Sulphur & Lightning Chapter 14: 013 - Odachi

Read chapter 14 of Sulphur & Lightning by anaugustauthor on NovelPedia.

Danjuma and his contingent arrived at the Dari manor without any more drama – a thing those illustrious uncles were perhaps disappointed with, as they had enjoyed the last diversion so much. This manor, little more than a depot and far beneath their usual standards, detained them only a few hours before they were on their way again. After all, two people of their rank had commensurate responsibilities that couldn’t be kept aside for long. Even the few days they had set aside to help the young master with scouting had been costly enough. Luckily, the few hours they had spent were more than enough for their airship to be prepared. As they boarded, they were accompanied by the young master, who had insisted on carrying their luggage himself. This wasn’t just a sign of respect, but an acknowledgement of the inconvenience the matter had presented to these prestigious uncles. After all, to keep this matter as incognito as possible and to make sure their work back in the clan went smoothly, they had left all their staff aside and came themselves. This was, of course, because they were more than confident in their own abilities, but it also showed how much value the clan put on this juvenile scion of the clan. One of them levelled a warm look at the man before putting his hand on his shoulder. “You have done the Dari clan, no, the whole Jan Zaki, proud by your abilities. Even the clan lord wasn’t much better at this age.” “You flatter your servant too much,” the young man replied, bowing deeply in thanks for the kind words. “What is flattery?” the man asked with mock anger. “This old man has forgotten how to utter words that are sweet to men’s ears unless I deeply feel them. I’m even more likely to insult than compliment someone now, even if I approve of their actions. I don’t say this to you merely to make your head big or to reach a quota for words… You have ability, young Danjuma. This our clan needs it.” “Thank you, Uncle." “Your decision-making could use some work, though,” the other uncle chimed in from behind, giving his opinion lightly. "You cannot give hostiles that much leeway in the future. There’s nothing enemies understand if not force.” Danjuma’s instinct was to accept the chastisement easily, but the bright eyes of the younger elder from behind his round spectacles seemed to be encouraging him to give his honest opinion. His eyes darted between the two uncles and the strange, almost comical, contrast between them. The former’s praise sounded acerbic and difficult to receive, while even the latter’s criticism was inviting. “I just thought there was no need to enter a conflict if it couldn’t be helped, Uncle. After all, a lion that must fight to protect his territory is halfway to losing it.” “Avoiding conflicts is an important skill and noble sentiment, young master, but people stopping your convoy aren’t doing it with pure intentions. Your life and those of your subordinates, who look to you to lead them, are far more important than the lives of those who want to kick the hornet’s nest by provoking the Lion.” “We have a saying that whoever is trampled to death by an elephant is both blind and deaf. Since they have the gall to jump in front of our convoy, they should also be prepared to die. If miserable creatures like that can dare such things even against our clan, then what about the normal travellers who cross their paths?” Danjuma listened to the views of both his uncles and thanked them generously for their instruction. In truth, he had given the option out of a personal curiosity about the bori and a general indifference about the actions of ants such as them, since, even in their dozens, they were nothing to him. Refuse remained refuse, no matter how high it was piled. Not long after, the airship became a dot in the sky, carrying the two men deeper north as swiftly as possible. “What an interesting find,” the younger one said as he looked down at the chessboard in front of him. “Indeed,” his companion agreed, mov