You see the weapons first. You stare at them for a few moments as if daring them to reveal where they came from, and what that means. You’re not sure what surprises you most: that somebody has discovered that you are anathema, or that they haven’t already brought the Wyld Hunt on you. Out of the corner of your eye you see a scroll. Without taking your gaze off the weapons you reach for it, hoping for some kind of explanation.
You get your wish. As you unroll the scroll you sensed a change. Peering over the top of it, you find yourself on a marble rooftop looking out across and vast city and then down onto verdant fields far below you, split in two by a mighty river. Behind you, you hear laughter, but as you turn you are forced to shield your eyes from the rising sun, which silhouettes the outlines of your… they are your companions. One of them steps towards you, blotting out the sun. Although the woman is still in silhouette, you notice a circle of blood dripping from her forehead and a strange sense of loss. In your dream you take a step back, almost stumbling on the bed behind you, which is of course when you realise that you are still back on your chamber, the scroll on the floor, glowing in the light glittering from your forehead.
This time, when you pick up the scroll you stay exactly where you are. The first thing you notice is the feel of it; like silk, but somehow much stronger. Looking closer you could swear you can see the faintest threads of sparkling purple, silver, and gold, but every time you focus on one it seems to disappear. As you draw your eye away from the scroll they vanish entirely, allowing you to take in the image the scroll displays. Although you have never seen it before, this is undoubtedly Creation. Gently drawing your finger over the map alters the image, zooming in on the area you’re pointing at, but never covering less than hundreds of miles. Always though, the same writing at the top, written in Old Realm by a master calligrapher:
‘Seven Weapons’ Thunder, I gift you one of my scrolls in honour and appreciation of your invaluable martial insights. May the information within help you as much as you have helped us.’
Dotted around the map are silhouettes in various poises. Most of them are recognisably adopting the katas of some martial art or other, but some are bent in ways that appear painful. That’s if they’re even possible. It’s fairly obvious that these glyphs are marking locations on the map, though you feel this with a certainty that you wouldn’t ordinarily expect.
As you touch each glyph the scroll shimmers and the map is replaced by a page of tiny writing, which you can fortunately zoom in on. Each page appears to name a martial arts style associated with the glyph and detail large amounts of information about the history of the style itself, strengths and weaknesses, and gives a brief summary of the function of all of the charms within it. [basically, IC knowledge of everything you know OOC from reading SOTM]
After some time studying the scroll you roll it back up and look over at the weapons, wondering what to do next.
[I’ve been deliberately vague re. your location so feel free to pick anywhere]
Have weapons, will travel.
Interesting.
Strangely, I'm drawn to the knife first. A simple weapon it appears, just a long knife with a forward-pushed blade like a kukri, and a black jade handle. But something about it calls to me - perhaps the way the light sparkles off the silver blade just... so - bright and yet vague, like a full moon.
I pick it up, and feel it shift in my hand. It's solid, and yet fluid, and as I concentrate it shifts to my whim, the handle elongating to provide a spear, then shrinking back, and the blade curling round to form a sickle, then extending to become a hook sword like those favoured by martial artists in the South. I let it return to its kukri-shape again, and tuck it into my belt.
Interesting.
The other weapons look grander, but they lack the power I could sense in the knife, even before I touched it. A perfectly-carved mahogany bow, inlaid with small blue jade flecks, which I sling over my shoulder along with its quiver, a dark, polished leather affair with perfect dove's-feather arrows. Two similar leather holsters full of polished throwing knives complete the set, and I strap them around my thighs for easy access. These may not be magical, but they're certainly good quality - and I feel powerful carrying them all.
Well, then. To the scroll once more. I let my finger drift around the map again. The kata glyphs are scattered across it - most appearing in places that are meaningless to me. Still, there are several situated not too far from my current location - the end of my flight South from the Blessed Isle, smuggled out by a patrician friend hopefully before the Dynasts spotted me. In fact, there's one that looks interesting; and the kata stance doesn't look too strenuous either. Perhaps I should start with a simple one.
Good, I think, I've always wanted to visit the Lap.
Golden Exhalation Style
You are able to bring up the information on the style located in The Lap; a terrestrial martial art based around the use of firewands and other flame weapons known as Golden Exhalation Style.
