Into the Array

Thank you everyone for the kind reviews.

This is not a very interesting chapter by itself, so if it is possible, I shall post the next chapter by this weekend.

Ivan let out another sigh again. His elbow is beginning to hurt a little from the constant pressure his chin is exerting. The night have fallen and the monsters are released. The pitch black is only reassured by the lights from the city up front, it serves as a beacon guiding the lost in the dark, and also a warning to monsters afar.

This settlement will be the last stop before Ivan will reach the Kingdom of Han. The carriage driver pulled the horses to a stop before the gigantic gates. The soldiers guarding soon came up for some checks. Ivan immediately peer out of the window and pulled out a palm-sized golden tablet to showed it to the soldiers.

Immediately, they all bowed and retreat and the carriage is allowed in within minutes. The oriental influenced architecture of the massive gate feels extremely foreign, it's so immensely different from the ones back home that Ivan is aware all over again that he is out here, preparing to visit the Kingdom of Han to paint for a family.

He pulled out the golden tablet from his pouch again. This tablet, or as the soldiers who accompanied Ivan calls it: The Miracle Slab. Any problems? Take it out and it will solve anything. Ivan trace his fingers over the characters and intricate carvings of this golden thing before letting out another sigh, he is on his way to paint for a family, but not just any family.

The day for departure came as fast as a passing wind, for Viktor knew of the urgency for this trip. He have deliberately chosen to kept his brother in the dark until this one moment, while Ivan is putting his belongings into the carriage.

'Brother. Please be careful when you are on your way there. I am extremely sorry that I am unable to send any of my trusted soldiers along with you on this trip.' Viktor said grimly, giving a heavy pat on the side of Ivan's shoulder.

'It's okay, even though it all the way to the other side, way beyond where I have ever travelled.' Ivan started sarcastically, looking back at Viktor from his luggage, he continued softly 'But painting for a family is nothing much, I should be able to finish painting within a month, excluding the travelling time.'

Ivan took a deep breath and drifted off for a second. He never seems to notice it but now that he is still, he starts to feel that tiny bud of apprehension sprouting in the middle of his heart. Snapping himself off, he finished 'Even though travelling this far is really a chore.'

'A chore? Well, then I have a good news for you, my dear brother. Your destination is not just anywhere, but the royal palace of Han. And the family you will be painting for will not just be any family, but the royal family of Han. The Emperor Wang and his Empress, together with his 13 children, 8 sons and 5 daughters.'

'What?' Ivan interjected with shock written all over his face.

'You will be painting for the royal family of Han. And it's going to take some time, so you will be staying there for quite a while.' Viktor slowly explained, hoping that slowing his words down will make this information easier for Ivan to digest.

Ivan's mouth opened in disbelief. He turned away, trying to take in the fact that his brother took this long to break this news to him, and the fact that he going to paint. PAINT FOR THE ROYAL FAMILY OF HAN. Of all family, it must be an emperor's, and of all emperors, it have to be the Emperor of Han.

'Wha-' Ivan tried to talk, but find this whole situation so ridiculous he is stumped.

'Ivan.' Viktor tried to soften his voice. 'I-I am very sorry. Do you remember that emissary from Han?'

'Is this really a good time?'

'Do you?'

Ivan let out a breath of air and replied in annoyance 'That nasty old man, what about him?'

'Well.. Lord Wei saw your paintings and he appreciates it a lot. It's nothing like the arts back in his home. He told me that Emperor Wang have seek far and wide for artists to draw portraits for his family, and none have yet passed his approval. But Lord Wei saw yours and thought that your paintings are exactly what his Emperor is looking for.'

'Yeah, and then you sold me out?' Ivan retorted to his chagrin.

'I didn't! I told him that you're my brother and you're not allowed to go on a cross border trip as dangerous as that. But he insisted and shove this to me.' Viktor explained, pulling out a golden tablet with intricate carvings on it, handing it over to Ivan.

'Why did you tell him I'm your brother, Viktor! For all your bravery, you really need to learn to be more discreet.'

Viktor scowled a little, but he still he pushed the tablet into Ivan's arms

What's this?'

'Lord Wei said to flash this before every city you passed and you'll be okay. And these men behind me are people he insist that you take along with.'

'You will go will you?' Viktor asked again.

'Do I look like I have a choice?' Ivan replied, snatching the tablet away from Viktor and putting it in pouch near his chest. Something this important should not be placed in any where easy.

Silence sets in for a while, Ivan have accepted that he will be painting for Emperor Wang now. And that means...

' So I'll be painting for the Princess Vamp?'

'Yes.'

'And Beauty of Han, the 2nd general.'

'Yes'

'And...' Ivan slowed, it seems almost a taboo to speak that name.

'The most infamous child among all; the Vain God of War. Yes.'

'Oh..' Ivan muttered. 'I can't believe the day will arrive for me to see them all. Not to say paint for them.'

Viktor nodded thoughtfully.

Ivan sigh. He is afraid, for he have heard much of the family that made the Kingdom of Han great. And truth to be told, not every single one of those rumours he heard is reassuring, especially the ones surrounding the 9th son.

'Alright, see you, not that soon.' Ivan finally said, giving similar pats to Viktor before climbing up the carriage. Ivan knows Viktor well enough to understand the bitter reason behind his agreement with Lord Wei. And he knows better than to probe any further, besides he can always treat this trip as an adventure, perhaps one that might permanently satisfy his wander lust.