Chapter 23

Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit made their way out of Tashkek at speed, hoping to put enough distance between themselves and that Baazaar of Scum and Villainy as possible, so that when they were forced to eventually stop for the evening, they would be far enough away from the City that the Sons of Sextes Jylis would not be bothered to hunt them down. After all, they still had local rivals to deal with in the Sewer Rats, alongside Arslan Beg's group of Guild Aligned Thugs and whatever resistance the local Emir was willing to put forth. Hopefully, so long as they were gone from Tashkek's area of control swiftly, that would be that.

Accordingly, they pushed hard to the west and south along the Rushy Stream, the Grey River Tributary which led to Tashkek from the Grey River itself to feed the Canals of Tashkek and eventually drain out in a marsh somewhere in the Cursed Lands near Haunted Denandsor. Fortunately, their trip managed to take them out of Tashkek's Territory within three days of travel, though the evenings of the first and second days, Shi Hou insisted on not lighting any fires so as to avoid giving away their location.

It was on the third day of Travel that they finally made it to Varsi, traveling along the Rushy Stream until reaching the Main City of the Varsiyags. Technically, the Emir of Varsi only held the Title of Emir in a First Among Equals sort of thing, but Emir Bughra was the only Varsiyag Ruler with the Blood of Dragons in his veins, which made him a sort of Unofficial Sultan. A title it was rumored that was in the process of becoming official, likely before the Emir finally died. Likewise, Emir Bughra's two sons, Prince Uthman and Prince Isli, also had the Blood of Dragons in their veins, though where Emir Bughra was a child of Pasiap, Prince Uthman had the Blood of Hesiesh running through his veins, while Prince Isli was clearly a Son of Danaa'd.

Of course, this mattered little, as be the ruler an Earth, Fire, or Water Aspect, a Terrestrial Exalt was still a fearsome opponent for any would-be Emir seeking to challenge the Hegemony of Varsi amongst the Varsiyag Emirates. Likewise, Varsi was the most populated, richest, and had the best-drilled army out of, any of the Varsiyag Emirates. Indeed, its only true opponent in the struggle for primacy in the Southern Disputed Lands was Puyo, as the Plains People there were closest to them in power, wealth, and military capability. Of course, there were also Thorns and the Confederation of Rivers, but those were so far out of Varsi's weight class that they could not be considered to be rivals at all.

Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit, however, would not be staying in Varsi long. The tension in the City was as palpable as Grellthorpe had claimed. Just by keeping their ears open in the various taverns and inns they entered, Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit heard things clear as day. The last time they were here, they had been unable to take the time to listen, assailed as they were by Peleps Ling and her admirers. Now though, there was scarcely a tavern that did not have hushed conversations about the Princes and their factions going on at corner tables.

Things were, apparently, somehow even worse than Grellthorpe had said. While the deadlock between the Princes and their factions was very real, the added weight of an ailing Emir Bughra was now added on top of that deadlock. The Man who would be Sultan had received the title by the popular vote of the Emirs of Tashkek, Tulgadan, and Diraz for his dynasty while Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit had been traveling south from Nexus only to fall suddenly ill. It was rumored that Pasiap was calling Emir, now Sultan, Bughra to his side after almost two-and-a-half centuries of rule.

There were some, largely merchants from Lookshy or Thorns, who claimed that Bughra had lived a relatively long life for an Outcaste or Lost Egg living in the Threshold with no true connection to the Realm or Lookshy and that perhaps it was simply his time. Others claimed that the lifespan differences between so-called Lost Eggs, the Gentes of Lookshy, and Dynasts of the Realm were exaggerated to make Lookshy and the Realm look better by comparison and that the Sultan had at least another fifty-two years left in him, possibly more. To those, this was all some sort of conspiracy. Some form of Thaumaturgical Poisons or Wyld Diseases must be involved to strike down a Terrestrial Exalt in what was still the prime of life if not youth.

Shi Hou swiftly learned that those more conspiratorial whispers often came from people who were in Prince Isli's Camp, while those Varsiyags who favored Prince Uthman liked to repeat the Lookshyan or Thornite Party Line. The two princes had decided to form a coalition government as a sort of Provisional Regency Council while their father was ill, but such a Provisional Council was a little too Provisional for Shi Hou's taste. That council would likely collapse in on itself within six months, assuming that the Sultan did not die before then. Then it would be every man for themselves when the knives came out in the night.

"Monkey?" Questioned Evening Rabbit.

"Rabbit, what is it?" Queried Shi Hou.

"Do you really think Prince Uthman poisoned the Sultan?" Asked Evening Rabbit.

"The sort of poison he would need to do this to an Earth Aspect of Bughra's Capabilities would be extremely expensive and rare. We're talking something out of the Wyld or from the First Age. Possibly even something from Malfeas or one of the Deathlords. It's not impossible, but it is unlikely." Pointed out Shi Hou.

"So you don't think Prince Uthman did it?" Questioned Evening Rabbit.

"Whether he did or didn't is irrelevant." Huffed Shi Hou.

"How so?" Queried Evening Rabbit.