The scroll is located somewhere on The Penitent itself but the map will not give you any more detail, which, since The Penitent iincludes a 5 mile high mountain and a large city, does not give you much to go on.
[using RHM you can run to the foot of The Penitent in about 12 hours. You can arrive at any time of day, assuming you're still interested in pursuing this style?]
Your limit
is 3
We'll need guns. Lots of guns.
Firewands... Tricky. I don't have any myself, and although I gather they're more common in the South, I doubt I'd be able to afford any. That said, another look at the scroll confirms that it's the closest kata-glyph anyway. Perhaps it's worth a look.
I'll head to the Penitent and hope to pick up some firewands while I'm there. Perhaps once I've found out exactly what these kata glyphs represent, I'll be better placed to tackle the other Southern ones. And from there, who knows? "Join the legions, see the world," they told me. I think perhaps I'd prefer to do it on my own.
[I examine the other Southern styles, to get an idea of what they might involve.]
The Penitent looks impressive when I first see it, from countless miles distant. That's nothing, though, in comparison to what it looks like at the foot, with the sun peeking out from behind one colossal ear. I stare up at it in awe, and begin climbing.
The South
[yeah... they do look a little thin on the ground in the south. Note retcon]
The glyph in Gem (number 4) is Golden Janissary style, dedicated to fighting back the enemies of creation. Singing image of Fire Style style is a celestial martial arts located in the city states of An Teng (30a). This style is based on the elementals of fire for which it is named; fast, evasive and scorching. The style to the far south is similar, albeit more powerful - you recognise Fire Dragon Style only too well (27). Back to the coast, in Chiaroscuro is a style named for its creator, Righteous Devil; it seems to be a celestial level style that also harnesses the firewand. In Paragon is a terrestrial style known as Falling Blossom Style which seems to the designed for bodyguards (30b).
[I'm putting your starting location on the coast at the top of J11, so The Lap is still the closest scroll. When you get to The Penitent you can climb the whole thing, but you can go in via the city and walk up to his hips if you fancy making it easier]
Fire, Fire everywhere - and not a drop to drink
The vaguest memory tugs at me when I read about the Righteous Devil Style. I can clearly feel the handles of two small firewands clasped in my palm, and hear the rain of shots pouring out. It's gone almost instantly, but I'm left with an aching feeling of desire.
I certainly need to find some firewands, then... I plan a route through the other glyphs. I'm quite near An Teng, so perhaps I should investigate Singing Image of Fire Style while I'm nearby - but then Righteous Devil Style is calling to me. As for Fire Dragon Style...
I shake my head to bring my attention back to the present. For now, at least, Golden Exhalation Style is my focus. So. I start my trek into the city in the Lap.
The Lap
You stride into the tunnel that begins in the ankle of the giant figure, and then follow thw winding passage for over a mile up into the city that has been constructed on the lap of The Penitent. You emerge onto a long paved walkway which winds through what appears to be a lage vinyard-cum-park. On either side of you are men and women waving maps and shouting at the new arrivals in what may or may not be an incomprehensible gibberish, depending on whether you speak Flametongue. The noise and bustle are a shame, because the gentle, cool northerly breeze, coupled with the greenery and the smells of various flowers would make this an excellent place for a quiet stroll.
The park is bordered by high walls, which are peppered with thin staircases, although you notice most people are taking advantage of the various elevators that are criss-crossing through the air above you. As your gaze follows the path of some of the elevators that form this rather complicated looking transport network it falls on a large immaculate temple that overlooks the entrances to the city.
Rising out of the park you take in the scope of the city. The breeze is more pronounced here and you notice people huddling up against the wind. Allowing you eyes to survey the area you realise the enormity of your task. The city and The Penitent are vast. Finding the scroll somewhere in this sprawling town will be no small task. Where to start? The streets in front of you appear to be lead into a merchant district, whilst those on your left lead into a prosperous residential area, on the other side of which you can see the rising smoke indicative of an industrial area. Behind you the streets wind away into a crowded district filled with dilapidated tenements.
Must. Learn. Locate. Spell.
[I speak four languages - I figured these would be Low / High / Old Realm and probably Flametongue.]
Where to start, indeed. I find a quiet alley and check my scroll one last time, hoping for some slight inclination of direction that might at least divide my search in two. Finding no such leaning, though, I resolve to do this the old-fashioned way.
