Chapter 9.1

If there was anything good about what just happened it was that Massoud did not have to worry about how to deal with Llyr. She had taken care of that all by herself. People are so easy to manipulate, he thought to himself. You just play to their ego, it wasn’t even a question of money or riches most of the time. Llyr was always one who had a higher opinion of herself than what was justified and it had finally caught up with her. Well, he would have to watch where he showed his face for the next few days, as no doubt there would be people looking for him, but the truth was he was glad for things being simplified just a bit. After that it wouldn’t really matter either way.

Massoud waited until dusk before going out on the street and when he did the hood to his great coat was pulled forward setting his face in a shadow. It wasn’t much but would have to do. He rounded the corner making his way toward, “The Maimed Bard,” a back street tavern where no one would look to closely at anyone who came or left. It was then he spied him, the boy, Perceval. He whistled sharply and the boy looked around. The young were easier still to deal with, such curiosity in them. It made Massoud laugh as he motioned him over. The boy came cautiously not wanting to get too friendly with a stranger obviously trying to conceal himself.

“We have sworn a blood oath Perceval, you have nothing to fear from me.”

At the words the boy smiled slyly and quickly closed the distance. “Upon my word, I would never have known it was you.”

“You will tell no one you saw me will you.” It was a statement not a question. In reply the boy only shook his head slightly side to side, never taking his eyes off Massoud.

“I need you to do another run for me boy, can you do that?” This time the boy spoke.

“Of course, I am at your service, brother.” Massoud knew he had a gift of inspiring loyalty in those around him and took advantage of this as much as he could. He knew the boy would soon willingly die for him.

“I need news lad, news from those that sit in the government. Do you know a tavern called The Goblins Ankle?” The lad nodded smiling. Everyone knew that place. It was where the elite of the state went to slake their thirst. Not just anyone could get in, and certainly not without being noticed. A boy though? No one paid any attention to a boy.

“I need you to go there and listen and remember everything that is said. Stay there for one hour and then come meet me here,” and at this he nodded over to The Maimed Bard, and repeat to me that which you have heard.” Massoud reached into his coin bag and flipped a gold coin towards the boy. It sparkled as it flew through the air and he heard the boy whistle softly. Again a great deal of money for one so small. This would erase any doubts that may be left lingering after the blood oath. “There is another one for you if the news is what I am waiting for.”

The two studied each other for a moment, sizing the other up, and deciding they liked what they saw. “Now be gone, and be quick.” The boy smiled, nodded his head and silently disappeared into the shadows.

Massoud watched him go and then turned to go into the pub. Meeting the boy was fortuitous, he would supply information that would confirm the timing of the next step in hiss plan. Too it saved him reaching out to his contact before necessary. The boy would likely do Llyr’s job better than Llyr. This made Massoud laugh.

Chapter 8.10

“It is the final test”

“What?” Said Jaala, trying to shake his head of the stupor he felt himself tangled in.

“Quiet strength, my friend,” Katashi replied evenly.

Jaala began with “I am a drop of–”.

“Silence, or you will kill us.  To not resist is to die, but to fight it is the same.  Like emerging from quicksand you must be steady and purposeful.”

Jaala nodded as eery echos of laughter flitted about them. 

“And how will you defeat this,” came an ephemeral chorus of voices from all about them.

They rose slowly to see a thin column of spinning air moving toward them.  It ploughed the earth before it, shattering rocks that lay in its path.  Still constrained by the effects of the heavy air, Katashi steadily reached up and drew the obsidian blade of the fire elemental.  He gripped it two-handed and his slow overhead swing came down right as the air reached them, shearing it in two and parting its destructive force around them.

However, as the column split it turned to vaporous masses that began to swirl about them, eventually blocking out the sun, the rocks, even the ground.  The very air seemed to keen and wail all about them.  Jaala began to lose his composure, clearly showing fear as he gripped Katashi’s shoulder.

Katashi felt something different though.  Perhaps as he had always truly embraced the path of Wu Wei and the concept of nothingness the howling did not frighten him so much as unsettle his equilibrium. 

They stood in the midst of the visual and thunderous cacophony, time having no meaning with all reference points eliminated.  Katashi felt his sanity leaking away into the whirling mass about them.  He began to say an old prayer, one of the first that the Zealots no longer recited after their shift to the precepts of Wu Wei.  At first he repeated it in low tones, growing stronger and bolder with each incantation, until finally he shouted it out.

