Chapter 670: Book 37: TBA
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Chapter 670: Book 37: TBA
That. Rat. Fucking. Bastard!
Cursing his father in between gasps, Jorani collapsed to his hands and knees and relished the feel of firm earth beneath him. The first time he took a journey through the skies, hed already decided Cloud-Stepping was not for him, but Monk Happy was a hard man to say no to. At least this trip went better than his first experience, because even though the strong winds and cold air left him breathless and exhausted, he didnt scream himself silly or go blind from the air pressure or gales of wind, so that was something. Monk Happy had done something to protect him, Jorani knew it like he knew the sky was blue and water wet, so once he finished quietly thanking the Heavens for his continued survival, he nodded at the smiling monk in thanks for his efforts. Dont know what it cost ye, he began, still out of sorts from the harrowing trip, But thanks fer... I dunno. Making the trip a damn sight more comfortable than the first. If only me own father was so considerate, eh?
It was meant as a joke, but his words came out more bitter than intended and Monk Happy wasnt one to let it pass without commentary. Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo, the hefty monk began, his ever present smile taking on a sympathetic tinge as his hands made the mudra of intellectual discussion. This monk offers no excuses for Gang Shus behaviour, but would be remiss if he did not point out the disparity between Junior Brothers two experiences. On your first journey, you travelled with your brother, a Martial Warrior of no small skill but not yet a Peak Expert, and your father, a free-holding Ancestral Beast who owed his freedom due to a treaty which had then already been broken. Were you to come under attack from a threat worthy of Gang Shus consideration, then you and your brother would have been in grave danger, as even an Ancestral Beast would find it difficult to fight and protect two people at the same time. As such, he opted to move with maximum speed and stealth, thereby subjecting you to significant but non-lethal pain and hardship rather than take the admittedly minor risk of near certain death if your party should come under attack.
There was a time when Jorani wouldve accepted the words at face value and grumbled about it anyways, but he was older and wiser now, so he took a moment to consider what Monk Happy was saying. Pretending to glance around at his surroundings, Jorani casually inspected his travelling companions to try and understand the Monks underlying message. There was Lady Mei Lins veiled guards, a group of women who rarely ever spoke out loud and kept to themselves, as well as Lady Li Song and her wagon full of pets. Aside from that, there was the bossman himself, who unbelievably Cloud-Stepped here without any assistance, with Monk Happy and Kukku rounding their little group out.
So unless there were more hidden protectors lurking about in Concealment, Monk Happy believed this gathered group of individuals was stronger than an Ancestral Beast. Or stronger than Gang Shu at least, who Jorani suspected did not rank amongst the strongest of his kind, seeing how he was done in by the roosters surprise attack. The other part of Joranis reasoning was simple; there were no other Ancestral Beasts who wore Runic Armour, but admittedly, the logic was flawed. Perhaps other Ancestral Beasts just werent as paranoid as Gang Shu, whose instincts might lean towards caution and cowardice, or maybe the others didnt care enough to gather a set, or were unable to due to financial constraints or lack of the right connections. Either way, Jorani was in good company this time around, and he looked forward to seeing Eyebrows, Bones, and the rest of the monks he met and trained with so many months ago.
It honestly felt good to be back here, though part of that might just be because his two feet were touching solid ground again. They hadnt Cloud-Stepped right up to the monastery gates, but Jorani spotted the walls a little ways away, maybe a fifteen minute trek through rough but beautiful trails if they took their time. Little had changed since he last left, though he noted there was more smoke billowing out of the chimneys than he remembered. The monks were hard at work preparing the mid-day meal no doubt, and Jorani looked forward to tasting those delectable steamed buns once again. Honestly, there was nothing in all of Central that could match up to the Brotherhoods cooking prowess, which was almost good enough for Jorani to overlook the whole vegetarian eunuch aspects of membership. Thats how delicious the food was, and hed been craving a taste ever since he left, so he hoped there was plenty to go around.
It was a nice feeling, having returned somewhere he felt safe and welcome, which was something Jorani hadnt experienced since leaving home all those years ago. Things werent terrible back at the Citadel, where he had his own yurt and enjoyed a small measure of fame thanks to his exploits on the battlefield. He even managed to save a decent amount of coin thanks to his recent promotion to thousand-man commander under Major Mister Rustram, but despite his happy days, his nights felt empty and meaningless without someone to share them with. It wasnt about sex, or not just about sex, but he wanted what Ral and Chey had, what Mister Rustram and Lady Sai Chou found, and what the bossman and Lady Mei Lin shared. A lady love to share his life with, that was Joranis dream, but thus far, all his efforts to fulfill this dream had fallen woefully flat.
The problem was, even he wasnt sure what he wanted in a wife. He wanted someone to spoil him, but also a partner to stand beside, someone who would understand where he came from, but also had ambition and purpose beyond just him. He wanted someone smart, but not too smart, kind, but not overly sweet, generous, but not to the point of stupidity, and savvy, with just a hint of ruthlessness. There were more requirements to go through, but even this preliminary list was difficult enough, so he worried he might never meet a woman who checked all his boxes.
Of course, gorgeous and adventurous went without saying, two requirements which were already difficult to fulfill as is.
Since their group didnt seem to be moving, Jorani wanted to ask Monk Happy what the hold up was, but the Monk was lost in silent conversation with one of Lady Mei Lins guards, the one who carried the whole damned wagon all by herself. Now there was a gorgeous woman worth chasing, Jorani could tell without needing to see her face or know her age, but he lacked the courage to try and strike up a conversation considering hed seen her punch her way out of the biggest damned shark there ever was. The other guards were almost as intimidating, and Lady Li Song only marginally less, so Jorani made his way over to the bossmans side and tried to strike up a conversation. So turns out ye were hidin yer true strength after all, he began, cheeks hurting as he grinned with glee. Never doubted ye fer a second. Not entirely true, for the bossman was a damned fine actor and Jorani had almost written him off more than once.