Let's start with the basics, perhaps. There is a slight possibility that the scroll is simply up for sale in the bazaar. It's unlikely, of course, but it would be foolish not to start with such an easy view. Alternatively, I can try asking for rumours of such a scroll, in which case the merchant's district might still be just as good a place as any. I wouldn't be surprised if in fact the scroll was somewhere further up the Peninent itself, but there's no point traipsing around up there until I have some evidence to support such a journey.
Into the merchant's district I go, then. After a few minutes' wandering, I notice a small store of books and scrolls, attended by a quieter-than-average seller with a slight hunch. This feels a little foolish, but... it must be worth a try.
"Do you have anything about martial arts?"
The shopkeeper
The woman inside regards you coldly for a second, and an elderly man browsing in the history section turns and sizes you up before resuming his browsing.
'Yes, sir, of course' and she takes you to a shelf towards the back of the shop and begins showing you a few books on various martial arts. Most of these are ridiculous, inaccurate, self-help guides posing as instructions for katas, and there are a few histories of the immaculate order.
Sighing you turn to leave but... there's something nagging at your mind; somthing you can't quite put your finger on. Looking back into the shop you watch the woman restocking the shelves for a few seconds before it hits you. The way she moves; the efficiency and grace in even her quotidian gestures... she's been trained. And well.
[successful diff 5 perception + MA roll. Go team]
Mrs. Miyagi?
[Awesome :-D ]
"Madam, I was hoping for something a little more instructive than these. Forgive my forthrightness, but these guides fall far short of true training texts - and I can see from your poise that you know this as well as I do.
"I am looking for information on obscure and unusual martial arts. Perhaps as a fellow practitioner, you know where I could find such?"
Who are you?
The door clicks gently behind you, and you turn to see your fellow browser standing in front of it. He looks several inches taller, and his hand rests a little too calmly at his belt.
'Who are you?'
The name's Lotus. Perfected Lotus.
"My name is Perfected Lotus. As I said, I'm simply a practitioner of the martial arts - and a keen student of the same. I have studied several styles, and I'm hoping to extend my knowledge with some more obscure ones. I can see from your bearing that you have studied more than these empty texts, and the gentleman behind me presumably has also, if he thinks he can prevent me from leaving."
I turn and bow to him, the slow but rather shallow bow of one offering deference to a potentially-hostile stranger.
"I had hoped that you would be pleased to assist a fellow student in pursuing a noble course of study, but perhaps I was asking too much. Please, just tell me whether or not you are able to help me."
[Charisma+Presence, if possible, for the slightest and most polite undercurrent of "Yes, I can see your threatening behaviour, and I'm not the least bit perturbed." Please note my new Presence specialty, bought with the bonus point I emailed you about.]
Apologies
[successful one dice stunt]
The man hesitates for just a second before returning your bow.
'I apologise. Given the current situation we must be very cautious. Perhaps too cautious.
'Unfortunately, I am afraid I cannot offer you help in your search beyond this: be careful to whom you mention your pursuit of the martial arts. The Lap is not kind to martial artists at the moment. You may be better off taking your search elsewhere.'
Undeterred
"Well, that in itself is a useful piece of knowledge - and I thank you for it. Nonetheless, I am led to believe there are some useful texts here in the Lap, and so here must I search. Perhaps you can at least tell me what authority it is that scorns the martial arts so? And why they forbid people to better themselves through such study? You also seem to suggest this is a temporary situation - what of that?"
Answers
The man hesitates for a short while, but his companion gives him a stern look and shuts the door. 'Come now, Fang. Would you rather this man found out for himself?'
She gestures you to sit at the counter and pulls up a chair. Slowly, Fang does the same.
'My name is Scribe. And when I tell you that the authority against whom you place yourself is none other than The Realm itself, you will understand our hesitance to speak. Particularly as you have the appearance of a Realsman yourself. Still, we have nothing to hide from the men of The Realm, and we may be able to help you avoid trouble so speak I shall.
'The Lap has always been loyal to The Realm. In exchange for our labour you give us protection and, eventually, freedom. However...not everybody is content with the status quo. In recent months, a group calling themselves The Golden Salamanders have taken to attacking Realm interests in The Lap. Mainly they attack buildings and status symbols but they aren't above attacking workers of those institutions and, frankly, anybody who looks like... well, like you.
