The next morning people of the village start to see a man riding on a stunning white mare, the sun bouncing off his fine bronze amour. He soon comes to a stop outside the inn and begins to ask passers by if they have seen a young lady riding a dark brown steed.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡUyXCCqcOq1
A local man is listen to description and goes to inform him, “Please remain here, have something to drink and eat whilst I go and inform the gods.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFkEubACbK
The Palace guard gives him a nod and heads inside the building.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡLG0QJGSVXI
The local man is making his way to the infirmary when he sees the Black Drago is on his way down to the market.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡzgpdFZ9oLR
“My lord,” he calls, stopping him mid stride and look his direction.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7u13GKUSq
“Good morning son. Now listen, not every Dragon you meet is a lord. I am Huī yè.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUjrsaKbUG
The village man performs a deep bow and quickly apologises, “Sorry, I will remember that. I am sorry to disturb you, however, there is a Palace Guard asking about the girl Lǐwù found in the forest.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5efjvDa417
The Black Dragon can hear the shock in the man’s voice and responds, “I see. Where is he?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPiLVTEizm
“The inn Sir.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKGaYkwihR
“Sir,” scoffs the god. “Huī...yè,” patting his broad partly exposed chest. “I am not a lord or a sir. My title is Ancient or Elder, for I have lived through the Dark Chapter.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡbMHbEFLyG7
The man notices the hug Dragon is now tapping his right jaw where a patch of his stunning spiked mat black scales are missing.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4K8Kn2zaF
“Again I apologise.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡdkU0l9vw1a
“It’s is quite all right son,” says the Black Dragon, gently patting the man’s shoulder. “Inn you said?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡDqOZK6oXs1
“Y-yes Huī yè,” answers the man, watching again his large hand give him the lightest pat as he walks away towards the inn.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1HtQ3DYOFf
The innkeeper quickly rushes over when he see the huge Dragon is about to stand up straight. “Wait Huī yè, your lovely wings are yet to clear the doorway,” he informs him, getting him to bend forward.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd0F7OPfw1
The Black Dragon chuckles, “I should not be so tall. I am always nearly destroying your establishment.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡGT1sctwFtj
“It cannot be helped when it was built without taking you wonderful gods into account,” expresses the innkeeper. “There now you are clear. Just watch your head on the lamps,” pointing his hand to one that lies now to the Dragon’s head.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡycvMQm1K6S
Huī yè laughs and jokes, “I should go around on my knees in here, it is so tiny.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHgGmWWgn0
The innkeeper chuckles, “You would me more or less our size then.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNPcCNyhS3
The Black Dragon pats him on the arm and leans down, “Place Guard?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nqdmXqnFQ
“Ah, you will find him in the back room. Tea?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4PeuHgmQj
“Ooh yes, I could just go for your nice breakfast tea. Remember large cup,” answers Huī yè giving him a wink.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡZimydKmRjb
The innkeeper nods and replies, “Of course.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡFh4UKhGdW0
The Black Dragon then carries on over to the doors of the private room, all the time dodging the lamps which hang from the ceiling by long heavy thick rope.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4emJFskav
The Palace watches both doors open by themselves a few seconds later a creature he never thought he would ever meet is posting his large size through the small doorway.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDW6RieU0N
“Good morning son. My the colour has gone from your face. I may look intimidating, I tell you now son, I am very gentle.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWIklGWqX5
The man shakes his head and gasps. “No forgive me... I... I was not aware your kind were in this region.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMTVqZ7wwE
Huī yè gets down on to his knees and informs him. “Ah you see lad, a member of my family lives here. A young Healer by the name of Lǐwù.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PKcJFvpT1
“Oh I see. Well, allow me to introduce myself. I am General Wu.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlzNuymBE8
The Black Dragon’s eyes open wide and he stats, “My that puppet likes his General’s to be young.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡF9xFnnwDDJ
The mortal looks at him all shocked and informs him, “I am flattered for I am not that young.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnBGFrcM2s
