“Please Elders, hold onto your reports for the time being. I shall accept them upon your successful return.”

Tsea-gong lowered his tjan cup upon the table with a soft clink, staring intently at the five Senior Captains that had come in together. Even though the urgency was great, it would too shameful to send these Elders away without first having shared in his table as was custom after a great victory. Having arranged themselves by Seniority, Tsea-gong found they were perfect for what was needed.

“Your efforts this day have been noted, Elders. But our needs have grown dire and I call upon your exemplary good breeding in this next undertaking. Finesse and tact. Each of you are going to rob one of the Thorns along the Ascendant road and when you are done, you are going to leave them happy you did so.”

In the silence that followed, not an ounce of questioning arouse, one expected from the wisdom of Seniors that heralded from relinquished Nobility. None the less, Tsea-gong’s pause allowed them to do so as was their right. Each waited stoically for further details, schooling their faces lest they dare frown at the Shogun's words.

“Strong spirits, Elders. I will have every drop in their possession and I will have it within the hour. Take the wagons and some men and get it done with all haste. I will need those wagons as soon as you return for the harvest, so please see to the unloading of the supplies with the Arch-Apothecary. Any questions?”

“They will demand for a negotiator from their respective Guilds.”

“They will not get it,” replied Cai. “The Ascendant gate remains shut”

Now the men frowned, confused. The massive Ascendant gate was never shut.

“Technically, Elders. It is shut for the purpose of your mission,” stated Tsea-gong. “Fret not. Whilst none may now enter the City, any and all are permitted to leave and assist in the harvest.”

“As I’m sure the Elders are aware, the late Emperor in all his wisdom forbade the enhanced distilling of alcohol within the City proper. Too many peasants going blind. Leaving only the Thorns on the outside free from this decree and is so rise in prominence against all the other inns. They alone possess the necessary strength and purity of spirit to properly clean Beast wounds of the poisonous infections they leave behind.

With a huff, he added. “You need not ask of our distillery.”

“Although it falls under the purview of the Healers, it’s still based within the camp and as such suffers… ongoing complications. So too it appears, does the long term storage of the medicinal spirits. After today, our supplies will run out tomorrow morning and that’s just with the changing of sutures and bandages.”

The Captains winced. A tolerable reaction to the predicament, but also the first indicator for them of just how many were wounded.

“It will be done as you say, Seo-sang.” The other Captains nodded.

“I do not wish them grieved, but neither do I want the cretins holding back a single bottle. Take your bloodiest men. Taker be blind, take any wounded who can walk. But whatever you do, be sure to impress upon them our urgency and call upon our long-standing fellowship.”

“The honourless merchants’ hearts are only moved by greed. They will smell a profit,” grumbled a Captain to the nods of others.

“That much is obvious Captain, but only a fool pushes a desperate warrior. That’s why I’m sending my best.”

The Captains stilled themselves once more.

“Without a Guild negotiator they might try to do so themselves, so as to dissuade themselves of any blame. Be calm and do not kill any who would debase you with their haggling. The last thing we need is them turning into informants for the Houses or Palace.”

“Where is he!? I won’t stand for this!”

The Salamander paused at the ruckus outside, feeling the swirl of Chi in effect. His Captains having the good curtesy to ignore it entirely, waited on him to continue.

“If you do encounter a Guild Negotiator, put him under lock and key immediately. Hold them within the Thorn but separate them from their falcons. Kill it if you must. But by the Taker, I will personally condemn the man that lets word escape of this operation.”

The Shogun barely glanced at the grotesque head with its eyes rolled back, but it was enough to cause all five Captains to look and know. The Salamander was deadly serious.

"This Harvest is the most bountiful ever taken. As such we can offer them some of the very best meats usually reserved for the Houses in this trade. Furthermore, we can offer it to them at a discount, do not go lower than half the value. They can only store so much before it goes off, so make sure they do not take with the intention of trading with the City themselves."

"The entire point here Elders, is not to disrupt the market value. I WILL have a fair trade for our goods. Our little Brothers have paid a terrible price for this Harvest and I will not see our efforts cheapened on the words of some Pyeanchi Negotiator."