“The King of Kings leadeth us along the road of righteousness.  He breatheth the air of life into all things.  His sword and his shield protect me.  He is the creator and the defender.  Surely I will dwell at His hearth forever and the Elements will bow before us.”

The vapor about them drew up into a mask-like face, twice the height of a man, inches from Katashi’s own as it roared out “Your God of Old is dead to Us!”

Katashi stared evenly at the face.  “He is not dead to me.”

The air elemental let out of a howl of rage, spinning several times and reforming to the size of a large war-shield a few spans from the two companions.

“What do you want, thief?”

Katashi started, clearly pained by the accusation.  “I stole nothing.”

The face said nothing for a moment.  “Perhaps not, yet still you hold Cuauhtemoc’s Pin.  The pin that the dusky Guildsman promised us.”

Katashi tilted his head slightly in contemplation.  Could this be the same man I was sent to ensure was dispatched?  This Massoud of the Guild?

“Well he is not here, and we are.  What would you trade with us for it,” demanded Jaala, stepping forward.

Peals of laughter echoed about them once again.  “You think me a fool, old goat?  Why would one of the Order of the Silk Shield barter away the most coveted item known to his kind as if it were a mere shiny brooch?”

Katashi echoed the elemental in puzzlement, “The Order of the Silk Shield?”

Chapter 8.9

A light breeze, barely more than a puff of wind, touched the two as they looked at each other. It was Kitashi who spoke first.

“Are you okay Jaala?”

“Yes, quite, my friend.” The answer was direct and his face was once again enigmatic.

Kitashi sensed there was more that was not being spoken but he was reluctant to try and surface the issue, or perhaps too tired, or too hungry. So instead, with a sad smile he said, “Let’s make camp and eat then.” It was spoken as much as a request as anything.

“Excellent idea,” Jaala said and beginning to move forward continued, “If I could suggest moving down the trail just a bit first though. Eating at the sight of a battle is never a good idea if one can help it.”

A sad smile crossed Kitashi’s face as he nodded and fell in step. The obsidian blade was sheathed and slung across Kitashi’s back. Neither said a word about it again.

They found a suitable camp site no more than a mile down the trail. For their meal they prepared the last of their bacon and supplemented it with a few handfuls of berries and such they had been able to gather during the day. It wasn’t much and both of them ate in relative silence. There was no tension between them, which was interesting to say the least, especially in view of what had transpired. Perhaps they were too tired from the exertions from the last few days. One cannot be sure. We do know though that the meal was not soon finished when they both had fallen asleep right where they sat. A gentle breeze caressed them and enrobed them in warmth.

Jaala woke the following day with the sun high in the sky. He blinked, coming awake slowly, in that extreme comfort that can only come from a well deserved long nights sleep on a good bed. He relished the warmth and comfort as he idly studied the leaves in the trees moving in the gentle breeze above. It took several minutes for him to wake even a bit more.

Something was wrong, but how could it be? This morning was too perfect, and all he wanted to do was curl up and go back to sleep, just for a bit. He tried to shake himself awake, like when he had bad dreams as a child. Warm air flowed all around him though urging him to relax. He breathed it in and felt sleep overcoming him again. He smiled as he found himself falling asleep again in spite of himself.

This was when he heard Kitashi speaking to him, barely louder than a whisper.

Chapter 8.8

For a moment the elemental was at a clear disadvantage, his one blade to Katashi’s two.  Jaala threw another stone and this time Katashi managed two slashes against the distracted elemental, one on each shoulder through the creases in his obsidian armor.  Now liquid fire began to course down the elemental’s armor from his wounds.

Katashi pressed forward in eagerness, momentarily regaining the burden of thoughts and emotions.  It was almost his undoing.  A fire sword, seemingly drawn and formed from its own blood, flowed into the elemental’s free hand.  Katashi moved to block the blade, but made of fire it simply passed through his own and left him a nasty burn on his neck as he shifted at the last moment to avoid it.