Huī yè places his left index finger under the man’s chin, being careful not to catch his long black beard. “Why how old are you lad?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGuRI4H9Pm
General Wu is miscarries by the Dragon’s eyes, the way they reflect in the light coming in through the window makes the sparkle and the gold dust looks like it is drifting away in to the blackness.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUsELyoWQ3
“So beautiful,” he whispers.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡAttg8OlWoj
“Why thank you, my eyes are very captivating. Come now, tell me your age,” insists the Black Dragon, softly tapping the underside of his chin.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAaFdyFngl
The mortal’s mouth screws as he answers in a whisper, “Twenty-one.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡVWPpMA8eOY
“See you are still young,” expresses Huī yè, gently patting the side of the man’s face. “Wife, husband?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡto283afx88
General Wu blushes and informs, “I have never been that lucky when it comes to women.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡayOmR9BTyn
The Black Dragon shakes his head and claims, “I find that had to believe lad, giving your states. You should them crowding around you.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Y8gTvDqhX
“Oh I wish,” chuckles the mortal, shaking his head. “Lady Zhou... The lady I am looking for, is the first to really take an interest in me. I was going to ask her to my wife. Then all this business with a stone... A crystal, it made her very upset. I wished King Wong never found it.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjap3VGz8T
Huī yè slightly raises his right hand, he frowns and asks, “Hold on, what was that puppet doing in that cursed place?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNm7dhyHMF
The man sighs, he gets to his feet and starts to wander around the room. “Even now it baffles me,” he expresses with a concerned to his voice. “I was awakened in the middle of the night by the minister. I had to assemble a hundred men and escort our King...to...to that...place.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡPXBZsaFOrm
The Black Dragon can tell even now is making the lad uneasy. “No explanation?” he asks, watching him shake his head.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9jvpp98kV5
“Nothing,” hisses General Wu, adjusting his sword and fiddling with the top of his amour. “You know, it would have been nice to know what the reason was for going there,” he rants with a sigh. “Not one word. We arrived just as it was beginning to get light, he dismounted then ordered us to remain where we were whilst he wandered around, like he had no real idea what he was looking for.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtCU82ggux
Huī yè takes hold of him by the waist to stop him pacing the floor. ”That is strange. It is a shame you could not read his thoughts,” he says, wiggling his long fingers at the man’s head.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡnp9AduXVuH
“Oh my,” gasps the General when he sees the long black to light grey claws coming towards him.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡarfySNHTEK
“Ooh sorry, I did not mean to frighten you. My claws are a bit menacing,” apologises the Black Dragon, resting his hand up his lap.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPyDjGWbaP
The man quickly places his hand on Huī yè’s shoulder and informs him, “They do not frighten me, I was amazed to see them reflect purple more than your lovely scales.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡQgOdzD6ryB
“Ah, you see if they shiny like my claws, they would reflect the same. This,” he implies, pointing a hand towards his face. “Was inevitable, for mat black scales run in the family. They mainly appear as patches. For example my father has one over the left side of his face. He told me when I was born I was the same colour as ash that why he called me Huī yè.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡErZP9odrNZ
General Wu smiles and tells him, “I like it. I have to say it is way better than mine. Jiàn hóng.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8k35fmB723
The Black Dragon pats him on the arm and chuckles, “I heard worse.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡIhaC0ZFq7H
“I bet you have,” laughs the mortal.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWAbzMaCpl
Huī yè gives him another pat and questions, “So going back to what you were saying, he just wandered around whilst his men just stood and watched?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoJqMMZq6O
General Wu nods and informs him, “I even asked him what are you looking for your grace. His eyes glanced at me and he just repeated, stay where you are.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8kHcqZM8J
“That is odd,” utters the Black Dragon, folding his arms and frowns.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHJY53ssn0O
The innkeeper enters the room holding a tray and interjects, “The King could have been searching for the lost treasure.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡIGvICEhhzq
