House of Chen

  Bǎo looked out and wondered what the two ladies were doing. They had been gone for so long, he was beginning to wonder if they would ever come back. 'I wonder if we should send some people out to find them? Just to see if they are alright?' He searched the horizon as he did every morning but it was always to no avail. Once, he had seen two people walking towards the town and his heart missed a beat, until he realised it was two farm worker returning home. He turned from the lookout and was just about to go back to the barracks when Hao walked up. "Any sign of them?" he asked as he approached. Bǎo shook his head. "Don't worry, I have every faith in Niao. She is keeping Xin away until she is back to herself and it will take as long as it takes." He reached forward and placed his hand on Bǎo's shoulder, "trust me, I know her well and if there was a problem, I'd know." Bǎo looked at Hao and wondered how he always seemed so calm. He nodded...

It was a full cycle of the moon before Xin was physically restored. She would never bear children, the damage was too great, but the greatest impact was on her mind. She had gone from a funny, friendly and loving young lady to a bitter, sour and spiteful woman. Yes, she had suffered, but she wasn't the first and knowing what at happened back in Chenxi, I knew there were many women bearing the scars and progeny of such experiences. If husbands or family elders were still alive, they would turn her out as fallen, spoiled and she would have to survive on the streets. If the woman was unwed, she would remain so, labelled a dirty woman. Life was hard on these women and Xin was now one of them. Bǎo was beside himself with grief. He wasn't holding the events against her, none of the men did. Her temper and bad mouth were frightening them, pushing them away. I'd had enough, she wasn't going to wallow in this self pitying quagmire any longer. I collected my bundle and sorted out...

Bǎo held her in his arms. He'd wrapped her in the soft blanket he had brought with him, ever hopeful she would still be alive. She trembled and moaned in her sleep, reliving the experiences of her ordeal.  With each tremble Bǎo's anger grew. He couldn't hear any of the words being said around him, all he could hear was a rising tide of anger, of disgust, of abject hatred. Looking down into Xin's sleeping face, he made up his mind. Lying her down, gently by the fire, he stood up and grabbed a sword. The swordsman looked up but said nothing. He watched as Bǎo walked toward the hut and went inside. Talking outside fell away as the screams and pleading came from inside the place. Bǎo was dishing up his own retribution.  Then a loud crash came from inside and the screaming became louder, more hysterical, the pleading even more urgent. Bǎo walked out leaving a deep, orange glow, growing behind him. As he walked away he didn't look back as the place erupted in flames, and ...

  It was almost dark when we arrived. The blades and arrows weren’t as adept in the dark as Băo’s men, so they hung back, following us in small groups. They were quiet but not as silent as I would wish. Approaching the first dwelling it was clear this was not the place, no lights, no smells, we moved on. Another dwelling and the same result. Băo tapped my arm and pointed. In the distance I could see a faint light at what would be window height. I smiled. I dropped into a crouch and the men did the same. In whispers I told the blades and arrows to stay at a distance but kill anything they saw move. They nodded and moved out, creating a circular shield around the building. No-one would be getting in, but most importantly, no-one would be getting out. The next circle was that of the Blades. They created a tighter circle around the place; that left me with the eight most senior Blades. Hao remained in the outer ring with the troops whilst Băo maintained the second ring. I went toward...

We had never seen that look in Niao's eyes. There was a dead, black, evil; the look of a tiger as it prepares to pounce. The look that puts fear into those who are with her, let alone those against. She stalked out of the meeting room, a wide path being created as she advanced. "Wait!" was all she said as she left. We looked at each other, no-one daring to speak. I knew her best but even I was silenced by that inner power.  We waited. Within minutes, she returned. She was dressed in her skins, her hair in it's pony tail. She had thick arm guards, a wide neck guard and shin pads over her hand made running shoes.  She carried a pouch on her side. I didn't dare ask what she was carrying. "You ready? We leave. Twin Archers, Twin Swords, you lead. Bǎo, which is the fastest way for your pride to travel?" He shook his head for a moment, stunned by her presence, "um, there's a trail which goes further into the mountain. It will take us most of the way t...

The training was going well. I was working with another group from Twin Archers. My aim was to improve their aim as they negotiated the terrain. They had to keep their wits about them, aiming, firing, reloading and staying out of trouble as they silently moved from one place to the next. It was a big ask, but many archers saw the benefits of being sleight of foot, and listened both to mine and others suggestions. The quivers were changed to pouches and their positioning was also changed. Strapping to hold them static was deployed, each fitting the bowman.  Today, they were out chasing a moving target. They were excelling. I was so proud of them.  "Time." I called out and jestured the sign. They stopped and came running over. All crouched automatically, something else I instilled in them.  "What next?" one smiled, panting, "that was brilliant Ma'm. Thank you. I really feel ready to take on anything." He raised his hands and placed them in prayer mode, b...