Jaala watched in concern as Katashi spent the next several moments retreating in almost panic before the seemingly unstoppable onslaught of the elemental.  Not knowing what else to do he ran towards the elemental, yitte poised.  As if brushing off a gnat, the elemental, at the last minute, briefly swatted his metal blade at Jaala.  While Jaala did manage to catch the blade in the prongs of both yitte, the sheer force of the blow knocked him backwards.

This brief respite allowed Katashi to regain his composure.  Right before he slipped back into his empty state, he realized that while the fire blade could not be blocked neither could it block his own blade.  As the Elemental pressed the attack again, Katashi stood his ground and began to inflict steady damage upon his opponent.

To Jaala it was like nothing he had ever seen before.  While Katashi was a true master of the blade he was also blessed with the fluid movements of a dancer.  Katashi never gave ground, simply flowing around, over, and under the deadly fire blade, countering immediately to draw blood each time with his deadly Ugatana.  The short Kizahsi blade stayed close to his body, simply deflecting each blow from the elemental’s metal blade.

Within a minute the elemental’s obsidian armor was no longer visible, fire licking about his body from his multiple wounds.  Then a glaring opening presented itself and Katshi thrust his long blade to the hilt in his opponent’s mid-riff.

Katashi retreated to his companion’s side as the elemental let out a roar that bathed them in searing heat.  Then before their eyes, fountains of flame began to erupt from the elemental’s wounds.  The elemental himself began to expand, his shape distorting.  Katashi sheathed his blades and drew forth Cuauhtemoc’s Pin, holding it before them as the fire elemental lost his solid form, bursting into a flaming mass that beat initially against the two protected travelers and then howling its frustration shot away up the valley.

As Katashi lowered the pin he saw before them what appeared to be an obsidian blade.  The steel blade was gone and presumably this was the fire blade, now hardened, that the elemental had fought with.  As Katashi hefted it, he was amazed by its balance, lightness, and strength all at once.  He felt the keen edge and had little doubt that he could cut through stone without harming the blade.

As he turned to face Jaala, he noticed the look on the other’s face.

Chapter 8.7

What Jaala did next surprised even him. He began to sing. These are the words of the song

Practice non action.

Work without doing.

Taste the tasteless.

Magnify the small, increase the few.

Reward bitterness with care.

See simplicity in the complicated.

Achieve greatness in little things.

Taking things lightly results in great difficulty.

Because the warrior always confronts difficulties.

He never experiences them.

It was from the sixty third book of the Lost Saints, and well known. His singing started out low and with each repetition increased in volume.

As he sang, the fight, the dance of swords, continued on and it was amazing to behold. The two moved almost at a blur, seamlessly moving from one form to another, each countering, neither leaving an opening. They were evenly matched. Jaala was most impressed and made note that should the occasion arise to ever cross blades with Katashi he would need to take this new ability into account.

Finally the chanting, was being sung at a most loud volume by Jaala, and still the two barely noticed, if at all. This was of course fine as the reason Jaala began the chanting was not to entertain or disturb the two. No, it was to put himself in a state where his mind could flow at near the speed as Katashi’s. This chant was one he often used to fully embrace Wu Wei, when he needed to act without acting.

It was at this moment that he picked up a rock and let it sail towards the two. It would seem to be the most extreme luck that the thrown rock had any chance of even hitting the two but it sailed towards them and hit the elemental on his forehead, directly between his eyes.

Enraged, the elemental let a blade loose towards Jaala, which he just managed to deflect. The elemental was highly skilled, yet even with his skill it took the barest moment of attention and this was enough for Katashi to slip inside his guard and place a small cut on the forearm of the elemental.

The cut glowed red as liquid fire slowly began to drip out, landing on the ground and starting small fires. Jaala smiled as he picked up another rock.

Chapter 8.6

“Seek the way of humility, for in pride’s path lay the broken spears of Toltemoc, impaling all with their indifference,” intoned Jaala, capturing the angry elemental’s blade in his Yitte as the former gave a mighty overhead swing.  The elemental, fire fairly streaming from his eyes and licking about his obsidian armor, kicked Jaala to the ground and moved to deliver the killing blow when he was met by Katashi’s Daicho.

Katashi had heeded the elemental’s words well.  All Tataki are taught to keep their mind as empty as possible when crossing swords to engender heightened perception of their opponent’s moves, but Katashi was able to take this to a higher level with the aid of Cuauhtemoc’s pin.  Saving Jaala was his last coherent thought as he engaged in his duel with the fire elemental.

