The Oath of an Emperor - Chapter 2

Chapter 2

‘Mother, please, you need not do this, I am no longer a child, I am a captain of the Imperial Army, I think I can handle my own hair’ cried Jia Lin as her mother gripped her hair, tying an exquisite knot. ‘Do not pull rank on me…Captain… It wasn’t that long ago when you couldn’t take two steps without assistance, now sit still, it is not every day that the emperor recognises your achievements before the entire city, your brother Hua and your father have already left, now unless you want to be late, I suggest you let me do what I need to.’

Qing Lin’s two children were about to receive the greatest honours they could at this stage of their military careers. They were about to be raised to the rank of Captain in the Imperial Army; the ceremony would be presided over by the emperor himself. The promotions came because of the courage the Lin siblings had displayed at the battle of the Nan Gau gate. The mutated barbarians of the Dark Wastes had besieged the gate with a sizeable force. The Nan Gau gate protected the empires western borders from enemy incursion, if the gates were to fall, the barbarians would be free to wreak havoc across the Western plains of the empire, burning and pillaging and sacrificing innocents to their dark Gods.

The commander of the Nan Gau gate General Wei Shen was struck by a poisoned arrow amid battle, immobilising him in a state of paralysis. Seeing their commander go down, the morale of the men began to waiver in the face of wave after wave of ruthless attack. In a time of desperation, it was none other than Hua Lin who took upon himself the mantle of commander followed closely by his sister.

The barbarians were aware of the fate of General Wei Shen, thinking they were already on the precipice of victory, they set apart a night to celebrate before inflicting the final blow that would bring them the victory, they so desired. That same night Hua Lin gathered the remaining officers of the Imperial army and proposed a plan that could have been perceived as a death wish. Hua Lin had heard tales from his father about the barbarians how they could drink and feast for days on end, shedding blood in violent tournaments as tribute to their dark Gods.

What the imperial scouts reported matched the tales that Hua Lin had heard. The barbarians had set up camp, celebrating with drinking and fighting, thinking they had already achieved victory, assuming that the enemy no longer had the strength for any kind of counterattack. The young soldiers plan was simple, to use their arrogance against them. Attack them this very night, the barbarian numbers were far beyond that of the imperial army, but the element of surprise would be a force multiplier, the enemy would be unprepared for the attack, never thinking that someone would attempt something as outrageous as this.

Though some of the officers vehemently labelled the plan as ridiculous and the attempt at greatness of a young, foolhardy soldier, others saw sense in it. The options in front of them were simple, if they waited, the barbarians would eventually break in due to their superior numbers, the battle would be lost long before reinforcements could arrive from elsewhere. If they attacked, there was a significant chance they could all die yes, but there was also a chance that the ambush would catch the barbarians unprepared, allowing the imperial army to quickly overwhelm them, where their numbers would count for nothing. Jia Lin spoke out in support of her brother’s plan much to the annoyance of some of the officers.

By this time General Wei Shen had been stabilised by the imperial healers and was able to walk gingerly though he was in no condition to fight. They had used herbs mixed with the Echinacea flower which counteracted the effects of the poison in the blood stream. He would need further treatment upon the end of the conflict, but his life was no longer threatened. Hearing all the commotion, the general had silently made his way to the rear of war tent, escaping any notice, and had listened to the strategy put forward by the young soldier. In the midst of the arguing officers, the general finally spoke, though he saw the strategy to be unorthodox and almost reckless, he knew that a surprise attack was their best chance of negating the advantage of numbers that the barbarians had. Impressed with their courage and the sheer audacity to speak out amid senior officers, the general elected Hua Lin and Jia Lin to lead the attack. Though the officers were less than pleased at the verdict reached, they dared not speak out. In the cover of night, Hua Lin split his forces to both the east and the west of the camp, the eastern forces would be led by his sister, and he would personally lead the western forces. The signal to attack would be a burning arrow. After both forces had reached their respective positions, the arrow was fired, shooting up through the night sky as it were a phoenix. The imperial forces converged upon the camp like the twin pincers of a great crab. The attack was so swift that some of the brutes were cut down while they were still drinking. The Jade legions were like ghosts, sweeping through the camp with sword and spear. The slaughter was so great that the barbarians still left alive began to flee thinking they had displeased the dark Gods with their sacrifices and punishment had been sent upon them as a result. Upon their return, the legions launched into a celebration, the name of the Lin siblings in their tongues. News of the victory reached the eternal city shortly thereafter and the emperor requested a report from General Wei Shen himself. Greatly Impressed with the Lin siblings and the legion of Nan Gau gate, the emperor ordered them to present themselves in the palace while he sent another regiment to guard the gate in the meanwhile.

