Path of the Berserker

Princess Lunalah squinted at the report on her Qi tablet.

Demonic activity had increased significantly over the last two months in Jurin province. Or so the heading of the report said at least. Lunalah scrolled through several pages of text she had inclination nor intention of reading.

“Summarize this report,” Lunalah said shifting her eyes to Ling Wei who was seated across the desk from her. “What is the cause? And is there any impact to the excursions?”

“The cause is yet undetermined, your majesty,” Ling Wei said. “There are demon swarms reported roughly every fortnightly that do not coincide with a full moon. On occasions where they have however, the barrier has come dangerously close to being breached.”

“Is that so? And what are they doing about it?”

Ling Wei paused a moment. “They… they have written to you in that regard, your majesty. The Warden has petitioned for a reserve company of army personnel to be transferred from the capital to Jurin province for six months while the anomaly is being investigated.”

“For what purpose?” Lunalah said irritated.

“In case there is a breach?”

“If there is a breach a company of common soldiers would not save them anyway,” Lunalah said. “And besides, it will cost a fortune.”

Lunalah scrolled through to see the figure as if to give it actual consideration.

“The report said the troop presence would also serve to quell concerns,” Ling Wei added. “It would show that the capital is aware of the issue and is actively addressing those concerns.”

Lunalah released a sigh.

The only good thing to come out of Jurin province had already left to join the academy.

That was her only concern here now.

“Respond that the royal treasury is unavailable to provide such support at this time,” Lunalah said. “Besides, the strength of our fortress barriers are well tested. They can handle anything this young moon could conjure. The masses fret like mortals. The Warden needs to get her population under control. She must defend the city herself if she must. But I’m not wasting money of solider to stand around doing nothing.”

“Noted,” Ling Wei said. “But the report also speaks of the events intensifying, your majesty. Especially during full moon events.”

“Then write that they should hurry to find the cause. Give their sages and scholars something to do.”

“Shall I request that the academy here in capital lend assistance?” Ling Wei asked.

Lunalah raised a brow at her. “Will it cost us anything?”

Ling Wei shrugged. “A skiff ride for a few scholars perhaps?”

“Fine,” she said waving her hand dismissively. “Let it be. What else do you have?”

“Another petition from Jurin Province,” Ling Wei said presenting her a set of physical papers this time. “It was sent care of a Grand Sage.”

“What?”

Her interest was piqued immediately as she snatched the papers from Ling Wei.

But as she began scanning through them, she saw blocks of archaic characters written in legal jargon.

“What is this?”

“It is an appeal by the Terran Sect against a new statute that was put in place by the Warden.”

“The Iron Bull’s sect?”

“Yes,” Ling Wei said. “Their barrister claims the new edict is unlawful.”

“Is that so?”

“That is the claim.”

“Well, is it?”

“I have attached a legal opinion from the Chief Justice in anticipation of that query, your majesty.” Ling Wei pointed to one of the papers in her hands. “His determination is that the statute supersedes the authority set by a warden and that only your highness possesses such authority. As such it appears the statue is indeed ultra-vires as claimed by the legal counsel for the Terran Sect”

Lunalah’s insides suddenly flared. “That bitch dare to step above her authority to impose a law which supersedes mine? Annul it immediately!”

Ling Wei bowed. “Yes, your majesty. Shall I have her punished as well.”

Lunalah paused for a moment considering it.

She still needed the Warden’s assistance for the other matter.

Punishing her would give her reason to renege and seek reprisal and the Warden knew far more secrets than Lunalah was comfortable with at the moment.

“It depends on how grave the offence was,” Lunalah said. “What is the statute?”

“A local ordinance to prevent non Terrans from residing within the Native Housing District. The counsel for the Terran Sect claims that this has led to undo hardship on day to day activities and for families of mixed origin. She specifically mentions a married couple with a young child as well as the Iron Bull himself and his betrothed.”

Her heart suddenly skipped.

“His betrothed?”

“Yes. There is also an unenacted portion of the statute preventing the marriage of Terrans to non-Terrans on the basis of preserving their unique ethnic makeup. Such an edict clearly falls within your imperial powers and hence the Chief Justice’s determination.”

That Lady Silver Tear, Lunalah thought with contempt. Was she hinting again that she knew her ultimate aim to wed the Iron Bull? There was no way she would let this stand. Still, perhaps she was also carrying out her order—making life for that little girl as miserable as possible in the meantime.

“Is such worthy of punishment, your majesty?” Ling Wei asked.

Lunalah thought a moment more.

“No,” she said finally. “And belay my order to repeal the statute as well.”

