Shadows on Water
How did it come to this?
A bloody dagger lies in the mud by the doorstep. The rain has driven the worms from the ground. Upon the doorstep lies a body, unmoving. The worms wriggle towards it, seeking shelter.
From behind, as if from far away, these words;
"You are Fang Tsun, Captain of the Gentlemen of the Feathered Forest."
It is Ling, your right-hand man.
"This is not your doing sir, the order came from on high. He questioned the Mandate of Heaven, we all heard him. He was a curse on the state. This job is done."
You're not sure how long you've been standing here, but you become aware of the rain lashing down, soaking into your clothes, making them heavy and pulling you to the earth. An almighty gust of wind buckles your knees and you collapse. You lie, ummoving in the mud, face to face with Huan Tan again.
Lightning.
For a moment his face is eerily animated.
And thunder.
His name will live in infamy now, when once he was respected by all. How did it come to this?
"Sir."
Ling helps you to your feet.
"Sir, we must take the body back to the capital."
A bloody dagger lies in the mud by the doorstep. The rain has driven the worms from the ground. Upon the doorstep lies a body, unmoving. The worms wriggle towards it, seeking shelter.
From behind, as if from far away, these words;
"You are Fang Tsun, Captain of the Gentlemen of the Feathered Forest."
It is Ling, your right-hand man.
"This is not your doing sir, the order came from on high. He questioned the Mandate of Heaven, we all heard him. He was a curse on the state. This job is done."
You're not sure how long you've been standing here, but you become aware of the rain lashing down, soaking into your clothes, making them heavy and pulling you to the earth. An almighty gust of wind buckles your knees and you collapse. You lie, ummoving in the mud, face to face with Huan Tan again.
Lightning.
For a moment his face is eerily animated.
And thunder.
His name will live in infamy now, when once he was respected by all. How did it come to this?
"Sir."
Ling helps you to your feet.
"Sir, we must take the body back to the capital."