oddly enough, it wasnt Tenjin or Tursinai who stood in his way, nor was it any number of hidden Bekhai guards, or even the Death Corps standing idly about. Instead, it was Li-Li who moved to bar his path, and coincidentally was perhaps the only person present who might give him pause. Blacksmith Husolt was intimidating enough, and Binesi had no intention of crossing him or his terrifying she-devil of a wife. Easy girl, he cautioned, again keeping his hands in plain view to show he meant no harm, even though Li-Li was clearly ready to draw and strike. I mean him no harm. The foundling is under threat of assassination, and it does no one any good to tempt fate like this.

I mean you no harm either, Li-Li replied, though her firm grip wrapped around her sabres hilt said otherwise. I stopped you for your sake. Ping Ping does not react well to angry strangers who approach Rain.

Only then did Binesi realize the sleeping turtle was not actually sleeping, and was instead watching his every move with a suspicious glare. Like those three unfortunate assassins who died at the Bekhai farm, hed underestimated how protective the Guardian Turtle was of her Divine Attendant, and he broke out into a cold sweat imagining which might have happened next. Thank you, girl. Backing away slowly, he nodded at Li-Li and repeated himself when he heard Tursinai giggling behind him. Thank you.

Even the Death Corps guards were smirking at Binesis expense, and he briefly considered abandoning his rank and this thankless duty to go serve under one of his sons instead. Fucking Bekhai. Fucking brats. Fucking giant pets. This was, without a doubt, the worst task Binesi ever had the misfortune to take on, and while his loyalty to Colonel General Nian Zu had once seemed boundless and immeasurable, Falling Rain and the Bekhai were quickly draining away any and all goodwill he had for his once lofty hero.

This next week might very well be the longest week of his life, but hopefully not the last week in Falling Rains. While Binesi would love nothing more than to smother the runt himself, the Empire needed him and his Bekhai family now more than ever.

Unity above all else. No matter the cost. Only then could they emerge victorious against the Enemy.

Or at least thats what Binesi kept telling himself, while also imagining what he would do if given five minutes alone with the little shit...

Chapter Meme