“Your majesty?” Ling Wei said confused. “Are you certain? The Chief Justice’s determination is quite clear.”

Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

“Reply that I will take the appeal under consideration,” she said. “But the law stands and shall remain in place for now. Say also that I will give royal ascent to the unenacted portion of the statute should evidence of non-compliance justify it.”

Ling Wei bowed her head. “It shall be communicated as such, your majesty.”

“Ensure the Warden is sent a copy of both my reply as well as the Chief Justice’s determination.” Lunalah then eased back in her chair and glowered. “That woman needs to know my position and interest in this most unusual piece of legislation she has enacted within her province. I shall be watching events carefully from here on.”

* * *

Master Hei Dong couldn’t contain his grin as he received the imperial-sealed envelope from the courier. He already knew what was within it but still he opened the envelope with a fervor to confirm what was inside.

“Something important, Master Hei Dong?” Ju Gong asked.

“More than important,” Hei Dong said with glee in his heart. When he read the first page of the legal script, he let out a laugh of triumph. “Ha! Those foolish girls couldn’t contain themselves, just as I thought!”

“What is it, Master?” Gui Zu asked peering over his shoulder.

Master Hei Dong had to admit, he had become quite accustomed to both Gui Zu and Ju Gong accompanying him and assisting with the basic running of the household. Ju Gong was especially dutiful and wise with insight while Gui Zu was proving a capable aid in the forge. But today they were serving as sounding boards and audience to his great triumph. And in a household now teaming with women, it was nice to have other men to converse with openly.

“It’s the writ I was expecting from the Vice Wardens,” Hei Dong said. “They have met my challenge and have put forward all three of the Shen sisters to prosecute the order in return for me offering Fia to challenge all three of them simultaneously as a defense.”

“So they took the proverbial bait,” Ju Gong said with a knowing smile.

“Indeed, they have,” Hei Dong said. “For a moment I feared their cowardice had won over and we’d get nothing. But after a month I suppose they have finally worked up the courage to save their face.”

“Does that say the grand arena?” Gui Zu asked pointed to the location of the trial.

“Yes,” Hei Dong said. “They have agreed to my every condition. The fools have fallen prey to their own vanity and ego. And for their folly, Fia will now restore our family’s honor on the grand stage.” Hei Dong threw both Ju Gong and Gui Zu a shifty grin. “Can you imagine the disgrace that would befall them, when Fia bests all three in the ring? They would be forced to resign!”

“At the very least I would imagine,” Ju Gong said. “Their punishment from their Great Aunt, the Lady Silver Tear might perhaps be even worse.”

“I certainly hope so,” Hei Dong said folding the letter. “I suppose we shall see. Where is Fia? I must tell her at once.”

“She is with Mother Dong and Yu Li in the gymnasium, training Su Ling.”

“I suppose it is that time, isn’t it?” Hei Dong looked to the early morning sky.

Normally he would avoid the practice room in the mornings to give himself some peace from the women who spent more time cackling and gossiping than training his granddaughter. But today would be an exception.

They would have real news to gossip about this morning.

Hei Dong left the courtyard and to find Fia.

The practice room was on the far side of the main house and he could hear the sharp words of Fia’s instruction as he neared the double doors to the gymnasium.

“1st Form, lotus bridge,” Fia said just as he opened the doors and he marveled as little Su Ling went through the ten step motion with a seriousness that defied her age.

He couldn’t help but let out a laugh and cheer. “Well done, Su Ling! She looks as good as you at that are, Fia.”

“Gong gong!” Su Ling cried, breaking character from her cultivator stance immediately and rushing to him to give a hug. Hei Dong picked her up and mad her squeal as he placed kisses on her rosy cheeks.

“Father, please!” Fia said annoyed. “We can never get her to focus when you’re here. This isn’t helping.”

“Fear not,” he said. “I won’t be long. And it is you who must begin your training now daughter.”

“What do you mean?”

Hei Dong handed her the paper with a waggling of his eyebrows. “The idiots have fallen for my trap. You shall face the Shen sisters in combat three months from now.”

Rhi Dong let out a gasp of excitement. “The heavens have heard our prayers! We will have our revenge in the courts!”

She then turned to Yu Li and the mother and daughter-in-law jumped together excitedly.

“I will help you spar, my lady,” Zu Tien said bowing before her. “As much as I can anyway.”

“Nonsense,” Rhi Dong said. “Fia could best those three in her sleep.”

They all shared a laugh at that, save for Fia herself who looked somewhat peaked.

Hei Dong studied her quizzically.

“What’s the matter girl?” he said. “This is an opportunity to embarrass all three of them publicly and restore our family’s honor. You should be overjoyed.”

