War Council

Elders gathering: The Tactics of Beasts

“Enough.” Tsea-gong sighed, leaning back and staring at the ceiling.

“Shogun?”

The Elder was certain he had been careful with his wording, he had practiced twice. Raising a hand apologetically Tsea-gong dismissed him, not caring to hear the rest of it. No longer could he bear this eternal dance around the nine hells.

“Honoured Elders, have you no solutions for the reports you bring? And don’t think that requesting more men or munitions is a solution. I’ve been here for hours waiting for one of you to finally address it, but it seems you keep dropping it on my table. If I were a gambling man, I might believe considerable effort has gone into the aligning of these reports.”

An unsure silence lingered until Tsea-gong spoke again.

“Who of you are going to be the first to report over a greater intelligence at play here?”

Again, the silence lingered.

“You hear that?” He pointed to his ear. “Crickets. Just crickets. I want you to remember that Elders, for what I now have to say.”

The looks of consternation shared amongst the Elders was felt keenly by the Arch-tenant seated at the table beside him. Tsea-gong had gone off script again. The man had always had fire running through his veins, but so too had he excelled at maintaining a cool visage. Now, just sitting in his presence, felt like trying to get comfortable on a loaded catapult.

“All my reign and before that too, we have skirted around the matter of what is out there. All because some foul Witch went on a ramble saying, ‘up was up’ and ‘wet was wet’. We as righteous Elders must forever insist all these things to be false? Ridiculous!”

“Our rhetoric has become like that of a puffed-up Moor pheasant, and our actions of it flapping and squawking for cover behind the second wall.”

“Worse the soldiers know it too!”

“Behold the disarray of men who have no faith in your words. The more we deny it the more we lose them to doom-mongers and Lepratic Seer’s. For Taker's sake! Even before we gathered here, I tore off six heretical charms from men who wore them openly. One of them, a Sergeant.”

“And the first of you that says flog them, I’ll flog you to death myself. You have driven them to this! Core dust and fish guts are having a better effect on morale than my own Elders.”

Tsea-gong paused to calm himself, realising he was about to lash out and get someone killed. In the end, it was the cheap, low-grade quality incense that humbled him. Reminding him of just how much he needed every one of these Elders.

“If this most recent Beast Wave, is still not enough for my most honoured, most noble and most educated elite to break from taboo. Then I will do it for you. We will not survive another of the same.”

Hushed mutterings broke out, quickly descending into angry rumbles both for and against what all knew Tsea-gong was pushing for. Finally, an Elder stood up and addressed Tsea-gong directly.

“Seo-sang, we must consider the citizenry. The panic that’ll ensue. If we had more time to gather enough evidence. We could…”

“It is enough by my Will alone!”

The Elder bowed immediately, fearful but cautious enough to glance at his Prime Elder. Tsea-gong watched as the man attempted to try again and pre-empted him. If the Prime Elder had an objection, then he could voice it himself.

“It is brave of you to implore me in considering the citizenry, as if I have not. Have you considered our soldiers, Elder? Perhaps a permanent detachment along the first wall might grant you an accurate understanding of the things you speak.”

Bowing and hastily returning to his seat, the Elder displayed a wisdom far wiser than those at the back. But their grumbles died too, as soon they were left standing alone. Tsea-gongs gaze lingered on their stony-faced Prime Elder, letting him know he understood exactly who was objecting. Prime Elder Choa-peng, Tempest of the quarrellers also had the wisdom to bow, barely.

Turning to his Arch-tenant, the man handed over some prepared reports from the pile before him. Taking the top one, Tsea-gong waited for complete silence before holding the parchment out to them.

“Here is a list of over twenty different types of Beast that assaulted our walls yesterday. You should all be familiar with them. I don’t imagine any of you having not slain each type here.”

The Elders gave a single nod of agreement easily as the parchment passed between their hands. The Shogun's words were simply a recognition of their prowess.

