Fate of the Empires

Jinsei. The Imperial City. The capital and birthplace of Densetsu. Legend has it that long ago Densetsu was only a very small island with nothing more than a large volcanic mountain on its surface. It is said that Kyozama, the elder god, lived atop this mountain in solitude until he could no longer bear the silence. He went insane and his personality split in two. Kyo, the dominant side, was also the good side. Zama was made up of all the darkness and quickly grew tired of Kyo’s company. Zama was not content to live quietly and rule on such a small island. He awoke the volcano and from its flames Zama gave life to the rest of the Densetsun gods. With each new god more and more lava stretched out across the island into the ocean where it cooled and became part of Densetsu. The volcano erupted until the earth could produce no more lava. The volcano has been dormant to this day.

Kyo decided that Densetsu was too small for all the gods to live on so he created the city of Joukai in the heavens where the gods live today. Kyo and Zama retain their dominion over the other gods and the lands of Densetsu. When times are good and life flourishes the people of Densetsu know Kyo is smiling on them. But when the nation declines and life no longer thrives they know Zama sits on the throne in Joukai.

High atop the dormant Mt. Fungeki the Imperial Palace overlooks the rest of Jinsei. The massive city circles the mountain providing ample protection for the Emperor’s home. The wealthy communities make up the inner circle of the Imperial City while the poor live by the outer walls. Most business is conducted in the middle ring, which is made up of the mid-upper caste of society. Merchants, land-owners, and lower-class nobles.

Entrance to the Imperial Palace is forbidden except for those who have been invited by the Emperor himself. While security is impenetrable at the Imperial Palace, getting into Jinsei is quite easy. One does not need papers or permission to pass beyond the protected gates of the city walls. Outsiders may have to answer a few questions about their business, but as long as you’re not a wanted criminal, passage is usually granted. This works in our favor and the guards let us by with no hassle. The fact that each one of us can seemingly speak Densetsun didn’t hurt in convincing the guards of our “innocent” intentions.

The Imperial City is not a place to be taken lightly. Even the skillful members of my team could fall prey to the many dangers within the walls of Jinsei. Thieves can be a problem when traveling through the outer ring towards the center of the city as well as young, hot-tempered Suang Tai students. Thieves attack in numbers and while murder may not be their intent, few survive their raids. Suang Tai students look to make a name for themselves by fighting anyone and everyone. If you insult their honor, and you probably will, you must fight them.

Once you make it to the inner ring you have to be weary of the Crimson Guards who are as corrupt as they are skilled with a blade. Crimson Guards protect the interests of wealthy businessmen and houses of lesser nobility. The other threat to be watchful of, though you will never see them coming, are the Kodasai. These deadly assassins are trained with the highest marks in combat, subterfuge, toxicology, black powder, and illusion magic. If you have a Kodasai on your trail, you have definitely upset the wrong people.

Through my past exploits here in Jinsei I have made many allies. I wouldn’t trust any one of them with my life, but they might be able to provide some lodging for a night. Our first stop will be the shop of Baker Shen. He resides in the outer ring, but his prominent bakery allows him to live comfortably. The sooner we can get indoors the safer I think we will be. The recent news I have heard from Magnus about Ethan, Slade, and Deacon Amberlin has made me a little paranoid.

Needless to say my allegiance is no longer with Ethan. I will not obey his word in hopes that his intentions are good. I know he has something bad in store for me and while I loathe him for it I cannot hate an entire country. I will continue to serve Athusia for it was the home of my mother, but I’ll not betray the people of my father unless I am given just cause. Many secrets will be revealed here, some personal and some that could change the face of both nations.

Deacon is really of no concern. He may be dangerous and sadistic, but he is merely a puppet. He will do nothing more than unwittingly serve as Slade’s errand boy. Slade’s purpose here is what worries me. He only leaves Ethan’s side when it is a matter of the utmost importance. Slade cannot be allowed to acquire whatever Ethan needs here. I must find him and kill him. I may have to utilize Magnus’ magic once again, which I don’t like doing. Magic leaves a trail that isn’t hard to follow, especially for someone like Deacon.

After securing lodgings our first act of business here in the Imperial City will be to infiltrate the army. That task shouldn’t be too difficult. The Imperial Army is always looking for skilled mercenaries to hire for jobs that are too risky for their own soldiers. Once inside we can find out why the army is recruiting so far from the capital. I will also need to take that opportunity to get information about the Kodasai. The Kodasai do not make mistakes so why would one of their operatives wash up on the shores of Jinwu, near death?