Even now, the bossman pretended not to understand what Jorani was saying, studying him with those bright amber eyes and an inscrutable expression. A fun word that, inscrutable, but as the seconds stretched on without answer, Jorani sensed something wasnt quite right. The bossman really seemed to be struggling to understand what Jorani just said, the confusion and frustration somehow pouring off of him in palpable waves, and they were both at a loss on how to proceed. Then Lady Mei Lin reached up and waved her dainty hand in front of the bossmans eyes, drawing his attention back towards her. With a smile and a scrunch of her nose, she seemed to set his mind at ease and he went back to staring around at the surroundings in childlike wonder, with Joranis interruption all but forgotten.
Odd, that.
Glancing at Lady Mei Lin for an explanation, she shrugged and proclaimed, Hubby isnt really right in the head, ya? Its okay though, hes mostly fine, just a little kookier than Daddy can be when hes reallllllly focused on something.
Hardly glowing praise considering the Medical Saints well known eccentricities, but Jorani wasnt about to point that out to the mans daughter, so he just nodded and studied the bossman a little closer. At first glance, nothing seemed to be wrong with him, because he was just... standing there, holding Lady Mei Lins hand and petting Kukku who was pressed up against him. The silly rooster fawned over the bossman like one of his beloved pets, and even had a bunch of fledgling laughing birds nestled in his feathers, their heads poking out along his crown and back like babies with their momma. Kukku wasnt even this friendly with Monk Happy, and only the Abbot enjoyed such warm affection, but then again, the bossman always did have a way with animals. Still, other than his distant gaze and stony expression, nothing really jumped out at Jorani on closer inspection, so whatever the bossmans problem might be, it only really seemed to affect him when someone tried talking to him.
Only talking though, as Lady Mei Lin already demonstrated that he had no trouble understanding hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Odd that, for words to get all mixed up only for non-verbal communication to get through clearly. Usually for people it was the other way around, with animals being better at reading physical cues and whatnot, but this was a mystery for more clever minds than Joranis. He supposed thats why they were here at the monastery, so the bossman could get help with his condition, but why they were wasting time standing around outside was still a mystery yet to be solved.
However, no one else seemed put off by the delay, with the bossman wandering around hand in hand with Lady Mei Lin while investigating all manner of trees and plants. Lady Li Song paid them no mind as she consoled the terrified bears, and everyone else just stood around and stared. One thing Jorani noticed was Monk Happys strained smile, which really showed how stressed the man was considering Jorani had only ever seen him angry when sparring. Whatever discussion they were having evidently wasnt going well, but Jorani wasnt about to stick his head in where it dont belong.
Hang on.
Or was unrestrained right up until Monk Happys smile slipped and he overpowered Rains fury with a rage all his own.
If Rain was a forest fire, then Happy was an erupting volcano, one large enough to set the whole world aflame. Gone was the friendly monk and in his place was an avatar of rage and violence, one whose features were twisted in almost comical anger as he loomed over his foe with one hand pressed firmly against the younger mans chest and paying no mind to the sword resting against his neck. Despite having come so far, the bossman still wasnt willing to kill Monk Happy, but despite all his struggles to escape, it seemed as if Monk Happys palm weighed ten-thousand kilograms and refused to budge even a single millimetre.
Enough, Monk Happy uttered, his chest and shoulders heaving not from physical exertion, but the effort of reining in all his anger once more. You will not harm them, not while a monk of the Brotherhood still draws breath. Cut me down and another will take my place, so give in to darkness or stay your hand.
Good to know Jorani wasnt the only one weaker than Monk Happy, though it raised the question of why the portly fellow saw fit to spar with him in the first place. Either way, upon hearing the monks statement and seeing the bossman struggle to understand it, Jorani finally tore his eyes away from the conflict and saw what all the fuss was about. Several metres behind Monk Happy sat a ramshackle little village, one that wasnt there the last time he visited. Monks of all shapes and sizes stood shoulder to shoulder in a line guarding the village inhabitants, the latter of which held all manner of tools and weapons with which to defend themselves. They looked like they knew how to use them too, and as well they should, for each and every last one of them bore the mark of the Fathers foul touch upon them.
For this was a village of Defiled, here on the doorstep to the Brotherhoods monastery.
Ugly was too simple a word to describe it, for these Defiled were not in any way hideous, unpleasant to gaze upon. There was a wrongness to them that was evident at first glance, but not something as obvious as a defect or disfigurement, though they had their fair share of scars and blemishes. It was the same gut reaction Jorani experienced when half-wildcat Li Song studied him like a threat, an instinctive fear and loathing of the other party. They were Defiled as Defiled could be, coated so thickly in sin one could simply sense it by looking at them, every bit the Fathers foul minions as Demons and Wraiths. While Jorani had known the Brotherhoods doors were opened to the Defiled, it was another thing altogether to see them come together and support an entire tribe.
And supported they were, for those tools they held were meant for building new homes, better, sturdier ones to replace the ramshackle shelters. Already, Jorani could see a few such examples, homes which were not exactly expertly built, but far more serviceable than a bunch of twigs and leaves thrown together to provide shade. The Brotherhood was teaching them to build, and from the looks of things, cook and clean as well, for Jorani spotted fish and game roasting over campfires as well as wet clothing hanging on lines. For what it was worth, there were no Defiled Weapons amongst them, only wood axes, saws, shovels, and even sturdy wood poles, but he knew they would put up a damned hard fight if push should come to shove, and he had no intentions of pulling punches if things were to get so far.
The Brotherhoods ideals were lofty and noble, but grounded in reality, they were not. These were Defiled, plain and simple, and leaving them alive was a risk he would not care to take. Best if they were...
