The Two Masters of the Fort
The fortress of the Black Dragon Society is an interesting construct. Built in the days of the Han dynasty, it was once a dilapidated fort on the outskirts of what would become Xiangyang. In the hands of the Society, however, they had built down, not up. Rather than turning the fortress into a more defensible location by strengthening its walls, they had instead chosen to tunnel deep into the earth. It was rumoured that there were a hundred and eight secret exits and entrances to the fortress, each filled with deadly traps against outsiders. Of course, as with every rumour that gets bandied about, it is most likely mere exaggeration.
“Is it true that there a hundred and eight secret tunnels leading out of this place?” you ask one of the guards at the gate. He peers at you suspiciously, hefting his spear into a ready position. “Who’s asking?”
“My name is Xu Jing. I seek an audience with your leader,” you say politely. Yunzi and Xiahou Yu stand quietly behind, having agreed – Yunzi grudgingly so – to leave the talking to you. The guard snorts at you. “Who? Our leaders are not free today, so get out of here before I make you.”
“I said,” you repeat, stepping closer, “I am Xu Jing of Maniac Island. I want to see your bosses now.” The guard’s spear lowers threateningly at your approach, but you merely stare contemptuously at the point of his weapon aimed at your throat. Then, you grin, baring your teeth. Your eyes meet his. The guard shrinks back slightly, not knowing whether to think you confident or foolhardy. “H-hold on, Xu Jing, was it?” interrupts his comrade. “Maniac Island? Disciple of the Southern Maniac? Just wait here for a second!” It takes many long minutes instead of a second, but during that time the guard never lowers his spear, nor do you take a step back. When the second guard returns, panting, he gives you the okay to proceed – the masters of the Black Dragon Society have deigned to meet you.
***
The leaders of the Black Dragon Society are two brothers – Hei Zuolong and Hei Youlong. The former is the elder, and a weaselly looking man, while the latter is the younger, and built much like a bear with almost as much hair to match. You have not seen them in action, but they are renowned as martial artists. Hei Youlong is the first to speak as the three of you enter the audience hall.
“What is Zhang Jue’s disciple doing here?” He does not seem too pleased at your presence, though there is a faint smile on his older brother’s face.
“I found myself passing through Xiangyang and decided to come pay respect to my elders in the jianghu, in hopes that we may be bestowed a favour,” you reply. “That is what I am doing here.”
“I see. It is an agreeable trait in youngsters to be respectful.” says Hei Zuolong, his voice thin and sharp. Hei Youlong, on the other hand, has a grim expression. “A favour? What favour is it?” he asks. You shrug. “A simple favour, one that is entirely within your power to grant, I am sure. My friend here has an acquaintance that you are keeping under custody. A woman with a red mark on her face. He would like to speak with her for a personal reason.”
The younger Hei brother frowns. “That traitor? What makes you think you can just walk in here and ask for that?”
“I don’t,” you say. “If this favour is granted I will be in your debt.”
Hei Zuolong laughs suddenly. “A trade of favours?” His eyes fix themselves upon you keenly – you do not like his stare. “Oh, I have heard of your exploits, Xu Jing. Winning the martial arts competition, defeating a hundred men. For someone whose name has just emerged in the pugilistic world you seem to be making some rather interesting waves. Very impressive.”
“I appreciate the compliment, Master Hei,” you bow.
“A trade of favours,” he repeats to himself, before chuckling. “You know that I cannot trust you to keep your word, right?” You frown. “What are you implying?”
“You do not exactly have a reputation for being… reliable,” says Hei Zuolong with relish. “You are a free spirit – you do what suits you at any given time. Any favour I trade with you will be only on your terms; you would break your oath with no qualms if you ever disliked the way I call in your debt. I think that is hardly fair. It would be rather difficult to deal with you.”
“Judge not a man by idle gossip, Master Hei,” you say. “I am not the sort to disregard a debt. We do not ask for much in the first place.”
“But you do,” says Zuolong, leaning forward while his eyes gleam. “Some very important people have taken an interest in our female guest here. If we let you see her, who knows what could happen? I could find myself dead over this.”
“This is a waste of time,” growls Youlong. “Brother, let me throw them out and be done with it.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” muses Zuolong. “Someone who knows her and wants to speak to her could also be a person of interest to our client, regardless of their reason...”
You hear Yunzi tapping her feet behind you. She is getting slightly impatient with the lack of progress; it looks like she would prefer to retreat and attempt another approach. Looking straight at Hei Zuolong, you say, “If there is nothing I can say to change your mind, perhaps we will take our leave.”
“Oh, don’t be so hasty. I would not send an acquaintance of Liu Chanfeng’s away without letting them meet – in fact, I insist that you allow me to do so. I was just testing your sincerity,” replies the weaselly man, grinning. He waves his hand. Though you do not see them, you hear the footsteps of a few dozen men shifting into position outside the hall. “I also do not want to cross your master, so I will help you out, and you will owe me a little favour. It is your friend, the bookish fellow over there, that wants to speak with the woman, no? I will let him meet with her. Not alone, of course. One of you will go along with him. The other will stay here until their meeting is done. For security purposes, you see.”
You glance back at your companions. Yunzi is glaring at you – she knows full well what situation the three of you are in right now. Hei Zuolong has made the offer in a manner that you cannot refuse. It would be suicidal to attempt to escape the fortress at this point. You would not get ten steps from the hall before being cut down by the enemy - pugilists are one thing, but you have seen the mercenaries training with bows on your way in, and you are not confident in your ability to avoid a rain of arrows. You are not sure what is going through the Black Dragon master’s mind to suddenly make this offer, but you do not trust him. Xiahou Yu, on the other hand, is looking at you calmly. He nods; he is signalling for you to accept the offer.
***
A. You accept the offer. You do not see any other choice for now; perhaps there will be an opening for you to take advantage of later.
1. You select Yunzi to go with Xiahou Yu, while you stay in the hall. It may be better for you to deal directly with the masters and talk to them while they are here.
2. You go along with Xiahou Yu so that you can oversee his conversation with Liu Chanfeng. Yunzi can take care of herself even if you leave her alone.
B. You reject the offer; if he is going to attack you, so be it. It could, as unlikely as it is, be a bluff… or you could be lucky enough to escape from the midst of their fortress. Whatever it is, you will not be forced to go on the Black Dragon Society’s terms.