'This is not the first group of would-be rebels from these parts, but these are unusually well-organized, well-trained and well-armed. They are trained martial artists and they are skilled with firewands. The Realm has cracked down on the martial arts - any training or practice is forbidden. Even from loyalists like us. I'm sorry, friend, but I do not expect you shall have any success on your quest.'
Time to kick some Golden Salamandass
"If the Realm is forbidding such practice, then I most certainly understand your reluctance to discuss this matter. I trust the ban on martial arts is a public decree, however, so you should come to no harm through doing so.
"It does indeed sound like I will have difficulty obtaining what I seek here. I shall have to think of another way. My thanks for your assistance."
I stand and head for the door, pausing not for a moment. I wander the merchants' district a little longer, striding through the bustling streets, my mind entirely elsewhere.
How frustrating. The Golden Salamanders sound too much like they're using Golden Exhalation Style for this to be a coincidence. And frankly, even if they're not, I might be able to obtain some firewands from them. So I will certainly have to engineer a meeting. For a moment I consider offering my services to the Realm in tracking down and subduing the group - but to do this without revealing myself as Anathema would likely be extremely difficult. I suspect it would be unwise even to ask the Realm for further information on the subject.
How, then? Well, Scribe suggested that the Salamanders were targetting Realm interests, and even mentioned that they have been known to attack Realm folk directly, especially the workers in Realm institutions. Naturally, it would be beneath me to take a position as a menial worker or to pose as such - but perhaps I should examine the relevant institutions. With a bit of luck, the Salamanders will attack me while I'm there.
My hand darts out to my side, catching the young messenger quite by surprise. His legs continue to sprint for a few steps, but with his feet propelling only air, his awareness soon catches up with him.
"You, boy. Direct me to the Realm embassy."
To the embassy!
The boy tries to answer but only manages to gulp and stammer a few times before pointing up the slope of The Penitent's leg towards its crotch. Sighing at this minimall useful reply, you drop the boy who presently scampers off, looking back at you just once before turning a corner.
Following the waif's directions you head south down the leg directly towards the sun. The heat on your face is almost uncomfortable, whereas you back is slightly chilled from the breeze that streams up towards The Penitent. The closer you get to the hip, the more obvious the wealth of this part of The Lap becomes. You, in the humble garb of a mortal sifu attract a few stares, which you ignore.
It's not long before you recognise a block built in the familiar architecture of The Realm. You turn towards it, looking around you for another local to act as a guide when a strange sinking feeling in your stomach tells you that something is wrong. It's so obvious that it takes you a moment to realise what it is. Walking right towards you, staring at you, is none other than Peleps Deled.
Time passes. Slowly. Children grow old and die. Dynasties rise and fall. Deled still stares at you.
Finally, he gives you the faintest nod of recognition before turning back to his companions without bothering to see your reply. The group, at least one of whom is an obvious exalt -another of Dana'ad's- walk past you without any of them giving you a second glance. Slowly, the sound, sights and smells of the city drift back into focus and you notice that building they are walking away from is clearly marked Realm Embassy.
[that would be a successful face roll, then]
And... breathe...
Bad-bad-bad-bad-bad-bad... I force myself to release the breath I've been holding for... well, however long, and gradually untense my entire body. Thankfully, this is exactly the sort of process which martial training facilitates. Nonetheless, I need to sit down; I perch on a low wall a little out of sight, thinking.
Well. He didn't kill me. That's good. It looked like he recognised me. That's bad. Although it does suggest he doesn't know about Fushima yet, which is good. I suppose he must have a great many descendants, and he's not renowned for being a caring family man. Nor, for that matter, one who pays much attention to non-Blooded - which he presumably still thinks Fushima is.
Very well. He's probably not here after me, then. Nonetheless, I'd better get out of here pretty quietly and quickly; no sense in tempting fate. That said, I am not leaving without this scroll.
And with that, my mind returns to the matter at hand. With my heart rate now returned to somewhere approaching normal, I can probably continue. However, I don't really know what I'm looking for. My best hope is simply to be attacked directly, but I recognise that that's unlikely - particularly in the middle of a public space in broad daylight. (And that's also a bad place to show off my new fighting skills.)
