Chapter 237

Following his information, Dastan struggled to simply accept this new actuality. The nice and cozy afternoon solar kissed his cheeks as he marched throughout the paved stone path in rhythmic cadence, the summer season breeze carrying the scent of burnt herbs and incense. Vibrant, verdant foliage accented the pristine, white-brick partitions, with nary a stray leaf to cowl the orderly traces of curved roof tiles whereas varied statuettes of crouched or seated animals dotted the ridge line and corners, glazed ceramic guardians there to interrupt up the monotony and supposedly defend the inhabitants from non secular intruders. Although he famous all of it in passing, it appeared so surreal, as if life had been however a dream, his actions not his personal, his physique a shell prodded alongside by the Power of the Heavens, pressured to hold out his orders.

Each millimetre of this manor appeared in flawless situation, little question because of the labours of a military of servants, all barely paid sufficient to maintain their households fed. All of the fats nobles of Sanshu deserved to die in a fiery conflagration, their greed and corruption a blight upon this as soon as nice Empire.

Dismissing his bloodthirsty musings as a flight of fancy, Dastan ambled alongside till he reached the door of his new bed room. The master bedroom on the third degree of a visitor home, the facet of the room held an opulent lacquer wooden mattress, its curtains opened to disclose patterned silk sheets and plump, pliable cushions. Gilded drawers, ornate chests, carved armchairs, and polished show instances lined the partitions, with valuable vases, stunning work, beautiful wall scrolls and even an elaborately carved piss pot holder, all there for the visitors viewing pleasure. Amazed by the sheer extravagance and honour, Dastan stumbled into the room, marvelling at one merchandise after one other.New novel chapters are revealed on

Catching his reflection in a mirror, he discovered a stranger staring again. Although by no means overly useless, Dastan took satisfaction in his look, at all times striving to look clear and neat as a disciplined warrior ought to. Together with his hair plastered in blood, swollen black eyes, tattered garments, and hunched again, he appeared the a part of his new life. So unusual, as a warrior, regardless of his accomplishments, it will have been years earlier than he earned the proper to sleep in such luxurious circumstances, but right here is the place hed spend his first evening as a slave.

Sure, the trustworthy, hard-working, Dastan Zhandos, Warrant Officer of the Empire, the warrior who slew the Highlander Headsman, was now nothing greater than a slave. A prized possession doing no matter his Grasp demanded of him, whether or not it’s combat the Defiled, wash soiled socks, or be placed on show. This was the end result of the trail hed chosen, an finish to his desires of reformation and equality for all. Not solely his desires, however the desires of his retinue and their households as all of them joined him in shame. His household as properly, his grandparents, mother and father, uncles and aunts, siblings and cousins, nieces and nephews, all plucked from their snug lives and compelled into slavery as a result of he sought to problem the Empire.

And to assume, this was the very best of a nasty scenario.

Beneath the mirror sat a basin of water, the clear liquid quickly turning clouded as he cleansed filth and blood from his physique. Feeling refreshed, he opened the balcony door and located a blinding view overlooking courtyard, the wonder and serenity of the manor piercing by the awful desolation of his soul, giving start to a tiny glimmer of hope amidst the grief and sorrow. That very same glimmer was instantly quashed as he noticed Falling Rain curled up on the grass together with his pets and three, beautiful younger ladies.

How enviable.

Realizing he might need had the identical, Dastans coronary heart ached on the loss, however that life was ceaselessly denied to him now. Not did he stand in rivalry with Falling Rain, the youngest third-class Warrant Officer in 10,000 years turned the youngest second-class Warrant Officer in historical past. The rumours of his appetites unfold far and vast, and although all rumours spout from a grain of fact, Dastan beforehand thought this one nothing greater than false slander. Regardless of, all nice males had their vices, and Rain appeared a good sufficient type. A quiet, contemplative younger warrior whose amber eyes missed little, he was a compassionate, brave warrior who empathized with the widespread man. Serving him wouldnt be the worst factor on the earth.

