WAY OF THE FLYING CRANE

by Ulquiorra9000

Chapter 26

Oh, no. Am I already too late?

Narset's eyes widened when she saw plumes of smoke rising from over the next hill. She snapped Flint-hoof's reins, and with a whinny, the enchanted horse redoubled its speed. Fields of wheat rushed by as Narset bore down on the upcoming town.

The Mardu were here.

Screams filled the air as Narset crested the hill, and she saw several flaming buildings as the villagers scattered before the incoming raiders. Horse-mounted orcs and humans swung their swords with abandon, while goblins tossed torches onto another house, setting it ablaze. Narset's throat tightened at the sight of slain villagers, their dark blood pooled around them.

Narset carried no weapons, but that didn't deter her; rage pounded in her ears, and that was all she needed. She bore down on the Mardu raiders, flaring up her red-white-blue mana aura as she went. Flint-hoor snorted in protest at the aura's pressure, but Narset didn't let up

"Incoming!" A Mardu warrior turned and saw Narset coming in, but too late; Narset rushed right up to him, vaulting off of Flint-hoof as she went. In an instant, Narset drew back her left fist and gathered her red mana.

Let's see how you like Way of the Dragon Fist! In a rush of flames, Narset blasted the man into the air with a single strike. The armored raider howled as he caught fire, his armor caved in from the force of Narset's blow. He sprawled across the town's dirt road.

Narset landed in a half-crouch, her arms out in a ready stance as the Mardu gathered around her. She quickly evaluated the opposition, a series of attacks already forming in her mind.

Come to me.

With a roar, three orc cavaliers charged Narset, two of them curving across the battlefield to flank her. Their piggish eyes glared with hatred, their swords raised for the kill.

In a flash, Narset was already in the air. Way of the Dragon Fist worked well one on one, but against three horse-mounted orcs, she needed something more flexible. Like Way of the Flying Crane. She could see the orc's faces slowly changing from furious glee to shock at her sudden, airborne movement.

Time slowed to a crawl, and orcish flesh and bone crunched under Narset's fist as she launched into form one. She whirled like a dervish, her foot catching an orc's cheek long before his sword could touch her. In slow motion, Narset watched the orc fly off his saddle, the horse running off in confused frenzy.

Just as fast, Narset switched to form two right before another orc's sword caught her in the midriff. Narset inverted herself and allowed the sword to swing harmlessly overhead, then jabbed at the orc's jaw three times in rapid succession. Like the first raider, the orc howled and fell off his saddle.

The last orc nearly caught Narset's neck with a hasty sword swing. Narset gasped in shock as the blade grazed her skin, drawing a bead of blood. He's fast! So, Narset flipped herself back upright, landed gracefully, and delivered another Dragon Fist blow that finished off the marauding orc.

Time suddenly rushed back to normal as Way of the Flying Crane wore off. Narset tensed as the other raiders, over two dozen of them, surrounded her, shouting angrily and waving their weapons. This won't be as easy, Narset realized Those orcs were just testing me! Or maybe they had the honor of striking first. The Mardu looked both furious and gleeful; angry that they lost three comrades, but excited to battle such a worthy opponent.

With a collective shout, the Mardu cavalry charged. Three of them held back a little, raising their hands as they prepared battle magic. Meanwhile, the warriors lashed out with swords, pikes, and maces, all crashing in on Narset at once.

Be at peace. When I find that moment of perfect clarity, the way to victory is found. Narset had often told herself that during training sessions with Orzat, but now she needed it more than ever. She felt a tremor of fear, then pushed it down deep in her mind. No need to let fear cloud her concentration.

Ultra-sharp silver blades whistled through the air, all aiming to sever Narset's neck. Too late; the monk was already in action, whirling in place in a dervish of supple blue mana. Narset whipped out a long ribbon from her pocket, channeling her blue-white mana along its length to initiate Way of the Riverwheel. Then, with a flourish, she snapped it out and knocked the warriors' weapons aside.

The Mardu warriors hastily backpedaled for a second, and Narset allowed herself a small smile. She couldn't blame the warriors' reaction; very few among the Jeskai could master the three main disciplines of a wandering warrior, but she wasn't just any monk. If I am to be Khan, I have to prove it first!

Narset let out a defiant shout and pounced on her foes, still whirling in place. Her ribbon whipped through the air, graceful and flowing like water, sharp and hard as any blade. Two human warriors found themselves blasted aside before they knew what happened, Narset's ribbon tearing right through their armor. The men's horses panicked and bolted.

But the Mardu didn't hesitate for long. The other human warriors and the goblins circled around her, and this time, the battle mages were ready. Jets of white-red mana closed in on Narset, and she quickly sprang out of the way, her ribbon knocking aside a spell that came too close.

It's a feint! Narset had only a split-second to register three goblins flanking her, and the petite warriors gleefully slashed their maces through the air. Just in time, Narset switched to Way of the Flying Crane, and three quick kicks knocked aside the goblins' blows.

