Chapter 127: To Be Expected.

I kept my mouth shut. And thankfully, neither Morrigan nor Joan spoke up. The man, continued to look down at us from his throne.

“I am Liu Chou. Head of this city. And head of the Liu clan, a subsidiary of the Xia clan. And as I have said, I have been expecting you.” His voice echoed through the hall.

“And I have been anticipating this meeting as well, Liu Chou.” I say, bowing again. “But if I may, what is it that you were expecting?”

He glowered, “Not this that’s for sure. I was told of your arrival, I am well aware of why you are here. What your purpose is.”

His words, took us by surprise. The tension ratcheted. I felt both Morrigan and Joan shift uncomfortably, both readying to fight if necessary. I, however, stayed calm.

“If you are aware, then why have you elected to meet us.” I asked, my calm, ice-laced voice easily cut through the tension.

“Curiosity, primarily, and also, to hear what you have to say.” He says calmly. As if unbothered and perhaps he was, but…

“And how long have you known?” I continued.

“Since the first moment you appeared, when the air first shifted. When our precious ley lines began to bleed out. Since that moment word has spread throughout the realm of your arrival, of what it means.”

“Is that so, then, may I ask, what is stopping us from simply taking your head?” I said, and the man scoffed.

“Do you really think you could take me?” With his words, his energy flared, pressing down on us with a physical force that nearly had us crumpling to the ground.

Even then, I continued. “Easily, after all, you are injured, aren’t you?” I said, giving him my best confident smile. The pressure fades. His easy smile fades, his posture shifts.

After a long moment of contemplation he speaks, “And how did you know that?”

“The incense.” I answered easily enough. “That, and it’s clear from how you sit. You remind me of my master, as we were nearing the end of my training with him. If this truly came down to a fight, I’m certain we can kill you before your guards come swarming in.”

He eyes for me for a long moment before sighing. “And you would be right.” With a wave of his hand, a wave of pressure whipped out and doused the incense sticks. The air cleared instantly as he stood from his throne with nary a groan.

Now standing, and without any additional preamble, he spoke, commanded, “Follow me.” And without much else, he turned and left. We followed without pause as he led us into a side room. The room itself wasn’t much, but far cozier than where we had been. On the table was a set of utensils for tea making.

We all sat down around the table, both Morrigan and Joan were confused by the sudden change of pace, but me, I had a feeling I understood what was going on. With us all seated, he began to make tea. Slow, but sure. When it came time to heat the kettle, heat emanated from his palm, bringing it to a boil in a matter of moments.

When he was done, he passed it over. I did my part of the ritual, which I could tell pleased him, as for Joan and Morrigan, well…

“Eck, leaf water…” Morrigan said distastefully, but drank it all the same. “Pretty good though…” She muttered after downing it.

“Uh, um… thank you… for the tea.” Joan said, not quite sure what to say in the moment. I ignored that. Focusing entirely on the man before me. He nodded slowly, a shared understanding passing between us.

“You continue to surprise me, you seem rather… cultured despite what I expected.” He says, somewhat amused.

“My master was strict on many things.” I reply back, taking my time to enjoy the tea.

“They must have been capable.”

“He was.”

“I can see it. You walk with purpose, something you don’t see often.”

“He would be proud to hear you say that.” I replied back.

Light words passed next. Little things here and there, talking about the tea, the temperature. Despite how calm the topic seemed, it hid under it a raging storm. Even through idle conversation the man was probing us, gathering information.

Eventually though, we got to the point. “What is it you wanted to discuss with us?” I said when the opportunity presented itself.

“Many things, but mainly, what are your plans for this realm?”

“Uncertain.” I answered honestly. “We’re still in the initial stages.”

“I’ve been told that was a possibility. Especially when your fellows didn’t immediately attack the patrol that encountered them.”

“Which is what gave you the confidence to meet us face to face.” I answered back.

“Exactly. And as I’ve said, we are aware of why you are here, your purpose. Which brings us to the reason why I’m even meeting you. As its clear, or at least, you seem hesitant to simply wipe us out for your masters.” He said as calm as ever.

“I don’t suppose that means you’re just going to surrender then?” I ask.

“No, it does not. However, I do not believe this needs to turn into bloodshed.”

“Are you proposing, a third option?” I asked.

“Indeed, rather, I am here to tell you a third option exists. Of the specifics, I cannot say. However there exists a person that can better explain what that option is.”