With that in mind, I take a gently-paced tour of the area surrounding the Embassy. I want to know how many Realm institutions there are in this area, in order to estimate whether this is a likely target area for attacks. I also want to know if there are any areas that look particularly vulnerable to an attack - out of the way places, places where sound might not carry to too many ears. While I'm at it, I may as well take a look around and see if I can see anything related to the Salamanders - anyone eyeing up the buildings, perhaps, or signs of a previous attack.
Casing for casers
It only takes an hour or so to complete several circuits of the Realm Quarter. None of the buildings are in any way fortified but the more important ones have guards posted on them. Still, small houses like the ministry of agriculture seem vulnerable, as the scared conversations of the workers around them confirm. Unfortunately, nobody you see looks suspicious
It seems from these overheard conversations that attacks are happening every few days now, even this far into the city. The attackers just seem to melt away into crowds who will swear blind they saw nothing. Realmspeople have started to avoid dark alleys out of fear of attack, particularly the ones that border the district. You find and note the locations of several of these alleys. People are nervous; it has been 3 days since the last incident and there is a feeling that there will be one at any moment.
Finally, you see in High Realm a notice calling for men-at-arms to join an expedition to search for an destroy these rebels. You've spent enough time in the company of immaculate monks to recognise a call to join the Wyld Hunt when you see it.
The Hunted becomes the Hunter?
So the Salamanders really are a problem, then. Summoning the Wyld Hunt is a lot of effort to go to for such a matter. And it puts something of a quandary in my path. Before I became this... being... I would have thrown myself into the Wyld Hunt given an opportunity like this. Now, however, that seems markedly foolish. Even were I able to survive without using my new powers, which seems unlikely in itself, I would be killed in an instant if a powerful Blooded was able to sense my true nature. That said, it would be an incredible opportunity...
I think I must stay safe, at least for now. However, that does mean I must find the Salamanders before the Wyld Hunt sets out. I don't want to have to deal with the Hunt as well as the Salamanders.
I ponder for a moment. Given that limitation, it would seem prudent to sign up to the Wyld Hunt if I haven't found the Salamanders by another means before they leave. At least it won't seem suspicious to be asking questions - any martial artist of the Realm would consider it one of the highest honours to serve in such a capacity. Nonetheless, I'd far rather deal with the Salamanders alone if possible.
With that in mind, I might as well sign up sooner rather than later; I think it would look suspicious to sign up at the last minute. Then I'll hope that I can resolve the matter before the Hunt actually leaves. I'll wait until tomorrow, perhaps; that'll at least give me tonight to proceed further if possible.
[Assuming there's no obvious tomorrow-based deadline on the notice...] I'll spend this evening and tonight wandering around the alleys on the borders of the Imperial district, in the hopes of provoking an attack. If I'm unsuccessful, I'll sign up to the Wyld Hunt in the morning.
Mela hide me.
Screams in the night
Your plan works. Just before dawn the night is penetrated by screams of anger, which quickly turn into fear. They are not far off. By the time you arrive you see three figures illuminated in the light of a minor bureaucratic office. One is cowering on their knees, one is masked, standing above the first, pointing a firewand at his throat, and the third -also masked - is standing between them apparently trying to encourage his companion to let the bystander go and leave the scene of the crime. You are still partly concealed behind a building and none of them appear to have noticed you.
[if you decide to attack, assume you beat their JB roll and go first]
It's [probably] clobberin' time...
A less capable fighter might use this opportunity to launch a surprise attack on unknown foes. However, that would be the move of a coward and one who lacked any confidence in his own abilities. That is not my style. I shall confront them directly. Indeed, it needn't necessarily come to blows at all - all I want is their training, and that is likely to come more easily if we are not on hostile terms.
I step forward from my hiding place. Comforting as it would be to activate Solar Hero form - not least because of the ranged danger presented by their firewands - I shall have to maintain my mortal façade for now. I stride towards the group, purposefully but not aggressively.
It occurs to me suddenly that it would be useful if the bystander were not left with the impression that I was attempting to ally with the Salamanders. I had better ensure they release him. I call to them:
"Please, let him go. Killing one servant does not strike at the Realm's heart, merely at your own."
Meanwhile, I study them carefully, gauging their movements and their builds, trying to estimate how much of a threat they will pose.