By the time Jia Lin had arrived at the Palace Courtyard, the emperor had already began presiding over the ceremony. She managed to spot her brother and father amongst the legions of Jade Warriors as she desperately attempted to wade through the crowd that had gathered, eventually making it next to her brother. ‘Impeccable time keeping, a little later and you would be just in time for the feast’ jibed Hua, covering his mouth as he did so, not wanting to draw the attention of the emperor. This drew a fierce gaze from Jia, ‘Don’t make me kill you with your own sword’ retaliated Jia, clearly not amused at her brothers attempt at a joke. Out of nowhere, a hand appeared behind them both and applied a firm slap to their heads. ‘ Perhaps next you will be fighting over who gets fed first, act your age, this is the greatest moment of your lives thus far, do not embarrass yourselves’ said Huang Lin, attempting to awkwardly discipline his two children as if they were still the troublesome boy and girl that they were years ago. The emperor was re telling the events at the battle of Nan Gau gate, speaking highly of the deeds of the legion charged with its protection.

As his speech drew closer to its end, his gaze was set firmly upon Hua and Jia. Though they attempted not to show it, they were both incredibly anxious, they had barely seen the emperor much less stand next to him. The moment they had been waiting for had arrived. They were both invited onto the platform along with their father. ‘Remember, step onto the platform and bow’ whispered Huang Lin as they made their way to the emperor’s side. As instructed, they stepped onto the platform and stopped just short of the emperor and bowed, as if competing with one another as to who could go the lowest. The emperor responded with a smile and a nod. The legions broke into applause and cheers, happy that two among them were receiving the recognition and honour they deserved.

To the surprise of the siblings, the emperor walked right up to them, ‘General Wei had some..well, colourful terms to describe you two. Headstrong, reckless, brash, but he also said you displayed the qualities of a leader, conviction, wisdom, skill and courage. To be able to carry yourselves like that at you’re age shows maturity beyond your years,’ a wide smile appeared on the emperors face, ‘ you Hua, remind me of me at your age, though I must acknowledge, your much more handsome than I ever was.’ Unknowingly, Hua broke into laughter, more surprised than anything at the words of the emperor. By this time both General Wu Shen and Xiu Lia had taken their places on the platform, waiting to see the emperor bestow the rank of Captain upon these two soldiers. The emperor’s attention went back to the legions and the crowds standing before him. ‘I wish now to address the families of these brave men and women. This empire continues to stand, not because of its emperor or the strength of its defences, it stands because of the courage, fortitude and sacrifice of your sons and daughters, your fathers and mothers, your brothers and sisters. As a soldier myself, I know that the pain and terrible anxiety you suffer when you see your loved ones make haste to a battlefield is perhaps greater than anything we as soldiers can suffer in the midst of war. I hold nothing in my possession that can repay the sacrifice you have made by allowing your loved one’s to step into battle for the safety and protection of this empire, as the emperor of the Han Empire, with gratitude, I bow to you in respect, love and honour’ with that the emperor did something that no emperor gone before had ever been known to have done. He bowed to the people, holding his head low the ground. Hua and Jia were as shocked and in awe as anyone. Jia could see tears beginning to drop from the eyes of the elderly citizens gathered in the courtyard. Perhaps they were once soldiers themselves or had felt the pain of losing children to the brutality of war. The stunning silence broke into an almighty shout, swords and spears were raised to the air the cry of ‘all hail the tiger of Shang Yang’ could be heard from every inch of the royal palace. When the crowds had eventually calmed, the emperor signalled for something from behind the royal stables. Two celestial guards approached the platform, guiding two fine Longma’s alongside them, their skin a brilliant red, armoured, their steps precise and effortless, their wings were spread, adding to the glorious sight. They had heard many tales of the proud Longa growing up, tales of how just like their cousins the Tianma, the Longma also could read the hearts of men and would allow only those with pure and courageous hearts to ride them.