Jaala rose to his feet looking for some way to aid his companion.  He quickly sensed though that Katashi had reached some sort of state where he was equally matched with the fury of his opponent.  To step in now would only hurt Katashi in this contest of blades.  But was it a contest of blades?  Remembering his own prophetic words at the beginning of the battle, he realized that Katashi had once again achieved Wu Wei and that he must focus the fury of the elemental such that it destroyed its ability to act as thought.

To this end Jaala sheathed his blades and faced the antagonists.

Chapter 8.5

They watched the flame approach faster than a man can run. As it drew closer they eyed each other both thinking the same thought, the elementals and the tests they administered were growing more difficult. Neither of them were looking forward to the upcoming encounter, but neither were they thinking about backing down. They would meet this fire elemental and succeed or perish. They turned with resolution to face the upcoming elemental.

They were both therefore surprised when they saw a man, a warrior walking up to them. He moved in the fluid stance of Silver Willow In The Wind. The only indication that this was more than a man were his eyes. The didn’t just burn with fire, they were fire. He continued his movement to the two until he was within attacking distance and then he stopped. At his side were the twin swords which he had yet to draw.

Katashi glanced over at Jaala who had already drawn his sword. Katashi deftly slipped the pin inside his cloak and put his hand to his sword and drew it quickly and easily holding it in a ready position. Silence fell heavily as the three stared at each other. The warrior who had walked up to them was dressed in obsidian colored armor of very fine workmanship. It was beautiful without being ornate, highly functional but in a way that only enhanced the beauty rather than detract. Katashi quickly thought that such a suit of armor would indeed be priceless and just as quickly banished the though. Envy was not a sin he sought to entertain, certainly not at a time like this.

It was the warrior who first broke the silence. “My other two brothers you may have defeated, but you will not get by me. Even you two, as skilled as you may think you may be with the blade, are no match for my skills. Unfettered by the limitations of a human mind I can move at the perfect speed of thought. Once you have started a journey down this valley though you cannot retreat. I therefore give you a choice. Kneel before me now and I will make your end swift and painless. Your death will still be honorable.”

It was Jaala that responded and in doing so surprised Katashi.

Chapter 8.4

Katatshi and Jaala proceeded out of earshot from the river to a small outcropping of rocks on the valley floor.  It was nearly dark now, the twilight slipping from the valley.  The two had been companions long enough now that neither spoke their intention, they simply move among the rocks and lay out their bedrolls for the night.

“Thank you, Katashi,” Jaala said softly.

“Goodnight,” Katashi responded.

Both had eased into a state of almost sleep where thoughts vie with dreams for supremacy when something woke them.  Sitting up they looked ahead into the valley.  It appeared as if a giant wild-fire were sweeping down the east side of the valley.

“We appear to be on the edge of where it will come,” said Jaala.

“To be safe we should move,” added Katashi.

Jaala nodded and they gathered up their belongings, heading back South toward the river and to the western edge of the valley.  With the fire once again in the distance they bedded down again.

They had not lain much longer than the first time when Jaala propped himself up and grunted his displeasure at the rapidly advancing flame.  This time they moved North, hugging the sheer face of the valley.  They traveled twice the distance they had to the rock outcropping, the fire  more a dim glow than the advancing wall of flame they had first seen, and once again laid down.

This time, Katashi sat up after a half sand and commented without emotion, “It follows us.”

“We must face it then,” rejoined Jaala.

The two companions stood, drawing on their weapons.  Katashi took Cuauhtemoc’s pin in both hands and assumed the Dancing Reed stance, waiting for the Elemental.

Chapter 8.3

The scene was repeated almost exactly as before, if not more violently and the two were left standing unable to move to make any attempt to escape.

“Do you notice,” Jaala said barely above a whisper, “That we are again on the same side of the river as when we started?” Katashi merely nodded his head in response so Jaala continued, “Perhaps we would be better served to take my suggestion and walk along the edge towards the valley wall. Surely we will find the water does not extend to both walls.”

Katashi again nodded and this time spoke, “Your suggestion is a wise one, let us go.” They both started walking and Katashi continued speaking as they did, “Though I fear this water will indeed extend from one valley wall to the other. Clearly it is meant to be a test, a barrier to those not intelligent enough to pass.”