[Cha + Pres for the attempt to get the bystander released; Per + MA to size up the fighters.]
Avoiding a confrontation
Before you even speak to them it is obvious that these men are no match for you. Their minor scuffle as one tries to separate the other from his prisoner is barely above the level of playground fighting. They both look at you when you speak to them, and the more aggressive one lets his captive drop to the floor. His relatively peaceful friend points his firewand at you.
'Stay there! We don't want to hurt you. But if you follow us you will leave us with no choice'
Now his companion also points his firewand at you, and the two of them back away heading towards a small alley.
Guns don't kill people - I do.
Ah, but I have no choice except to follow you...
I pull the erstwhile captive to his feet, allowing the men to retreat further. "Go home," I tell him. He still looks a little panicked - hopefully he won't remember too many details of what he's seen tonight. "Go!" I insist, and he turns and runs, presumably for home.
I look around, making sure that there aren't too many witnesses in the area. I wait for the firewand-wielding men to step around the corner, and then I run - letting my Essence hasten my steps, hopefully surprising them with my sudden appearance. I take stock of the situation in the instant I leap into the alley's entrance, flinging myself into a roll to take me between the two men. Hoping that surprise will give me an advantage, I reach out and plant a firm grip on the firewand belonging to the aggressive-seeming man, tearing it from his grasp as I move my weight off my shoulder and down my back. As I roll to my feet I swing to face them, but keep my arms by my sides - including, I hope, the firewand. I open my free hand towards them in a gesture of openness and negotiation.
[Lightning Speed activated for the sprint to the alley. Then I'm assuming a MA roll to disarm - I'll buy 4 dice using 1st Ex, having read the rules on disarming (p158, bottom left).]
Fight! Fight! Fight!
In spite of your peaceful attempt to pre-emptively end the fight, the men don't appear to be in a talking mood. The previously peaceful man is desperately trying to steady his hand long enough to shoot and his weaponless friend is circling around behind you, apparently looking for a weak spot. The first waits for the second to duck low for a kidney punch before firing a shot at your head.
[you didn't suprise them, but you acted first, and disarmed one for a successful 2ds. Peaceful shoots at you with 9 dice, and his friend punches with 7]
Tick counter
0 - BR (Attack) Peaceful (aim); Violent (aim)
1 -
2 -
3 - Peaceful (attack); violent (aim)
4 -
5 - BR
6 -
7 -
8 - Violent
9 - Peaceful
10
Demonstration of Martial Prowess (mostly)
Sensing the movements of the man behind me, I slide forward, dropping to my knees. The air moved by his missed punch brushes my shoulder, and he yelps as his friend's shot cracks against the wall above his head.
From my position in front of the gunman, I launch myself straight upwards, catching his wrists in an attempt to tear the flamepiece from his grasp. Sadly one of my knees gives out a little on the way up, and the power of my leap is severely weakened. Gratifyingly, though, the man looks as surprised as I am that my attempt failed.
The man behind me now leaps at my back, attempting to wrap his arm around my neck in an amateur's choke hold. I twist to the floor, shrugging him off, and look up to face the barrel of his companion's flamepiece. He pulls the trigger. The weapon makes a clicking noise. The men turn to flee.
I don't think so. As he turns, I grab the weapon from his hands and kick him sharply in the back of the knee, bringing him to the ground. As I pin him, I notice a shadowy figure standing above the alleyway, atop a nearby shop.
"Time to answer some questions," I explain. "Let's start with: Who's that standing above us?"
Although he looks terrified, he stammers out that he doesn't see anyone. I believe him.
"Where will your friend be running to?"
"His home, probably."
"Where?"
"I don't know! Out in one of the villages. We don't get told where each other lives."
"How many of you are there?"
"More than you can stop."
I raise my hand to slap him for his insolence, but as it lifts away from his face, an arrow streaks down in the now-empty space and strikes my captive through the throat. I look up at the shadow, more definitive this time and with the wood-green aura of a Wood Aspect. The figure salutes me, and fades into the shadows.
I leap from wall to wall to climb up onto the roof, and can just about make out some footprints. I follow them with all speed, leaping across an alley when they come to the end of the roof. The prints are still here, but fading, and they head for the edge that faces a main road. I hesitate. Although I can make the leap, no ordinary mortal could, and if I were seen... Nonetheless, I must know. I leap the gap, landing silently and hoping that no-one was looking up, in the chaos of the firelit night. However, the tracks are gone and I return, frustrated, to the fire.