Baker Shen’s shop is always easy to find because of the large smoke stacks billowing out of the chimneys. The shop itself is very simple like the rest of the outskirts of Jinsei. Nothing in the Imperial City is run down, however, the communities closer to the center are definitely more extravagant. As usual there is a line out the front door of the little shop.

The shop’s specialty is Shen’s Sweet Bread, which is coveted by both rich and poor alike. No other baker in Jinsei can duplicate Shen’s recipe. There was a time when people were trying to steal the recipe. That is where I came in. I happened into the shop one day when Shen was being threatened by some local thugs. I made sure those thugs never came back. Shen then sought my further assistance in order to safeguard his family’s famous recipe. I handpicked his bakery staff and trained them all to see that no more trouble would come to Shen’s bakery. It may sound ridiculous, but any one of Shen’s bakers would lay down their life for him. That is the kind of loyalty I expect from people, but rarely is it seen, especially in Athusia.

A blanket of heat from the large ovens envelops us as we enter the bakery. The familiar smell of Shen’s baking reminds me what I’ve been missing since I have been away. Leaia and Magnus are visibly anxious to try the sweet bread as they look around for some on display. “Maybe it’s just the dried rations we’ve been eating for so long, but something in here smells great!” Magnus exclaims with delight.

“I don’t think it’s the rations,” Leaia responds, “Something in here is calling out to be eaten.”

One of Shen’s assistants, Baker Lao, approaches the front counter. I can see Shen in the back kneading dough. He has a rag tied around his head to soak up his sweat from the high temperatures in the shop. Baker Lao doesn’t recognize me at first. “Welcome to Shen’s Bakery,” Lao looks at Magnus and Leaia who are practically salivating on the countertop, “Can I interest you in a slice of Shen’s Sweet Bread today?”

“Yes!” Leaia replies quickly.

“I’ll take two!” Magnus says almost on top of Leaia’s response.

“Very good,” Lao looks closer at me, “Master Fang?”

“Good to see you, Lao,” I answer.

“Master Jun Fang,” Lao smiles, “Baker Shen, you have an unexpected visitor!”

Shen looks up from his work. He seems to have aged a lot since I last saw him. He squints to see to the front of the shop. “Jun?” he asks.

He wipes his hands on his apron as he walks up from the back. He is just as short as I remember him, but he has lost some weight. Sweating in that kitchen must have thinned him out. He walks slowly, but picks up pace when he sees me clearly. “Jun!” Shen hurries around the counter, “It is you!”

The old man is just as sweet as his bread. He wraps his arms around me and gives me a weak hug to which I return the gesture. He has always treated me like a grandson. “How are you Shen?” I ask without waiting for an answer, “The bakery is doing well I see.”

“All thanks to you,” Shen replies.

“Come now, I don’t make the sweet bread.”

“Speaking of sweat bread,” Magnus interrupts, “There was mention of a slice or two.”

“I’m sorry,” I say to Shen, “These are my friends Magnus, Leaia, and Draccus. They are very passionate about trying your bread.”

“Of course,” Shen smiles, “Lao could you bring some up?”

“Yes, sir,” Lao goes to the back to get some sweet bread.

“It has been a number of years,” Shen addresses me, “What brings you back?”

“The usual business,” I say, “You wouldn’t happen to have a place we could stay for a few days would you? Someplace discreet.”

“For you, anything,” Shen smiles again.

Lao returns with a small basket. Inside are steaming slices of sweat bread. Magnus and Leaia dig in before Lao can fully set the basket down. Both of them devour their bread, but not without making plenty of sound effects to show their delight. Shen is quite satisfied by their reactions. “I will have Lao escort you to the house. I will speak with you again later. I have a bakery to run.”

“Thank you, Shen,” I say as I bow.

Shen bows to all of us before going back to his kneading. Such a kind old man and yet I can’t find it in my heart to trust him completely. Should I be so quick to lack faith in people or am I better off placing trust in no one?

Lao guides us through the countless rows of houses that make up one of the many residential areas in the outer ring of the city. We are led to a small house that blends with all the others around it. Two entrances, one in front and one in the rear. No windows to speak of, but there is a small opening in the gabled roof. This is probably located above a fire pit. This should be a suitable safehouse.