“Good I’m glad you recognise them. Now, who of you can tell me when you have ever had to face them ALL in a single Wave?”

The nodding stopped.

The Salamander allowed the silence to linger, knowing he had caught them with their own egos. The truth of it was that most of these Elders had never slain half of these Beasts. Whilst it was true all on the list were common, more than half of these Beasts lacked the prowess to climb the first wall let alone make it onto the arena floor.

Slamming his hand down onto the rest of the pile, threatening to spill the Arch-tenants inkwell. The Shogun drove his point home.

“And these are the recorded descriptions of ones that even our Pujukan butchers are unfamiliar with!

The Prime Elder at the back finally found his tongue.

“All are aware of the variety we face, my Lord Salamander. Their many heads adorn our walls and their ivory our gates. Even the market stalls boast loudly of the varieties.”

Tsea-gong scowled at the shameless insolence.

“I would thank the Prime Elder for his marketplace observations if we were seated in a marketplace. But as we are gathered in a war council, perhaps an observation more in line with war would be a better use of our time?”

The Tempest's face darkened, with even the Arch-tenant hastily signaling for more tea. The Shogun cared nothing for his Prime Elder's discomfort, he would not be challenged here. The old man was lucky enough that murder was frowned upon during a council.

“Nothing? Then allow me to wonder how the Dead moors can produce such a variety. Are there other lands out there? If so, how far do these Waves travel between them before hunger forces them to tear each other apart?”

Silence reigned as the tension coiled.

“We ensure each of our soldiers have wives. We ensure the peasant’s breed. We know the costs this incurs. So how is it that the Beasts can muster such growing numbers against us on such a frequent basis?”

“Elders, no longer can we remain behind the walls.”

“I knew it!” Prime Elder Choa-peng leapt to his feet.

“You’re taking us down the path of Miki-yeoseo the Mad! The Watch will not survive your ambition Tsea-gong.”

“It is your cowardness the Watch will not survive!” Tsea-gong bellowed back but this time the Choa-peng had two more Prime Elders standing with him.

One of them Prime Elder Jee the Doyen. His spirit groaned to see her rise with the two usual dissenters. If it had come to it, he would have happily sacrificed a foot off the top end of Choa-peng. He would not dare the same with Jee. Her and her healers were far too important.

“For all your distaste of the man, even the twisted tales that remain still speak of his and his men’s bravery. Have I sheltered you from the mists for too long?”

“He took them all to their graves! What other way is there to speak of a Madman?”

The Cultivation within the tent became dry and static as domains built and pushed against each other. With the temperature plummeting even Jee looked shocked to see Tsea-gong single handily push and hold his domain right before the seats of the Elders.

“Prime Elder Ji-yang. What say you?” The Arch-tenant burst out desperately. Calling upon the favoured Prime Elder of almost all the Watch.

Tsea-gong nearly growled at the interruption but still signaled his Preafects to stand down as the Firebrand remained seated with a distant look on his face. With a sigh, he rose and bowed. Not the most elegant but he had completely ignored the other three Prime Elders so maybe the man was just tired.

“I agree with my lord Salamander.”

The man's tense was wrong and brought no relief for Tsea-gong who prompted him.

“But…?”

“I do not agree with Miki-yeoseo’s way. I do not dispute his bravery, but there are still some here who remember what it was like to do battle in the Mists. There is not a person of sound mind who does not praise you, Shogun, for relieving us of this burden. But we have not forgotten its song and it provokes in us… a caution Seo-sang.”

Tsea-gong sat back down in his chair, releasing his Cultivation to the surprised shock of some of the Elders who steadied themselves.

“A sentiment I happen to share fully, Firebrand. Perhaps if my brave Elders could pause in their wails at the mere mention of his name and hear me. I warned you all. You had your chance to speak and you said nothing.”

“A warning should include the side effects, Shogun.” Prime Elder Jee tsked. “Had you said you would be looking into the tactics of an open heretic, every man and woman here would have said something, as they do now.”