Hang on...
Striding forward into the village, he absently greeted the monks he recognized and noted a few new faces in the crowd, but his attention was fixated on something else. Peering past monk Bones, he stopped in his tracks and realized why the Brotherhood were so adamant about protecting these Defiled. They got their kids with them, he said to no one in particular, before turning to the bossman with a disappointed stare, unsure what else to say. Seeing the bossmans blank stare, Jorani moved aside and pointed into the trees at the splash of colour that caught his eye. The bossman saw it too, saw the kite clutched in the trembling hands of a frightened young child, one maybe five or six years of age. There were other children also spread about, some hiding in the trees while others peeked out from behind doors or other hiding spaces that were none too effective, and Jorani imagined thered be more he couldnt see.
The change in the bossman was startling to behold as his anger was replaced by guilt and self-recrimination. His sword dropped to the ground as he stared into the trees, and Jorani could almost read the thoughts behind them. How could I have done this? Am I a monster? Will the Mother forsake me for my actions? They were the same thoughts Jorani had after his first raid, when he came across some kids hiding in a cellar while bandits plundered their village clean. He hadnt killed anybody, in fact, no one had died at all since the villagers were wise enough to pay their taxes, but even then, Jorani felt monstrous to the extreme for taking from people who already had so little to call their own. The bossmans situation was far from the same, but he was harder on himself than anyone had a right to be. Shuffling over to nudge Monk Happy aside, Jorani extended a hand to the bossman and said, I know ye didnt see em, else ye wouldnt have attacked, but the milk has been spilled and the damage done. Best ye can do is not make the same mistake again.
Oddly enough, the bossman seemed to understand Jorani, or at least he didnt struggle to comprehend it. Pulling him up on his feet, Jorani watched the bossman study the Defiled tribesmen for long seconds, with his focus lingering on the children hiding in the shadows. He didnt move or react in any way, but Jorani felt his pain upon seeing how frightened all those kids were, but there was nothing else to be said. Out in the battlefield, even Jorani might not spare a Defiled child, but it was clear these they were trying to make a better life for themselves, and he could not bring himself to deny them even a chance. Granted, he didnt expect any of this to work out and could only pray these Defiled all died before making it out of the Arid Wastes, but maybe they werent all that different from regular folk after all.
Because Defiled or not, they were ready to die for their children, and that had to be worth something. The barest minimum at least, since even wild beasts would fight to defend their young, but it was better than nothing.
Running out from her ring of Concealed guards, Lady Mei Lin made her way to the bossmans side and took his hand from Joranis. Thanks Jor-Jor, she chimed, so charming and utterly unfazed by the hostilities. Then she forgot all about him as she drew the bossmans attention, and the change was startling to see, his tensions melting away as he gazed into her eyes, though his self-deprecating attitude remained firmly fixed in place.
Turning to the crowd of monks, Jorani took a moment to consider what he should say, whether to warn the monks of Defiled tendencies or maybe threaten the Defiled tribesmen to behave. In the end, after taking another look at the children in the trees, Jorani merely sighed and tossed his rucksack aside. Alright, he began, striding over to the crowd to get a better view of their construction efforts. Looks like yall are buildin a village, so lets get it done. The Defiled didnt seem to understand him, so he looked to the monks instead, namely Monk Happy who was beaming from ear to ear. Well? Cmon now, we burnin sunlight here.
The Brotherhood meant well, they really did, and Jorani didnt have the heart to dissuade them. He really hoped he was wrong and these Defiled would really forsake the Father and become proper people again, but if there was killing that needed to be done, he would gladly do it in the Brotherhoods stead. By helping them out, not only could he see how the Defiled behaved with his own eyes and draw his own conclusions, but he might even win their trust and make his job easier if the worst should come to pass.
Flashing a smile at the kids in the trees and doing his best not to see their faces, he grabbed a stack of timber and prayed things would never get that far.
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Chapter 670: Book 37: TBA
That. Rat. Fucking. Bastard!
Cursing his father in between gasps, Jorani collapsed to his hands and knees and relished the feel of firm earth beneath him. The first time he took a journey through the skies, hed already decided Cloud-Stepping was not for him, but Monk Happy was a hard man to say no to. At least this trip went better than his first experience, because even though the strong winds and cold air left him breathless and exhausted, he didnt scream himself silly or go blind from the air pressure or gales of wind, so that was something. Monk Happy had done something to protect him, Jorani knew it like he knew the sky was blue and water wet, so once he finished quietly thanking the Heavens for his continued survival, he nodded at the smiling monk in thanks for his efforts. Dont know what it cost ye, he began, still out of sorts from the harrowing trip, But thanks fer... I dunno. Making the trip a damn sight more comfortable than the first. If only me own father was so considerate, eh?
It was meant as a joke, but his words came out more bitter than intended and Monk Happy wasnt one to let it pass without commentary. Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo, the hefty monk began, his ever present smile taking on a sympathetic tinge as his hands made the mudra of intellectual discussion. This monk offers no excuses for Gang Shus behaviour, but would be remiss if he did not point out the disparity between Junior Brothers two experiences. On your first journey, you travelled with your brother, a Martial Warrior of no small skill but not yet a Peak Expert, and your father, a free-holding Ancestral Beast who owed his freedom due to a treaty which had then already been broken. Were you to come under attack from a threat worthy of Gang Shus consideration, then you and your brother would have been in grave danger, as even an Ancestral Beast would find it difficult to fight and protect two people at the same time. As such, he opted to move with maximum speed and stealth, thereby subjecting you to significant but non-lethal pain and hardship rather than take the admittedly minor risk of near certain death if your party should come under attack.