"Because even if he did, the sort of thing that could do this to an Earth Aspect like Bughra is also the sort of thing that won't be able to be traced. Without evidence, Prince Isli isn't going to be able to accuse Prince Uthman of murder and have the charges stick, not unless he has some very hefty backing from an outside party and I don't see that materializing on account of Varsi." Explained Shi Hou.

"Varsi isn't that big of a backwater, Monkey." Frowned Evening Rabbit.

"No, it isn't but it also isn't big enough nor does it have enough strategic resources to bother with for the Realm. As for the Confederation of Rivers, both Princes favor joining the Confederation eventually, it's just they have different ways of shoring up Varsi in preparation. Prince Uthman wants to expand, while Prince Isli wants to crack down on corruption and increase trade and military efficiency. No matter who gets the throne, the Confederation wins there, so they won't expend the effort." Continued Shi Hou.

"That's a remarkably sound analysis." Mused Evening Rabbit.

"It's all strategy. I can do strategy. Regardless, it doesn't involve us." Nodded Shi Hou.

"Because we're moving on?" Asked Evening Rabbit.

"Exactly. By this time next week, we'll be back at Puyo. Hopefully, Marilka the Red's offer is still on the table there." Concurred Shi Hou.

They would need that to be the case for them to be able to set down roots there and actually gain a base of operations, after all. Once they had that, then maybe they could finally get some time to plan and figure out their next steps. Nexus had very much not been what had been promised by Evening Rabbit's Handler all those weeks ago, and now they very much needed a safe haven. After all, if Shi Hou knew Dyansts, which he thought he did, then Cathak Sen would have sent out a call for the Wyld Hunt. If the Immaculates showed up in numbers, that would be a problem. They needed a safe haven to train and plan, and Shi Hou needed to be able to get to a level where he could survive a trip to Yu Shan in order to meet with Lytek.

After all, his father said he'd had an Exaltation that needed Lytek's help to fully merge with him. And Shi Hou got the feeling he would need that Exaltation sooner or later. He wasn't quite sure why, but he had a feeling that the trials ahead would put all the ones he'd faced previously to shame. As a Mercenary, he'd long since learned to trust his instincts when they were trying to tell him something and this was one of those times.

Regardless, two days after arriving at Varsi, Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit left the City, heading west toward Puyo through the plains. It would take them three days to make it out of Varsi's territory and another three before they reached Puyo again. The Domes of the Chief City of the Plains People standing out against the backdrop of the setting sun.

Neither of them knew it when they'd left Varsi, but the next time they set foot in the City it would not be as travelers but as conquerors. . .

XXXX

Jiara was, essentially, a small Satrapy that was attached to that of Harborhead in the minds of most Citizens of the Realm. Sandwiched between the Nation of Vasperdon and the Shadowland of the Bayou of Endless Regret, it was a small beacon of Civilization in lands that were otherwise wild and savage. The Soldiers of Jiara were, it had to be said, some of the finest Provincial Auxiliaries among any of the Satrapies of the Realm. They had to be, forced to contend with raids from Moon Worshipping Cultists from Vasperdon or Undead coming out of the Bayou of Endless Regret. The Finest Troops of the Satrapy were the Royal Guards, commanded by Dynasts of House Mnemnon, whose Satrapy Jiara was, and whose officers also included Enlightened Mortals, the Royal Guards of Jiara were a full Dragon of Heavy Infantry led by Essence-Wielding Officers.

Of course, the rest of Jiara's Satrapial Troops were two Dragons of Light Infantry and one of Archers, making the full force of the Jiaran Satrapy some two thousand troops, supplemented of course, by another thousand Mnemnon Legionaries. It was, it had to be said, quite heavily armed for a Realm Satrapy, owing to House Mnemnon's unwillingness to levy too many troops from Jiara and leave the Satrapy to be swallowed up by Moon Worshipping Warriors from Vasperdon or the Hungry Dead of the Bayou of Endless Regret.

It was that fortification that had made it ideal to place a local Temple of the Immaculate Order. The Temple of Howling Dragons was home to some five proper Immaculate Masters and a number of lesser initiates. Technically, it was under the purview of Master Lao, a Venerable Wood Aspect, and his Circle of Aged Masters. This, of course, was only in theory. In truth only Master Lao would often be present, his sworn brothers having frequently been recalled to grander temples on the Blessed Isle or sent off on some errand of the Immaculate Order or other.

Mnemnon Chen had, after arriving with Tepet Mei and having his leg healed by a healer in the employ of House Mnemnon, been forced to cool his heels waiting for the venerable master to speak with him. It was less annoying for him to do so than for Mei, he supposed. Mei was, at heart, more of a Scholar than a Warrior. Accordingly, she found a provincial city like Jiara, with its small library and practically non-existent Sorcerers, quite a boring place to be. Indeed, while Jiara had much to recommend it for Martial Artists, Craftsmen, and Soldiers, for a Scholar, Thaumaturge, or Sorcerer it was quite dull.

"I don't understand why your House is even here!" Grumbled Mei after yet another week had gone by with still no word on the meeting with Master Lao.