Gasps could be heard from the citizens of the empire, no common man had often seen a Longma stride in their midst. The celestial guards stopped just short of the platform. ‘It has been a long standing tradition for warriors to make the long journey to the mountains of Jiang Dong and to see if they were worthy of friendship with these magnificent beasts. However, as a sign of my gratitude and in recognition of your courage at Nan Gao gate, I am honoured to present you with these Longma’s, once they deem you worthy, they will give even their own lives for you. However, the question of whether your worthy is one that I cannot answer.’ The emperor climbed down from the platform, gesturing the siblings to follow. ‘ The fear and anxiety was clear to see in their faces. Jia shot a look upon her brother, as if to ask him to go first, Hua responded with a stare in kind, eventually agreeing to go first. Once they were stood alongside the emperor, he continued, ‘there is only one way of ascertaining whether the Longma considers you worthy.. one at a time you must bow as a sign of respect and honour. If the Longma considers you pure of heart and a warrior of true courage, the beast will respond in kind and bow to you. That will be the beginning of an unbreakable bond’ Jia could feel every muscle in her body and every thought of her mind wanting to ask the emperor what would happen if the Longma considered them to be unworthy. The emperor as if reading her mind, drew close and with a smile on his face he whispered, ‘ and if the.. Longma consider you..unworthy, well, that would be rather embarrassing’ Jia looked at him, her eyes filled with fear, almost believing that the emperor was actually given the power to read minds by the heavens.

By the time she had regained some composure, her brother had already approached one of the Longma’s, standing directly in front of it. To the crowd, Hua looked strong and brave, but Jia could see the fear and anxiety on her brothers face. The young warrior took a minute to compose himself and calm his nerves. A deafening silence had fell upon the place, everyone anxious to see if these new heroes of the Empire proved to be worthy. Hua looked up at the beast, its eyes met his own, unflinching, focused, as if the Longma could look into his soul. Though from distance, it looked about the size of a fully grown horse but when you were stood directly in front of it and it had its wings spread, the Longa looked as frightening as it was magnificent. Managing to silence the noise of his nerves, Hua slowed bowed, holding his head low, careful not to loose his balance. The Longma continued to stand tall, its eyes never departing from the man bowed in front of it. Mere moments felt like an eternity to Hua until suddenly the beast stood on its hind legs spreading its wing and let out a deafening groan. Hua was convinced that the beast had considered him unworthy and was about to crush him for his deceit, though everything in him was telling him to run, his legs would not move, as if they had a mind of their own. He heard the loud gasps of the audience who were engulfed with a mix of fear, intrigue, and awe. The Longma drew closer until it was merely a few steps away from Hua’s bowed head.