“That is one exasperation, my good man,” answers Huī yè, with a hint of a laugh.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRlrrfgbtN
The innkeeper performs a slight bow, before he walks backwards out of the room and closes the doors.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvONR4oiPb
“Could it have just been a treasure hunt?” the General mutters, stroking his long beard.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡIe9gInR8q5
Huī yè picks up the pot of tea and queries, “You tell me lad. So how long did he look around?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHJTYrxFFD
The man sits down and sighs, “Hours.” He watches the god pour the dark tea in to the crisp white cups. “Well it seem like it,” utters General Wu.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXdU7JQpiy
“I can understand,” answers the Black Dragon, placing a cup down in front of him.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0xPCU57iw
The mortal goes on to have a sip of the tea, he was expecting it be bitter, but there is a lovely sweet aftertaste. “Nice,” he whispers, looking again at the dark liquid.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrV0jnm3X5
Huī yè winks his left eye and continues with his questions, “Right, he leaves his men to freeze whilst he looks around and...what finds the crystal inside one of the ruins?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl0Ith5Pmf
General Wu nods and claims, “Yes, that is pretty much what happened. My poor men and I teeth chattering, hugging ourselves to try and stay warm. Our King is on the left side of the village using his hands to dig like a fox in the sand and when he returned he looked disappointed.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6evFdYqXX
The Black Dragon stops mid drink, his eyes blink and he asks a little baffled, “Oh he was not satisfied with what he had found?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ32qFMRfDUH
“No, not at all,” replies the mortal, getting to his feet once more. “It was almost like he was angry that all he found was that strange crystal. Then he mounted his horse and we rode back to the palace.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qczmUagEy
Huī yè frowns and stats, “I agree with you, very odd behaviour. So where does Lady Zhou fit in to all of this? Why did that puppet felt the need for a fortuneteller? Let me guess you have no idea?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡX54wOhc0tX
“On the contrary, I knew the young lady was there to tell him... Well more like explain his dreams.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡchuGeE74Xa
This makes the Black Dragon cough, “Dreams?!”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡpG0w0Rh2Td
General Wu nods and continues to explain, “Apparently the King keeps having a reoccurring dream, in which he sees himself... You are not going to like this, surrounded by riches and death.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXbP3REIq1
“Typical mortal!” Huī yè spits, narrowing his eyes. He clears his throat and declares, “You are right I do not like it. You heartless, hollow things, always crave wealth and you do not care who you kill in order to achieve it.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSjfwW6DoH
This sudden outburst makes the man study the Dragon’s human-like features to spot the missing and scared scales. “Oh my goodness, y-you a-re an elder,” he stutters, pointing a hand at him. “You fought in the Battles of the Paranoid P-Pixies.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡKptl33Uqc5
The Black Dragon gives a sharp nod and informs him, “This is why I only tolerate your kind. You are nothing other than savage, heartless creatures who do nothing other than destroy this fragile world.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6VwsHA4VA5
General Wu is about to apologise for upsetting the god when the doors burst open and the innkeeper demands, “Leave now!”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡNfwqYR9Svr
Huī yè quickly puts up his left hand level with his chest and takes a deep breath. “It is all right Qiáng, I did not mean to lose my temper,” he says in a calm voice.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kcIjyaKO5
“No, no it is my fault, I should not have brought up the past. Forgive me,” emphasises the General, performing a deep bow.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0gkEul5w8v
“Bless you. I also apologise for my outbursts. See Qiáng everything is fine, you may go.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1FQpiT9K1
The innkeeper grips the god’s shoulder and asks all worried, “As long as you are sure?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiltOScUgS
Huī yè gently pats the side of the man’s face and tells him, “Quite sure, you sweet man.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡK89NgtZfid
The General is shocked to see the innkeeper tap the Dragon’s shoulder as he giggles before he walks away.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡZyrMdb4Ah4
The Black Dragon also chuckles and waves to him as he shuts the doors. Then clears his throat and asks, How long had the lady been helping that puppet with his dreams?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡdUNMkEQkhQ
