139 Sir, we want to go home

Second Master had become used to carrying the whip everyday. He'd only used it on two occasions but the strikes has come with a level of anger and brutality no man missed. He wasn't proud of this. He was tired. He had been away for too long. He missed his family, his forge and the quiet life which came with it. That gentle rhythm which welcomed each new day, leaving space to live in peace with the world. Lost in his own thoughts, he failed to notice an aide approaching.

"Sir, would it be appropriate to ask if we may stop? There are many men who are beginning to stumble from sheer exhaustion, and this is causing problems with cuts, abrasions and an increasing level of unrest." The aide backed away as he spoke, he too, had noted the change in spirits of the Commander and was wary of creating more ill temper. Whispers around the caravan likened him to his father and his irrational temper. "Like father, like son," some were heard to say.

Second Master snapped out of his thoughts and looked at the men he was escorting. They were clearly tired and unwell. They were under-weight and sour. His own men were tired too. He had pushed too hard.

"Yes, let's stop. This has been a hard walk along the water's edge." 

He looked at his own men, "Time to forage for everything we can. Time to eat meat. Where are the Blades and Arrows? Get them to go out and bring back everything they can, we need many fires tonight and as much meat as we can find. Raid some of the lower fields. We have the seal from Shipao which gives us permission."

He turned and surveyed the prisoners, an increasingly sorry sight and he was ashamed. "I have pushed you all too hard, especially roped as you are. It does makes it hard walking on the level, let alone this track. For this I am sorry, but needs must." He paused as he looked at the lines of men. Some had bleeding scars developing around their necks, others, their hands were red from the constant chaffing. He spoke again, "If I can have your word you will walk without argument, I am prepared to change the restraints. These have served their purpose. You know what to expect if you disobey my command." Once again he paused, then continued in a softer, more human voice, "I am not my father. I do not enjoy commanding by brutality. Let us continue with less of this. Hammers!"

"Sir."

"Release the restraints. Allow the physicians to move amongst the prisoners administering salve. Carry your whips at all times and be vigilant. Any arguments and there will be consequences, after all, there are many horses we can tie men to."

"Sir."

Groups went out, returning with goat, chicken, boar, a small herd of deer which were ravaging a field of corn. There were logs, cabbages, onions and turnips as well as corn, rice and flour. Some of the locals had donated upon seeing the seal. They would receive recompense from the Province Actuary when time came.

The prisoners were surprised when the food was handed out to them first. They ate with the appetite of the starving, looking around for more. Soups and broths filled the bellies, breads soaking up the remnants in the bowl. They would sleep well that night.

"Sir. There is a prisoner who wishes to talk with you." The aide backed away from the bed roll the Second Master was lying on.

"Who is he?"

"He didn't say, Sir, but he doesn't want to go across the river, Sir, he says his home is in the far North."

Second Master got up and dusting himself off, "tell him to come over."

Looking up, he saw a man of similar age and stature. As he approached, he lowered his eyes and stood, giving a half bow to his capture.

"I hear you do not wish to cross the river. The aide tells me your home is north, not south. Why are you with the Mu army, if you are not part of the Mu province?"

"Sir, I am from the Zhang Province, and I live to the east of the province with my family; my mother, wife and three children. I was conscripted into this fight along with some sixty others who are here. We would humbly ask that we are escorted home to the Pass. We want no trouble, Sir, we just want to go home." He remained in a half bow of respect and submission as he spoke, afraid his words would anger this man.

"What is your name?"

" My last name is Poom and my first is Kan, Sir"

"That isn't a Chinese name. Where are you from?" Second Master looked at him, "Raise your head so I can see who I am talking with."

Kan raised his head and Second Master could see by his features he had settled in the Zhang Province but was probably from beyond that second pass.

