beginning of chapter 11

here begins the eleventh chapter in count..

Chapter XI: Council and Herald of Woe

“Dark have been the events of late,” said Master Shang, right at a hut near the River Korus which flowed through the heart of the city. Once again, Lady Yen was standing near him, looking at the city. It was about half an hour before dawn, and the moon still cherished the sky, unsullied by Avernis’ shadow. The white walls of Koruskan were like a mirror, reflecting moonlight from the moon to them, effectively illuminating the hut.
Such deep meaning was the pattern of architecture, and Lady Yen sat down, thinking of a reply, “Your burden is heavy, this I feel it out of you. The job of being an acting ruler of a kingdom is never easy, and many avoided, but I have to tell you. You’re not alone, we’re here to help. You have the Five, you have the Elven Queen and the Holy Guardian and most importantly, you have my wisdom.”
These words energized the mind of Master Shang, who immediately asked her to get all of them gathered at the hut at one hour’s time. She instantly agreed, knowing that her words had brought into effect. As she rose and left, Master Kang came, and sighed.
“As a fact, I know he had a very strong will, but I fear for him.”
“Why?” asked Lady Chie Kuan, who appeared suddenly out of his back, much to his surprise, “The Archknight seemed to be able to handle his job, even though he’s under immense pressure. Suffice to say that he won’t fail your hopes.”
Master Kang was rather bewildered, as he had no idea on why Lady Chie Kuan can fathom the inner thoughts of Master Shang. Not even his inner circle was able to discern anything from him without any information for the past ten years of their relationship. But she, one who was never close to him, managed to succeed in where they failed. How was this possible?
Perhaps it was telepathy, a means to commune through minds. Only few were trained in the art, and only five of them mastered it to the highest level. Or it was some affinity shared between them, unbeknownst to all.
Now that he desired an answer, he asked Lady Chie Kuan on the straits of recent affairs. She gave him the same answer, which was that with King Ashvin got food poisoning and was now in a comatose, Master Shang must exercise the true powers of the High King, by hope or by crook. It was an inevitable event in which it was a trial to him, one which will eventually proved to be the cause of his downfall.

Exactly an hour later, all the Knights were gathered at the hut, and Master Shang awoke from his trance, starting to give out commands such as defensive preparations, garrison fortifications and so, while the Knights just obeyed the orders without question, such was his power over his Order that he can actually give out commands by just words without threat.
Meanwhile in Ossiros, Master Ran managed to enter the Palace and meet Lord Cheng, who had gathered all the members of the Magi and the Guards, ready to go to Koruskan, only to be delayed by issues of the High King.
“You do your job well, friend,” said Master Ran, as he entered the inner part of the Palace, “and by the way, how fares the High King?”
“Not well at all,” replied Lord Cheng, “Lady Crystal diagnosed that he suffered a severe food poisoning due to overconsumption of arsenic elements. In addition,” he pointed towards the curry-pot, “we found out that the curry-powder used was somehow poisoned. Do you know where does it come from?”
Master Ran then told him another bad news, that Master Hong and Lady Xue discovered that the lands near Koruskan were defiled by the blight of Avernis, and to make matters worse, by the command of Master Shang all curry powder made there were to be destroyed. How on earth the curry powder could reach King Ashvin was totally a mystery.
They then entered the throne chamber, only to find that King Ashvin was awake that time, who quickly bade them to come forth, and he handed them a letter which was to be delivered to Master Shang in the event of his death.
“My King, you won’t succumb to this illness, you won’t die young. Please don’t say anything that deprives your will and degrades your health. We need you as our ruler and leader.”
King Ashvin just sighed, and replied, “I know my condition, not even the Archmage and the Inquisitor, who are the best healers of the Kingdom, could heal my illness. To make matters worse, probably the Archknight won’t expect this, thus please don’t tell him.”
Both of them obeyed, and they left the room, but Lady Crystal was there awaiting them.
“Greetings to the Archbishop, I suppose that you’re here to pay a visit to King Ashvin, and to…”
Before she could finish, Master Ran gave her an affirmative answer. They were all assembled , ready to go to Koruskan, but as King Ashvin could not attend, in other words Master Shang had to host it, and some of them were not keen on that prospect that one not of their order would lead them, thus Master Ran was worried that they would disrupt the council.

the next post will come either tomorrow or on the 22nd.. depends on the circumstances..