The man frowns and questions with hesitation, “I want to know.... However, at the same time I dear not ask why do you call the King a puppet?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡEZ9idLwDzp
“Really you have not noticed who really is pulling the strings?” Huī yè challenges, opening his eyes wide, to show he is shocked.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZhF77wNiN
General Wu takes a seat, he had a few mouthfuls of tea as he thinks.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxfKWK0sdN
“Hint, who woke you in the middle of the night?”206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9899CNEfgS
copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7foxpN8qc
“The minister... Wait, you are implying he is the puppeteer?” the mortal questions, looking at him all confused.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡXOCuVc3rS3
The Black Dragon points a hand at him and asks, “Answer me this son, who is the one always giving orders?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡuGM666WB1o
“He is,” the mortal answers, still looking slightly confused with a hit realisation in his light brown eyes.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡfp4mIYXxbz
“You mortals never change, you always have a leader who craves power, wealth. Who is easily led and controlled. He is never to have a mind of his own. Well, in away it is your own faults when you place a child in charge,” grumbles Huī yè, shaking his head and folding his arms.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAs7oHfkJq
The man nods and stresses, “I am not going to argue with you. The strange thing is he believed Lady Zhou, that power and wealth would spark doom for the King. Yet when it came to the crystal he found he would not hear her worried words.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡqpnGOQmzvO
“What exactly was she telling him?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYJyYZWsDN
General Wu takes a deep breath, he drinks the last of his tea and answers with hesitation, “That... That it contained a Demon. Even I had a little trouble believing her, until I saw the fear in her eyes. It was not until later in the day I heard she was gone and the King asked me himself to find here.... this is why I am here.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTAOW4Rfoy
Huī yè reaches across the table to give the back of the man’s hand a pat. “I sympathise with you, of course you would doubt her when you have not lived a god’s life. Qiáng!” he calls turning his head towards the door.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡN4xVRZTGlc
A moment later they open and the innkeeper asks, “More tea?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLASr57sVR
“We are find for tea, lad. Bring me a sand box, please.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT5K4PWO9P
Qiáng nods, he walks back over to the open doorway and quickly tells a member of staff what the god requires.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVDiOQHoG3
The General is shocked to see two men enter carrying between them a large box that is filled to the brim with white sand that shimmers like a purl in the sunlight that is pouring through the barred windows.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79Z26Y9vIh
“Please place it in front of me boys,” requests Huī yè patting the edge of the table.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡjpcthRAx3L
The men do as he asks and set it down. Then all three bow and leave the room.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡaZAbFgScGO
The Black Dragon chuckles and speaks like a child, “I get to play with sand.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTDlw6ivS5
General Wu soft laugh is soon replaced with a sharp gasp as a monstrous starts to rise out of the box.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡmpah1OGBk1
“You are now looking at a Desire Demon, a creature from the Shadow Realm,” informs Huī yè, pointing his hand at it. “It is this that is trapped within the crystal that puppet found. Except the real one is twelve feet tall and little beast that is with him is your hight.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQczIQKLDa
The Black Dragon goes in to tell him all about how the lost village fell with use of the sand box to form images whilst the mortal watches with fascination and drinks more tea.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBARA5CscU
“No way,” the General gasps sometime later. He Points his hand at the beautifully rendered scroll and stresses, “What she was going to get was left by you?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡqEDdl8mLdo
“Yes, it was along with a ring,” answers Huī yè, watching the man’s eyes grow wide.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡoN0xYCpM3D
General Wu stands up, still pointing his hand at the floating sand scroll and utters, “That’s why she smashed the box and took them. Oh it all makes sense now.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡL9TkyE7YFd
In an instant the scroll is replaced with an image of the palace and the Black Dragon demands “What are you babbling about, lad? Come now explain.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LJwCnnnrR
The mortal holds his head as he releases an angry moan and snaps, “I should have gone after her.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHf9A4UMcKH