“And I assume this person it the one that informed you of our existence?” I posited.

“More or less. They also warned us against initiating hostilities and to be as accommodating as possible, well, within reason of course.” He continued.

“A smart individual, and when are we to meet them?” I questioned.

“As soon as they are available. With your appearance, the realm has grown dangerous. The wildlife has grown anxious, and attacks on the surrounding villages have increased dramatically. Until the situation is brought under control, or at least, until certain preparations are made, they will not be able to meet you.”

“And I suppose you wouldn’t know what those preparations are?”

He shrugs. “I do not know. That information is privy, to only the most elite of the Xiao clan.”

A silent moment passed as we took turns drinking and pouring tea. Eventually, I spoke again. “And how long will that take, and what am I to do until then?”

“As for timing, I’m not sure, but you are free to stay until they arrive. And for what you can do, if you’re up for it, I do have something in mind for you.” He says, and looks us over.

I was curious to hear what he had in mind, but first… “Can you tell me why this realm is the way it is, how it came to be like this?”

He frowns. “I don’t know the specifics. I only know that one day the world as we knew it ended, and the world was sundered. Our province was ripped away from the rest of the world. And ever since, we’ve been on our own.”

“Then, this isn’t the capital?” I say.

“No.” He said with a light laugh. “This is merely a border city.”

“And what if I wanted to make the trip to the capital, could I? Instead of waiting for this mysterious person?”

“If that is your wish, I’m sure something could be arranged..”

“I’ll have to keep that in consideration then...”

From there we transitioned to talking about the realm. He was clearly just giving me vague information, but that was enough to piece together what the current situation was.

The realm itself could be compared to a walled garden. Just large enough to be a self-sustaining ecosystem, yet too small to expand or grow. There was a delicate balance that existed, kept in place by the various subsidiary clans, and the single ruling clan.

There had been, at one time a proper provincial government, but with the sundering, the government collapsed. As we spoke, there were numerous mentions of the empire they had once belonged to, and each time its name was brought up, Joan looked distinctly uncomfortable. As if she had heard the name before, as if it was familiar.

Something to keep in mind.

Eventually the conversation died down, and the clan leader made a request.

“I would like to ask of you, a spar.”

“With you?” I asked. Confused.

“Yes.” He said calmly.

“For what purpose?” I ask.

“I wish to ascertain your ability. Depending on the outcome, I would like to have you spar with my granddaughter, Liu Lian.”

“You’d like me to train her then?” I say, confused.

“Not necessarily, I doubt she needs teaching. She just needs someone outside of the clan to spar with and you seem like a good choice.”

“And when would you like to spar?” I ask.

“As soon as possible.”

“Very well, now is acceptable.” I answered back, I was tired, exhausted form the trek and the politics, but… A good spar would help loosen me up for sure. That and I was curious to see what this old man had up his sleeves.

“Wonderful!” He said with a clap of his hands, simultaneously summoning a servant. He gave the servant orders to prep the sparring yard.

It wasn’t a long walk. The yard was behind the larger building, it wasn’t much to look at really. Just an open field without a speck of grass. The ground itself was somewhat soft, but the footing was good.

We started the spar with little preamble. In the first few exchanges it became clear that this wasn’t just an ordinary spar, but a test. A kind of interview. He used not an ounce of magical might, focusing solely on martial prowess. Following his lead, I did much the same.

Even without the ice, it wasn’t too difficult to keep up with him. My foundation was solid enough that I could handle most of his strikes or blows. After some time, we swapped to different weapons, and each time he had the same carefree look on his face.

Only, it was a charade. The clan leader was keeping up the pace but even this much exertion had him sweating, whereas I was perfectly fine.

By the end of it, even though he hid it, his hands were shaking, his breathing was uneven. Perhaps it was a trick, something for me to see, a trap. As, it was clear he wasn’t using his full might, but either way, it was a show of weakness.

As we settled, he announced. “I’ve decided, I’d like you to spar with my granddaughter.”

“Really?” I asked, confused. “Just like that? You don’t need to test me further?”

“You have a solid foundation, something she lacks. Not just that, but your fundamentals are flawless, so, I truly believe you would be a good match for her.”

“And what would I get in return?” I question, focusing instead on what was important.

“Whatever you seek. Money, wealth, materials, simply ask and I shall grant it to you. All I ask is that you keep working with my granddaughter until she learns what she must.”