"North of Zhang, Sir, beyond the mountains. We came because of famine and Commander Zhang gave us space to stay. He is a good man, Sir, at least he is to us. It is because of him we have a thriving trade between the old land and the new." He stopped talking, his bravery exhausted. This man was intimidating and he didn't want to be responsible for upsetting him.

"That as maybe, but he set a trap for us and made us war with your troops, then brought the Mu army to annihilate us." Second Master stopped himself, the answers would come, but that would be for another time. "So, crossing the river is not right for your group, I can see that, but why has it taken so long to speak up?"

Kan looked at his feet, "Fear, Sir."

Second Master recoiled inwardly. He was becoming like his father; this was not as he would wish. In his head he heard his wife, 'if you become like your father, I will leave you, do you understand?' I had promised her I would never....my thoughts trailed off, "Then we need to do something about this." Turning to the ever hovering aide, "Find one of the Hammers and bring him to me. I want the men from Zhang separated, preferably tonight." Turning to Poom Kan, he smiled, "let's sort this out now. Wait here and then go back with the Hammer. He will make arrangements to have you all placed together ready for moving out tomorrow. In the meantime, rest and make sure you eat. There will be little food on your return and you are quite aware how arduous this route has been."

For the first time in over a year Poom Kan smiled. It may have been thin, but it was one of relief. He bowed deeply to Second Master. "Thank you, Sir, your kindness will not be forgotten."

 

 

The next day, Poom was as his word. He had located fifty three of his men and was standing toward the back of the caravan waiting to be escorted. He looked hopefully toward where he had met Second Master, waiting, in the hope he was a man of his word. 

It wasn't many minutes before he saw him coming out of the wagon. He had two other officers with him and they were nodding as he spoke. Poom noticed two other of the Hammers come over and they took up positions by the side of this Commander who was still giving orders. There was a final nod and with that, Commander Chen and the two Hammers came striding towards him.

"Ready?" he said to Poom, "if we start now, we should be a good way back up this god-for-saken trail by night fall." He looked at the group of men, "do you have bed rolls? Where are they? Go collect them. We have knives for game hunting and a few pots for cooking. Collect anything which is yours and come back here in say, one turn?"

Poom didn't need a second explanation and ordered the men to do as was told.

The remaining prisoners mumbled and cursed but Poom's men weren't in the least interested. They had been duped by this lot once and it wasn't about to happen a second time.

Checking he had everyone, Poom turned to Second Master, "Ready Sir."

"Okay. I lead, you follow, Hammers, follow on behind."

"Sir," one of the Hammers interjected, "two of the swords want to come. They have Blades experience and believe their skills will be useful."

"So be it," Second Master waved at the Hammer who had spoken, "move out," and with that, this small band of men began the arduous walk back up towards the Pass.

That evening, the band of men stopped in a clearing which nestled neatly near the river. There was water, plenty of fallen wood and fish to catch. Second Master thought of Xin and Niao, 'they would be in their element here. Me? I'm a fish out of water.' With a grin, he set about creating a camp, 'I can do this much at least'. The two Swords had gone out into the shallows and were casting a tiny net they had produced from their bed roll. Amazingly, it netted enough to begin a fish soup, whilst other went foraging inland, bringing back some game and spinach they had gathered from a field not far from where they camped.

"Simple fare gentlemen. but we wont starve. If we can move out at first light we should make good progress."

Later, Poom came over and sat with him. "Why did you decide to bring us? I must admit I feel honoured and surprised. I would have thought you would have stayed with the main caravan?" Poom phrased it as a comment but he really hoped Second Master would take it as a question.

"There are questions I need answers to and your comments yesterday made those unanswered niggles return. I will take you back and then accompany you to see Commander Zhang himself. Maybe he will be willing to give me answers. I can but try, but I know my father is involved in this somehow and I need answers." Second Master smiled at Poom. This time there was not anger, no displeasure, just a genuine man of authority. Poom was surprised, he had never come across this side of the Commander before; now he could see why the men who served under him were so loyal.