Huī yè walks on his knees over to give the General a soft hug. “Easy son. That’s it calm dawn,” he whispers, whilst stroking the man’s heaving back.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGw1fvzFvw
It takes a little while for the man to stop weeping, he bows to the god and apologies, “Sorry... I am truly sorry.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x8cO5hmCy
“It is quite all right lad when you are clearly upset and angry with yourself. So the lady argued with the puppet and you over heard them?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡF3qEcXbjQ5
General Wu uses the cloth to dab his moist eyes. “No, I was summoned by the maids,” he explains. “They thought my presents would help to calm her... I think I just made matters worse when Lady Zhou could tell I did not believe her either she stormed off. Now I though she had returned to the guest quarters to cool off. I was so wrong. The King requested I found her and brought the Lady back.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVjrAdn5zc
“Because she had taken the crystal,” interjects Huī yè raising his scaled eyebrows, when the man sakes his head.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjL86oynjR
“No, he was generally concerned for Lady Zhou’s welfare, travelling alone for nearly three days, across quite rough terrain.” The General takes hold of the Dragon’s hand and asks with tears in his eyes, “I know something has happened to her... She is dead?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡtfAtjxY399
All Huī yè has to is nod and the man collapses in to heap on the floor and starts to cry.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5xXZlzpt8O
“I’m so sorry lad,” whispers the Black Dragon, holding his close. “She had server injuries after been thrown from the horse.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpf1LIAG8U
General Wu shakes his head and he sobs, “No the horse... would not do that.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ6lqZtD5L
“What are you saying lad? He was a calm horse?” Huī yè questions, handing him a cup of tea.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡqIQCKoPgbW
The man grips the left sleeve of the god’s robe as he calms himself. “Léi shēng, protected her,” he gasps.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ZsvDGHFOL
“Have some tea,” encourages the Black Dragon, getting him to take a drink. He uses the cloth to gently dab the General’s beard and chin.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdf9F5AMtD
The mortal looks into the god’s amazing eyes and informs him, “Lady Zhou was the only one who go near that horse, the stable boy told me he would rear up when he tried to just even feed him. In the end he left Léi shēng to his owner. One time she was in there attending to him, one of my own men tried to take advantage of Lady Zhou. The horse placed himself between them so he could protect his master and fight off her attacker. I tell you now he is not a jumpy horse, nothing, not firecrackers or storm will frighten him.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgh9XcjhD2
“Wait, then you are implying she was murdered,” interjects Huī yè, watching the man nod.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡWyEnAMN4Fi
“I knew when she was not at her home or on the road back to the Palace. I am not lying when I say I saw two sets of hoof prints at full gallop heading towards the east village. I was so tired, I found a place to settle down as I knew in my heart, I was already too late... It was so clear some one had chased that poor lady down and killed her.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGRcwYvKG4
General Wu just buries his head once more into the god’s warm chest and weeps.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡTZJZgmQkon
Huī yè drags the lad to his feet and says, “Come, I will introduce you to the other gods.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡtrohbCd3Jb
All the man can manage is a nod and walks with him out of the inn.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0yXJzIomQ
As they make their way down the street the Black Dragon does his best to comfort the sobbing General.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡPnRnKmvGJe
“Ah, there you are uncle,” calls Lǐwù as he comes trotting over to them.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8mFtBYOP8H
“Morning, my dear boy. Have you been looking for me?” Huī yè asks, patting the young god’s shoulder.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dItLVvjfO
Lǐwù shakes his head and informs him, “I was just on my way over to see how you were getting on with our guest.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQteWvWqKE
The Black Dragon leans slightly forward and whispers to the young Healer, “I tell you now lad, he has been telling me some very interesting information. I will relate to you all over breakfast.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWUjm7j6PS
Lǐwù’s eyes sparkle with intrigue, he links arms with the weeping man. “Come, would you like to see where she has been laid to rest?” he asks in a soft voice.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡj03akSmvEo
General Wu looks to him and answers all chocked up, “Yes, please.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAYZJ3IkZB