Lao heads back to the bakery after he lets us inside. The interior of the house is as plain as the outside. It is unfurnished and this fact doesn’t go without notice by the others. “Looks like we’re sleeping on the floor…again,” Magnus sighs.

“You complain a lot,” Leaia points out, “Were you so pampered back at Draz’zt Tharr?”

“Hardly,” Magnus sneers, “I just want to enjoy the places I do stay, outside of that hell.”

I focus so as not to crack a smile. I have grown closer to these three than I have with anyone else I have ever worked with. It is sometimes difficult to keep myself reserved around them, however, I know if I get too close that I will fail them. Just as when Draccus was taken. Someday when this is all over maybe things could be different, but until then I must stay closed. “I’ll just have to conjure up a bed,” Magnus jokes.

As much as I used to dislike Magnus I have come to think of him as a valued member of this team. He is a very talented magic-user and I am privileged to have his aid. He is high maintenance and it’s funny in many situations. His ego could still be a hindrance in the long run, but I feel that he can learn to be humble. With training he might even become an apt spy someday.

“You’re serious, aren’t you?” Leaia shakes her head.

Leaia. She looked into my mind. She saw how I felt, but does she really understand? Most of the time I don’t even know how I feel. My emotions are strong and that is something I’m not used to. This is different than how I feel about Sasha. It’s much stronger, but nothing can happen between us. She is pure and I am not. I do not want to taint her with my darkness. I must keep her at a farther distance than anyone else or I may just fall. I can’t have that.

The other thing that troubles me is I’ve noticed Leaia changing. She is getting stronger. With each passing day something is growing inside of her and I can’t explain it. It’s not magic. It’s something far more dangerous and I am afraid to unleash what ever it may be.

“What is your plan, Jun?” Draccus asks.

Draccus leans on his new tail. It grew in completely about a week ago. I have always admired this Orrock warrior. He is everything a true warrior should be. Skillful. Honorable. Truthful. Just. His naïve outlook on our society is always a welcome one. In many ways he is more human than I am. I think Ethan originally chose Draccus for this mission because he thought it would cause more infighting to have an Orrock around. I think Draccus has actually brought us all closer together.

“We will be going to a teahouse tonight,” I answer.

“More tea?” Magnus asks.

“It’s not what you think,” I pat Magnus on the shoulder to assure him, “There is more rice wine served than anything.”

“Rice wine?” Magnus grins, “I can do that.”

“We are not going to drink,” Leaia says, “Are we?”

“No, you’re correct about that. Tonight is phase one of our mission here. Lieutenant Hanza Motori will be at this teahouse with some of his men. Lieutenant Motori doesn’t live like a typical officer in the Imperial Army. He prefers the common people to the company of nobles. He will be our way inside.”

While I’ve never met the man, I have seen him at the teahouse often enough to know he is a creature of habit. It has been a long time, but I’m certain his routine has remained unchanged. His rank is one high enough to have privileged information, but not high enough to draw any attention by hiring us.

“How will this Motori get us inside, exactly?” Magnus asks.

“We gain his trust,” Draccus answers in my place.

“Yes.”

“And we display our talent,” Leaia adds.

“Precisely and by doing so Motori will want to use us. At that point we will have access to much more information than we do currently.”

“Sounds like the slow method to me,” Magnus says snidely.

“Do you have a better plan?”

“So I assume you have more details for us about the layout of the teahouse,” Magnus says after a moment.

“That I do.”

Tonight’s endeavor will be the most important to secure our status here in Jinsei. I am not giving the others all the details, but the fact that Leaia and Magnus are clearly Athusian will assist us in getting the attention I need. I don’t want to use them as bait, but it must be done.

The Windleaf Teahouse. Located between the outskirts and the middle ring of the city, this teahouse has patrons both wealthy and working class. Many soldiers spend their evenings here drinking and gambling. The teahouse is covered, there are, however, no walls. Tables are set up under the covered area, which forms a box around the open center where there is a garden with a wooden stage that overlooks a small pond. Paper lanterns decorate the garden and the seating area. The only portion of the teahouse that is enclosed is the kitchen.