There was a time when Jorani wouldve accepted the words at face value and grumbled about it anyways, but he was older and wiser now, so he took a moment to consider what Monk Happy was saying. Pretending to glance around at his surroundings, Jorani casually inspected his travelling companions to try and understand the Monks underlying message. There was Lady Mei Lins veiled guards, a group of women who rarely ever spoke out loud and kept to themselves, as well as Lady Li Song and her wagon full of pets. Aside from that, there was the bossman himself, who unbelievably Cloud-Stepped here without any assistance, with Monk Happy and Kukku rounding their little group out.
So unless there were more hidden protectors lurking about in Concealment, Monk Happy believed this gathered group of individuals was stronger than an Ancestral Beast. Or stronger than Gang Shu at least, who Jorani suspected did not rank amongst the strongest of his kind, seeing how he was done in by the roosters surprise attack. The other part of Joranis reasoning was simple; there were no other Ancestral Beasts who wore Runic Armour, but admittedly, the logic was flawed. Perhaps other Ancestral Beasts just werent as paranoid as Gang Shu, whose instincts might lean towards caution and cowardice, or maybe the others didnt care enough to gather a set, or were unable to due to financial constraints or lack of the right connections. Either way, Jorani was in good company this time around, and he looked forward to seeing Eyebrows, Bones, and the rest of the monks he met and trained with so many months ago.
It honestly felt good to be back here, though part of that might just be because his two feet were touching solid ground again. They hadnt Cloud-Stepped right up to the monastery gates, but Jorani spotted the walls a little ways away, maybe a fifteen minute trek through rough but beautiful trails if they took their time. Little had changed since he last left, though he noted there was more smoke billowing out of the chimneys than he remembered. The monks were hard at work preparing the mid-day meal no doubt, and Jorani looked forward to tasting those delectable steamed buns once again. Honestly, there was nothing in all of Central that could match up to the Brotherhoods cooking prowess, which was almost good enough for Jorani to overlook the whole vegetarian eunuch aspects of membership. Thats how delicious the food was, and hed been craving a taste ever since he left, so he hoped there was plenty to go around.
It was a nice feeling, having returned somewhere he felt safe and welcome, which was something Jorani hadnt experienced since leaving home all those years ago. Things werent terrible back at the Citadel, where he had his own yurt and enjoyed a small measure of fame thanks to his exploits on the battlefield. He even managed to save a decent amount of coin thanks to his recent promotion to thousand-man commander under Major Mister Rustram, but despite his happy days, his nights felt empty and meaningless without someone to share them with. It wasnt about sex, or not just about sex, but he wanted what Ral and Chey had, what Mister Rustram and Lady Sai Chou found, and what the bossman and Lady Mei Lin shared. A lady love to share his life with, that was Joranis dream, but thus far, all his efforts to fulfill this dream had fallen woefully flat.
The problem was, even he wasnt sure what he wanted in a wife. He wanted someone to spoil him, but also a partner to stand beside, someone who would understand where he came from, but also had ambition and purpose beyond just him. He wanted someone smart, but not too smart, kind, but not overly sweet, generous, but not to the point of stupidity, and savvy, with just a hint of ruthlessness. There were more requirements to go through, but even this preliminary list was difficult enough, so he worried he might never meet a woman who checked all his boxes.
Of course, gorgeous and adventurous went without saying, two requirements which were already difficult to fulfill as is.
Since their group didnt seem to be moving, Jorani wanted to ask Monk Happy what the hold up was, but the Monk was lost in silent conversation with one of Lady Mei Lins guards, the one who carried the whole damned wagon all by herself. Now there was a gorgeous woman worth chasing, Jorani could tell without needing to see her face or know her age, but he lacked the courage to try and strike up a conversation considering hed seen her punch her way out of the biggest damned shark there ever was. The other guards were almost as intimidating, and Lady Li Song only marginally less, so Jorani made his way over to the bossmans side and tried to strike up a conversation. So turns out ye were hidin yer true strength after all, he began, cheeks hurting as he grinned with glee. Never doubted ye fer a second. Not entirely true, for the bossman was a damned fine actor and Jorani had almost written him off more than once.
Even now, the bossman pretended not to understand what Jorani was saying, studying him with those bright amber eyes and an inscrutable expression. A fun word that, inscrutable, but as the seconds stretched on without answer, Jorani sensed something wasnt quite right. The bossman really seemed to be struggling to understand what Jorani just said, the confusion and frustration somehow pouring off of him in palpable waves, and they were both at a loss on how to proceed. Then Lady Mei Lin reached up and waved her dainty hand in front of the bossmans eyes, drawing his attention back towards her. With a smile and a scrunch of her nose, she seemed to set his mind at ease and he went back to staring around at the surroundings in childlike wonder, with Joranis interruption all but forgotten.
Odd, that.
Glancing at Lady Mei Lin for an explanation, she shrugged and proclaimed, Hubby isnt really right in the head, ya? Its okay though, hes mostly fine, just a little kookier than Daddy can be when hes reallllllly focused on something.
Hardly glowing praise considering the Medical Saints well known eccentricities, but Jorani wasnt about to point that out to the mans daughter, so he just nodded and studied the bossman a little closer. At first glance, nothing seemed to be wrong with him, because he was just... standing there, holding Lady Mei Lins hand and petting Kukku who was pressed up against him. The silly rooster fawned over the bossman like one of his beloved pets, and even had a bunch of fledgling laughing birds nestled in his feathers, their heads poking out along his crown and back like babies with their momma. Kukku wasnt even this friendly with Monk Happy, and only the Abbot enjoyed such warm affection, but then again, the bossman always did have a way with animals. Still, other than his distant gaze and stony expression, nothing really jumped out at Jorani on closer inspection, so whatever the bossmans problem might be, it only really seemed to affect him when someone tried talking to him.
