The cogs begin to turn

Nestled far to the east of Frost City lay a small valley encircled by a protruding ring of mountains from the Whitetop northern mountains. The pathway to enter this near-impenetrable natural fortress snaked from the south along a winding, narrow road.

High cliffs dropped from both sides in a sheer wall, fitting foundations for the towers built from the sweat of slaves. Traveling under the watch of the armed archers above, the wagon trail halted before a thick stone wall.

The lone access gate groaned like the maw of a prehistoric beast, allowing entrance into the fertile valley and mineral-rich mountains. Lost within this vast natural forest, streams, and fields, a town occupied a spot near the gate entrance. To the north, one could also see the outline of another ancient tower.

The single tower appeared ancient and bore remarkable similarities with those found in Limerock and Frost City. No mages occupied this deserted structure, though, but a single clan. In actuality, the main inhabitants of this entire valley belonged primarily to one of the large tribes that helped to create the Empire.

Clan Wu.

From here, the main branch of the Wu Clan ruled over their assets and finances, which webbed across the Empire. Old tribes like the Wu, Bridgeroak, Tian, and Yang numbered among the few who stubbornly held onto their old inheritances. A large stone hall filled the first floor of the tower, with the four higher levels used as sleeping quarters and meeting rooms.

On the desolate stone platform, a single chair carved of rock towered with a high backrest. A lean but well-proportioned man sat on the chair with the sleeves of his white robe resting comfortably on the broad armrests. An oval face with wrinkles near the keen eyes gazed down upon the members in the hall. A long white beard complemented the tied and lush white hair draping and disappearing behind his wide shoulders.

"Wu Meng has reported an increase in slave acquisition from the villages near Frost City. The Bitzer attack could not have come at a better time. Forced from their homes, most villagers had no choice but to sell themselves. The winter has been a sad day for the Empire."

An old man with wizened hair and hunched shoulders read from a scroll. Bowing, he awaited the input from his leader. The seated man on the throne sighed before speaking.

"A sad day for our Empire indeed. Send a message to Wu Meng. Have him free the slaves who fell into this predicament because of the demon beast raids. Let them return and strive to help rebuild our lost villages."

"The Patriarch is most wise."

The old man said while bowing. Rolling up his scroll, he retreated respectfully to the side to join his companions. Another man greeted the patriarch before stepping forward. Unfurling his own scroll, he relayed the contents.

"The invention Young Master Wu returned from the fringes has performed admirably in the mines. We can now remove the pools of collected water and dig deeper. Wu Dong has also sent word from the Capital. Along with the other clans, the windmill construction is now in full swing. He expects a profit from the venture to begin trickling in from this year's harvest."

"Good news indeed. The inventions could not have come at a better time. With them, our goals have moved a step closer. The benefits of these inventions have piqued my interest. I would have liked to meet the so-called heavens gifter."

The calm words stifled the breaths of the listening audience. Opening his eyes, the Patriarch lazily scanned the hall without moving his face. Sons, grandsons, elite members of the Wu Clan. Shrewd Elders with years of experience. They all gathered for this meeting.

"No matter. See to it all is done for our preparations. Wu Baichi, Wu Pigu remain."

The single sentence evoked shivers of excitement or fear in the listeners' ears. In a Clan, no matter how large, threading from the line belonging to a particular faction meant death. One snap of the line and the supporters fell tumbling down. Muffling their smirks and curiosity under expressionless or worried masks, they obeyed.

The assembly greeted the patriarch respectfully before departing the hall. A muffled thump sounded later as the large doors closed. Within the large hall, the patriarch sat gazing upon his eldest son and elite grandson. His eyes finally rested on Wu Baichi.

"Your second and third brothers have been stirring up trouble in the Capital. Before Clan Wu becomes the laughing stock of the Great Houses, I suggest you deal with it. Otherwise, you may find yourself counting iron ore bushels in the mines."

"Yes, Patriarch. Your will shall be done."

Wu Baichi bowed while answering. He had only left the Capital during the end of summer to return to their ancestral lands. Who knew his two younger brothers would cause trouble over the winter? If he didn't know better, he would have thought they were trying to undermine his position.

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"Wu Pigu. You have proven yourself capable during your time being raised in the Capital. Not only have you outperformed your generation, but you have also left most of the young men in the cities licking your boots."

The old man narrowed his eyes before continuing as he gazed at his grandson.

"It seems, however, that success has made you complacent. Not only have you fallen from grace in wooing the lone princess of the Empire, but you have nearly cost us our lives."

The words from the mouth of the Patriarch dropped young master Wu to his knees in a kowtow. A single mistake during his young life could cost him the seat of his aspirations. The last words of the patriarch sent a shiver down his spine.

"This lowly one seeks forgiveness. I beg my grandfather to be lenient."