"Jiara may be a small satrapy, but the land is fertile and the mountains bountiful. There is a surplus of food, alcohol, cloth, iron, copper, gemstones, and silver in these lands that would make them worth holding even if it were not our duty to guard against the Moon-Worshipping Savages and Hungry Dead." Pointed out Chen.

"You could simply let Harborhead deal with them. Besides, it's not as if you can't get those goods and materials from elsewhere." Huffed Mei.

"Perhaps, but then House Cathak would reap the benefits. You cannot seriously tell me that House Tepet would let an opportunity for a satrapy that could provide such goods go to another House when they could be reaping the rewards." Retorted Chen.

"Even with the costs?" Pressed Mei.

"Of course. The raids from the Silver Katris of Vasperdon and the Hungry Dead of the Bayou of Endless Regret constantly hone our forces. I'm willing to say that our Household Legions could even compete with your Imperial Legions because of it." Confirmed Chen.

"I suppose. I still don't see why we're waiting here. We could have likely gone to the Five Star Monastery in Kirghast by now and been able to give our report already." Scoffed Mei.

"Pardon me, Honored Dynasts, but do I have the privilege of Addressing the esteemed Mnemnon Chen and Tepet Mei?" Came an Obsequious Voice from nearby.

Chen and Mei looked up from their discussions in time to spot a shave-headed mortal in the Robes of an Immaculate Initiate bowing to them. This must be a messenger from Master Lao letting Chen and Mei know he was finally ready to see them.

"We are. I assume you have a message for us?" Questioned Chen.

"A thousand pardons Princes of the Earth, but Master Lao has bid me to say that he is yet detained. There have been troubling rumors out of Vasperdon of late. A potential Lunar Anathema was sighted speaking to leaders of the Silver Katris. He has been tasked by the Hands of Peace to join a campaign into Vasperdon to slay the Anathema and her followers. His Circle Mates are joining him." Informed the Messenger.

"Wait, then who will be running the temple?" Queried Mei.

"Senior Brother Hazo will be taking over as a temporary replacement for Master Lao. He is one of the Enlightened and so is capable of many duties us unworthy initiates are not." Answered the Messenger.

"And our meeting?" Asked Chen.

"Shall have to be postponed until the Masters return from their expedition. It could be some months. A thousand apologies, Princes of the Earth. If you wish, Master Lao has instructed me to take a message back to the temple and he will read it upon his return?" Offered the Messenger.

"I thought this might happen. Fortunately, I prepared ahead. Immaculate Dragons know that there's nothing else for me to do in this city." Groused Mei before reaching into her robe and pulling out a scroll.

"Mei?" Questioned Chen.

"Take this back to the temple. It contains a full accounting of the difficulties we faced against a pair of Suspected Anathema in the Wilderness." Scowled Mei, handing the scroll to the messenger.

"Suspected Anathema, Mei?" Queried Chen.

"They could have just been Lost Eggs who got extraordinarily lucky. I doubt it, but it pays to be exact with the Immaculates." Shrugged Mei.

"I see. I shall take this back to the Temple at once. Such news may prompt a re-evaluation of the Masters' Duties." Bowed the Messenger before leaving.

"Do you truly think that they'll re-evaluate their missions?" Asked Chen after the Messenger had left.

"Not likely. Politics being what they are, I'd imagine that orders from the direct subordinates of the Mouth of Peace won't be second-guessed by anyone for our reports." Snorted Mei.

"So what do we do now?" Pressed Chen.

"Now? Now we get back into contact with Sen and see if we can't get an update on his mission. Who knows? Maybe he's found us some local allies we can use to soften the Anathema up some?" Hedged Mei.

"I doubt it, that'd take patience Sen doesn't have." Smirked Chen.

Little did the pair know that Cathak Sen had indeed found potential local allies in the Sons of Sextes Jylis and the Black Yushoto. Strange Bedfellows, to be sure, but together, they may yet have a chance to succeed in the absence of the Immaculate Order. At the very least, they might contain the threat until the Immaculates could deal with the issues in Vasperdon with the Lunar Anathema.

As it would turn out, however, the Immaculate Order would be busy long after the situation in Vasperdon was dealt with. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, here's the next chapter. Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit make it back to Puyo, while we get a look at Mnemnon Chen and Tepet Mei in Jiara and how they're finding out fast that the Immaculate Order is too stretched right now to go hunting down every Anathema sighting that people have brought to them. That is only going to get worse in the future, as the Scarlet Empress is going to disappear in a few months, along with the Bull of the North formally going to war with the Realm.

In the meantime, Cathak Sen, Mnemnon Chen, and Tepet Mei will be forming an alliance with the Black Yushoto, Ma Xing, and the Sons of Sextes Jylis to deal with their mutual enemies. Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit, for their part, are going to be trying to establish a base of operations and training ground in Puyo just in time for Prince Uthman to take the throne of Varsi and threaten War with Puyo.

The next big arc is these three forces colliding, which will form the bridging arc between the retreat from Nexus and the Yu Shan Arc, which will be taking place during Calibration and have the disappearance of the Scarlet Empress going on in the backdrop.

At any rate, the next chapter will cover the start of Shi Hou and Evening Rabbit's first real stay in Puyo.

Stay tuned. . .