Only talking though, as Lady Mei Lin already demonstrated that he had no trouble understanding hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Odd that, for words to get all mixed up only for non-verbal communication to get through clearly. Usually for people it was the other way around, with animals being better at reading physical cues and whatnot, but this was a mystery for more clever minds than Joranis. He supposed thats why they were here at the monastery, so the bossman could get help with his condition, but why they were wasting time standing around outside was still a mystery yet to be solved.
However, no one else seemed put off by the delay, with the bossman wandering around hand in hand with Lady Mei Lin while investigating all manner of trees and plants. Lady Li Song paid them no mind as she consoled the terrified bears, and everyone else just stood around and stared. One thing Jorani noticed was Monk Happys strained smile, which really showed how stressed the man was considering Jorani had only ever seen him angry when sparring. Whatever discussion they were having evidently wasnt going well, but Jorani wasnt about to stick his head in where it dont belong.
Hang on.
Or was unrestrained right up until Monk Happys smile slipped and he overpowered Rains fury with a rage all his own.
If Rain was a forest fire, then Happy was an erupting volcano, one large enough to set the whole world aflame. Gone was the friendly monk and in his place was an avatar of rage and violence, one whose features were twisted in almost comical anger as he loomed over his foe with one hand pressed firmly against the younger mans chest and paying no mind to the sword resting against his neck. Despite having come so far, the bossman still wasnt willing to kill Monk Happy, but despite all his struggles to escape, it seemed as if Monk Happys palm weighed ten-thousand kilograms and refused to budge even a single millimetre.
Enough, Monk Happy uttered, his chest and shoulders heaving not from physical exertion, but the effort of reining in all his anger once more. You will not harm them, not while a monk of the Brotherhood still draws breath. Cut me down and another will take my place, so give in to darkness or stay your hand.
Good to know Jorani wasnt the only one weaker than Monk Happy, though it raised the question of why the portly fellow saw fit to spar with him in the first place. Either way, upon hearing the monks statement and seeing the bossman struggle to understand it, Jorani finally tore his eyes away from the conflict and saw what all the fuss was about. Several metres behind Monk Happy sat a ramshackle little village, one that wasnt there the last time he visited. Monks of all shapes and sizes stood shoulder to shoulder in a line guarding the village inhabitants, the latter of which held all manner of tools and weapons with which to defend themselves. They looked like they knew how to use them too, and as well they should, for each and every last one of them bore the mark of the Fathers foul touch upon them.
For this was a village of Defiled, here on the doorstep to the Brotherhoods monastery.
Ugly was too simple a word to describe it, for these Defiled were not in any way hideous, unpleasant to gaze upon. There was a wrongness to them that was evident at first glance, but not something as obvious as a defect or disfigurement, though they had their fair share of scars and blemishes. It was the same gut reaction Jorani experienced when half-wildcat Li Song studied him like a threat, an instinctive fear and loathing of the other party. They were Defiled as Defiled could be, coated so thickly in sin one could simply sense it by looking at them, every bit the Fathers foul minions as Demons and Wraiths. While Jorani had known the Brotherhoods doors were opened to the Defiled, it was another thing altogether to see them come together and support an entire tribe.
And supported they were, for those tools they held were meant for building new homes, better, sturdier ones to replace the ramshackle shelters. Already, Jorani could see a few such examples, homes which were not exactly expertly built, but far more serviceable than a bunch of twigs and leaves thrown together to provide shade. The Brotherhood was teaching them to build, and from the looks of things, cook and clean as well, for Jorani spotted fish and game roasting over campfires as well as wet clothing hanging on lines. For what it was worth, there were no Defiled Weapons amongst them, only wood axes, saws, shovels, and even sturdy wood poles, but he knew they would put up a damned hard fight if push should come to shove, and he had no intentions of pulling punches if things were to get so far.
The Brotherhoods ideals were lofty and noble, but grounded in reality, they were not. These were Defiled, plain and simple, and leaving them alive was a risk he would not care to take. Best if they were...
Hang on...
Striding forward into the village, he absently greeted the monks he recognized and noted a few new faces in the crowd, but his attention was fixated on something else. Peering past monk Bones, he stopped in his tracks and realized why the Brotherhood were so adamant about protecting these Defiled. They got their kids with them, he said to no one in particular, before turning to the bossman with a disappointed stare, unsure what else to say. Seeing the bossmans blank stare, Jorani moved aside and pointed into the trees at the splash of colour that caught his eye. The bossman saw it too, saw the kite clutched in the trembling hands of a frightened young child, one maybe five or six years of age. There were other children also spread about, some hiding in the trees while others peeked out from behind doors or other hiding spaces that were none too effective, and Jorani imagined thered be more he couldnt see.
The change in the bossman was startling to behold as his anger was replaced by guilt and self-recrimination. His sword dropped to the ground as he stared into the trees, and Jorani could almost read the thoughts behind them. How could I have done this? Am I a monster? Will the Mother forsake me for my actions? They were the same thoughts Jorani had after his first raid, when he came across some kids hiding in a cellar while bandits plundered their village clean. He hadnt killed anybody, in fact, no one had died at all since the villagers were wise enough to pay their taxes, but even then, Jorani felt monstrous to the extreme for taking from people who already had so little to call their own. The bossmans situation was far from the same, but he was harder on himself than anyone had a right to be. Shuffling over to nudge Monk Happy aside, Jorani extended a hand to the bossman and said, I know ye didnt see em, else ye wouldnt have attacked, but the milk has been spilled and the damage done. Best ye can do is not make the same mistake again.
Oddly enough, the bossman seemed to understand Jorani, or at least he didnt struggle to comprehend it. Pulling him up on his feet, Jorani watched the bossman study the Defiled tribesmen for long seconds, with his focus lingering on the children hiding in the shadows. He didnt move or react in any way, but Jorani felt his pain upon seeing how frightened all those kids were, but there was nothing else to be said. Out in the battlefield, even Jorani might not spare a Defiled child, but it was clear these they were trying to make a better life for themselves, and he could not bring himself to deny them even a chance. Granted, he didnt expect any of this to work out and could only pray these Defiled all died before making it out of the Arid Wastes, but maybe they werent all that different from regular folk after all.