The young Healer leads up the path to the graveyard where the mortal goes on to pay his respects to the fortuneteller.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡWBZvvLVH9i
“I am so sorry I could save your life,” he weeps.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWgo2nMpnw
Lǐwù looks to his uncle who informs him, “Lady Zhou was murdered.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8PEaaSIFb
“What?!” the young Healer softly gasps.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡsc595hKyt4
Huī yè gently pats the side of Lǐwù’s shocked face and repeats, “I promise over breakfast I will tell you everything.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbL7HFCMDB
“Yes, of course uncle.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡUqqwA53XBB
General Wu takes hold of the Healer’s arm and takes a deep breath. “Thank you for being with her in her final moments,” he whispers, using a cloth to dry his eyes.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡtF5xbTNfZ9
“You are welcome. She went peacefully,” informs the young Healer, giving him a hug.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpvZQUO0Gb
The gods then go on to give the man another moment before they head back down the hall to the infirmary.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQD84hgDdz
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Xuě méiguī, Xīng-lóng and Hóng are all in the kitchen preparing the porridge, freshly bold duck eggs and a nice pot of morning tea.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2877OYCBZ
The all turn their attention to the open doorway when they hear a man’s rough voice announces, “My your eyes are amazing.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNoCfGcHWi
Lǐwù giggles and answers all blushed, “Why thank you. Come.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2tVoHV3ob
The young Healer escorts the guest inside and goes on to introduce him to the rest of the family..copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAPoGD2hnH
General Wu’s eyes open wide and he utters, “Oh my a Grey Dragon!”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3yTaWKJLE
Hóng chuckles, “I am indeed.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡCR2q6Iibdj
The mortal quickly apologies, “I am sorry, it is just that I have only heard of your kind.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTd5Bvxyms
“I completely understand,” says the Grey Dragon, patting him on the arm. “We should not be such an elusive spices, that barely leaves the comfort of their island homes.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡqTVbF4G3UO
General Wu smiles, he then takes a seat at the table next to the Black Dragon and watches a bowl filled with pink porridge float over to him.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrEUGFnF6V
“Take it lad,” hints Huī yè, giving him a soft nudge.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Tlp0dfu7a
The man nods as he places both hands around the still floating dish, which at first has no wight to it. Then in an instant it suddenly feels heavy and warm. This makes him quickly set it down on the table and Xuě méiguī apologises, “Sorry was that to hot for you?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡXC9tHl1kzU
General Wu shakes his head and answers, “No, not at all. The sudden change in weight made me almost drop it.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyzhyh5CLB
“My fault I should have warned you,” expresses the Black Dragon, bowing his head.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5lIMPdWy9
“No need to apologise, as that was a true delight to witness,” says the guest with a smile.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoBpqaDUak
Huī yè gives him a pat on the arm and goes on to inform the family what the General and him discussed at the inn.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWBWYmMPn6
Xīng-lóng shakes his head and questions a few minutes later, “Why have her murdered?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOsWVLQzTE
“That, my dear boy, is what we need to uncover. To me it seems all carefully planed. Also that puppet has some explaining to do.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNcuPpMYlV
Lǐwù is about to agree with his uncle when they all hear crackling noises coming from the other room.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPZVdbJpUb
Hóng jesters with his head to the open doorway, which tell the young Healer he can leave the table.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAYgo3mOi8
Lǐwù stands up and trots out of the room to enter the sitting room just as the message appears. The piece of paper unfolds to reveal a message from grandpa Xuěhuā.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡObjkjsIzSi
I have found a book that contains summoning spells your kind used. Problem, it is too fragile to bring to you. So I will say, see in a little while.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡaCdTW5rYmM
The young Healer sends him one back to thank him and to conform he will be over as soon as he can. He then goes and informs the family.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡR8YojGKeOb
Huī yè claps his hands and says, “Whilst you are there I hope to find the last shard.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRoE5mnTBS