“Doyen, it is a far stretch to label the man a heretic. Before my Technique, Witches were often called upon to part the mists. The numbers he gathered were for his road.”

“You have not read medical journals, Shogun. There were side effects, there are always side effects with witchcraft.”

“Then be at peace Doyen,” The Shogun replied testily. “I have absolutely no intention of ever making use of those wretched creatures. I too believe they were his downfall. Nor do I want a road built. We do not have the resources for such an endeavor.”

The Elders began to sit down one after the other. Uncertain of what exactly their Primes were upset about now that the only two things Miki-yeoseo was known for, were thrown out.

“Scouts. You want Miki-yeoseo’s scouts.”

Tsea-gong smiled. “That is what they were called, Prime Elder Ji-yang.”

“That means sending men across the Flooded River. Forgive me Seo-sang, but the men will not comply. Ask Prime Elder Choa-peng what happened when…”

“We will get to Prime Elder Choa-peng’s version of events shortly Firebrand, but you are not mistaken. Only the damned would consider such a profession and the truly mad ones at that.”

It was the Arch-tenant who realised it first.

Not us. The Hunters guild. You’re going to partner with the Hunters guild.

“There’s nothing to partner with,” Tsea-gong spat. “But if there were a use for unwashed rabble who just happen to dwell outside of Qaelangs walls, then dying in the mists would be it. Ours is to defend the city and hold the walls. But those savages already traverse the Dead moors. It's where they belong.”

“How will you get them to agree to work for us, my lord Salamander?”

It was the Shogun's turn to frown in confusion.

“Agree? You don’t worry about that Elder. What you do is agree with the men beneath your command. Let those who mutter of an intelligent foe against us, speak openly. Sit and listen quietly and when enough speak openly shape the conversation if you must.”

“I do not want any unapproved charms or turning to the old ways. The standard Watch Runes of Force and Fire is all that is to be tolerated, but let the men know more is coming. The last thing we want is one of our barriers failing because some idiot got his hands on a real Charm.”

“In one week’s time, I want them to believe that their Shogun, sympathizes fully with them and is preparing something. I want it to be the common soldiers to spread the word of this growing threat throughout the City. I don’t want riots, I want rumours. And for Taker's sake, keep the gods out of this at all costs, otherwise, the monks will step in.”

“Once the City is ripe, we will announce a new Tax for the war effort. Two weeks is what we are aiming for, but no later than three. Will this be enough time for you to put together a system Arch-tenant?”

“A tax might be too much Shogun. Seen as an intrusion on the Emperor's reach. We could however call it a toll for the war effort. Target certain resources and services that utilize the gates. It would be easier to enforce.”

“Forgive me Seo-sang, but is this righteous of us?”

Tsea-gong paused at the sincerity of the question.

“There is nothing to forgive Firebrand. I am glad it is asked now, I would not have any lacking conviction later. Which of the three principles of Righteousness falls out of my intentions?

Do not lie. There IS a growing threat. Commit fully to one’s honour. ALL will go into bolstering our forces. Persevere in truth. Let the people of Qaelang judge us in this regard, by the measure of our success.”

“No longer will we cower in fear against unknown forces. The circumstances we find ourselves in, my honoured Elders, How different would this day have been had we known of the Azuma threat earlier? Anything we can do to better prepare must be explored.”

The nodding of heads ended in a chorus of agreement amongst the council, with four of the five Prime Elders publicly assenting. The mood very different, now that they could commit to this greater threat, without risking their own necks.

Tsea-gong leaned back in satisfaction. He would have liked more time to celebrate the paradigm shift, but nothing could assuage him of the feeling time was running out.

War Council

Elders gathering: Not worth the hassle.

“Have we found the body?”

No Shogun. We located the site easily enough but there were no remains to be found. Thankfully neither were there any Malformations growing on site, so the search was most thorough.