Because Defiled or not, they were ready to die for their children, and that had to be worth something. The barest minimum at least, since even wild beasts would fight to defend their young, but it was better than nothing.
Running out from her ring of Concealed guards, Lady Mei Lin made her way to the bossmans side and took his hand from Joranis. Thanks Jor-Jor, she chimed, so charming and utterly unfazed by the hostilities. Then she forgot all about him as she drew the bossmans attention, and the change was startling to see, his tensions melting away as he gazed into her eyes, though his self-deprecating attitude remained firmly fixed in place.
Turning to the crowd of monks, Jorani took a moment to consider what he should say, whether to warn the monks of Defiled tendencies or maybe threaten the Defiled tribesmen to behave. In the end, after taking another look at the children in the trees, Jorani merely sighed and tossed his rucksack aside. Alright, he began, striding over to the crowd to get a better view of their construction efforts. Looks like yall are buildin a village, so lets get it done. The Defiled didnt seem to understand him, so he looked to the monks instead, namely Monk Happy who was beaming from ear to ear. Well? Cmon now, we burnin sunlight here.
The Brotherhood meant well, they really did, and Jorani didnt have the heart to dissuade them. He really hoped he was wrong and these Defiled would really forsake the Father and become proper people again, but if there was killing that needed to be done, he would gladly do it in the Brotherhoods stead. By helping them out, not only could he see how the Defiled behaved with his own eyes and draw his own conclusions, but he might even win their trust and make his job easier if the worst should come to pass.
Flashing a smile at the kids in the trees and doing his best not to see their faces, he grabbed a stack of timber and prayed things would never get that far.
Chapter Meme
Chapter 670: Book 37: TBAThat. Rat. Fucking. Bastard!Cursing his father in between gasps, Jorani collapsed to his hands and knees and relished the feel of firm earth beneath him. The first time he took a journey through the skies, hed already decided Cloud-Stepping was not for him, but Monk Happy was a hard man to say no to. At least this trip went better than his first experience, because even though the strong winds and cold air left him breathless and exhausted, he didnt scream himself silly or go blind from the air pressure or gales of wind, so that was something. Monk Happy had done something to protect him, Jorani knew it like he knew the sky was blue and water wet, so once he finished quietly thanking the Heavens for his continued survival, he nodded at the smiling monk in thanks for his efforts. Dont know what it cost ye, he began, still out of sorts from the harrowing trip, But thanks fer... I dunno. Making the trip a damn sight more comfortable than the first. If only me own father was so considerate, eh?It was meant as a joke, but his words came out more bitter than intended and Monk Happy wasnt one to let it pass without commentary. Eh-Mi-Tuo-Fuo, the hefty monk began, his ever present smile taking on a sympathetic tinge as his hands made the mudra of intellectual discussion. This monk offers no excuses for Gang Shus behaviour, but would be remiss if he did not point out the disparity between Junior Brothers two experiences. On your first journey, you travelled with your brother, a Martial Warrior of no small skill but not yet a Peak Expert, and your father, a free-holding Ancestral Beast who owed his freedom due to a treaty which had then already been broken. Were you to come under attack from a threat worthy of Gang Shus consideration, then you and your brother would have been in grave danger, as even an Ancestral Beast would find it difficult to fight and protect two people at the same time. As such, he opted to move with maximum speed and stealth, thereby subjecting you to significant but non-lethal pain and hardship rather than take the admittedly minor risk of near certain death if your party should come under attack.There was a time when Jorani wouldve accepted the words at face value and grumbled about it anyways, but he was older and wiser now, so he took a moment to consider what Monk Happy was saying. Pretending to glance around at his surroundings, Jorani casually inspected his travelling companions to try and understand the Monks underlying message. There was Lady Mei Lins veiled guards, a group of women who rarely ever spoke out loud and kept to themselves, as well as Lady Li Song and her wagon full of pets. Aside from that, there was the bossman himself, who unbelievably Cloud-Stepped here without any assistance, with Monk Happy and Kukku rounding their little group out.So unless there were more hidden protectors lurking about in Concealment, Monk Happy believed this gathered group of individuals was stronger than an Ancestral Beast. Or stronger than Gang Shu at least, who Jorani suspected did not rank amongst the strongest of his kind, seeing how he was done in by the roosters surprise attack. The other part of Joranis reasoning was simple; there were no other Ancestral Beasts who wore Runic Armour, but admittedly, the logic was flawed. Perhaps other Ancestral Beasts just werent as paranoid as Gang Shu, whose instincts might lean towards caution and cowardice, or maybe the others didnt care enough to gather a set, or were unable to due to financial constraints or lack of the right connections. Either way, Jorani was in good company this time around, and he looked forward to seeing Eyebrows, Bones, and the rest of the monks he met and trained with so many months ago.It honestly felt good to be back here, though part of that might just be because his two feet were touching solid ground again. They hadnt Cloud-Stepped right up to the monastery gates, but Jorani spotted the walls a little ways away, maybe a fifteen minute trek through rough but beautiful trails if they took their time. Little had changed since he last left, though he noted there was more smoke billowing out of the chimneys than he remembered. The monks were hard at work preparing the mid-day meal no doubt, and Jorani looked forward to tasting those delectable steamed buns once again. Honestly, there was nothing in all of Central that could match up to the Brotherhoods cooking prowess, which was almost good enough for Jorani to overlook the whole vegetarian eunuch aspects of membership. Thats how delicious the food was, and hed been craving a taste ever since he left, so he hoped there was plenty to go around.It was a nice feeling, having returned somewhere he felt safe and welcome, which was something Jorani hadnt experienced since leaving home all those years ago. Things werent terrible back at the Citadel, where he had his own yurt and enjoyed a small measure of fame thanks to his exploits