Tales of Destiny

The army of Phoenix Home wended its way through the dunes like a river of red and black. Following the lazy curve of the great road still, the men marched in ordered columns and blocks. At the head was the mounted vanguard, the direct retinue of the Lord Gu and his most trusted officers. At its rear, the train, wagons full of supplies and the shrines of priests. Parties of mounted soldiers dispersed across the surroundings, the hooves of horses long adapted for the cruel deserts of the Golden Field cantering across the sand and ash as if they were light as spun glass. Even in the searing heat of midday the soldiers of the clan of Gu gathered in such numbers emanated a terrible heat that distorted the air all around the path of their march.

Gu Xiulan rode along the side of the main column, her head held high. She sat astride a warhorse with a dark crimson coat, so dark it was nearly black, and a mane of a lighter but still dark red that rippled with heat and the wavering colors of dancing flame. Each time her horses hooves struck the sands sparks kicked up, guttered and died.

She wore the armor she had been given by her father, though adjusted a little. The sleek black helm bore a pair of bright blue-white plumes, trailing back behind as she rode, sparking with faint lightning birthed by her unrestrained aura. So too with the short red half cloak hung over her shoulders, billowing and crackling gallantly in the wind and heat. The pointed heels and toes of her riding boots gleamed gold, a match for the gold thread of her mounts tack and cloth barding.

Riding up the side of the column, Gu Xiulan would slow every so often, taking the reports shouted over the sound of pounding boots that each officer gave. She would acknowledge their words with a nod and ride on for the next.

It was dreadfully dull as far as duties went, but as her father’s adjutant it was her duty to discern the condition and disposition of the troops during the day's march. Of course the men of Gu were disciplined and well drilled so she would have little to report. A handful of new recruits suffering minor qi deviations from failing to align their qi properly with their fellows. A few bold spirits attempting to spoil supplies or pick off trailing pack beasts. Nothing of any great concern.

“I kinda thought we’d be fighting by now,” Linhuo her spirit grumbled in her thoughts.

‘Soon enough.’ Gu Xiulan thought soothingly. According to Father they would reach the minor oasis tomorrow morning and then the men would be divided up to comb the region for threats.

Gu Xiulan narrowed her eyes as a wave of dust from the vanguard swept over her, particles of sand and ash sparking, hissing and popping as the heat of her aura rose, pulsing out a gust of superheated air that kept the nuisance from her eyes. She was nearing the front of the column now, and thus the rear of the vanguard. Taking in the last report. She cantered her horse forward, rejoining the other officers of the van.

She held her posture of easy confidence, deigning only for the merest acknowledgement of those who looked upon her with less than perfect confidence. It was true she was not proven in the field. That she was a young woman, not a traditional holder of such roles, but she was her Father’s daughter, and none could or would object to her presence aloud, whatever their thoughts.

She found Father at his position of honor at the very head of the formation. His steed was very similar to hers, save for in size, and the curtains of flame which sprouted constantly from its hooves. Father looked much bulkier in his armor. Crimson steel with golden highlights. With extended pauldrons and a great helm, which framed his face in gold. Its plume was a waving tongue of blue white flame. The banner of the Gu burned on his back pure white flame woven into cloth with the character of their name emblazoned upon it in scarlet.

But he was not alone, At his side was captain Yun and the other members of his personal guard, which all expected.But there was another there. Zheng Nan rode at her fathers side on a borrowed horse. The vagabond did not bother with a saddle, but in at least a small concession to proper behavior He had at least armored himself. A heavy vest of fur and leather, thick, scuffed boots with armored toes and a pair of ornate silver vambraces were the extent of it. On his head was a golden circlet worked with subtle formations.

It almost managed to make him look like a noble.

As if sensing her thoughts, he turned his head and grinned widely at her. She glared back and raised her chin, refusing to entertain him otherwise.

“Daughter, what news?” Her father asked calmly, only turning his head slightly as she rode up beside him. The guard on that side brought his mount out, allowing her right next to him, and she supposed, including her in his protection.

“The men of the Gu family perform their duties admirably. There only some small matters of exhaustion and spirit harassment, attended too and fended off respectively. Our march is untroubled, and there will be no delays,” Gu Xiulan replied promptly, dipping her head deferentially.

“Very good, we will arrive as scheduled then,” said her father.

“And thank goodness for that. I don’t mind your company Lord Gu, but damn if I don’t want to get out and do something.”

It was annoyingly casual. She could see others in earshot looking slightly uncomfortable. Zheng Nan was an honored guest, scion of the ducal Zheng family from Ebon Rivers, but he acted like a jumped up commoner. And not even one who was trying to learn better.

But her Father looked unbothered. This was simply the way of that family, or so he had explained. There was no point in getting so upset at such small things. The Zheng were simply so mighty that their foibles had to be entertained.

“You will have many opportunities,” her father replied calmly. “In fact, since you are so restless, perhaps I might request that you spend tonight circling the perimeter? Men equipped for violence such as this cannot help but attract ill spirits, even in kinder lands than these.”

Gu Xiulan shot a sidelong look at her father and glanced back at the other observing officers. Most held their expressions but there was worry. It was understandable. A guest of such pedigree asked to do such a menial task… It was rude. Not to mention the implication that he needed to be kept out of trouble. However, if she had to guess….

Zheng Nan let out a hearty guffaw. “That sounds fun. I doubt there’ll be much entertainment in the camp anyway!”

…That was the other side of Zheng manners. They were very difficult to actually insult.

If I may ask, what is the plan for tomorrow, father? I understand that we will be clearing out infestations around the minor oasis and guarding our craftsmen as they perform maintenance.”

“Using the oasis as a base camp. We will divide the men into eight parts, inspecting the region in the grid pattern recommended by Masters Feng and Ji,” her father explained.

Those two were the formation masters loaned to them by the Han and Guo for oasis maintenance, she knew..

“Inevitably leaks and impurities form in the artificial geomancy due to the toxins in the ash and sand. At these points Ashwalkers will secret themselves, feeding and attempting to secret the damaged portions from us. We must not allow them to do so,” father continued. “All nests of the dead must be eliminated and consecrated. I expect you to accompany Major Yu, Xiulan. He will serve as your mentor in this task.

She glanced back to one of the older gentlemen arrayed out behind them. In their armor with their snarling face masks, the only thing to tell her fathers officers apart was their pennants.

“Where will you be father?” she asked.

“At the oasis, where I may respond to a serious threat most easily no matter which direction it emerges from.”

Gu Xiulan gave a sharp nod. Of course. Though Father was teaching her, she could hardly expect to remain at his side the whole time. She would not fail to impress.