“I know he’s in there, you filthy maggot! Let me pass.”

The runic Beast cores only prevented sound from escaping the tent, not from entering it. Nor did they mask the Presence of the Cultivators within. Whilst there were runes for this, this was Tsea-gongs war camp and he had no reason for anonymity within it.

Bo and Cai both rose and looked at each other before approaching the tent entrance.

Tsea, it’s that Palace dog. Should we take the head down?

No. Wait for the Captains to leave first.

“Hear me.” The Shogun snarled, ignoring the shameful disruption.

“Should any of you fail me in this and the Guilds of Qaelang seek to rob us of a fair price, I will personally hand over whatever remains of the Harvest to the Monks. I will watch as they cast it all into the Takers Pit. Our decline has been an unspoken truth for nigh on a decade now.

“Today that ends. I have had a vision and my path is set.”

With a powerful burst of Ki the tent flap was almost torn off as the Palace steward burst in, the guards struck down beside him. Following Bo and Cai the Captains rose with their swords drawn, but immediately stopped when they saw the old man standing there with a walking stick in hand. A long white beard reaching the length of his robes and eyebrows so bushy they looked like small animals.

“I won’t stand for it, Tsea-gong! Your Arch-Tenant has dared…”

His face was a storm that broke upon the sight resting on the table at the back of the tent. An almost permanently wrinkled eye widened in shock, before the storm returned bringing with it a darker shade.

Once more, everyone turned and followed the gaze. A purplish ghastly head looked back.

“What is the meaning of this OUTRAGE!?”

The Salamander smirked even as he cursed inwardly.

Gutter Rats,

Meeting of the Nests,

“So what?” Demanded Juri, speaking out of turn yet again. “We just do nothing. What is wrong with you all?”

Culus watched on in silence. Preferring instead to control these meetings through subtle eye movements and facial expressions, rather than risk a direct confrontation with another Nest leader. Not really manipulating, but as Culus preferred, influencing rather.

He looked to Kira, youngest of all the Nest Leaders by a few years.

“No one is saying that Juri,” said the Weaver clan leader. “We’re saying we can’t hunt down and kill someone we don’t even know exists. We need more information. We need a survivor.”

Noticing her eyes flicker towards him for validation, he studied his nails ponderously, lest it be too obvious. Being oldest here and having helped most rise to their current positions, he preferred they grew on their own. Being led by the hand got awfully tiring.

Having debated the differences between manipulation and influence with Davi at great length. They had somewhat settled on manipulation being something a Painted Lady did. Whereas influence, was something only the virtuous could wield.

“Takers balls Kira, there are no survivors! Meera’s whole Nest is gone. All of them! It is our Duty to avenge them.”

She flinched away at the fury in Juri’s voice.

“Something like this has NEVER happened before. That’s why we must strike now. If we strike at the heart of the Repurposing Market with the Watch away, we could break in and free them. What if this was your Nest we were talking about?”

“You don’t know if they’re there!”

“Coward! Where else would they be?”

Culus cleared his throat and Juri rounded on him angrily for the interruption, but all he saw was the leader of the Runner clan staring expectantly at Kira. As if waiting for her reply.

Things calmed once more.

Whilst all were children here, it meant nothing to the spilling blood over the smallest of food scraps or insults. It was the biggest reason why he preferred to handle these meetings the way he did now, having to use violence constantly earlier on in the setup of these meetings.

“My Nest would never be caught off guard like that Juri, I maintain contact with our seniors. And even if we all joined you, you still would never break into those pens. Who cares if the Watch is away? Those guards are Cultivators. They would rip us apart.”

The first part was true. Kira’s was a younger, calmer Nest. Existing on the good graces of a textile Guild, making pottery and tiles. They all slept comfortably in a warm warehouse, instead of the cold floor of an Aquacellar.

Because of their seniors, much was afforded to them in the sense that the Guild looked the other way. The Weaver clan provided too good a source of cheap labour as well as an excellent recruiting agency for when the children came of age.

It was for this reason Culus and the other Nest leaders didn’t like them much, keeping them at arm’s length most of the time. Growing up into a life of service and arranged marriages did little to appeal to the majority of them. Worse still was that they dared trust adults so brazenly. It begged disaster.