Seated beside him his Arch-tenant sighed, crossing off something on one of his many papers.

“Disappointing but not unsurprising. Beast Waves leave little to nothing in their passing.”

The Captain hesitated as if disagreeing with the statement.

“You have something you wish to add?”

He was young. Barely sixty years old and already an Elder under Ji-yang’s branch. If the Captain had an opinion, Tsea-gong wanted to hear it.

“My apologies Seo-sang, it’s just… the men do not believe it to be consumed in the Wave. We found no blood stains expected of a feeding site, nor was there Taint indicative of a titan kill. It is most likely the carcass sunk in the Flooded River and was carried out to the Ocean.

The Arch-tenant grimaced, “If true, then we can expect more trouble from Mer-folk Beasts in the next few weeks. Those vile creatures will be crazed on its flesh.”

“Better them than having the Deep one come sniffing around.”

None of the Elders took kindly to Tsea-gongs words, muttering prayers to the Giver.

“It’s a pity. The head of an Old One would have made for a grand trophy. At best the ocean will handle it, at worst we’ll have a Spirit Beast rising from the mouth of the river at the end of the month. Either way, the Hunters Guild is nearer the source than us. Let those unwashed savages deal with the repercussions if any.”

“Shogun there is a concern amongst the men that the Imoogi might have survived. They fear she will come for her eggs.”

The Shogun waved the man down, unconcerned.

“That is a far better option and one I would relish. What say you, Kido? Would you like to face this creature once more?”

The Preafect bowed, his smile matching his Shoguns as the Elders chuckled. He did not mind the jest, the tale was already an epic around the fireplaces.

“Once was enough for me Seo-sang. But I would not hesitate to face a thousand more by your side my Shogun.”

Tsea-gong smiled as the rest of the Elders nodded in agreement. His man had acquitted himself well, if just a touch with too much zealotry.

“You may tell the men, Captain. That their thoughts should be directed onto the Old Ones mate instead. Imoogi pair for life, so we can most certainly expect a situation in the near future. Since no one deigned to inform the Watch of a pair of Imoogi building a nest directly in front of the City, I care nothing for the folk who come crying now. Next!”

The Elder bowed and returned to his seat, with another taking his place. She got to the point directly and Tsea-gong found himself admiring the deep scar that split her face as she spoke.

Unfortunately, the Elder's report was laced with even more failure than the one before her and his anger soon flared to life. Wondering what a deeper scar across her neck might look like if she would not stop spewing shameless excuses. He closed his eyes and sought a calming meditative technique to get his erratic Cultivation under control.

“Thankyou Elder Um-che.”

The Arch-tenant rose to bow. A necessary gesture, as Captains stood above Tenants and Elders above the Arch-tenant. But mostly it drew attention away from the creaking tent poles as the Shogun calmed himself.

“If you would permit this servant, to read out loud our Lord Salamanders quandaries in bringing to close this sensitive matter.”

A nod of the head was all he got, but he did not mind. He had thrown the lifeline and all here knew it.

“The weapon that was taken, what can you tell us of it?”

“It is a relic, Arch-Tenant. A true relic, from the age of when the gods walked the Drowned Realms.”

Interrupted immediately with scoffs of disbelief, she and the Arch-tenant had to wait for calm to return.

“It is, for this reason, all information on it has been entirely suppressed. Nothing written down and its knowledge passed on from Master to the Prime Disciple.”

“The only reason we know it was taken, is because his successor told us of it. She insists upon her life that the likelihood of a raid by any one of the Noble families, would take place in minutes if found out.”

The Arch-Tenants alarm was shared by the gathered Elders, as more muttering broke out. It was Prime Elder Ji-yang who spoke first.

“Dangerous words Elder Um-che, regardless of their merit. You believe this weapon is so dangerous as to openly assault the Watch for it?”

“The weapon itself would pose little threat to any of our warriors. It is something called a smithing tool, used in the creation of weapons of the Old Age. Specifically metal weapons. A hammer of sorts that can only be used on quantities of metal far larger than a Kwon.”