He saw the beasts front leg bend, its wings descending from its raised position, the Longma bowed, reciprocating the same honour that Hua had showed it. The relief was palpable upon the face of Hua. Jia finally began to breath normally again, for a few moments ago, she was convinced that she was about to see her brother die in front of her. But almost as soon as her panic had left her, it returned ten-fold because she knew what awaited her, it was her turn next. She saw her brother take his new friend by the reigns and direct it out of Jia’s way. He nodded at Jia as if to encourage her to be strong and brave. She stepped up in front of the Longma like her brother had done, she was convinced that her temper and tendency to lose control would almost certainly make her unworthy of the affection of the Longma. By the time Jia had silenced the voices of self-doubt within her, she looked up to see that the Longma had already fixed its gaze upon her, its glare was strong but calm. Jia attempted to slow her breathing and bowed in front of the beast. She did not recall having this much fear and doubt on the battlefield, though she had faced enemies many times her size. To her surprise, the Longma drew within an inch of her and proceeded to cover her with its glorious wings. The emperor was just as shocked as her brother Hua, he had never seen a Longma act in this way. This was however of no comfort to Jia who had no idea what the beast was doing. Could it sense her fear ? Was this the beast’s attempt to calm her ? ‘no, focus’ she thought to herself as she continued to bow. The Longma after a few moments, took a step back and proceeded to bow to its new rider, having judged her worthy. Jia, now empty of the fear of being judged unworthy took the reigns of the beast and whispered her gratitude. The beast rested its head on her shoulder, as if it accepted Jia’s kindness. By this time the crowd had broken into a thunderous applause, rejoicing that these young warriors had passed this test of their character. ‘ Jia Lin.. Hua Lin, Son and Daughter of the Lin family, I bestow upon you the rank of Captain of the Jade legions, continue to bring honour to your family and your empire’. Both the siblings looked at each other, for a moment, they forgot their ever-continuing rivalry and shared an embrace, proud that the other had taken the next step of their journey. Their parents came and joined the embrace. Jia felt a tear from her mother’s eye rest on her face while her father attempting to hold himself together without crying like a child, though the cracks in his voice gave away his extreme sense of pride and joy at what his children had accomplished. The two new members of the Lin family, the Longma’s stood either side of what had turned into a family embrace looking curiously at their new riders. The rest of the evening would be spent feasting, cousins, aunties and uncles had all made their way to the Capital to see their promotion, though not all were as happy as they should be. Before they joined the rest of the family, Hua took Jia aside, ‘ Baby sister, make no mistake, you are still an annoying, over confident little brat but today, just today, I am proud of you.’ Jia responded with a punch to her brothers stomach which was however quickly followed a warm embrace between the two. ‘Now enough with the softness… last one to the house does the washing up tomorrow’ with that Jia jumped upon her Longma and pulled hard on the reigns, the beast sensing her urgency galloped a few steps before spreading its mighty wings, pushing itself off the ground with its powerful legs, in mere moments she was among the towers of the Eternal City followed closely by her brother. For the two newest heroes of the Empire, their journey had just begun.

The Sun had barely risen from its slumber when a knock was heard on the door of the Lin household. Qing Lin abandoned the preparation of breakfast to answer it. Upon opening, she was greeted by two celestial guards from the royal palace. They bowed and one of them opened a scroll in his hands. ‘Lady Lin, forgive our intrusion, the Emperor has requested the chain of command to meet him in the war room, the request is of an urgent nature, he has asked for Captain Jia and Hua to be present.’ Qing Lin bowed and closed the door. By then Hua had arrived at the door, still in his robe, ‘mother who was that ?’ he asked as he picked up one of the buns that his mother had prepared. Her face betrayed a nervous disposition, she was experienced enough to know that a meeting in the war room almost always was a precursor to war. ‘ The emperor has requested your presence, both you and your sister… in the royal palace.’ Without delay, Hua ran upstairs to find his sister had also woken up. Delivering the news to her, they both began to frantically get dressed, trying to look presentable as quickly as possible, ‘what do you think it is about?’ asked Jia as she strapped on her breastplate. ‘I don’t know, I heard the guard speak, the entire Imperial chain of command has been summoned, this is something big’ answered Hua as he fixed his scabbard to his belt. A few short moments later, they were ready to make their way to the palace, hurrying to leave the house, kissing their mother before they left. No sooner had they left, the stable hands led the longma’s to their hands. Climbing on them, the siblings took off towards the imperial palace. Jia looked across the mountains in the distance as the sun had begun to rise, as a young girl, her father would carry her on her shoulders, making the short journey to see the sun in all its glory, though most of the time she would still be half asleep.

Suddenly, Hua steamed past her, Jia held the reigns a little tighter as her longma banked to the left to avoid collision. ‘ You going to stay up here and dream all day or do you actually want to find out what this is about ?’ asked Hua as he pushed his longma forward, the palace was in sight. The longma’s descended by the royal stable where the stable hands were ready to lead them away and to feed them. Jia stroked her longma before following her brother through the courtyard. A celestial guard was waiting for them by the palace doors. ‘This way’ said the guard as he gestured for them to follow him. As they entered, they came upon a straight path embedded with gold plates leading directly to the royal court and the thrones surrounded by magnificent pillars with a celestial guard standing watch ahead of each pillar.