That being said they were still a Nest and as such Culus afforded them their place. Determined to unite them all, he kept on their good side. Besides with the Weaver Clan there was always room for one more, even if on a temporary basis. A stark contrast to the other Nests and necessary in a tight pinch when more orphans were brought into the fold.

Because of their warehouse arrangement, they had risen to become the second largest Nest this side of Qaelang. Having traded freedom for security.

“Oh, hush girl. You’re not even a real leader, let alone Clan. I won’t waste time on the wilful slaves of adults. You baskets wouldn’t know the first thing about how real this life gets. There are consequences to just accepting something like this.”

Dammit Juri. Culus leaned back.

“See these.” She hissed, pulling out her necklace and wringing the two beads threaded through. “Don’t tell me I don’t know what’s real out here. We lose people too if we not careful. Your bloodlust is going to bring the whole Watch down on us.”

The revealing of those beads angered Culus deeply. They were not something to be flaunted about like that. Even the other Nest leaders scowled, repulsed by Kira’s callous actions. She was losing here and the last thing he wanted was a blood banner raised.

He sighed, she was still very young.

“Tom,” Culus finally spoke up, causing heads to turn. “You’re awfully quiet. You and Meera were the closest. Surely you have something to add to this. How are things within your clan?”

The leader of the sticky finger clan winced as he was pulled from his thoughts, immediately shying away.

“I…No…Yes, it’s bad. Meera gone is a terrible thing, especially with all the young ones.”

“Tom?” Culus frowned.

The other Nest leaders, including Juri pulled a face at his lack lustre response. So much for friendship. “What’s wrong? Tell me.”

Tom swallowed before finally making eye contact with the rest of the gathered leaders, raising out his shaking arms before them all.

Culus cursed.

“We’re starving Culus,” Tom whimpered, his eyes glistening.

“My two best pinchers got caught two weeks back. Teke broke his arm escaping, Mesa didn’t make it. Our Nest has been struggling since.”

“Dammit Tom. Why didn’t you tell us?”

“I did!” Tom snapped back. “I told Meera. Then Kira, Tetsu and Houba’, finally I told Juri aswell.”

Culus scowled angrily at his second in command for omitting such a detail, but said nothing of it publicly. He couldn’t demand an answer in front of the Nest leaders without damning himself or the examples he tried to install. But the look he gave Juri promised a reckoning later, as the boy had the decency to look away from his glare.

Tom sighed as if understanding the silent display between Culus and his second.

“I told Meera first, but only because of our closeness and also that she relied on us quite a bit. We shared when we could. So, I explained we couldn’t… that we didn’t have anything to spare, and wouldn’t for a while.”

Culus grew frightened at the implication here. Looking around at the rest of the Nest leaders, he wondered just how many Meera had gone too begging for food. All he saw was guilt, even Juri had lost the venom he displayed a moment ago.

Shi-bal

“It wasn’t long after that before the Shakes started,” Tom continued. “I remember because she came again asking and said the same had happened with her and that half her Nest was crippled with it.”

Tom looked absolutely miserable as he spoke. Culus could only imagine how terrible that conversation must have gone. Tom looked at his wavering hand.

“A week ago, I noticed the first small signs. At first, I couldn’t hold my rice sticks steady, now even lifting my bowl to my face I can’t manage. My last three swift pockets are the only members of the Sticky finger clan to not be afflicted. They most likely taking more than they shared but, how can I blame them. We’re dying.”

“Taker’s Wrath, enough!” Culus burst out, angry at the direction this was going. “Show of hands now, how many Nests are crippled with the Shakes?”

Only Kira and Juri did not raise their hands. He knew as much that it wasn’t a problem as yet within his own Nest, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t there. Ten had already come down with the sickness, but he was seeing to it. Kira’s reaction however angered him, the brat almost seemed smug as she looked on her fellow Nest leaders.

Culus cursed silently. It had been wrong to try and use her as a voice of reason here.

“Guys why have none of you left the City and tried fishing the swamp pools. I’ve told you there’s plenty of koi and eel in them. Meat is the only cure for the shakes.”