Curious muttering cascaded around the tent before a consensus was reached.

“What exactly is the value of this smithing tool.”

“Its value lies in its imbuing properties and materials. It is made entirely of one of the mythical metals, namely Silver and has a jewel embedded into the head called a Sunstone. The Disciple claims it’s not truly a fallen stone from the sun but rather a successful amalgamation of light and fire essence. She claimed it helped further enhance the Spiritual properties of the...”

Tsea-gong rose from his table with a deep sigh, immediately cutting off all conversation. Placing his hand over the Arch-tenants parchment, a single look was enough for the man to lay his quill down.

“Did our Master Shaper use this tool often Elder Um-che?”

He thought back to the effectiveness of his Doa dagger against Hiro Takashi’s Spirit Beast and understood the loss. He had always known the metal to be slightly different, the blade a family heirloom from times past. His father had spoken of the existence of three metals, but until recently he had entirely forgotten the word ‘silver’.

“There are some Elders who afforded its use before, my Shogun.”

Tsea-gong pinched the brow between his eyes.

“How many, from the Watch, in the last decade?”

She paused before answering.

“One, my lord Salamander.”

The snorts of derision from the gallery carried Tsea-gongs sentiment perfectly, he had heard enough and waved the Arch-tenant to take up his quill once more.

“The loss of our Master Blade Shaper is a grievous blow to the Watch and we mourn with his family. His accounts will be assessed and closed before the family can expect compensation. Our focus will be on apprehending the bandits responsible for his murder.”

“Whilst we will gladly look after his Disciples and Students, we will not tolerate any fanciful rumours.”

“Shogun?”

The scratching of parchment stopped.

“I detected no deviousness in her mannerisms.”

Her words trailed off as realisation finally dawned on her.

“You will personally inform the Blade Shaper of her mistaken beliefs. That the only possessions the bandits got away with after torturing her Master for their location was a substantial amount of Kwon. You may further inform her that we will be on the lookout for accomplices and hope to rely on her discretion. For the safety of all our Artisans.”

As she bowed Tsea-gong looked upon the Elders, searching for some sign of disagreement. Satisfied he found only the nodding of heads, but a few he spied gazing on his Preafect.

“How does it feel to be the most envied man here, Kido? What price would these Elders offer for such a blade as yours?”

Kido looked up at the intrusion and shrugged.

“Who can say Seo-sang. Perhaps some might be worthy.”

Shocked Tsea-gong did a double take. His frown apparent even to the Arch-tenant.

“The last sword crafted from a relic and you’re willing to sell it?”

“Apologies Shogun” Kido bobbed his head. “That came out wrong. What I meant to say is that there is always something greater and we shouldn’t let our possessiveness cloud our progress towards the greater.”

Tsea-gong furrowed his brow.

“Stay away from the Monks Kido.”

Seeing the intense stares from the Elders aimed at the Shogun and Kido, the Arch-tenant rose and cleared his throat. Silent correspondence in any sort of gathering was rude enough, but he could only imagine their burning minds considering the rumours running rampant in the City today.

“No doubt our lord Salamander has warned you to hold tightly to that wonderful blade, Preafect Kido.”

Scoffs of forced laughter filled the tent.

“Perhaps now would be an opportune moment to lay to rest, any concerns some of our Elders might be holding on to. I speak ofcourse regarding the insidious rumours of an attack on the Emperor's Guard. Made even more preposterous as every man, woman and child witnessed your heroic deeds in saving the convoy.”

War Council

Elders gathering: Dammit Kido

“Ah Kido. The victories I have brought Qaelang have left their cuts on my Spirit as much as they have my Watch. So great is the number, I could not recall them all but for the Arch-tenant here. All I see are the cuts. They do not leave me, troubling my spirit as each of my Captains place a tally before me.”