I eyed him, considering his words. “I’ll consider, but first, I’d like to meet with her, and I would like to see how she fights. Afterwards, I can decide if I want to continue sparring with her, and how much I should ask for.”

“But of course, I’ll have a servant bring her over now.”

And true to his words, shortly after sending a servant off, she appeared.

She looked, stuck-up for sure. Like a young girl that was rarely told no. She gave me a look like I was an insect, and scoffed, but didn’t disagree when the old man said she was to spar with me. She said nothing as the weapons were taken out, her hands went right for a training spear.

I ignored her provocative gaze as I looked over the weapons. I’d tested most of them out in my previous spar, but seeing as how my opponent was using a spear, I chose one as well. She looked almost upset that I had chosen the same weapon as her. But what disregard she had faded as she watched me test the weight of spear, giving it a few jabs, a couple twirls to get a feel for it.

A rifle, in a way, wasn’t unlike a spear. Especially with the bayonet attached. It could be used as a club, or a small rod without the bayonet. Recent months had, in a way, overwritten a little of what I remembered from my master, but the motions were very much like riding a bike after so long. Familiar, almost nostalgic.

After a few minutes of running through drills, I was confident I wouldn’t be disgracing my master. So, with spear in hand I stood opposite her, and motioned for her to come.

Seeing my provocation, well, she bit like a fish would bite a hook. With a scowl, the girl, rather, the young woman came surging forward. Her movements were powerful, full of force and yet…

Her foundation was rickety. A slight sidestep to avoid her thrust, followed by a swipe of my spear had it crack into her shin, nearly sending her tumbling to the floor. Instead of pursuing, I took a step back, and once more motioned for her to come.

Her face was red, teeth grit, she came again. Though, once bitten, twice shy, she was a bit more hesitant. Another flaw. It was easy to piece apart when she made a half-hearted attack, my own spear swung out, smacking into her spear’s body, nearly flinging it from her hands as I pressed forward.

Thrown off balance by my swift strike, it was all too easy to bring the butt of my spear around and sweep her legs out from under her, sending her tumbling to the ground.

She groaned, both out of irritation, and pain. Once again, I backed off, allowing her to stand.

This time, she was a bit steadier. Something in her demeanor shifted, her stance changed. In fact, it looked like she was taking this seriously for the first time. She was more cautious this time. Not quite rushing forward but inching around and slowly working in closer.

Calmly, I walked, not quite taking a stance, but not quite at ease. Still, in comparison, I almost looked at ease. Slowly, the gap closed, and once we were close, she struck out with a series of quick thrusts.

I played along, easily taking the trio of thrusts, deflecting them with the body of my spear, and when she pushed forward, aiming to sweep my feet from under me, I went forward as well.

My motion took her off guard as I checked her with my spear. It wasn’t just my movement that shocked her, but also the force behind the blow as I pushed her back. Before she could recover, I slapped out with a series of swipes, each impacting the spear she held, until it went soaring away, and a final thrust that ended right before her throat signaled the end of the spar.

She looked down at the spear tip aimed at her throat, her face pale. A silence settled as her eyes flicked between the spear tip and me. A rush of blood came to her face, and just as she opened her mouth to say something, her grandfather spoke up.

“Wonderful!” He said with a laugh, all the while clapping. “Your master truly taught you well. I knew I was right about you!”

“He did.” I replied back, his granddaughter seemed upset that her grandfather had stepped in, and yet, his next words punctured her rapidly growing rage.

“It truly is amazing, I knew that your foundation was extremely solid, and our brief sparred proved as much, but I hadn’t realized just how solid it was, nor how shaky my own granddaughters was. Alas though, from what I’ve seen and experienced, you must be lacking in talent, no?”

The granddaughter blinked, anger giving way to an entirely different emotion.

“He said as much, but that didn’t stop him from teaching me the basics. Rather, if anything, it inspired him to focus even more on my foundation.” I replied back, which only caused the clan leader to become even more animated.

“I can see that, and I can see why you act as you do! He must have been a truly great man to build you up to this level with your talent.” He practically gushed.

“He was, and honestly, even I find it surprising that I’ve come this far despite my own talent.”

“I can imagine, building a foundation such as yours, even I would struggle to do so. Now, what did you think of my granddaughter?”

“Impatient, rickety. She needs plenty of tempering, and a good few beatdowns.” I said, looking at the young woman in question, her face burned, the clan leader laughed.

