A Call to the Host

[Ambduscias 1028]

A Call to the Host

 

 

 

It was the dawn of the evening, when the last rays of the golden sun fell smothered beneath the waves of the ocean when the horns blew; the birds and the trees themselves fell silent with trepidation. The noise was a terrible one that shook bones, windows, and insides alike with a fervor that would impart upon the heavens their meaning. From the shores of Qinghai to the Heavens from which Hou Shen ruled, they called the banners for one and all warriors – brigands, fiends, the noble; all would be welcomed to redeem themselves through service.

 

The Emperor rests upon his laurels, hands left prostrate on his fat belly; eyes like flame fixed upon the horizon of distant Krugmar, and further yet upon the golden fields and valleys of Arcas. Once more Chosen blew the horn and made the trees shake and the fish flee with its power, and again it’s destined recipients were beckoned. Beneath, in the thick of the throng, the few loyalists that lived toted the tools of their trade; the perfidious butcher of Donghai, Pang Jiāngjūn, and the Emperor’s Champion, Shen Bu astride his horse; with Hou-Shen’s spear upon his shoulder.

 

    “My most loyal retainers!” came the terrible boom of the corpulent despot’s voice to his legion; half-brigand, half-warlord, but ultimately zealous army of simian warriors. “The hour, once scribed in the Heavens, has dawned for the most glorious Empire of God’s chosen tribe! The lands ought to tremble beneath the hooves of our horses!”

 

“All generals loyal to the Hou are called to our banner; for within and without, we will leave only glory in our wake!”

And with that, the banner of the Shen Dynasty unfurled; forevermore, the Emperor would have his Imperial Guard.

[Chase 3793]