But again, it was a feint. Two human warriors closed in on Narset's other flank, and this time, their swords hit home. Red and black mana coursed through Narset's body as the weapons' blades sliced into her, and she shrieked in pain. Narset felt herself thrown heavily to the ground, and before she could recover, she felt more battle-magic, lightning this time, course through her.

Sheer agony rippled through Narset's mind, and she felt her body go numb from the lightning. Groaning, Narset scrabbled her hands on the dirt road, trying to push herself upright. It was no use; her arms shook, and she fell flat on her stomach. Worse, she could faintly hear the thundering of the cavalry coming in to finish her off, and too soon, she felt the cold, hard tip of a sword touch her neck.

The sword's metal touch sent a jolt through Narset's mind, galvanizing her body and will in unison. I'm not done yet! Fighting through the pain, she rolled away and finally sprang to her feet, her body still a little slack from the lightning's lingering power. She watched as the confused cavalryman hesitated, then raised a fist and rallied the others. Once again, the Mardu charged as one.

Narset rushed forth to meet them. Her ribbon snaked through the air, and she marshaled enough mana to blast through the Mardu with Way of the Riverwheel. Her muscles ached in protest and her mana strained against the lightning's effects, but she couldn't stop. Net yet.

In a flurry of blue-white mana, Narset roared in fury and tore throught he Mardu. The very air seemed to shudder with the pressure of her attack, and Narset didn't let up until her ribbon sent all the Mardu flying across the town, their armor shattered, their flesh pulverized. The survivors scrambled to their feet and sprinted out of town, not even trying to bring their horses with them.

A ringing calm fell over the town, and Narset sank to her and knees, panting with effort. She watched the townsfolk slowly approach her, and she waved a hand at them. "It's fine. I only need a moment. You should be safe now."

"My lady, you... you must be Lady Narset!" an old woman said in awe. "I've heard the legends that you fight with all three styles..."

Narset coughed. "Yes, that's me. But I can't stay long." Taking a deep breath, she staggered to her feet and refueled her ribbon with blue mana, this time conjuring torrents of water that doused the flaming buildings.

"Please, my Lady," the old woman urged her. "The Mardu have been extorting us every week! We didn't have enough to give them this time, so they attacked. It's the same all over. Please, where are the Ertau Guards? Or anyone?"

"They..." Narset opened her mouth to explain Khan Sangye's siege in Sultai territory, but decided against it. "I will work on that. You won't have to worry about the Mardu for long." She walked over to Flint-hoof, who obediently waited at the town's gates.

"You can beat them all, can't you?" piped up a young boy, jogging to catch up. "You can do anything!"

Narset managed a smile. She already felt her well-disciplined body correcting the lightning's effects, and her mana started flowing more freely. "I just do what I can, little one. Go back to your parents, and be kind to them, okay? They need it."

The boy nodded. "Okay!" He retraced his steps back to the crowd.

Narset's smile faded as she mounted Flint-hoof and spurred him on, racing through the town. There's not much time left. If I can't get Khan Sangye's forces back in Jeskai territory where they belong, there may not be a clan for either her or me to rule for very long!

*o*o*o*o*

"Well?"

General Makur only needed to speak that one word to get the Mardu warriors' attention. Standing at a rocky valley's lip, the half-demon stomped toward Commander Chudaar and his men, three naga bodyguards in tow. Not even the warm sunlight and fluffy clouds overhead could dampen the man's menacing aura.

Commander Chudaar, a towering orc in red-black armor, huffed and turned to face Makur. Though a bit smaller, he showed no fear or deference, only grudging respect. "We are on schedule, General. Scout parties confirm that the Abzan-Jeskai force will pass through this valley by sunset. Given the size of their siege towers, there is no other viable route to Kheru Temple, due to the density of the jungles in this region."

"You are certain?"

"There was one, in a smaller valley like this one," Chudaar said with a nasty grin, "but my men made sure to block it off."

"How?"

"Explosives."

Makur chuckled deep in his throat. "Like these devices?" He motioned to the many wooden weapons poised at the valley's lip, tended to by Chudaar's men. They had flat boxes with several round holes, supported by metal scaffolding with gears and levers on it. There were trebuchets here too, but the Mardu seemed more interested in the box-weapons.

"That's right," Chudaar grunted. He pointed. "See that? It's called a khulsan baigaa, or fire flinger. My best goblin engineers invented them."

As Chudaar spoke, four armored goblins dragged over another of the devices in pieces, quickly assembling it piece by piece. However, one of the goblins dropped a small bag, and the bag exploded in a fireball that smelled of sulfur and iron. The squealing goblins were flung back, their faces sooty. A few human warriors laughed.

Makur frowned. "What happened?"

Chudaar kicked one of the goblins aside and carried over a similar bag. "This has blackpowder, General. Highly explosive, as you saw, and useful for our rockets."

"Explain."