“I fear for mine, lesser than me, with lesser spirit. That is until I saw your deeds become a balm for them Kido. Their cheers when you burst forth from the Mists with your sword raised high, even I felt some measure of peace afforded me.”

Kido almost touched the floor as he bowed deeply at the words and heard the consenting murmurs of congratulations from the Elders behind him.

“You honour this one too much, Seo-sang. The Merciful Giver saw fit to guide another’s hand that day. If not for him, I would surely be dead.”

“He is gone now, Kido. I too had hoped to meet the man.”

Gone? Kido frowned but said nothing.

“He saved my life too, if you would believe it. An aged veteran, wise enough to hold an Emperors bolt in reserve, just in case. How he lasted that long I do not know, but I saw a full pack break off and head straight for him. Now it is confirmed, every one of my brave Arbalists are dead.”

The Shogun sighed deeply as the Elders bowed their heads in a sombre moment. Only Kido was left scratching his head.

“Was this towards the end of the battle, after you had slain the Kaiju Beast Master?”

The Shogun frowned at his man’s lack of remorse.

“Yes Kido. Exactly then.”

“Master, if this is so, then I’m quite sure he’s alive. Unless was he killed in last night’s madness ofcourse.”

“And how would you know that Kido?” Tsea-gong scowled.

“Because… I was there. And he’s not a veteran Seo-sang, barely a man even. He’s a first year Seeded.”

Three of the Prime Elders jumped to their feet in alarm.

Prime Elder Choa-peng spoke first.

“You expect us to believe a Seeded would be trusted with a ballista, Preafect? You expect us to believe he would be trusted with Emperors Bolts?”

Surprised at the sudden hostility, Kido raised his hands defensively.

“I can’t attest to the javelins, honoured Prime Elder. But I know he was the only one firing that Arbalist. His Sergeant had not abandoned him.”

“You expect us to believe you had nothing to do with that incident involving the Emperors guard, but were instead saving Arbalists?”

Honoured Prime Elder Sol-fae, if I have caused offense, I humbly apologise. You may confirm with the overseer’s reports. I marked my kills and handed in their cores. He was alive when I left him. A bit distraught, but very much alive.

“Enough!” Tsea-gong raised his voice. “What is happening here? Firebrand, I see you stand with Tempest and Zephyer. Answer me. Does this young man still live?

The filthy look the Firebrand levelled on Kido, felt like a slap. The Elders who were not looking curiously on Prime Elder Ji-yang, were scowling at him. As if he had done something wrong.

So much for being the hero.

“He lives, Shogun, but not for long. Things were already out of hand last night and a stay of execution was ordered. He was found trying to stab an incapacitated monk, but lacking a proper blade and sufficient Chi. He could not pierce the monks Tempered body.”

“And how was this monk incapacitated?” Tsea-gong growled angrily.

“The Arbalist is quite the proficient shot it seems, my lord Salamander.”

“I… you…You have hidden this from me and I will not soon forget it. Bring this man before me so that I might hear his version of events. If a hair on his head is touched, I will take the heads of each of your Prime Disciples.”

“Shogun, the monks Sept has made it clear they expect justice. They have also posted a watch over the jailhouse.”

Tsea-gong snapped his fingers angrily at the four Preafects behind him.

“Take your spears and bring him. Any man that gets in your way, cut them down. Put a basket over his head. Bo! Cai! Go with them.”

“Kido. We will take your explanation now thankyou. Did you kill this man within the City walls? Can the Watch expect a visit from Noble Magistrates?”

“I couldn’t care less if you killed him within the Palace, but there were witnesses. Get rid of that mask. Burn it. I shall provide you with another.”

Kido bowed, processing the Shoguns words and thoughts as quick as he could before the gathered Elders. Some curious, some worried, bot most visibly upset with him.

“My lord Salamander, honoured Elders, the man was an assassin. His target the head waggoneer, who turned out to be the Imperial Alchemist. The plot, to strike at the Imperial Alchemist as soon as the Imoogi eggs were secured and blame the Watch for his death.”

