143 Day of Ascension Really Rough Draf (1/2)
”Today is the day...a day that will potentially shape and decide the future path of our country, we have to be prepared and adaptable. Only then can we put ourselves in the best position to reap the most benefits.”
The gruff raspy voice of an elderly man spoke.
His serious gaze focused on the blurry white-capped mountains ahead in the distance.
Snowflakes fluttered down gently, landing on his hair and shoulders like butterflies swarming to a flower.
The white hair man was sat atop his warhorse with his back straight, showcasing his perfect posture as the black horse trotted forward at a slow, careful pace over the abundant loose stones out here in the wilderness.
He was dressed in a majestic white fur-coat that was almost dragging on the ground.
To his left was a middle aged man, dressed rather more conservatively, wearing a traditional black fur-coat, riding a similarly stunning black warhorse, both horses moved in step on the stony path.
Innumerable flakes of snow floated down from the overcast sky, partially obscuring visibility and landing on the ground in rapid succession, creating a frigid blanket of white over everything.
The two men continued their conversation in hushed tones, their coats draped tight around their necks guarding against the cold blustering wind.
”Yes I understand,” the man donning the black coat replied solemnly with a nod of his head, shaking loose a few snowflakes from his hair, before continuing.
”If King Yulan succeeds today, we have to move our forces immediately. Securing our interests quickly is most important. We could increase our standing in the capital overnight with a little luck.”
The clopping footsteps of their mounts crunched through the freshly fallen snow as they moved down the narrow road side by side, leaving two lines of hoof prints trailing behind.
They were heading for a patch of snow-covered land in the middle of nowhere.
On any other day this desolate patch of land would be the domain of wild animals, but today, many clamoured to this snow-covered wilderness in anticipation of an epic event.
People were gathering at this secluded location just north of the capital, eager to witness King Yulan's second attempt at ascending from the mortal plane.
Many high standing nobles had come to witness the change of an era and the passing of the guard. While others were there just to confirm the King's success or failure.
People continued to trickle in slowly, most taking care to be quiet and inconspicuous.
Only the bravest and most confident of men would walk in the limelight at this point, without strong backing one would only be drawing the ire of the unknown forces lurking in the shadows.
They emerged into a flat rocky plane blanketed in white that spanned about 5 kilometres, frozen foliage were scattered among the rocks that were everywhere.
Immediately they caught sight of a group cutting across their path.
Both men instinctively pulled back the reins on their horses, bringing the beasts to a sudden halt.
A contingent dressed in stylish robes strutted across their path like they had no insecurities or cares. Giving the old men pause for thought.
The passing group didn't seem to even consider the cold, not one had opted for a fur coat.
Hoods up, faces shrouded, they walked casually to the west, looking for a spot to watch things unfold.
Bursts of smoke-like condensation sprayed from the spooked horses' nostrils like steam, the beasts whinnied aloud in agitation, almost unseating their experienced riders.
The two disgruntled men looked at each other as they tried to gain control over their unsettled mounts, then at the passing group in silence, knowing only people in the xantian realm could be so casually dressed in this weather.
They tried to calm the rattled horses by whispering consoling words and patting the beasts' necks gently.
The two mounted men did not want to cause a ruckus and draw attention to themselves in these circumstances, but they took careful note of these people sporting a black bear insignia embroidered boldly into their robes.
Inquisitive looks and scattered murmurs of whispering erupted among the people present, most were nobles who had personally come to brave the morning's cold and see off the king.
Soon the brash contingent were identified by the bear insignia embroidered on their attire, they were the representatives of a noble who had recently risen to prominence in the Western hills.
***
Hartley's steps were nimble across the snow, taking no notice of the commotion his group had stirred, in fact this was House Hartley announcing themselves to the wider public.
He led the group towards a secluded area to hunker down and watch the attempt at ascension by the king, he was very keen to see the process.
The experts among the crowd noticed that even with the heavy downpour of snow, not a single snowflake fell on anyone in Hartley's group.
That alone was reason for the hidden experts to be wary.
A group of boisterous nobles were comfortably sitting under a gazebo two hundred meters away.
They watched the commotion as the new group made their entry into the area.
Talking, laughing, and eating snacks while taking shelter from the snow.
A small fire was lit and about a dozen fully armoured men were huddled around keeping their fingers warm.
A few xantians stood outside with serious expressions. Flexing their combat power for all to see and take heed.
When the whispers seemed to confirm the identity and affiliation of the newcomers, the blonde young man sat in the middle looked at Hartley's group disdainfully. He had thought this group to be heavy hitters in the capital, turns out they were only so-so.
”When did the kingdom sink to this level of mediocrity, even back-bush nobles are strutting around like peacocks these days. Aren't these the coal-mongers of the western hills? How embarrassing for a mighty country. Do you see this Ji Lang? Preposterous!”
The man's vulgarity was on full display as he didn't even attempt to lower his voice. Talking to his bodyguard and the other people beside him, while rudely pointing at the group of four. His vitriol laid bare for all to hear.
The four representatives from the western hills came to a stop immediately, without any discussion one peeled away from the group and headed towards the gazebo.
Three xantians guarding outside stepped forward to protect the vulgar noble, smiling as the person wearing a grey robe approached.
”Break his legs!,” the vulgar noble shouted while laughing and sitting comfortably.
The three xantians rushed out across the snow like lightening. No doubt eager to demonstrate their power to the other gathering nobles.