“Indeed! A fine assessment. Now, do you think you could be of assistance?”

“I could, but I need time to consider how I wish to be paid.” I answered back.

“Take your time. And if you decide not to, or if you wish to head towards the provincial capital, I can help provide transport if necessary.”

“I will consider that, now, is that it then, or was there more?” I ask.

“No, that will be all. I’ll have a messenger sent immediately to alert the Xiao clan that you have arrived.. In the meantime, I’ll have a servant escort you to your quarters. There you will be free to wash up and prepare; I’ll even allow you to bring your stone guardians into the city to help secure your temporary abode. As for amenities, I will graciously provide food and clothes for you while you’re under my care.”

“That sounds gracious indeed. Will that be it then? Are we just going to wait until the messenger returns?” I poked at the obvious issue.

“If you wish, but I’m sure you could find something to do, like helping my granddaughter more, or perhaps exploring the city or surroundings.”

He gives her a look that jolts her out of her stupor. She immediately bows. “I would be honored to receive further instruction!”

Oh, that was a bit surprising. Seeing that haughty girl bow and practically beg for another beating. Honestly, it was a bit exciting.

“I’ll keep that in mind, as I’ve already said. I will, however, have an answer for you tomorrow, clan leader Liu.”

“Then I look forward to hearing your answer.” He says with a smile and begins to walk away. At the same time a servant steps up to lead us to our quarters. However, as we are led away, I couldn’t help but glance back and notice Liu Lian, the granddaughter shooting me a look.

After we arrived at our estate, after we had settled in, Morrigan couldn’t help but open her mouth.

“So, what are you going to ask for?” She asked.

“No idea, I’m thinking magic metals. They likely have them on hand.” I said.

“Even if they do, do you think they’d actually pay you your worth?”

“Doubtful. No matter how careful I am, I’ll probably be cheated either way, the best I can do is get what leverage I can. At least until I can figure out what I can squeeze out of him.”

Morrigan smiles, “I look forward to seeing if you can corner that old geezer. Though, aren’t you concerned? He seemed amiable, but really, how do we know he isn’t trying to backstab us?”

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t.” I say, somewhat surprised at her thoughts, “It feels like everything has gone off the rails and I have no idea what that means… or how it will affect the overall mission. And honestly, if he is trying to stab us in the back, I welcome it.”

“You welcome it?” She asked confused.

“Yeah, because if they do that, it gives us an excuse to make a move and eliminate them all.”

She grins, a malicious smile on her face, a murderous glint in her eyes. “Oh, that would be fun. After all, everyone was on the fence, weren’t they?”

“Last I heard, and it’s not surprising, but if they turn out hostile, dangerous? It wouldn’t be hard to get everyone on our side.”

“And what if they’re not hostile?”

I shrug. “No idea. I don’t know how long we have, not exactly. I plan to give Diana a call later and brief her on what happened, but… I’m actually curious to hear what this supposed third option is.”

“And why is that?”

“Because, I’m not happy with just going along with the whims of the mascots, at least, not for this.”

Morrigan nods. “I get that. They always seem to have something going on in the background, plans within plans.”

“Right, and this feels like a chance to at least get an idea of what’s going on. Or at the very least, see where the limits lie.”

“Hoh, that makes sense.” Morrigan says nodding along.

“I’m actually surprised you didn’t cause a scene.” I say to her.

“You think I would?” Morrigan gave me a look.

“Without a doubt.”

She blinks, then smiles, and finally laughs. “I totally would have if this whole thing turned out boring! But, honestly, it was kinda fun. Seeing you two go back and forth, how you kept maneuvering around each other, even the spar, hell, it was almost like watching a drama! I just wish I had some snacks, or popcorn.”

“Ask around, they might have something like that, in the meantime, I’ll need you to use your crows to keep an eye on the surroundings and the city itself. Sure, he gave us free reign to wander around, but I’d like as much information as possible.”

“Sure thing! I mean, that is why I’m here, ain’t it?” She said with a too wide smile.

“Exactly, now get to it… I’d rather not have to wait a minute longer before sleeping in an actual bed.”

“I feel ya, I’ll get right on it!” She gave me a somewhat serious salute this time before bolting off. Leaving just me and Joan.

We shared a look. Both of us were clearly concerned about the coming troubles. She also looked like she wanted to say something but kept her lips shut. Eventually she left, and I retired to my own room, where I finally had the chance to call Diana and tell her about everything.