Two paths veered off both to the right and the left also etched in gold plates, the guard began to walk along the path headed to the right with Jia and Hua close behind. They walked past countless guarded doors as it captivated Jia’s mind to imagine what was in these countless rooms that was guarded so diligently. Hua was just as star struck starting at ancient weapons and armour that littered the hallways, surely belonging to heroes of the past. Hua hadn’t noticed that the guard had come to a stand still and walked straight into him bringing a look of annoyance upon the guard’s face. No sooner had he done so, he heard a snigger from his little sister. ‘Who’s dreaming now’ she chuckled. As a response made its way to the tip of Hua’s tongue, the guard spoke, ‘Captain Jia and Captain Hua, the emperor has requested their presence.’ One out of the two guards guarding a great door pushed it open and gestured for the siblings to walk through. The guard who had led them left their presence with a bow. As the two made their way into a room that seemed to go on for ever, they noticed a large round table at the far end of the room, surrounding it stood the generals and officers of the jade legions along with the emperor himself. The captains immediately wiped the look of awe from their faces and assumed an upright posture as they walked towards party that had gathered.

As they got closer, they recognised some of the faces stood by the table. Generals Wu and Xiu were present stood on both sides of the emperor. General Wei Shen and a woman who they did not recognize stood round the table along with officers from various regiments. The woman was clothed in a robe reinforced with armour though strangely she carried no weapon. As they approached, the two bowed in reverence to the emperor, ‘My Lord, forgive us for the delay’ said Hua as he stood back up. ‘Not at all, I am grateful to you for your presence in such short notice, to all of you’ responded the emperor as he directed all to sit down at their designated seats though the emperor continued to stand. ‘I ask you to gather today in the face of a threat from an enemy that we know very little about…..the port city of Jiangyin was attacked today at day break’ a palpable gasp could be heard around the table, the port city of Jiangyin was of great strategic importance to the Empire. It was the biggest port in the land and was used to ferry important supplies and reinforcements to war efforts in lands afar, no enemy had been audacious enough to attack it due to its defences until now. ‘Attacked by the same creatures we faced in the villages?’ asked General Wu Shen. The general’s question was met with a sigh from the emperor, ‘Unfortunately, it was, Admiral Yuan Tao and the navy was the closest force to the city and spotted the beacon for help. However, by the time they arrived there was no sign of the enemy. The regiment stationed at Jiangyin has been decimated, there is only a handful of survivors, the Admiral is aiding the evacuation as we speak.’ A loud thud reverberated across the table as general Wei Shen thumped the table, ‘this can go on no longer, our people die and our cities burn, they attack and flee like cowards. Whoever or whatever is behind this must be brought to justice regardless of what manner of being they are, they must answer for the blood that has been spilt’ The general’s outcry was met by enthusiastic cheers of support around the table. The emperor gestured with a raised hand requesting silence before he continued, ‘I do not need to say that everyone in this council shares your anger my friend. The general is right, the Empire will never be truly safe while this threat continues to exist but first, we must understand the origins of the enemy that we fight, now before we continue this council, I ask that you hear what is said next fully before you respond, put your pride to one side for the fate of the Empire may depend on it.’

The participants of the council nodded in approval. The emperor looked at the woman Jia and Hua had observed before and invited her to take a stand next to him and speak while he stepped aside. The lady had an odd look to her, her face was covered with a half mask making only her eyes and mouth visible though her armour looked like it had originated from the workshops of the Empire. Jia glanced over at Hua who was sat two seats from across and mouthed at him as to ask whether he had any idea who this woman was. Her brother responded with a shake of the head. Some of the officers sat around the table were asking one another the same question. After a few more moments of observing those around her, the lady spoke bowing to the emperor before she did so. ‘My name is Mao Ying, I both understand and expected the looks of suspicion I see on your faces for I have not entered these gates for centuries, no man alive now has ever seen my face.’ Her words invited both intrigue and suspicion from the council at the table. The woman looked no older than Jia, let alone being hundreds of years old, no human could live that long, not by natural means, as if she expected the reaction from those listening to her words, she paused for a few short moments before continuing. ‘I am one of the Gifted, born with an affinity to the will of the heavens, I am but a vessel, allowing the celestial one’s power to flow through me like water through a valley.’ Hua’s mouth was wide open, he had often heard superstitious soldiers invoking the protection and the aid of the Gifted before battle.

