The Stone Road Read Free Page B

you have no family that my investigators can discover. It appears you were abandoned at the door of the barracks and raised an orphan. Not unusual in times of war but that we can find no trace of parentage, even with our most experienced investigators, is very strange. Every orphan is checked, Trainee, did you know that? The duty of parents is to raise their children, we take abandonment very seriously. The punishments can be quite severe. Lastly, you are quick witted and intelligent. An unusual trait in soldiers, I find. By your age, we have normally beaten out the propensity for individual thought and reason. We create soldiers to follow orders, not to think.”
    Haung’s legs and back, held in a rigid stance and worn out by the morning’s training, were beginning to ache.
    “My proposal, then, is simple. I have need, as does the duke, of trained fighters who can think on their feet, who can take orders, follow the chain of command and know when to act on their own. These soldiers work for me alone. They must sever all ties with any past life or family, though this should not be an issue for you. They become my eyes, ears and sword when needed. They report to me, they follow my orders. They cannot marry, unless I say so. They cannot father a child or lay with a woman, unless I say so. They may not live in a house or purchase one, unless I say so. Their life is under my control, totally. However, there is the chance to play a part in the larger world, to act alone on matters of importance, and to be well paid. There are chances for promotion, based solely on merit, not on coin and influence. I am offering you a chance to join the Jiin-Wei , Haung. The choice is yours but I will have your answer before you leave this room.”
    Haung dug his fingernails into the palms of his clasped hands. The offer was unexpected, the Jiin-Wei were a mysterious group and though not much was known about them they were called Dog-rats by the common soldier. Dog, because they followed their master wherever he went and lapped up orders like the best milk. Rats, because they scurried about in dark places, sewers and gutters, gnawing away at people, spreading fear and disease. It was said you were never more than six paces from a listening Jiin-Wei, closer if what you had to say wasn’t complimentary towards the duke or the court. Haung had heard enough to know that they were respected and feared but not well liked. Aside from this, the Commander was watching him with calculating eyes and a firm hand on the dagger he had used to cut up the fruit.
    “I would be honoured to accept, Commander,” Haung said.
    “I was sure you would, Jiin Haung. Your training will begin the moment you leave this room. Your first assignment will follow quickly. These are interesting times in our war with Wubei, interesting times. Marbu has your orders and assigned teacher downstairs. He also has your new Jian sword and black cloth. Follow his orders, as you would mine.”
    “Yes, Sir. Thank you, Sir.”
    “Don’t thank me Jiin-Wei Haung. You haven’t even begun to understand the true implications of your choice yet.”

 
     
     
    CHAPTER 3
     
     
    It was still raining.
    Zhou looked up to see shades of grey cloud covering the sky. From horizon to horizon there was nothing but the constant fall of rain. Even the birds had decided that it was too wet to fly. All around the horses plodded on down the mountain paths away from the city and towards the great plain. The other diplomat rode in some comfort, he supposed, inside the covered wagon. Being just a Junior Diplomat he was reduced to riding a horse, exposed to the weather. Behind the wagon, soldiers and baggage servants walked, as was right and proper. He wiped the rain from his forehead for the thousandth time and took a renewed grip on the clammy leather reins.
    For five days and nights the rain continued as they made a way through mountain passes and narrow valleys. Along rock strewn and pot-holed tracks,