The Halls of the Master

[Brian]

Kesir passes the evening and night in relative peace, waking before dawn so he can speak with the master as he promised instead of vanishing outright.

[Dracos]

Kesir stretched in the early pre-dawn, doing a few exercises to awaken himself and prepare his body for the coming day.  Following this, he dressed and headed to the chambers of his master, waiting a moment in front of the door to discern if he was awake and ready, as well as provide plenty of time for his presence to be noticed and invited in.

Dracos

[Brian]

Master Oki Bi is sitting at a side-table in his room, but calls for Kesir to enter when he pauses at the door.

The master his hard at work painting a large piece of paper with caligraphy.  The writing is detailed, but also large, so it requires a precise hand.  Kesir recognizes the prayer being scribed on the banner: 'Health and Prosperity'

"Kesir," Oki Bi says, working on the intricate whorls and arcs that describe written language.  "This banner is being prepared for the birthday of the Emperor."  This is not especially surprising, though the Emperor's birthday is always a large event.

Typically, the temple will hang an exceedingly well-crafted banner offering the people's prayers to the Emperor for the occasion.  There is a gate, on the far side of the palace, that connects the imperial palace to the royal park.  The function of the gate is curious, as it can either connect the palace and the park, or the main thoroughfare behind the palace (which connects the docks to the market district).  Depending on how a banner is hung, it can address either the Emperor, or the people of the city.

[Dracos]

Kesir nodded, considering.  "It is a fine gift to give at such a time." He responded.

Dracos
Who had a better original response.  Really.

[Brian]

Oki Bi nods, and then looks up from his work.  "You have set yourself on a perilous path, my student.  But I have faith in your prudence," he suddenly says.

[Dracos]

"Nothing worth keeping is not worth risking for."  Kesir responded, not confidently, but neither was he scared.  "Though your faith lightens my heart.  I shall strive to keep my wits about me as I walk the path."

Dracos

[Brian]

Oki Bi nods, and says, "The sun is rising, my friend.  Take this with you for luck."  Reaching behind himself, Oki Bi retrieves a worn, but reasonably well cared for travel go-board, and offers it to Kesir.

[Dracos]

Kesir's eyes widened just a touch.  "A fine gift, my friend and teacher.  I shall take good care of it."  He took the go board.  "May the sun stay long in the sky, warming the backs of those who toil."

He rose.

Dracos

[Brian]

"May it," Oki Bi says warmly.  "But the sun rises, you will need to hurry."

[Dracos]

Kesir left, swiftly putting together a travel bag and heading out into the square, looking up as the sun's rays were barely starting to crest the horizon, illuminating the square.

Dracos

[Brian]

A courier wearing the Emperor's seal reaches the foot of the temple steps at just that moment, leading a pair of horses.  They look burdened to bear someone for quite some distance....

When the courier spots Kesir, he calls out, "Is the master ready?"

[Dracos]

Kesir nods silently.  "The sun smiles upon our journey."  He walked over near the horses, examining them briefly before mounting one and turning his attention to the courier.  "Let us be off."

Dracos

[Brian]

The courier climbs onto the other horse, and looks at you curiously.  "I thought the master was coming?" he asks.  Before a reply can be given, he says, "Nevermind, it is not my business, and I apologize.  We will be heading west, to a town called Chengdo's Folly.  It's a week and a half by caravan, or six days hard-ride.  We have a meeting a week from today with the Captain."

With that, he flicks his horse's reins, and it walks towards a courtyard exit, not picking up speed until Kesir catches up.  Once Kesir is caught up with the courier's mount, the two both increase their pace to a faster walk.

"I understand you might need some intelligence on what to expect," the courier suddenly says, breaking a brief silence.  "Ask me whatever you need to know."

[Dracos]

"I've been given the short of it already, but why not start at the beginning.  Who is there on either side and how are they currently arranged?"

Dracos

[Brian]

"We've 10,000 imperial guard outside the city," the courier says.  "We don't know how many Night's Shadow remain, but put the number below a hundred.  Right now, our Captain is trying to lure one of their last operatives into our trap.  If this is done, then we'll know the exact locations of the enemy.

"Beyond that, they fled like rats from a sinking ship, hiding in villages and outlying farms, trying to wait for us to forget about them.  We must dig them out!"  Then the man nods to himself, and looks at Kesir.  This is also about the time that the city gates come into view, which is also about the same point that traffic erupts from nearby side-streets, merchants scurrying to their stalls, and workers running to their jobs.  Through it all, the city wakes up, more and more poeple joining the teeming throngs that rapidly flood the streets.

Kesir and the courier just clear the gate before city streets become completely unhospitable for men on horseback.  A lone wagon inches resolutely towards the town center, but is looking at a trip of hours, now.

"The people must be protected," the courier continues, once the horses are a few yards down the road, and the traffic is much lighter.  "And a band of cheaply priced assasins won't make that job easier."