Chudaar motioned, and the two large men crouched next to another khulsan baigaa. Chudaar removed a red paper rod from one of its tubes and carefully unscrewed its cap, revealing more black powder and tiny yellow stones. "A spark in the khulsan baigaa launches this rocket, which can travel nearly half a mile before its fuel runs out. Once it strikes a target, the blackpowder, and the fire gems in here, go off. The target's reduced to dust."

"Impressive." Makur took the rocket in his hands, sniffing its contents. The powder's rank smell burned his nostrils, and his eyes watered. "You've had success with these before?"

"Much," Chudaar said proudly. "Combine that with our trebuchets and archers, and the Abzan will suffer greatly when my cavalry rushes them."

Makur frowned. "I am sure that the Jeskai will improvise a counter-measure."

"True. But the idea is just to bleed our foes before they reach Kheru Temple, isn't it?"

"Hmmmmm. Yes. Time is on our side in that regard."

"And your warriors are ready, General? I cannot do this alone."

Makur smiled toothily, and this time, a flicker of fear crossed Chudaar's face. "Yes. But I'm going to take a more hands-on approach this time."

*o*o*o*o*

"Get off of me!"

Tashi gave another heave amid the blinding blue-red-white vortex of his mind, and this time, he broke Jinpa's hold on him. He guessed that about three or four hours had passed in real time while he meditated. I'm doing better! Just a bit!

Jinpa cried out as Tashi flung her into the vortex. "I need you, Tashi!" she howled over the din. "You can't do this!"

"I know I can," Tashi shouted back, and his very words shoved Jinpa further away. "I'm letting you go. You must fight and survive on your own, because that's what I'll do. It's going to be just me and my grandfather out there. And I don't intend to die to him."

But just as Jinpa sank into the vortex, Sahar and Leila emerged, flanking Tashi from behind. Sahar's scaly metal gloves clamped down on him, and he gasped at the sharp pressure. "You're a fool, Jeskai boy," Sahar scolded him. Her steely eyes bored into his. "I lost my husband to the Sultai. You think I'll let you die, too?"

"I won't let Grandfather Chodak win!" Tashi spat back. "This is none of your business, Sahar! You worry about leading the Abzan troops at Kheru Temple. That's what you're good for in this invasion."

Leila seized Tashi's throat. "Don't talk about my mom like that," she snarled. Her wavy hair whipped around her face. "She cares for you, and so do I. After your first meditation, we were scared! You hurt yourself so badly."

"This is my fourth time," Tashi told her. "I know what I'm doing. I can control the bloodfire. Trust me."

"This is too dangerous. I can't let you do it," Sahar said flatly, shaking her head. "Maybe I never told you, Tashi, but I care for you a lot. You're a good kid. You see... well, you're like the son I never had, you know? And Jinpa... she's become like a daughter to me."

"I have to let go! No emotions, no love, no commitment!" Tashi shouted. "I have to stand alone and become one with the void. That's what the master monks taught me."

"Enough, son," said Tashi's father, Arba. The man clamped his hands on Tashi's shoulders. "Come home. This is madness. You think I want you to lose you to my monstrous father?"

"No, I -"

"Listen to your father, Tashi," his mother, Yeng, insisted. She wrapped her arms around Tashi's waist like a hug. "We can be happy together back home in Sage-Eye Stronghold. You're welcome back anytime."

"NO!" Tashi roared. He squirmed in everyone's grip, but they pressed down on him, crushing him. "Mother, father, let go! I left home for a reason. I'm not fit for the Way of the Artisan like you were. I can do more for our clan!"

"Family is what matters most, Tashi," Sahar argued. "Don't you dare talk back to your parents. Go with them. Let Leila and I do the fighting."

"I... I..." Tashi fought for his words. Sahar did have a point; she was hardened by battle, but Tashi was still young, and his parents loved him... and Sahar and Leila cared for him, too...

"TASHI! WAKE UP!"

With a snap, Tashi found himself sitting cross-legged in the storage room of Lieutenant Nahid's siege tower. He panted for breath, his skin slick with sweat and his muscles burning. His mana aura slowly receded as Sahar stomped into the room, her gloved hands clenched into fists.

"Sahar," Tashi wheezed. "You can't just barge into -"

"We're under attack," Sahar said brisky, seizing Tashi's arm and hoisting him to his feet. "No time to lose! We need everyone out there, and that includes you."

"But form four..."

"Save it. Khan Sangye and the Colonels make no exceptions," Sahar told him, leading Tashi through the siege tower and toward the troop deployment ramp. "You weren't in there too long this time. You should be in fighting condition."

Tashi breathed deep through his nose and felt his mana flow. "Yes, I am."

"Good. Things are getting ugly." Sahar joined the soldiers, mages, and monks rushing through the hallway and down the deployment ramp. Orange evening sunlight and a rocky valley greeted them as the troops scattered into the open, and Tashi blinked in the sudden light.

Then Tashi saw the Mardu and Sultai battalions rushing down the valley's shallow sides, and the Mardu siege weaponry firing blazing shots down at the siege towers. He turned to Sahar. "Okay. I see what you mean."