Chapter 238

Ready within the courtyard whereas Dastan gathers his individuals, I wrack my mind for a brand new plan. My authentic concept of scouring minds in quest of Spectres got here to a screeching halt as soon as I noticed Im incapable of scouring at will. Ive by no means examined it earlier than as a result of I used to be petrified of how individuals would react as soon as they realized I can actually dive into their heads, however Dastan made for a super check topic. Whereas the follow of slave Oaths is atrocious, I’ve to confess, it makes for a useful minion. As long as I maintain the pendant, Dastan cant betray my confidence, so I readied myself to dive into his mindscape and clarify my powers.

Sadly, issues didnt work out in follow.

The extra I be taught, the extra questions I uncover. I dont perceive how I slip into peoples brains, and irrespective of how arduous I attempted, I couldnt insert myself into Dastans mindscape, which leaves me proper again the place I began. So irritating. I by no means requested for this voodoo thoughts magic however the one time I attempt to use it, I fall flat on my face. Figures. I suppose Unwell anticipate Baledagh to get up earlier than discovering out if Dastans individuals are Spectre-free. Till then, Unwell be sleeping with one eye open.

Its a rattling disgrace. If itd labored, then it might have solved all my issues. Blobby itself doesnt detect Defiled, it solely cares about Demons and demon-derived commodities, so Im pressured to depend on Baledagh as soon as extra. Drawback is, whereas Baledaghs means to select the Defiled is beneficial, Id need to reveal these powers and persuade the Shrikes substitute of their validity. I determine attributing my Defiled detection prowess to Blobby was an ideal excuse, the one resolution Ive give you which doesnt finish within the slaughter of harmless civilians. Whereas Im undecided how the Empire will react to the information of Heavenly Water flowing by means of my veins, I assume itll contain some menace to my life, however Unwell cross that bridge once I get to it. Ive no different possibility. Yea, I have to toughen up, but when a couple of months from now, Sanshu is Purged and I did nothing to cease it, Unwell by no means forgive myself. With Baledaghs assist, we might single-handedly save a whole bunch of hundreds, if not tens of millions, of lives.

All I have to do is persuade the powers-that-be that I can sense the Defiled, with out anybody discovering I’ve a quasi-Defiled alter-ego hanging out in my cranium. Straightforward peasy.

Then once more, all my inner strife is pointless if Baledagh doesnt get up in time, or if hes not Defiled, which is a definite risk. I imply, if the Spectres are chargeable for Baledaghs Defiled radar, then had been shit out of luck contemplating Blobby ate all of the Spectres hanging out in my mind. I am not complaining, since Id sleep simpler realizing Baledagh is not vulnerable to going full murder-hobo, however Unwell be caught with the arduous query of what to do with the ticking time bomb that’s Dastans household.

Thats a lie. The reply is simple, Id select my household over his any day of the week. I imply, worst come to worst, if Blobby is revealed, Unwell throw myself on the Emperors mercy and develop into his canine to maintain my household secure, however to order the deaths of innocents… Nobody can defend me from my conscience.

Ive nonetheless acquired time to determine this out. I dont perceive, why I cant peer into peoples heads? Ive completed it earlier than, with Dagen, Bei, and Yo Ling, so why not Dastan’s? Dagen was being mentally assaulted by a Demon, Bei was a demon, and Yo Ling… managed Demons? Is that it? I can solely thoughts merge with Demons or these bothered by them? Is that why Blobby selected me, as a car to ship it to scrumptious Demon souls?

Falling Rain’s Heavenly Water supply service. Ha.

Focus… Yo Ling wasnt a Demon or Demon bothered, so how did I invade his mindscape? What makes him totally different from Dastan? Was it the six collared people? Blobby went straight for them, treating the multitude of Spectres surrounding us as a mere aspect dish. Six collared people in Yo Ling’s mind, six Demons beneath his command… Is that how Yo Ling managed them? By stealing away their hosts souls and threatening every Demons existence?

The fuck if I do know. Im greedy at straws right here, making too many assumptions as a result of I dont have sufficient info. Why is that this so difficult? I all the time examine protagonists with smart outdated mentors for his or her spirit companion, however on this case, I’m the smart outdated mentor.

Baledagh actually acquired shafted by my arrival.