“Culus that’s a death sentence!” Burst out Houba. “I’ll point out it’s only you and blondie who fish those pools.”

Culus stared daggers at him, promising violence if he didn’t watch his tone. Tom spoke up for him though.

“Culus we’ve tried, it’s not worth it. Either we get beaten up and have our catch stolen by the other fishermen or we get chased off by man eating Beasts. Tetsu saw a fisherman being eaten alive by a giant crab the last time he went down. Those pools are death and the journey down and back up is almost as bad.”

Culus shook his head, they had defeated themselves and were now too afraid to even try.

“Well tough! You had better get used to it. Tomorrow you’re all going down to work for the Watch.”

A chorus of angry protests were hurled in response to his declaration.

Good, better angry and productive than miserable and laying about. If it was one thing Culus knew about starvation, only the angry ones survived. He pointed to Kira.

“As leaders, I expect each of you ensure your Nests don’t starve. You can all swear service to the Weaver clan right now and be fed gruel in the morning by Kira’s Master’s…”

“Hey!”

“Or you can follow me tomorrow as the true leaders I know you to be and make sure your Nests get the meat they so desperately need.”

“They’re not my Masters,” Kira whined.

Culus quietened, staring at her. Not even arguing her point, but letting the others look on decide for themselves which path they wanted. He knew how much they despised the Watch, each for reasons of their own. Heavens knew he had his, but starvation made beggars of Emperors and this was their best choice. It was not long before they quietened their protests and turned to him once more.

An ugly win against friends already defeated, Culus had no joy in it and even felt spike of shame when he looked on the sulky Kira. He hardened his resolve immediately, thinking instead on the little ones starving away back at the Nests. He might not like it, but he would do it again in a heartbeat.

“Good. I expect to see all of you at the Ascendant gate first thing tomorrow morning, as the cockerel cries. The Beast Wave should be fully dealt with by tomorrow morning, and the harvest in full swing. Now’s our best chance to earn some stew with actual meat in it.”

“And Meera?” Demanded a sullen Juri. “I want a show of hands that we…”

“No.”

The finality with which he said it surprised Juri, and it showed in his face. This was not the Culus he had gotten used to this past year.

“Only Nest Leaders get to call for a show of hands. And you’ve insulted enough leaders for today.”

At first it looked like Juri would fight, but after a quick glance around he saw he had no friends here and sat back down.

Good, let him learn the importance of allies.

As much as he wanted to thrash Juri for failing to mention that the situation with the Sticky Finger clan, he wouldn’t risk the stability of these meetings. Culus had worked too hard putting them together. They were to be his legacy.

“Okay then, to round things up. We’re all meeting tomorrow morning at the gate, bring your bowls.”

“The labour camps provide bowls Culus.”

“Yes, they do, Tetsu. And then they take them back when you finished. Who’s going to feed the little ones back at your Nest or those too far along with the Shakes? If anyone comes without a bowl tomorrow, they’ll be sent straight back and I won’t wait for them. Kira you or any of yours are welcome to come too.”

“No. Thankyou. We’ll be quite busy tomorrow,” she huffed.

“Alright.” Culus paid her no mind, letting her sulk. “Juri is right to be concerned about Meera’s Nest just vanishing. For now, I suggest we double the street watch around our Nests and travel in pairs. At least until we know what happened, can we all please be on the lookout for anything regarding their disappearance. A show of hands please.”

Everyone raised their hands, bar one.

“Really Kira?” Culus asked exasperated

“Like you said, my masters watch over us. Why should I double our street watch?”

Thankfully he didn’t have to respond, Houba did it for him.

“You know for someone who just flashed their necklace about, you sure do have a short memory. Where’d you even learn about that, that’s our thing? You’re not better than us Kira.”

“But she is one of us,” Culus interjected. He turned to Kira, “you really wouldn’t tell us if you found something out about Meera’s disappearance?”

At last, she had the good grace to look away before raising her hand in unison.

“Thankyou Kira. Everyone, be sure to tell your followers tomorrow, no lime bucket jobs. No matter how much they offer for it, stay away from them. If the task is forced on you guys, just get up and walk away when they not looking. We will create distractions if we have to, but make sure your people understand. The lime water for cleaning skins is not safe, no matter what they say.”