They were known to be incredibly powerful, able to manifest the power of the heavens itself, they were told to share a direct bond with the celestial one himself, able to discern the will of the heavens at any given time. Hua had thought of them as merely fantastical figures, until now. ‘The story that you all have heard when you were but children, the tale that you thought of as a mere legend is true’ said Mao Ying and proceeded to recount the legend. At the beginning of all things, the Celestial one gave life to the land, the seas, the mountains, the rising sun. He split the land into eight islands and created out of his love human beings to have dominion over the islands and all things that walked on it. As rulers, the Celestial one anointed eight of the most benevolent, honourable and righteous men as Celestial Lords to rule over the islands and accomplish great wonders. He gave them power beyond that of any man, a life spanning thousands of years and authority over his creation. Islands became mighty kingdoms, peace and prosperity lasted for a thousand years as the eight maintained harmony across the land until one day, selfish ambition began to grow in the hearts of one of the anointed. After centuries of ruling, Lord Dao Xin began to crave more power, unsatisfied with what he had accomplished, he desired power over life and death itself.

Though it started with a whisper, the lust for power turned into an obsession. Performing dark, heretical rituals, the once noble Celestial gave himself to the Dark Gods, receiving their dark anointing, he grew substantially in power, capable of absorbing the essence of another celestial and harnessing it to take dominion over any thing with a soul. The corrupted one lost all resemblance of a Celestial Lord, his body mutated by the twisted dark magic, his skin became as dark as the night, wings protruded from his back, his once benevolent eyes became black with lust and greed for power as he turned them on the seven kingdoms.

His attack was so swift that three kingdoms fell almost instantly, their celestial lords lay dead,their power and essence stolen from them, their soldiers corrupted, once honourable warriors were turned into mindless hordes at the command of the dark lord. Fear and darkness cut a swath through the land, men cried out to the celestial one for months on end but was met with nothing but silence. Mounting a last stand, the four remaining Celestial Lords formed an alliance under the leadership of Lord Zhao Ming, one last attempt to stop the plague that was sweeping through the land. The battle for the soul of the lands was unlike any before it or after. Thousands gave up their lives, entire islands bought to ruin but the power of the corrupter was too great.

The alliance was at the precipice of defeat, the four remaining Celestial Lords were almost overwhelmed by the darkness. The Corrupter drew closer, preparing to do what he had done to the rest of his kind, sealing the fate of mankind under his evil fist and power. Lord Zhao Ming stood alone, his fellow Celestials were struck down around him, their lives almost extinguished when suddenly the heavens above opened. Four beams of light descended upon each of the celestials, the beams shone so bright that even the corrupter was stunned but for a moment. No sooner had this celestial phenomenon started, it ended. Something had changed, Lord Zhao Ming stood tall, a blinding light radiated from within him as if the Celestial One himself had taken human form. The remaining Celestial Lords had sacrificed themselves, pouring their remaining power and life force into Lord Zhao Ming. Not fazed by what had happened, Dao Xin fell upon Zhao Ming, his blows reverberating across the battlefield like earthquakes. Despite the ferocity of his attack, nothing could penetrate the shield of light that had surrounded the last Celestial Lord. Driven with rage and frustration, Dao Xin prepared to unleash another flurry of attacks but before he could do so Zhao Ming opened his palms, smashing them into his chest, driving him back.