Listening to Dastan method, I shelve my ideas to absorb the sight of his retinue. Overwhelmed by the directors announcement, I didnt get a very good take a look at them earlier, however I have to admit, theyre slightly spectacular. Backs straight and heads held excessive, their footsteps shake the bottom as they march in time, two by two with weapons on the prepared. Like a conductor retains time for his orchestra, Dastan units the tempo for his retinue, his battered face beaming with delight as he leads them in direction of me. Following his hand gestures, they unfold out in formation, 5 neat rows of ten males every, staring straight forward till all are in place, at which level they drop to 1 knee, bow their heads and clasp their palms in salute. As one, they shout, Awaiting orders, Nice One.

I actually shouldnt be intimidated by my very own bodyguards. Technically slaves, however calling them bodyguards makes me really feel higher about the entire scenario. Silly and meaningless, however all of us do what we should. Please stand, I say, shifting nearer to Dastan. Although his ft stay in place, the previous Warrant Officer leans away from my method, making me surprise if I scent unhealthy. In all probability, contemplating I spent all afternoon lounging with the quins, and their… distinctive musk takes some getting used to. Respectful of his private house, I cease at arms size and provides him a smile. Spectacular, however I favor to maintain issues low-key. No want for the marching, kneeling, or shouting.

By your command, Dastan replies, avoiding my gaze. What occurred? Throughout dinner, he had no issues with eye contact, however now hes performing like a scared schoolgirl. The burdens of management, I suppose, cant be too pleasant together with your troopers. I suppose I used to be spoiled by my first retinue, having solid a way of camaraderie with them again once I was a no person. Whereas I used to be handled with respect, they by no means tensed up round me until they had been breaking the foundations, all the time joyful to share a drink or crack a joke.

I didnt simply lose troopers, I misplaced mates.

Trying over their replacements, Im overcome with melancholy and guilt. Forty-nine warriors, each with a defend, crossbow, and one or two weapons of their alternative. Wholly unarmoured, they put on easy brown or gray servants garments scavenged from the manor closets, although theyd in all probability look fearsome sporting rags. With fourteen Religious Weapons amongst them together with Dastans, its a world of distinction from my ragtag group of former cripples who introduced a sum whole of zero, the distinction between the commoners and elites.

Behind the group stands a couple of commoners, huddled round a portly, balding man. Glancing at Dastan in query, he waves the bald man ahead and says, Nice One, that is my Uncle. The journey will take time, so I assumed it prudent to convey him with us. The others are craftsmen who might need different insights so as to add.

I gotta say, I kinda get pleasure from being referred to as Nice One. Sounds good, lets transfer out. No less than Dastan isnt being obtuse and solely finishing up my orders to the letter, although issues may change if I’ve his household executed. Peering down from the balconies, the households of my new guards watch with concern of their eyes, huddled collectively for consolation. Ignore them, dont get connected. It doesnt matter if theyre harmless, it doesnt matter if theyre children. If I cant convey them with me, then I have to order their deaths.

It will be a mercy.

…

I hate it right here.

Outsourcing is an excellent factor.

Nonetheless dreaming of the infinite prospects, we attain our vacation spot with out fanfare. Although the town guards are none too joyful seeing Dastan and his retinue, their attitudes take a full 180 as soon as I pull out my shiny new silver-etched jade token. Glad to oblige, they open the doorways and not using a fuss, although they ship somebody to inform the directors workplace. I dont thoughts, theyre simply doing their jobs, and worst-case state of affairs, I pay for all of the animals I undertake.

Aware of the grounds, Diyako leads the best way, my anticipation constructing to a crescendo as we comply with the a stone-paved walkway in direction of a line of cages. A cacophony of squawks and chirps greet us as I open my ears, listening for the joyful sounds my new, furry mates. And ready. And listening.

… The place are the growls? The yowls? The barks and the yips? All I hear is bird-noises.

Shifting down the pathway, I move cage after cage stuffed with all method of birds, fluttering about in a frenzy of color and sound. Fairly as they’re, Im not an enormous fan of birds. For one, they style scrumptious and I cant love one thing if I consider it as meals. Second, most birds have these bizarre, beady little eyes, all the time huge open and unable to specific emotion. Then theres the projectile pooping, and I dont want to elucidate why thats a adverse.