Peering down on the stones beneath, Dastan briefly puzzled if the three-story drop can be sufficient to kill him.

Simply barely, if he aimed to land on his head.

The second he thought-about tumbling over the railing, Heavenly Power descended upon him, choking the air from his lungs like a metal vice closed round his chest. Doubling over, he struggled for breath whereas banishing the considered suicide, groaning in a mix of ache and aid because the strain light. Such had been the restrictions positioned upon him, stopping him from even taking his personal life. No, as a slave, his life was a valuable commodity, one to be valued and presumably traded on a whim. The identical factor would occur if he considered killing his Grasp, disobeying an order, or any multitude different issues, his life now not his personal.

Lamenting his destiny, he dragged himself again into the room to hold out his orders: settle in, eat, and recuperate. Its splendour and opulence now not touched him, for a gilded cage, regardless of how stunning, was nonetheless a cage. Hanging his defend and crossbow on the mattress body inside arms size, he set to cleansing his axe with a rag. The acquainted routine introduced a small semblance of peace to his new, soul-crushing existence, setting his thoughts comfortable. Completed with the duty, he took a seat on the small tea desk, absently noting how the costly, white-jade desk stood in jarring distinction to the remainder of the rooms brown, pink, and gold color scheme.

Proof constructive that cash couldnt purchase good style.

A thump on his door roused Dastan from his ideas. Opening it, he discovered meals ready on the ground, a bowl of stew, three buns, a plate of steamed greens, and a gourd of water. Praying it was freed from spit or different taint, his rumbling stomach overwhelmed all warning as he devoured a bun on his means again to the desk. Although it might need been as a result of the final time he ate was nearly forty hours in the past, the meal was extra scrumptious than something hed eaten in current reminiscence. The buns hid a savoury, meaty centre, the greens crisp and juicy, and the aromatic, hearty stew deliciously spiced. Even the water appeared colder and crisper than something hed ever tasted, emptying the gourd in a single swig. Stomach full and thoughts exhausted, he modified garments and crawled into mattress, sinking into the smooth, silken sheets with a contented sigh. Being a battle prison of the Empire, he needed to admit, this remedy was much better than he deserved. Closing his eyes, he informed himself every little thing can be all proper.

Inform the lie usually sufficient and it would come true.

Peaceable relaxation was denied to him as he drifted by desires of bloodshed and carnage. In them, he introduced the Coalition to victory in opposition to the nefarious Union and Alliance. Carving by the guards, Dastan reduce down the fats Justice of the Peace, placing an finish to the architect of Sanshus downfall. With axe in hand, he led his retinue in opposition to the misguided fools, standing alongside heroes like Guard Captain Jianghong, XiaoGong… and Yo Ling?

No, it wasnt proper. Yo Ling, the Spectre of Butcher Bay, bandit and assassin, was no hero of the Empire.

Neither was Dastan Zhandos.

Waking with a begin, the revelation practically crushed him as despair and remorse stuffed his being, mourning his foolhardy selections. Hed recognized one thing was improper however hed refused to cease and assume, following orders like a superb little soldier. Main XiaoGong was his idol, a disciplined warrior he aspired to emulate, a noble of the ruling class who didnt mistreat these beneath him. Below XiaoGong’s tutelage, Dastan rose to excellence, eschewing conventional teachings for extra radical practices, like drawing power from righteous fury and giving himself to Enlightenment. To serve below XiaoGong had been Dastans dream, standing beside his hero to overturn the current state of affairs and ultimately overthrow the Emperor.

After which XiaoGong betrayed all of them, succumbing to torture earlier than turning Demon.