“or worthy,” Jaala added, and they both lapsed into silence as they tracked along the river which looked completely calm again. They got to one wall and found that as they had approached the river had grown wider and stronger. The water war raging here as it poured right out of a large opening in the valley wall which rose straight up.

They looked at each other, nodded and turned to retrace their steps. It took over an hour to get to the other canyon wall and yes, the water did indeed go right up to the wall of the valley, which rose up almost vertically, and raging enter into a hole in the rock.

“This is quite maddening,” Katashi spoke loudly in order to be heard above the noise of the water.

“Indeed,” Jaala responded just as loudly. “Let’s retreat a bit to get away from this noise where we can discuss the matter.”

They sat very close to the same place where they originally attempted their first crossing. They sat discussing their options, neither coming up with anything meaningful, both of them unwilling to make another attempt until they could come up with something that would lead to a different outcome. The sun continued its journey across the sky and began to set at the far end of the valley. As it did so the last rays caressed the water in a reddish orange glow.

Katashi suddenly sprang to his feet as the sun was just a sliver and ready to disappear. “Jaala trust me and come quickly and do exactly as I do.”

With that Katashi sprang to his feet. Jaala rushed to his side and the two joined hands. Katashi took Cuauhtemoc’s pin and again focused his will into the pin. The truth was he wasn’t sure exactly what to do, it was more of a feeling really, but he was sure he was right. They both stepped into the water and found the surface was now springy, spongey. They looked at each other, both clearly surprised. As they took more steps, gingerly at first, the water to either side of them began to rage and boil as before. Only immediately in front of them, where the sun shown was the water calm.

“I fear we must hurry my friend,” Jaala said, “For when the sun has set we shall surely be overcome again by the water, and it looks even stronger than before.”

What Jaala said was truth too. The water was raging and it’s roar cast a low rumbling threat at them, “Misstep and you will be mine, and this time I will not let you go!”

The two quickened their pace and sprung for the other side.

Chapter 8.2

Katashi and Jaala made their way farther down into the valley.  The occasional arching oak spread over a rise but for the most part they were surrounded by brown wildgrass, dried from a long summer, about hip height.  Katashi likened it in his mind to wading through cobwebs as they closed in on a river that bisected the valley floor.

As they reached its edge, Jaala said, “Let’s walk its length and see if we can get around it–it can’t run from valley wall to valley wall.”

“There is a ford right there,” said Katashi, pointing.  “Besides, this is undoubtedly the next test.”

Jaala peered oddly at his companion and then raised his hand in alarm.  ” Wait.  Shouldn’t we figure out how to overcome this before just stepping into the river?”

Katashi spoke as he continued moving onto the gravel bed of the ford, “Right action will either be ours or it won’t, no matter how long we dwell upon it.”

To Jaala’s credit he stepped into the river along with his companion, despite feelings tinctured distinctly with fear and uncertainty.  The water began to rise past their calves to their knees, bubbling as it did so.  At first Jaala thought that it may have simply been the natural course of things, but Katashi never had any doubt as it rose to their hips, practically frothing.

This elemental did not take a humanoid form as the last had although it did speak to them, “Aether-blind, you may have deceived my brother but here you do not belong.”

Katashi did not respond.  He knew Wu-Wei would not serve him here–its guiding principle of emulating the essence of water would hardly defeat this foe.  This test begged some fashion of counterpoint to the last.  He needed help.  Looking to Jaala, who impressively maintained his calm as he rapidly approached his end, he realized none would be forthcoming from that quarter.  The pin!

Gripping Cuauhtemoc’s  pin in his hand he thought what can defeat such a powerful element as water? The water, now at his neck, roiling furiously almost seemed to be boiling despite its cool feel.  Perhaps that’s it. Concentrating intently, he gripped Jaala’s hand and then guided the latent energy of the pin to his will.  He focused it on heating the water about them, not entirely understanding how he was doing it and hoping fervently that they were not harmed in the process.

As the water started to close over them, Katashi focused the frenzied energy and soon the water became so heated it started to vaporize around them and blow away in the constant wind that coursed through the valley.  Still walking along the ford, Jaala asked in awe, “How–?”

He didn’t finish his question as the water coalesced and came crashing back over them.