Hóng places a hand to his chest and offers, “I will come with you and if needed fetch my grandpa or father.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTEUoyAYV0
“Good plane for it has been a long time since I have been to that place,” utters the Black Dragon, with a slight shake of his head.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡPSSjO86ZVM
Xuě méiguī gives him a hug and informs them, “I will speak with the puppet.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5QhpVFZ2h
Xīng-lóng shakes his head and offers, “No, no aunty, you remain here with the guest. I will see the King.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97Lb9Yi4kA
“Oh bless you,” Xuě méiguī whispers, holding Yúnlong son’s face between his hands. “You will have a better chance of getting it out of him than me.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKKM4WCaTf
“I hope to, aunty. If not I will threaten to get grandma Bǎihé as I she has informed that puppet is afraid her.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qlNAG3dPh
“Really?!” General Wu gasps, quickly covering his mouth.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡfeUQEovjqm
Xīng-lóng nods and answers, “It also shocked me. The thing is no one knows why he fears my dear grandmother. Even she is confused as they have only met twice and each time King Wong is very fussy and determined to not upset her. Hmm... I can see grandma questioning him the third time around.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjzeAzZ8Su
The family all start to laugh and the guest queries, “I am surprised Lady Bǎihé did not ask him the second time they met.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cCVT6LSf2
Xuě méiguī places a hand to her chest and explains, “Bǎihé never asks until the third time, because just like my dear nephew Longwei, they are used to people reacting like that, for the first two times they meet you mortals. He believes it is down to the title you mortals gave him, makes you afraid of him. I told my dear nephew, I believe it his your voice with it being modulated and smoky with a hint of authority.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1lehNvxzm
“I have to agree with that last one,” says the General with a smile. “He is very authority sounding. I have to admit his voice makes me stand to attention and listen to every word he says, just like his daughter.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHqYIwNGPDH
The gods all nod and Huī yè hints, “Like father like daughter,” winking his left eye at him.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡHEFMztYYYe
The guest chuckles, “I agree.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcS99vv5nO
Lǐwù rises and informs everyone, “I am off to the second Order. General, what is your given name?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXSiN9K3Mv
“Oh it is Xiáng,” he replies, trying to not look embarrassed. “Apparently I am a good omen to my parents and was good luck to my late grandparents. Neither of them explained why.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4lcH1PwHq
Hóng pats him on the back and implies, “Mortal parents seem to always do this to their children, give them a random name that tents to have no meaning, or story behind it. I would say mine, is pretty random. Father told me, it is because my scales reflect like a rainbow. Apparently I was born when one ached the sky after a storm.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡyBIvpcrTsd
General Wu clutches his and to his chest and expresses, “See that is a lovely name which has a wonderful story behind it. I have to admit all Dragon scales are beautiful, the way they reflect the light.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9ESIGGRhL
The Light Grey Dragon gives him another pat on the back and squeaks, “You are sweet.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH6iwdwsgG
Lǐwù nods and says, “Xiáng, I leave you in the care of my dear aunty. Please help yourself to anything, for this is your home for the time being.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSFCnxwLNV
The General rises to perform a deep bow and answers, “Thank you.”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡsinaJDyjDb
The Healer gives him a nod, then opens a portal to the Order on the island and steps through.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7VpfuqLicH
Xuě méiguī offers her hand to the guest and asks, “Care to take a look around, or rest?”copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjIzmNBLHe
“To be honest I would like to get out of this armour and rest,” answers General Wu taking hold of her hand.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡFBm0OmaI99
“In that case allow me to take you to the guest quoters. Later my darling,” says Xuě méiguī as she looks to her husband.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡa09WIoELJY
Huī yè blows her a kiss as he opens a portal and steps through it. This makes Hóng quickly give his husband a kiss and disappears through the same portal.copyright protection202ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23qkcXGmSw
Xíng-lóng waves to his aunty and the guest before he portals to the palace.206Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTITcjpWDu
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