General Chen

- "Your benevolence knows no bounds, stranger, that you would respect our humble abode with your magnificent presence," the woman said, bowing slightly. Sarevok frowned again at the speaking pattern, but was nonetheless impressed with her bearings. She was small, like the Shou seemed to be, but she looked like a proud and fearless woman and moved like a trained warrior. She was a little over forty years old, perhaps. She wore a beautiful tight silk dress becoming her bosom now, but Sarevok could easily imagine her donning an imperial armor.

- "I am not accustomed to selecting my phrases in the way of your people, so I will just settle to saying thank you for invitation," he said, returning the bow. The was a faint recollection from so long ago, when Tamoko had taught him unarmed combat, and they had bowed like that when they sparred.

- "Shui. Tea," Chen said to his son,who retreated quietly. She gestured for Sarevok to sit on a delicate chair next to an ornamental mahogany table. The large man did so, dreading that his weight would smash the chair to pieces.

- "Yes, my son. A lieutenant of imperial troops, also from the garrison. It is my duty to lead the garrison, as I am sure he has mentioned to you," Chen said. "Call me Chen."

- "My name is Sarevok Perorate."

- "I can help but noticing that you must be a warrior of no small skill," Chen said. Her common was more accented than Shui's. Her eyes were intent on Sarevok, missing nothing.

- "That is true, general Chen," Sarevok said. "I fear that I have been a part of military forces only in my distant youth, however. My temperament is better suited to private undertakings - adventuring, if you will."

Chen nodded.

- "There is more," she said, stating a fact. Shui appeared carrying a tray of scenting green tea and light blue porcelain cups. He offered tea for everyone, and at his mother's discreet nod also sat down.

- "How do you mean more, general Chen?" Sarevok asked evenly.

- "You... have ancient eyes. Your body is a young man's, your eyes - not."

- "That is very perceptive of you, general Chen."

- "You are too kind. A giant of a man, even by western standards, his eyes glowing like the very Sun above the Red Earth... even a less perceptive soul would pay attention," Chen smiled.

- "I take it you are curious about my party and of what we are doing here. I also take it that my... epic bearings tipped you off the fact that we are not traveling merchants. Very well - there is nothing to hide. There is a woman I love - a warrior of Kozakura, whom I drove to death and disgrace, her remains buried in foreign soil. I am taking her home, to bury her in her ancestors' land. Also, her weapons need to be returned to her family. It was her wish."

Chen noticed the deep pain in the stranger's eyes.

- "Ah, a samurai lady. The Kozakurans - so rigid, so set in their ways. Ah, no disrespect! Fearless warriors, wonderful people. But we Shou, we are different. Insult a Kozakuran, and he draws his katana, demanding a duel of honor. Insult a Shou, and he smiles at you - and waits. Even years, if necessary. And then he takes revenge when you least expect it."

Sarevok listened intently. Of course it made sense that the Shou and Kozakurans wouldn't be similar -after all Shou Lung was larger than any one of the Western nations. Still, somehow he had just thought about all of it as just 'Kara-Tur' - a land of wonder and mystery.

- "That... wu jen of yours will no doubt inform you, if she hasn't already, that we are immortal spirits," Sarevok continued. "It is true - the pregnant woman is my sister who is also a warrior, and my parents - mother is a servant of a god called Ilmater, and father is a wizard. Then, the mortal girl, she is also a sister, and a wizard."

- "I thought spirits usually do not dwell on the Red Earth in the west," Chen said.

- "Correct again. The operative word being usually. They have been sent on a mission, to aid us."

Now there was a definite interest in Chen's eyes.

- "Why do gods take interest in your journey? You are powerful beings, quite capable of journeying without divine intervention."

- "Who knows? Perhaps they know something we don't," Sarevok said. He didn't want to talk about the prophecy.

- "I fear bad times are threatening our empire..." Chen said. "Did you happen to notice anything unusual as you traveled the Golden Way?"

- "Specifically, you are worried about this... Khan," Sarevok stated. "That is why you wanted me here in the first place."

Chen smiled, saying nothing, not denying or affirming.

- "The last bandits who approached us actually dared to attack. They were better armed, more organized and confident and much more skilled than the bandits plaguing the road in general. They also talked about Yun-Men Khan... and an empire."

- "I would be most honored if you would describe to me exactly what you learned," Chen said, taking care to sound only slightly interested.

- "Perhaps on another occasion, general Chen. This is a small town, no? I tire, and I bid you goodbye now," Sarevok said.

- "As you wish. May your sleep be pleasant and vigorating, distinguished guest," Chen said.

- "Just call me Sarevok. Good night, soldiers."

Sarevok frowned. They were stuck here until Peri's child would be born, but he wanted time to sort out the situation.