The reminiscence haunted Dastan as he laid in mattress, remembering his hero standing on stage with arms chained behind his again. Fungs humble servant approached the pillar, his bag of instruments clinking in time together with his steps. With none additional ado, the ugly work started and Dastan closed his eyes, unable to abdomen the horrible sight, however the screams… It felt like hours of XiaoGong resisting as finest he might, however his strangled cries of anguish quickly turned to howls of vengeance as Dastans hero devolved into one thing lower than human. Ranting of demise and destruction, he spewed hateful poison whereas the torturer plied his commerce, each phrase hammering nails deep into Dastans coronary heart.

Then, the group gasped and Dastan opened his eyes simply in time to catch a glimpse of his idols feral grin. XiaoGongs flesh rippled beneath what remained of his pores and skin, warping into one thing… Unholy. A wave of pure malevolence burst from the tortured Defiled, an evil Aura of foul hatred, anathema to all that was good.

Seeing Rains frown, Dastan held his tongue, however Rain rapidly pieced issues collectively. Ah. Hes hoping whoever comes subsequent will assume twice about Purging Sanshu, since itd imply they have to additionally purge the Bekhai.

It felt good to talk with a reliable particular person. The Bekhai had been no savages, it doesn’t matter what anybody mentioned. Not solely the Bekhai. Id wager the Justice of the Peace will reward unbound slaves to Situ Jia Zian, Tong Da Fung, Han BoShui, Jin ZhiLan, Main Yuzhen, and anybody else who would possibly pull his ass out of the hearth. Unable to cover info which could hurt his Grasp, Dastan reluctantly added, Although its doubtless all these slaves can be killed earlier than leaving the town. The dangers far outweigh the advantages and everybody will wish to distance themselves from Sanshu.

Rain sighed as soon as once more, palming his face to rub his eyes. After an extended pause, he appeared Dastan within the eyes and requested, Why did you insurgent?

As a result of I believed the ends justifies the means. The world we dwell in is damaged, and somebody wants to repair it. Ive by no means been one to take a seat round and let different folks act in my place. The Coalition was part of the issue, however Main XiaoGong was completely different. Faltering on the point out of his former hero-turned-demon, Dastan pressed on. Or no less than, I believed he was completely different. I didnt know in regards to the collusion with Yo Ling till we had been exterior Sanshus partitions. I used to be informed the Coalition was utilizing Yo Ling to cleanse Sanshu of its filth, and on their orders, I uncovered the left flank to the Defiled military. The thought was to drive Yuzhens elites away and hold them from interfering, shopping for time to for the Coalition forces inside Sanshu to scrub up each Yo Ling and the Magistrates forces. Then, theyd instill XiaoGong as the following Justice of the Peace and… properly, Im undecided.

You make it appear so harmless, however you killed troopers of the Empire. You nearly killed my buddy.

Swallowing his sigh, Dastan owned the error. That I did. Although I attempted to cover away and kill as few as attainable, I used to be pressured into motion when Main Yuzhen despatched orders for me to group up. I had no selection however to strike, lest my absence was famous and the outlet of their defences observed. Earlier than the battle, I warned Fung to flee ought to issues go improper, so I hoped just a few quarrels would ship him operating, however he stood and fought to the final man. Piecing collectively my involvement, he known as me out by identify, demanding I meet him in battle, and so I did. Nearly dying within the course of. Although he hated to confess it, Dastan didnt go straightforward on Fung, and if not for the servant/torturer revealing his presence, they each would have died on that subject in mutual destruction.

Misplaced in thought, Rain sat in silence for a number of minutes, deliberating the destiny of Dastan and his folks. After an eternity of ready, Rain shook his head and Dastans coronary heart stopped. I can use you and your retinue, however I nonetheless cant belief your folks. Possibly if my… If issues modified and I used to be sure they werent tainted, then I might make an argument to carry them away, however because it stands, its too harmful. I’ve to reply to my Grand Mentor and she or he shouldn’t be a lady to cross calmly.

Trembling in place, Dastan pressured the phrases previous the lump in his throat. Will you be merciful?