“I- I am,” she said, looking downward.

Hei Dong studied her Qi.

It was distorted. A jumble of confusion.

“Are you all righ—”

“Sorry!” she said and suddenly ran for the door. “I need the privy.”

Fia ran down the hallway leaving them all in a state of confusion.

“Is the lady, unwell?” Zu Tien asked.

Yu Li abruptly stood. “I’ll see to her. Fia has been worrying about Max of late. I think that’s it.”

Hei Dong grimaced. “No sense worrying about something three years away when we have something three months away.”

Yu Li bowed to him before she left the room. “I will ensure she is okay, Master.”

Hei Dong huffed out a breath of irritation. Still, he wouldn’t let Fia’s reaction sully his mood. This was a clear victory handed down from the heavens. Three months was almost too long to wait. But all the more time to spread the word.

The embarrassment of the Shen sisters would be very public indeed.

* * *

Fia heaved into the toilet for the forth or fifth time.

The contents of her stomach were long emptied but still the sickness still remained.

She wiped the sweat on her forehead with the back of her hand and then reached for a towel to clean herself up.

“Here,” someone said, and she looked up to see Yu Li.

“Thank you,” Fia said, taking the towel and composing herself somewhat.

Yu Li folded her arms and leaned against the side of the doorframe. “So…How many months are you?”

Fia’s mouth fell open, but she couldn’t find words to speak.

Yu Li merely shook her head. “Don’t look so surprised. I have been through it myself, you know?”

Fia still didn’t know what to say.

She felt guilty, ashamaed and embarrassed all at the same time.

“Was it that obvious?” she finally said. “Am I showing?”

Yu Li sighed. “More like how often you’re going to the bathroom every morning and pretending not to throw up. I surprised your mother hasn’t caught on yet.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “Please don’t say anything.”

Yu Li took her by the hand and clasped it within her own. “I won’t. But you’ll need to say something eventually, Fia. Does Max know?”

Fia shrugged. “Kind of?”

“Kind of?”

“This is the ‘curved ball’ I threw at him,” she said.

Yu Li snorted out a laugh. “Heavens alive. That is one heck of a surprise. What happened?”

“Please don’t hate me if I tell you,” Fia said.

Yu Li’s countenance suddenly changed, her eyes growing wide with anger. “Don’t you dare tell me that you’ve been with someone el—”

“No, No!” Fia said quickly. “Of course not. But it wasn’t really with Max’s consent either.”

Yu Li’s expression shifted from anger to relief to confusion. “What do you mean?”

Fia finally exhaled and told her everything. Her fear and insecurity that led to the decision, her hope that he would return but dread that he would not. When she finished, she felt even worse than before.

“Am I a horrible person for what I did?” she asked looking to Yu Li for some kind of penance.

“I wouldn’t say horrible, but you’ve curtained caused a mess for yourself,” Yu Li said, but then she grinned. “But who am I to talk?”

Yu Li laughed then and her mirth caused Fia to as well.

“At least you’re going to actually marry the father of your child,” Yu Li said. “Your brother is yet to reply to any of my letters.”

“You write to him?”

Yu Li shrugged. “Su Ling is still his child. He has a right to know what’s going on in her life, I suppose.”

“You’re a good woman, Yu Li,” Fia said. “Far better than me right now.”

“Don’t beat yourself up. We all do things we regret. But in the end they can become the greatest blessing.”

Fia smiled, knowing she was speaking of Su Ling.

“You still haven’t answered my question,” Yu Li said. “How many months now?”

Fia frowned. “Four and a bit?”

“You won’t be able to keep this a secret for much longer.”

“I know,” she said. “But it’s this court case that has me more concerned now. I can barely fight in this state, much less three months from now. What am I going to do, Yu Li? My family is depending on me. And I don’t even want to think what my father would say. He seemed so happy just now. If I tell him this…”

Yu Lu draped an arm over her shoulder. “Don’t worry about it, Fia. We’ll figure something out.”

Just hearing those words brought a comfort to her soul.

It was something she’d been yearning for but simply didn’t realize she needed.

She was finally able to share her burden with someone else.

Someone who could understand.

Fia’s throat tightened with a sob as her shoulders heaved and she let it all out.

Yu Li didn’t say anything and simply held her tighter.

When she was finally finished, Fia wiped her tears. “Thank you, Yu Li.”

“This is what sisters are for,” she said. “When you’re ready, we’ll tell your parents together, okay?”

Fia nodded, sniffling back more tears. “But what about the fight with the Bird Sisters?”

“Don’t worry about that now,” Yu Li said. “As Max would say, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”