For the first time since the betrayer had descended into darkness, crushing all who opposed him, he felt the very real shiver of fear go through his mutated body. He saw Zhao Ming walking towards him, his eyes began to shine with righteous rage, his eyes burning with fire. Reinvigorated with the power that came from the heavens, Zhao Ming rose into the sky, his light radiating even brighter than before. He no longer resembled the features of a man for a ferocious dragon had taken form. Dao Xin did not understand what form of power he had awoken. The dragon burst through the sky towards the corrupted Lord unaffected by the bolts of dark magic fired at him. The sheer impact between this force of light and darkness created a crater deep into the earth, magnificent light beamed out as if the sun itself had crashed into the ground. Moments later, the two titanic forces were nowhere to be seen. Zhao Ming had beaten back Dao Xin to the shadow realm, imprisoning him there. Since that day, he was no longer known as the Celestial Lord but the Iron Dragon. Legends said that though Dao Xin’s physical form was obliterated, his essence remained, trapped in the shadow realm, vowing to one day return and take his revenge upon the kingdom of the Celestial.

The entirety of the council had bemused looks on their faces. One of the officers stood up from his seat in anger, ‘my Lord, this woman is mad, we cannot heed her nonsense, everything she has said are nothing but ancient tales, be rid of her.’ Before the emperor could respond, the officer began to float from where he was standing, his sword came out of its scabbard as if it had a life of its own, its blade close to his neck.’ Jia turned to look at Mao Ying, her right hand was raised, purple streaks of lighting surrounded it. ‘ I will forgive your ignorance, for now, I have kept watch for centuries in preparation for this moment, the Celestial one sends me to your side now, to warn you of the greatest threat you have ever faced, Dao Xin is returning, it is his hordes that are responsible for the attacks on your Empire. He cannot be allowed to return to full strength, Emperor Zhao Liang, you have but one choice ahead of you. You must enter the shadow realm and face this darkness that stands at the gates of the Eternal City, the authority, and the power of the Celestial Lords rests in your blood line. It is by your hand that this evil will be vanquished, face your destiny. I travel to Jiangyin, I will harness the residual magic present there to open a portal to the Shadow Realm. Act quickly sire, for even now the enemy advances towards you.’ With that Mao Ying disappeared, gone as if she were a mere gust of wind. Almost at the same time, the officer that had been lifted came crashing down to the ground, his face red with fear and shock. The emperor signalled for two of the celestial guards to see to him. He looked upon those gathered around the table.

‘I cannot ask anything more of anyone here than what you have already given for our nation. I leave your fate in your hands for I cannot promise that we will return from this. No man or woman will be condemned here today because of your decision. Your honour will not be questioned within these walls. Forgive my haste but I will require your decision by sunrise tomorrow for I ride to Jiangyin at day break to face this enemy once and for all, my gratitude for your service and loyalty to me and this Empire is eternal, this council is dispersed,I bid you farewell my friends.’ The emperor bowed and took his leave. Having only taken a few steps, he heard a familiar voice behind him. He turned to see Hua Lin risen from his seat at the table.

The young captain left his seat and approached the emperor, stopping only a few inches short of him and bowed, ‘my Lord, with respect, I do not require any further time for my decision. I stand with you come victory or death.’ General Wu Shen was next to approach the emperor, a snide small on his face ‘I have unfinished business with the pointy eared scum, besides, how long do you expect to last without me by your side ?’ Jia Lin took her place next to her brother, ‘my Lord, Hua maybe older than me, but I am by the far the better warrior, I offer my blade to you in defence of our nation’ her words brought a smile from Emperor Zhao. One by one, every general and officer present made their decisions known, to stand in defence of their nation. ‘We ride to Jiangyin tomorrow’ said the Emperor, ‘your courage and sacrifice will be written of in songs, they will be remembered, for we stand together against this darkness, to put an end to this plague once and for all.

In a roar of agreement, the entirety of the council responded with blades lifted to the air, ready to embark upon an impossible mission. Jia and Hua returned home, to spend what remaining time they had with their family. Hua stopped Jia as she was about to knock on the door to their home. ‘ I know your never going to listen to me, but this is not like any battle we have fought, mother and father will not be able to bare the pain if they lose the both of us, please, stay home. Jia proceeded to knock on the door not paying any heed to what his brother had just said, Hua knew his words had fallen upon deaf ears, it was decided, they would face their destiny as they had faced most other things thus far, together.