Whereas Im nonetheless searching for the mammals part, Diyako involves a halt earlier than a cage, mentioning the supply of my future crossbow strings. Boasting a chubby, stocky body, sharp, curved talons and lengthy, pointed beaks, these birds are undoubtedly predators, a guess made all of the extra sure as they sit of their perches, eyeing us in silence, unperturbed by our look. In regards to the measurement of hawk, their wings are principally brown with a splash of blue, with somewhat brown and white tuft atop their head, like a nasty case of mattress head. White-bellied and delightfully fluffy, theyre slightly cute for birds, although larger than anticipated.

Im nonetheless not tremendous enthusiastic about them, however its okay. Theyre assets, not companions. Reaching into my pouch, I pull out a chunk of dried fish, and faucet it in opposition to the bars whereas I put together my Aura. The birds all eye the meals, seemingly ravenous since their caretakers have all been taken into custody. Choosing the cutest, fattest chicken of the bunch, I lengthen my Aura round it, imparting a way of affection and companionship to entice it over.

Err, I wouldnt do this. Diyako voices his concern as I stick my hand into the cage, however I wave it apart, concentrating on the duty at hand. Utilizing Aura for different feelings takes rather more focus than regular, solely capable of cowl two residing beings at a time, as a substitute of the seemingly limitless default Aura. If I get the most important, fattest chicken on my good aspect, than the others ought to theoretically comply with go well with. After a cocking its head left and proper a couple of instances, the fatty chicken flies to a more in-depth perch, nonetheless out of attain. hopping from one foot to the following, it appears to be like forwards and backwards between me and the meals, unwilling to return inside arms size. Hunkering down, it appears to be like a minimum of 3 times extra cute up shut, its chest and crest all puffed out, trying like an adorably offended chicken. Rigorously extending my arm, the fish makes its means additional into the cage, however nonetheless, the fatty doesnt transfer.

Aww, dont be scared birdy. Its okay. Im simply gonna feed you some fishies. You want fishies proper? Come right here and take the fishes, then Unwell pet you and love you. Cmon, dont be shy.

As soon as my arm is totally prolonged and midway within the cage, the fats chicken flaps over and takes the deal with from my hand, selecting my palm to eat. Gobbling the fish in mere seconds, the chicken hops in a small circle earlier than trying me within the eye. Aww, how cute, Im assume Unwell title you Roc, just like the mythical-

Letting free with an unholy squawk, Roc pecks my wrist, tearing away a piece of flesh.

In chicken tradition, that is thought of a dick transfer.

Yelping in ache, I withdraw my hand and glare on the chicken as he swallows my flesh and flaps away. Flipping his head again, Roc opens his beak and utters forth a mocking, human-like snigger, sending a shiver down my backbone. What the fuck… Is that this a human in chicken kind? Is that even potential?

Imply little bastards, they’re. Sensible too. Its an actual nightmare gettin their feathers out. Diyakos smile doesnt assist my delight, however Ive nobody guilty however myself.

Properly, a minimum of I realized a beneficial lesson. My Aura, whereas able to conveying feelings, isnt fairly the highly effective, beast taming methodology Id imagined it to be. Whereas I can use it to let the animal know Im pleasant, it doesnt make them pleasant too. Higher to be taught now with the tiny birds than later with the large wolves. Ordering Dastans troopers to place the complete cage on the wagon, I flip to Diyako and ask, So the place are the opposite animals?

Different animals?

You realize, the wolves, tigers, elephants and whatnot. One thing with fur, although at this level, Unwell even settle for scales.

Aint no fur or scales to be discovered right here, he replies. This right here is an aviary.

The blood drains from my face as I play again my dialog with Dastan. Ah, he stated collects unique birds. I acquired too excited and heard what I wished to listen to. No cute doggy or fluffy bunny for me… Swallowing my disappointment, I choke again a sob as Roc and his companions proceed laughing, as if mocking my ruined desires of fluffy companionship. Leaning over to pat Auries head, the candy wildcat rumbling in pleasure, bringing heat to my coronary heart. Its high quality, Ive acquired my kitties and bears, and I can all the time discover different cute pets.

On the best way out, I ask the guards to seek out somebody to feed the birds or set them free. Regardless of my budding hatred of the avian pests, a minimum of I can preserve one thing in Sanshu from struggling a sluggish, agonizing dying.

Its not a lot, however its the very best I can do. For now.

Chapter Meme