I havent signed their demise warrants but. Lets go away that as a final resort. Itll be per week or two earlier than had been in any form to journey, so I nonetheless have time to deliberate. Standing up, he shrugged and added, Who is aware of, perhaps properly get fortunate and the choice can be out of my palms. Heading to the mattress, Dastans aid rapidly turned to apprehension. Did Falling Rain imply to sleep right here? With him? his selection in ladies, Rain’s tastes different wildly, maybe he even favored to rut with males.

Oh candy Mom have mercy, my chrysanthemum is at risk…

Sit down on the mattress. Unable to withstand Rain’s command, Dastan closed his eyes and waited. Taking Dastan’s hand in his personal, Rain stood in silence for what felt like an eternity as Dastan’s coronary heart hammered away in his chest, his abdomen threatening to empty his dinner throughout his new grasp. After an extended second, Rain let go and clicked his tongue and mumbled, Fucking nugatory blob… Cannot do shit. Guess I am going to have to attend for affirmation…

It took a while earlier than Dastan gathered sufficient braveness to open his eyes, letting out a sigh of aid as he watched Rain learning the crossbow, his amber eyes vast with intrigue. Testing the strings pull, he requested, Fung informed me these items had been highly effective so how come its so mild on the draw?

Grateful his chrysanthemum was spared, Dastan hurried to elucidate the finer factors of the crossbow. This weapon is the end result of many years of testing, with many enhancements not discovered wherever else. The inventory accommodates a system of pulleys to make drawing the bowstring simpler with out negatively impacting its energy.

Pulleys, why didnt I consider that… Silly.

The bowstring itself can also be particular, constituted of the leg tendons of wildcats. Seeing Rains look of horror, Dastan recalled the pet felines lazing exterior and hurriedly continued. There are different, higher decisions, like gale rabbits or prong-horned deer, however its not solely the tendons which make the bowstrings particular. Theyre bolstered with the quills of an unique fowl native to the southern province, including energy and sturdiness. Theres extra to it, however Im no skilled.

How a lot do they price? Looks like an extended strategy to ship quills.

We paid subsequent to nothing for the quills. Straightening with satisfaction, he defined, Theres a service provider from the Coalition who collects unique birds, and their feathers usually blow into the streets. My uncle found the quills by chance and we collected greater than sufficient feathers to make tons of of crossbows. You could possibly additionally declare the birds if youd like, their proprietor is both useless or quickly to be. There have been over twenty birds final I checked. Although stunning creatures, Dastan thought it finest to not point out their jarring, raucous name, finest described as a grating, mocking, eerily human chortle.

Fortunately, Rain was extra within the crossbow, although why, Dastan couldnt say. The Bekhai earned a lot fame as a consequence of their unimaginable expertise in archery. After asking just a few extra questions, Rain appeared up and grinned. Im not an enormous fan of birds, however who is aware of. I dont thoughts just a few extra pets and if theyre too annoying, then perhaps theyll style scrumptious. Lets go seize them after which I wish to have a chat along with your uncle. Oh, he added, You and your retinue are my new bodyguards. Collect them up please, I dont really feel secure wandering the streets of Sanshu after darkish.

Brimming with satisfaction, Dastan saluted and ran off to hold out his orders. Maybe there was hope but, with Dastans uncle proving his price. Moreover, hed by no means dreamed of receiving a place of such nice honour. Anybody who insulted them can be insulting Rains honour, permitting them to carry their heads up excessive regardless of of their standing as slaves. Although a far cry from his former standing, Dastan was prepared to function penance for his crimes.

Although Dastan Zhandos would by no means discover fame, there was no shame in standing facet by facet with the rising dragon Falling Rain, defending him from hurt and following him to greatness. If want be, Dastan was even prepared to surrender his chrysanthemum.

It would not be the worst factor it the world… wouldn’t it?

He prayed he’d by no means have to seek out out.

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