It had gone on for too long and Culus was glad for it when they finally broke up and went their separate ways. He remained though, waiting for a quiet moment alone with Juri. At least he wasn’t a coward and remained seated knowing what was coming.

“I know what you’re going to say, but why should I have? You’ve had your head in the clouds for the past year, leaving things for me to deal with. Now you’re upset I didn’t tell you Tom had an incident with the Watch?”

“And did you?” Asked Culus. “Deal with it?”

Juri said nothing.

“Interesting. So, me with my head in the clouds has the same effect as your dedicated vigilance.” Culus sneered

“And what would you have done?” Snarled Juri.

“Did you not see! Tomorrow we all go to get meat. What about you? How do you feel your talk went with the other leaders?”

“Who knows how it would have gone? You interrupted!”

“I think we all know how it was going, Juri. Truthfully, I’m furious. Not with you, but myself. I’ve allowed this for far too long, hoping you’d become the leader your brother was.”

“Don’t you dare talk about…”

Culus pulled his shiv out and threw it into the ground. Right between Juri's legs, spraying up the dirt.

“I LOVED HIM TOO!” He screamed. "We all did!"

“And I’m sick to death of you pretending otherwise. We all tried to reach it. I held it with my own two hands! It could have just as easily been yours and Davi’s group. I don’t know why they died, Juri!”

“That meat would have made us rich. We could have afforded a house, but besides that, we ALL agreed to it. We trained for it! Furi wasn’t the only one to die that day, everyone lost someone. You miss him? So do I! But what now?”

“You took his place but have hated me since. I’m not even asking you to stop hating me, but I’m damn well telling you to start living up to his memory. If you can’t, then pick up that knife and we’ll settle this. I know you’re no coward, but only one of us is walking away if you pick it up.”

Juri clenched his fists, shaking in anger. For all Culus knew, he was ready to commit murder. The Runner clan could no longer shoulder this burden, its poison spilling over onto the other Nests too.

“It’d be a shame,” Juri scoffed. “If everyone turned up tomorrow morning and found out you were dead.”

Culus burst out laughing.

“No, not really. I’d expect you to do your duty and bring back meat to the rest of the Nest, ofcourse that’s only if you defeat me.”

“When I defeat you, I’ll have my freedom.”

“Shut up and make a decision. If you think yourself imprisoned, it’s because you did so yourself and it won’t be long before you find some other reason to do so again. You want freedom, become a Cultivator.”

“Maybe I will.”

Culus snorted, still not taking his eyes off Juri. “Get in line.”

The hatred in Juri’s face that had been slipping away at the direct confrontation finally fell away completely.

“You’re planning something again,” he accused.

“Time’s up.”

Culus leapt forward suddenly, snatching up his knife once more.

Juri half jumped, half stumbled backwards. Staying low and with his arms held out.

“Why fight you when you’ll just die in the Seeding process?”

“I have made my decision, Juri. You need to make yours.”

“Fine, if you’re so intent on your suicide, I can put up with you a while longer.”

“Not good enough. We can’t go on like this anymore. Blame me if you want to, but you’ve become so rotten even the other leaders come to you last. We’re the Runner clan. Your brother and I practically built those Nests. You want to be a Nest leader, make your own. You want to be leader of the Runner clan, learn to inspire.”

“I already said I would.”

The two boys stood facing off until it became obvious there would be no blood spilt this day. Culus decided to test the waters.

“Tomorrow when we go to earn some real food, I want you to go out and get some firewood.”

“What?”

Culus ignored the protest

“You’ll take one from each of the Nests that join us tomorrow and collect wood for three days, making sure we have enough to keep the fire going all night and not just embers.”

“It’s not a Pinnacle Attack, Culus.”

“They come out after all big battles, Juri. Not just when a Tower fires.” He held up a hand to forestall any reply lest it get ugly again.

“You’ll do this and do it well enough that the other members of the Nests with you are inspired by your efforts against the Pyeanchi Swarms. If the number of lantern prayers tonight don’t sway you, then nothing I say will."

"We need that wood, Juri.”