on the battlefield. He even managed to save a decent amount of coin thanks to his recent promotion to thousand-man commander under Major Mister Rustram, but despite his happy days, his nights felt empty and meaningless without someone to share them with. It wasnt about sex, or not just about sex, but he wanted what Ral and Chey had, what Mister Rustram and Lady Sai Chou found, and what the bossman and Lady Mei Lin shared. A lady love to share his life with, that was Joranis dream, but thus far, all his efforts to fulfill this dream had fallen woefully flat.The problem was, even he wasnt sure what he wanted in a wife. He wanted someone to spoil him, but also a partner to stand beside, someone who would understand where he came from, but also had ambition and purpose beyond just him. He wanted someone smart, but not too smart, kind, but not overly sweet, generous, but not to the point of stupidity, and savvy, with just a hint of ruthlessness. There were more requirements to go through, but even this preliminary list was difficult enough, so he worried he might never meet a woman who checked all his boxes.Of course, gorgeous and adventurous went without saying, two requirements which were already difficult to fulfill as is.Since their group didnt seem to be moving, Jorani wanted to ask Monk Happy what the hold up was, but the Monk was lost in silent conversation with one of Lady Mei Lins guards, the one who carried the whole damned wagon all by herself. Now there was a gorgeous woman worth chasing, Jorani could tell without needing to see her face or know her age, but he lacked the courage to try and strike up a conversation considering hed seen her punch her way out of the biggest damned shark there ever was. The other guards were almost as intimidating, and Lady Li Song only marginally less, so Jorani made his way over to the bossmans side and tried to strike up a conversation. So turns out ye were hidin yer true strength after all, he began, cheeks hurting as he grinned with glee. Never doubted ye fer a second. Not entirely true, for the bossman was a damned fine actor and Jorani had almost written him off more than once.Even now, the bossman pretended not to understand what Jorani was saying, studying him with those bright amber eyes and an inscrutable expression. A fun word that, inscrutable, but as the seconds stretched on without answer, Jorani sensed something wasnt quite right. The bossman really seemed to be struggling to understand what Jorani just said, the confusion and frustration somehow pouring off of him in palpable waves, and they were both at a loss on how to proceed. Then Lady Mei Lin reached up and waved her dainty hand in front of the bossmans eyes, drawing his attention back towards her. With a smile and a scrunch of her nose, she seemed to set his mind at ease and he went back to staring around at the surroundings in childlike wonder, with Joranis interruption all but forgotten.Odd, that.Glancing at Lady Mei Lin for an explanation, she shrugged and proclaimed, Hubby isnt really right in the head, ya? Its okay though, hes mostly fine, just a little kookier than Daddy can be when hes reallllllly focused on something.Hardly glowing praise considering the Medical Saints well known eccentricities, but Jorani wasnt about to point that out to the mans daughter, so he just nodded and studied the bossman a little closer. At first glance, nothing seemed to be wrong with him, because he was just... standing there, holding Lady Mei Lins hand and petting Kukku who was pressed up against him. The silly rooster fawned over the bossman like one of his beloved pets, and even had a bunch of fledgling laughing birds nestled in his feathers, their heads poking out along his crown and back like babies with their momma. Kukku wasnt even this friendly with Monk Happy, and only the Abbot enjoyed such warm affection, but then again, the bossman always did have a way with animals. Still, other than his distant gaze and stony expression, nothing really jumped out at Jorani on closer inspection, so whatever the bossmans problem might be, it only really seemed to affect him when someone tried talking to him.Only talking though, as Lady Mei Lin already demonstrated that he had no trouble understanding hand gestures, facial expressions, and body language. Odd that, for words to get all mixed up only for non-verbal communication to get through clearly. Usually for people it was the other way around, with animals being better at reading physical cues and whatnot, but this was a mystery for more clever minds than Joranis. He supposed thats why they were here at the monastery, so the bossman could get help with his condition, but why they were wasting time standing around outside was still a mystery yet to be solved.However, no one else seemed put off by the delay, with the bossman wandering around hand in hand with Lady Mei Lin while investigating all manner of trees and plants. Lady Li Song paid them no mind as she consoled the terrified bears, and everyone else just stood around and stared. One thing Jorani noticed was Monk Happys strained smile, which really showed how stressed the man was considering Jorani had only ever seen him angry when sparring. Whatever discussion they were having evidently wasnt going well, but Jorani wasnt about to stick his head in where it dont belong.Hang on.Or was unrestrained right up until Monk Happys smile slipped and he overpowered Rains fury with a rage all his own.If Rain was a forest fire, then Happy was an erupting volcano, one large enough to set the whole world aflame. Gone was the friendly monk and in his place was an avatar of rage and violence, one whose features were twisted in almost comical anger as he loomed over his foe with one hand pressed firmly against the younger mans chest and paying no mind to the sword resting against his neck. Despite having come so far, the bossman still wasnt willing to kill Monk Happy, but despite all his struggles to escape, it seemed as if Monk Happys palm weighed ten-thousand kilograms and refused to budge even a single millimetre.Enough, Monk Happy uttered, his chest and shoulders heaving not from physical exertion, but the effort of reining in all his anger once more. You will not harm them, not while a monk of the Brotherhood still draws breath. Cut me down and another will take my place, so give in to darkness or stay your hand.Good to know Jorani wasnt the only one weaker than Monk Happy, though it raised the question of why the portly fellow saw fit to spar with him in the first place. Either way, upon hearing the monks statement and seeing the bossman struggle to understand it, Jorani finally tore his eyes away from the conflict and saw what all the fuss was about. Several metres behind Monk Happy sat a ramshackle little village, one that wasnt there the last time he visited. Monks of all shapes and sizes stood shoulder to