[HQ Ignorance] Scene 113: The Siege of the Iron Fort

[Lev Lafayette]

Scene 113: The Siege of the Iron Fort

The General was far from a fool and was readily interested in destroying
the threat of the Lei Tse. After all, it was always his life to engage
in the forward defense of the Kingdom from western invaders and he soon
found himself in familiar territory, discussing the military capacity of
the barbarians and the outcasts, and recounting their numerous feeble
assaults on the Iron Forts.

As General Han Sui considered and discussed the words of Azhur and the
Seeker a distant noice became apparent, growing into a din. The General
stood to his feet and called upon underlings to investigate. By this
time the clash of steel and the cries and lamentations of those outside
the Fortress could be hears. "What in the Heavens is it?", he exclaimed.
The assigned underling bowed deeply "Most noble general, I most humbly
regret to inform you that the Exarch has sent an army to recommend a
request that you swear fealty to him as the new Emperor."

"Well?", said the General. "That is not so bad. At least it would be a
warrior's life. But what is all that noise?"

The underling prostrated himself even further, if such a thing was
possible. "Many of the common people outside the walls of the Fortress
seem to claim allegiance to the Sages, saying only they can determine
who can be the next Emperor. It also seems that many a members of the
Yao Fune cult. Also, the Exarch's army has come into conflict with the
forces of General Ho Ki and some foreigners. It is a very confused out
there."

"Of course, my great General would be aware that such Disorder is
probably due to the presence of a God Learner within the walls."