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The young shade gently cupped the black and silver pouch. The weathered leather reminded him of grandmothers hands. His missive had been received. He would not walk alone today.
Sutra sat at the crossroads just a third of a mile away from River Midnight. He would pay respects to the fallen one. For two long weeks, he had carried a spiritual burden of anger and guilt. Confusion and intense inquiry gripped his heart day and night, he had lost sleep over the loss.
He focused on the horizon and wathched.
"Master..." Sutra bowed his head in respect to the presence of the ancient. "Thank you for accompanying me on this walk..."
"When I said I'd be by your side..." The grandmaster strode effortlessly and placed a strong hand on his squires shoulder. "It would be to the gates of Hades..." A smirk broke the somber moment. "And definitely back..."
The thankful student nodded in relieved gratitude.
Striding towards the sound of rushing water, the two shadows shared a grateful silence. grateful of their existence on this realm. To know that they would know the company of loved ones, the taste of good wine, the warmth of decadent food, and the heat of a woman's passion.
Without words, they acknowledged that the next life awaited them with open arms. This realm not being the last. That this go around would suffice for now. They would meet with their deceased loved ones soon enough.
Their presence did not stir the inhabitants of the green canopies. Their knowledge of these lands were intimate. The road they took was the same free path paid for by in blood by the guild itself when the kingdom strained under the grip of tyranny by the black queen.
Another day earned by the sword.
Standing at the bank of River Midnight, the rushing waters greeted them in her ageless manner. Inhaling deeply, Sutra closed his eyes and glimpsed images of the warmaker. Quietly unlacing the knot that secured the contents of the leather pouch, Sutra opened his eyes and took in the sky. He poured fine ash into his hand and held his breath.
"Soon my friend." Sutra turned his open palm into the air. A silver cloud whirled before him. The cloud soon dissipated and stillness remained.
He was not alone.
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The general who advances without seeking fame and retreats without fearing disgrace, whose only thought is to protect his country and do service for his sovereign, is the jewel of his kingdom. -Sun Wu
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