The four of us arrive at the busy teahouse in our full mercenary armor. The armor makes us look worldly and strong as any credible mercenary should be. We catch many uneasy stares as we make our way to a vacant table. Many of the inebriated patrons pay specific attention to Magnus and Leaia. I too am a target as they try to guess whether I am Densetsun or not. A young girl from the kitchen comes to our table. I request three cups of rice wine and one hot tea as I know that Leaia won’t even pretend to drink the wine.

“I have a bad feeling about this place,” Leaia whispers.

“Where is Motori?” Draccus asks.

I scan the room to see Motori and his men sitting on the other side of the garden. They are involved in their own conversation and haven’t taken notice of us yet. Motori is the only one of his group to be wearing his armor. He is a man who is always ready for a fight. He is older than I am, although not by much. He has no battle scars yet I know he is no stranger to combat. His armor is well cared for, but very worn. He is involved in the conversation of his party and aware of his surroundings at the same time. He catches me looking. I give him the bow of a fellow warrior. He bows back before returning to his conversation. “That was him,” I say.

“You Densetsuns don’t look very tough on the surface do you?” Magnus observes.

“Have you looked at any reflective surfaces recently?” Leaia comes to my defense.

“I didn’t mean that in a negative way,” Magnus rebuttals, “We all know how deadly they can be. I’m just saying they don’t look it. I mean honestly, who would intimidate you more? Jun or Draccus here?”

“He does have a point,” Draccus says.

“And that shall be your downfall, Magnus,” Leaia sticks to her argument, “You underestimate people based on their appearances.”

“She does have a point,” Draccus chimes in again.

Leaia and Magnus continue to argue while Draccus fuels the fire. I scan the room once more. Two tables of armed mercenaries are keeping close watch on us. They look irritated by our presence, which is exactly what I was counting on. Four of the men from one table stand and walk towards our table. Out of the corner of my eye I see Lieutenant Motori look up from his conversation. He knows what’s about to happen.

The four mercenaries stop in front of our table. They are clearly intoxicated and Magnus greets them in typical Athusian fashion. “Do you have a problem?” Magnus asks in a very insulting tone.

“We do not want your kind here,” the lead mercenary says.

“There is something very familiar about this,” Draccus says to Magnus.

“Yes, except this was directed at you last time,” Magnus replies.

“Look at me when I’m talking to you!” the mercenary raises his voice, which gets the attention of the entire teahouse.

“What is the problem here?” Lieutenant Motori stands behind the mercenaries.

“We don’t want Athusian scum in our teahouse,” the lead mercenary says to Motori.

“Leave them be,” Motori says.

“What?!”

“Our society is built on tolerance, not ignorance, you fool,” Motori steps up to the lead mercenary, “These people have done nothing to you or your men. Now, I say again and for the last time, leave them be.”

The rest of the mercenaries stand up from the other table and walk up behind Motori. The four of us stand up behind the lead mercenary and his men. Motori’s men stand up from their table, but Motori waves them down. “I don’t want to spill your blood, but if you do not go back to your drinking and leave these people alone I will be forced to do so,” Motori threatens the mercenaries.

“You talk tough for an officer,” the lead mercenary says in return.

“This is not your fight,” I say to Motori, “There is no reason for you to do this.”

“These men made it my fight when they decided to disgrace themselves,” Motori responds.

“I am tired of your mouth-“ the lead mercenary is cut short as Motori crushes his windpipe with a ridge-hand strike.

The lead mercenary drops to the ground. The seven remaining mercenaries rush Motori who quickly jumps into the garden. The mercenaries follow him. The four of us go to pursue the mercenaries when another group of patrons assault us. Magnus teleports out of melee and fires magical bolts at the mercenaries attacking Motori. Leaia, Draccus, and I stand our ground against our drunken attackers. We easily incapacitate them without having to draw any weapons. By the time we make it into the garden Motori and Magnus have already handled all of the mercenaries.

Motori turns to his men. “Escort these men to the local guards,” Motori’s men react quickly to their master’s order.

Motori approaches us. “On behalf of the Densetsun people, I apologize for the actions of these men,” Motori bows to all four of us.

“There is no need for an apology,” Leaia says, “We’re used to that sort of welcome wherever we go.”

“That is most regrettable,” Motori says, “Allow me to introduce myself, I am Lieutenant Hanza Motori of the Imperial Army.”