I cast around for my second attacker. In my desperation to garner clues, I could swear that I see him. I chase him down and pin him to the floor. It is only when the local constables come to restrain me that I realise I've got the wrong man. Damnation! Well, it can't be helped. I brusquely apologise and go to find a tavern for the night. This will have to wait until the morning. At least the night hasn't been completely wasted - I have, after all, garnered some flamepieces...
Me? Anathema? Whatever gave you that idea?
I've been brooding on this all night. It seems now that the only way to gain further information on this matter is to join the Wyld Hunt. This could be deadly, but I reason that if Deled recognised me earlier and did not notice my new state, it is unlikely that I will be discovered immediately - provided I keep my new abilities in check, of course.
Trying desperately to keep my pounding heartbeat under control, I enter the recruitment office and sign my name on the petition. I'm directed into a room wherein wait another twenty or so other people - mostly men - talking in hushed tones and looking generally overawed. The other recruits, then. After a while, a scale of legionnaires troops into the room and takes up position on the opposite site. Three Chosen follow them - a Fire Aspect, a Wood Aspect and Deled. The Wood Aspect carries a large jade powerbow, but his bearing is different from the figure I observed last night.
The Fire Aspect calls out to us: "Your attention." This man is clearly a leader.
"My name is Cathak Amitsio, and this is V'Neef Katsu", he continues, indicating the Wood Aspect. Deled is not introduced; he doesn't need it. Some of the men are almost cowering already.
"You all understand why we are here, but to reiterate: we are going to seek out the group known as the Golden Salamanders that has been plaguing this city with attacks. We will find them and we will kill them.
"As you can see, there is a scale from the thirty-sixth legion here to accompany us. I don't need to remind you that they outrank you and we outrank them. I will be your commander today; any questions or concerns should be addressed to me. At the end of this hall you will notice a set of weapon racks; please select your favoured weapons now."
I remain in position, preferring to fight unarmed. I may be inventing it, but I believe I see Deled's frown relax by just a fraction of an inch when he notices this.
Amitsio continues, "We have a long march ahead of us, so the remainder of the briefing will take place en route. We leave now."
Deled and Katsu march out of the door, and the legionnaires follow them. Amitsio nods at the recruits and strides out. I and the rest follow.
The remainder of the briefing is given individually to each recruit. Amitsio asks what fighting experience we have, arranges us into fangs, and reminds each of us that if we disobey an order, the next one given will be to our companions to cut us down.
We pass through two villages, stopping briefly for water in the second, and then halt with a third on the horizon. Amitsio informs us that this is the first village linked by military intelligence to the Golden Salamanders. We will burn them out. The recruits are to stand, observe, and not move. We will become more involved later once we understand how this operation is to be carried out.
And so we proceed. On entering the village, Katsu takes a position on a rooftop, and Amitsio announces that the village is charged with harbouring sympathisers to the Golden Salamanders. He informs the village that it will be burned and salted if they do not give up the criminals.
We wait. Amitsio repeats his announcement. Again we wait. Amitsio repeats once more, warning the village that this is the last time they will hear it. At this, an old man limps out of a house and falls to his knees in front of Amitsio, begging for mercy and claiming complete ignorance of the Salamanders. Deled kicks him in the throat, collapsing the man's windpipe, and he croaks to the floor.
Amitsio nods to Katsu, who draws four cloth-tipped arrows and notches them all at once on his bow. He holds them down and a legionnaire lights them with the torch he carries. Katsu launches the arrows into the village, and the destruction begins.
It's bizarrely systematic. Katsu sets the houses alight, the legionnaires cut down the fleeing villagers, and then Katsu shoots any that seem to be escaping. Although the recruits are too terrified to move, they are all pale and many are closing their eyes.
At the end, the legionnaires salt the earth, and we march back to the city, dejected and miserable. I manage to speak to Amitsio, and ask him whether such a devastating approach is necessary.
"Of course," he answers, frowning at my question. "It is the most expedient way to extract information. Let the other villages hear about this; it will loosen their tongues."
[To be continued...]