“No doubt in the employ of one of the Noble compounds. For saving the Imperial Alchemists life from this cowardly deed, I was rewarded with a choice of the spoils. But the Alchemist quickly rescinded his words after I choose two eggs.”

“He shamelessly begged me take the head rather than a second egg, as the righteous kill had been mine. Not wishing to upset Emperors Alchemist further, I humbly agreed. Bringing it to you, as a sign to whom he owes his life.”

“A visit of the Noble Magistrates, if any, would only be in thanks.”

The pyeanchi shot at me when my back was turned. I relieved him from the burden of an empty skull. When the rest attacked, I raised a signal flare in warning, the Alchemist helped them come to their senses. Many a peasant witnessed the events unfold exactly as I state them.

They saw the guardsmen hack their own comrades head off and deliver into my hands. I understand their words lack the Honour necessary for Justice, but rumours will spread. The Palace will be grateful for the tale of an assassin. Word has undoubtably reached Guilds by now and the Arbitor courts cannot be far behind.

Their fool of a leader was wise to escape immediately, but if he should make his presence known again, we must apprehend him.

“Oh, and why is that?”

“My Shogun I stake my life on it that the Imperial Alchemist is a Maho-Tsukai.”

“You Fool! You let him get away.”

“Forgive me Shogun, I could not take them alone. This Alchemist had unnatural abilities. Somehow, he was able to turn aside my blade even as I channelled through it.”

“Impossible! Nothing stops a Metaled Chi Blade. I have lived three of your lifetimes and never has my blade been turned aside. If such a tale held an ounce of merit, then the fault lies within your Cultivation, not your Metal.”

“My lord there was an unnaturalness to this Man. He openly blasphemed calling out the Givers name and then laughed about it unafraid.”

“He played you like the superstitious fool you are! If the gods had any interest in the lives of man, they would have held back the waters. Maho-Tsukai are the first heretics Kido. The first! They are ALL unbelievers! “

“Their rebellion wasn’t against the Emperor, it’s against the Twin Sister’s. Blood fetish freaks trying to emulate them, thinking they can cheat their way into godhood. But they’re just men, mentally deranged tricksters at most.”

“Here I am pitting my life against a Higher Kaiju Master who brought the largest ever Beast army under its dominion and you can’t even slay an old man who fell off his pony. Do you realise the influence we could have held if we had taken him prisoner? How can you show your face!?”

“My lord…”

“Silence!... I’m sending you back out there, Kido. You’re going to bring me the head of the Lepratic that walked right through the front gate. Since you’re so frightened of blaspheming unbelievers, I can think of no better training than sending you to collect their heads. Cure you of your superstitions.”

And Kido… if you think you can come back with anything less than the correct head this time… You would be safer pulling nets as you sailed the Gap. Giver have mercy on your spirit.

“Well done, Kido. As always, I am pleased with the honour you conducted yourself with. I will leave this last order of affairs down to you. Hunt down this Night Watch murderer. Seek swift justice for your previous Brothers, but do so with the aid of a Deadlight.”

The Arch-Tenant frowned as he recorded the Shoguns words. A brief glance at the situation saw he wasn’t alone in his assessment. There wasn’t an Elder, Inner or Outer, that didn’t know of Kido’s extreme distaste for the use of Deadlights.

“This recommendation came from the Gate Sargent himself, unfortunately it was ignored by the Disciple sent to pursue. You will adhere to this recommendation as if it were my own Will. I know of your dislike for these wretches, but I will not risk such a valued servant.”

Kido could not believe it. When he walked in here, he had been a hero. One report later, he was a villain to half and publicly fallen from his Masters favour. He would have cursed if he did not believe in Karma.

With a deep sigh, he bowed respectfully and took up his position once more. He could bare this indignity. He would bare it… and come out stronger as he always did.