"Hmph! Did you not know the consequences of abducting a genius blessed by the Heavens? If this action had reached the ears of the Churches Union, even Clan Wu would not escape unscathed."

"Your grandson has learned the error of his ways. I beg the Patriarch for forgiveness. It is your grandson who chose incompetent men to perform this task."

The old man snorted while thinking about how close the Clan came to annihilation. Inhaling a deep breath, he calmed his rising anger.

"Luckily, that greedy patriarch from the Prickus House fell to the vile hands of greedy goblins before beginning your task. The news from the western frontier seems to indicate something of the sort. I trust my grandson has shed the last of his impatient hotbloodedness from this lesson."

"Grandson has learned his lesson well."

The old man relaxed his expression.

"Good, good. It is time for the grandson to focus on becoming a Sersen. But first, you must re-establish your relations with the princess. Word has it that the crown prince will be heading to Frost City to follow the ritual of becoming a Sersen. Use your opportunities well! You are of age, and time is closing in on us. Do not fail your Clan. Dismissed!"

When the doors thumped closed, the Patriarch exhaled a long breath. Lifting himself from his seat, he removed the hairpin from his head, allowing his neat hair to cascade unruly down his shoulders. Stepping down three levels, he then sat on the small stool on the left of the intimidating throne.

Occupying the seat reserved for important visiting guests of the Clan. Patriarch Wu appeared like a servant lost to the grandeur of the silent, empty hall. The tapping clinks of iron-like fingernails on the vacated throne indicated another presence. Twisting his body slightly towards the throne, he bowed so low, his honorable beard swept the stone slabs.

"Clan Wu has done well indeed. The one who impressed me the most is this grandson of yours. I see the cunning and deceit within his eyes. Since the clan has served us with loyalty, I will send a servant with him to Frost City. Those common demon beasts found within the mountains will pose no threat. His chances to become this so-called Sersen shall also increase. I can never understand the importance of becoming this Sersen... hehe!"

Patriarch Wu bent even more on hearing the joyous news. With an adventuring party under the protection of this servant, the chances of becoming a Sersen increased tenfold.

"Thank you, Master. As the older generations before us, Clan Wu will always continue to serve..."

***

Chu raised an eyebrow while reading the letter again. Twisting his face under the pain, he shifted on the chair. His eyes switched onto the second letter sitting beside the first.

"When did this one come in?"

"Rind went to the village for supplies today. The Master of the Trading Post handed it over. It arrived yesterday with a caravan."

Jim answered from across the table. On receiving the first letter, Jill headed out to find Lucy and Miki. While discussing the contents of her letter, Ring delivered the second. With Chu in bed, Miki broke the wax seal and browsed through it.

The aftermath had her summoning a hasty meeting with Chu and the core leaders in the barn. Only Bon, who lay in the infirmary, and the ones out traveling remained absent.

"Read it out loud and then pass it around, Miki. Jill, you can do the same with the other one."

Chu said while closing his tired eyes. He rested a hand on the table, but his leaden fingers found it hard to tap. The interrupting shouts and gasps informed him they had grasped the main thoughts of the writers.

"The letter to Jill is straightforward in its cryptic way. I have no plans to visit the Capital soon. A substantial part of our profits is held there by Griz. That man, however, is a true merchant and will walk the fine line without stepping on any toes."

Sighing, he continued.

"Doug knew the dangers of his task when he set out. What makes it worse is that his adversaries planned a ruthless counterattack. Unfortunately, we paid dearly with the loss of Lin."

Glancing towards the silent redhead, Chu shook his head. It was inevitable that death descended on his companions because of the road they walked. Protecting his companions also increased the probability of his living a long life, but he could only do so much.

"The city is just too deadly. At least out here, you know who and what is out to kill you."

"What do we do now? What about his killer?"

"I recruited Lin from the slums. I should have advised you not to send him to the city."

Jim muttered while his wife gripped his sagging shoulders from behind. Ms. May nodded in agreement as she stood behind her husband. Living on the farm lowered the expectations of receiving bad news. Their exploits and adventures certainly drove that reality from their minds.

"No one is to blame for this. We live in a world where even walking near the forest is dangerous. This is something we must prepare for whenever we step out of the safety of our home. Considering their task, help from the garrison is definitely a no."

Chu said with closed eyes as the letter returned to Miki. Browsing across it again, she raised her frowning face.

"Doug didn't write about the details, even in code. What is important, however, is that not only Lin is dead, but they might lose their lives. If the leader of the Behemoth Gang does not arrive in Frost City, all our preparation will also be wasted."

The mutterings ceased as Miki's words sank in. One by one, all eyes turned towards the face under the flickering candles.

Chu opened his eyelids to reveal a pair of shining yet bottomless black eyes. From behind these narrowed eyes, he gazed out at his companions. The smile they had come to know formed from his lips.

"It's earlier than expected, but we have no choice. I guess we will pay Frost City a visit..."

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