“I am Leaia, Mistress of the Blade and these are my comrades, Magnus of the Sazjin order, Draccus of Orrock, and Jun of Densetsu.”

“It is an honor to meet all of you. Won’t you join me at my table?”

“We would love to,” Leaia accepts Motori’s invitation.

The five of us sit at Motori’s personal table to enjoy some tea and rice wine. I’ll admit I am surprised at the Lieutenant. While Imperial officers are expected to uphold the laws and traditions of Densetsu, he did not have to intervene like he did. Most in his place would’ve waited until the fight was over and cleaned up the mess. This Motori is a good man.

“What brings the four of you to Jinsei?”

“We are looking for work,” I answer.

“And what sort of work do you seek?”

“The kind that pays well,” Magnus says.

“I see,” Motori looks us over, “And from what I’ve seen you can handle yourselves in combat.”

“That is what we do best,” Draccus says.

“If that is true I may have something for you.”

“And what would that be?” Magnus presses.

“Not so fast. I must know that I can trust you before I employ you. If you are serious about the prospect of work you will meet me tomorrow morning at the south district recruiting office. I will give you a task to complete. If you do so you will have proven that I can trust you. What do you say?”

“We will be there,” I answer.

“Then it is settled. Let us drink and enjoy the rest of the night.”

After what I would consider a very successful evening we make our way back to the safehouse. I could not sense any deception from Motori, but that doesn’t mean he was entirely truthful with us. He is not a simpleton and I would be rather shocked if he didn’t have us watched. I know I’ll be watching him. Afterall, he could be playing us as easily as we are playing him.

Upon entering the safehouse we discover three large beds and a bedroll next to them on the floor. “Magnus?!” Leaia fights back a smile.

“Hey, I need a comfortable night’s rest if I am to focus tomorrow,” Magnus defends his actions, “And I just thought that you all could use the same.”

“The bedroll?” I ask.

“That is for the lizard if he decides to stay inside this evening.”

Is Magnus displaying a soft side for Draccus? It seems I’m not the only one getting attached to the others. Leaia sees the thought behind Magnus’ actions and smiles softly. “So do you have any tips for tomorrow?” Magnus quickly changes the subject.

“As a matter of fact, I do.”

Magnus starts taking off his armor while Leaia sits on one of the beds to listen. Draccus stands near the closed front door. “Tomorrow’s task may not be a difficult one as it is intended to test our loyalty not our resolve. I know how some of you feel about acts of questionable moral judgment and while I don’t think Motori would give us a mission of that nature I will handle it if that’s what it comes down to.”

“You can count me in,” Magnus nods.

“Me too,” Leaia adds.

Wait. What did she just say? “What did you just say?” Magnus asks with the same disbelief that I’m experiencing.

“I said I’m with you too. I fight for truth and justice in the name of Arus and that is why I must do whatever is necessary to serve the greater good.”

Why are you so difficult to resist? Just when I think I can distance myself, you do something that makes me want you! “Well, I am not going to be the odd Orrock out,” Draccus says, “My blade is at your will.”

For the first time I feel as though we are truly working as a team. I only hope this harmony lasts long enough for us to put it to good use. “Okay. We will be venturing deeper in to Jinsei tomorrow and we must be on the lookout. The odds are against us here and if anyone sees anything unusual the rest of us need to know about it.”

Everyone nods in agreement. “Do you trust this Hanza Motori?” Magnus asks.

“I don’t trust anyone, Magnus.”

“Right, stupid question,” Magnus says as he removes his last piece of armor, “I am never going to get used to wearing that stuff. How do you warriors do it?”

Magnus plops down onto his bed. “We wear it for protection, not comfort,” Leaia says as she starts to take off her armor.

Draccus walks up to the bedroll. He stares at it a moment. “The thought is appreciated, Mage,” Draccus looks at Magnus, “But I will be out back.”

“It will be there if you change your mind,” Magnus says.

Draccus heads out the back door closing it behind him. Some things about Draccus will never change. At least he can smell any trespassers that may come near the house.

Magnus studies his spellbook in bed for a while. Leaia kneels down to pray after removing her armor. I move the bedroll next to the front door and lay down on it in my armor. I have trained myself to sleep in armor. It is never a good night’s sleep, but I’d rather be prepared for the unexpected. Afterall, we can’t have a long day tomorrow if we don’t first make it through the night.