shoulder in a line guarding the village inhabitants, the latter of which held all manner of tools and weapons with which to defend themselves. They looked like they knew how to use them too, and as well they should, for each and every last one of them bore the mark of the Fathers foul touch upon them.For this was a village of Defiled, here on the doorstep to the Brotherhoods monastery.Ugly was too simple a word to describe it, for these Defiled were not in any way hideous, unpleasant to gaze upon. There was a wrongness to them that was evident at first glance, but not something as obvious as a defect or disfigurement, though they had their fair share of scars and blemishes. It was the same gut reaction Jorani experienced when half-wildcat Li Song studied him like a threat, an instinctive fear and loathing of the other party. They were Defiled as Defiled could be, coated so thickly in sin one could simply sense it by looking at them, every bit the Fathers foul minions as Demons and Wraiths. While Jorani had known the Brotherhoods doors were opened to the Defiled, it was another thing altogether to see them come together and support an entire tribe.And supported they were, for those tools they held were meant for building new homes, better, sturdier ones to replace the ramshackle shelters. Already, Jorani could see a few such examples, homes which were not exactly expertly built, but far more serviceable than a bunch of twigs and leaves thrown together to provide shade. The Brotherhood was teaching them to build, and from the looks of things, cook and clean as well, for Jorani spotted fish and game roasting over campfires as well as wet clothing hanging on lines. For what it was worth, there were no Defiled Weapons amongst them, only wood axes, saws, shovels, and even sturdy wood poles, but he knew they would put up a damned hard fight if push should come to shove, and he had no intentions of pulling punches if things were to get so far.The Brotherhoods ideals were lofty and noble, but grounded in reality, they were not. These were Defiled, plain and simple, and leaving them alive was a risk he would not care to take. Best if they were...Hang on...Striding forward into the village, he absently greeted the monks he recognized and noted a few new faces in the crowd, but his attention was fixated on something else. Peering past monk Bones, he stopped in his tracks and realized why the Brotherhood were so adamant about protecting these Defiled. They got their kids with them, he said to no one in particular, before turning to the bossman with a disappointed stare, unsure what else to say. Seeing the bossmans blank stare, Jorani moved aside and pointed into the trees at the splash of colour that caught his eye. The bossman saw it too, saw the kite clutched in the trembling hands of a frightened young child, one maybe five or six years of age. There were other children also spread about, some hiding in the trees while others peeked out from behind doors or other hiding spaces that were none too effective, and Jorani imagined thered be more he couldnt see.The change in the bossman was startling to behold as his anger was replaced by guilt and self-recrimination. His sword dropped to the ground as he stared into the trees, and Jorani could almost read the thoughts behind them. How could I have done this? Am I a monster? Will the Mother forsake me for my actions? They were the same thoughts Jorani had after his first raid, when he came across some kids hiding in a cellar while bandits plundered their village clean. He hadnt killed anybody, in fact, no one had died at all since the villagers were wise enough to pay their taxes, but even then, Jorani felt monstrous to the extreme for taking from people who already had so little to call their own. The bossmans situation was far from the same, but he was harder on himself than anyone had a right to be. Shuffling over to nudge Monk Happy aside, Jorani extended a hand to the bossman and said, I know ye didnt see em, else ye wouldnt have attacked, but the milk has been spilled and the damage done. Best ye can do is not make the same mistake again.Oddly enough, the bossman seemed to understand Jorani, or at least he didnt struggle to comprehend it. Pulling him up on his feet, Jorani watched the bossman study the Defiled tribesmen for long seconds, with his focus lingering on the children hiding in the shadows. He didnt move or react in any way, but Jorani felt his pain upon seeing how frightened all those kids were, but there was nothing else to be said. Out in the battlefield, even Jorani might not spare a Defiled child, but it was clear these they were trying to make a better life for themselves, and he could not bring himself to deny them even a chance. Granted, he didnt expect any of this to work out and could only pray these Defiled all died before making it out of the Arid Wastes, but maybe they werent all that different from regular folk after all.Because Defiled or not, they were ready to die for their children, and that had to be worth something. The barest minimum at least, since even wild beasts would fight to defend their young, but it was better than nothing.Running out from her ring of Concealed guards, Lady Mei Lin made her way to the bossmans side and took his hand from Joranis. Thanks Jor-Jor, she chimed, so charming and utterly unfazed by the hostilities. Then she forgot all about him as she drew the bossmans attention, and the change was startling to see, his tensions melting away as he gazed into her eyes, though his self-deprecating attitude remained firmly fixed in place.Turning to the crowd of monks, Jorani took a moment to consider what he should say, whether to warn the monks of Defiled tendencies or maybe threaten the Defiled tribesmen to behave. In the end, after taking another look at the children in the trees, Jorani merely sighed and tossed his rucksack aside. Alright, he began, striding over to the crowd to get a better view of their construction efforts. Looks like yall are buildin a village, so lets get it done. The Defiled didnt seem to understand him, so he looked to the monks instead, namely Monk Happy who was beaming from ear to ear. Well? Cmon now, we burnin sunlight here.The Brotherhood meant well, they really did, and Jorani didnt have the heart to dissuade them. He really hoped he was wrong and these Defiled would really forsake the Father and become proper people again, but if there was killing that needed to be done, he would gladly do it in the Brotherhoods stead. By helping them out, not only could he see how the Defiled behaved with his own eyes and draw his own conclusions, but he might even win their trust and make his job easier if the worst should come to pass.Flashing a smile at the kids in the trees and doing his best not to see their faces, he grabbed a stack of timber and prayed things would never get that far.Chapter Meme
