of part 3 of chapter 8

part 3 from the previous

Meanwhile, Lady Xuan was fishing by the river, though it was almost midnight. Great was her concentration and patience, as she can remain in focus for more than four hours, provided with no serious external disturbances. However, some mutterings and cursing disrupted her tonight.
It was Lord Jason, who cursed all the while as he walked away to elude the wrath of Master Kang. Though annoyed, she nonetheless asked him, “What are you doing here?”
He then sat down beside her, told her about the arrival of Master Kang and his humiliation by the latter, and he e wished to play a prank on him. Lady Xuan, obviously, was surprised by the fact. She, like many others, did not expect Master Kang to come anyway, but she was disappointed at Lord Jason’s wish to play a prank on Master Kang, which she deemed irrational and inexplicable.
“So now you defended the damned High Master over me?” asked Lord Jason, but Lady Xuan ignored him and continued her fishing. Although she had no liking towards Master Kang, she saluted the wrath of his, who at last restrained Lord Jason’s mischief.
Now Lord Justin and Master Kang walked towards her, as the latter had a liking of fishing as well, and wished to learn something from her. To create surprise, Master Kang hooded himself once again, and continued walking.
Much to his surprise, his presence did not go unnoticed. Lady Xuan greeted Master Kang with a typical language of the Elves, which surprised him, and Lord Justin as well. Never did they expect that one in Ossiros can utter the elven tongue, let alone so fluently.
“From where you learnt this language?” asked Master Kang.
“I know all of the Five can understand the tongue of the High Elves. Even our Archpriestess also can speak that language. It’s possible that the Archknight conversed with her in that speech also, for many others don’t understand it. By the way, what do you seek from me?”
“I heard,” answered Master Kang, “that you have great concentration in matters of fishing.”
“That’s all? You’re so stupid, not worthy to be a Knight!” mocked Lord Jason.
This really enraged Master Kang, and he drawn his sword, pointing at Lord Jason, stating that it is never in his right to give a judgment in regards of his job and responsibility, while Lord Justin restrained him, and they sat down, commanding Lord Jason to be gone.
“I must see the High King tomorrow, straits are getting dire.” said Master Kang. He was so desperate to deliver his message to King Ashvin, as time was running out. Deep in his heart, he perceived the impending darkness enveloping the light of the sun and moon, and each day the darkness lengthened, heading westwards.
“Lord Cheng told me already, but who is thus Avernis?”
“An evil that has been chained for two thousand years.” replied Lady Xuan.
By now both of them were aware that Lady Xuan knew about the ancient lore, or at least heard Lady Yen spoke about it. Thus they decided to go to sleep, as an important meeting will be on tomorrow.

“Hail the High King of Ossir, your loyal subject beseeches your audience to an important letter.”
“Rise, High Master Kang. How fares the people of your Order?”
“Your Majesty, the Knights are fine at the moment. However to seek help, Master Shang with some companions are now in Istarugah. The Elven Queen was our mentor, this you know.”
Apparently King Ashvin did not know of the fact, so as those in the Hall, especially Lord Jason, who quickly took this opportunity to mock Master Kang by having a look of an elf, thus not human enough in him of his appearance, which angered everyone in the Hall.
“I admit that I don’t have a temper as intense as the Archknight,” said Master Kang, “but if he thinks that for this reason he can express his racism or xenophobic theories, then he is indeed wrong.”
“How come my theories are wrong when your rhetoric can be accepted, dumb?”
“Because we got proof of it, and have evidence for your promiscuity!”
Lord Jason was bewildered. He had no idea on what the word promiscuity means, and he just kept thinking of the meaning, until King Ashvin remarked that he should take note of where he was standing. Then immediately he knew the meaning, as he stood between Lady Kathleen, Lady Carrine and Lady Xuan in a distance very close, way too close.
“High Master Kang, you son of a donkey. How dare you imply the meaning that I’m a person who is a womanizer? You should ask your friend, who has and desired a one-to-many relation in him. Isn’t it worse than I am?”
“Ethereal thoughts can’t prove anything, let alone if he had never the thoughts in mind. But you, on the other hand, did it right in front of our eyes. That’s why I say that his presence alone can tarnish the good name of the Archpriestess.” replied Master Kang. Lord Jason was so embarrassed, and he pushed Master Kang, as well as struck him to the floor.
Master Kang just smiled, knowing that he has proven his theory right. Without the urge to even defend himself, he stood up and reported to King Ashvin about the crisis and their worsened plights. King Ashvin was shocked, he decided to meet Master Shang in person.
“High Master Kang, I’ll choose a day to meet your friend, to discuss ways of containing this threat. Please tell the Archpriestess as well, I’m in need of her to negotiate with the Dark Lord of the Dragon. As for this guy,” he pointed at Lord Jason, “be sure to tell her of his womanizing attitude during her absence. May the grace of the sun shines upon you at all time.”
“Your Majesty as well.” With a bow, Master Kang hooded himself again and left.

the next post will come on 14th february 2008, which means the 9th chapter...