Mind-Seal: The Beginning - Part 3

Furtively they studied him as they listened with rapt attention So Dzong Bai Hiang, the fifth patriarch of the Golden Flower School of Internal Alchemy, and disciple of the Yellow Court of Immortality Teachings, telling the compelling story of his life and of his unnoticed interventions in the Prince's life... 

"... ...  So you see, even when you couldn't see me whilst I hid in the shadows, I have always accompanied you during your childhood. And as you grew up into a fine man I was always by your side. When you were lonely, stressed, in danger and in an impasse, I was the one manipulating a way out for your troubles. And that won't change because I promise your mother to care for you. I will always be there. I helped you then, and I will help you still. I will pull you from the darkness to the light."

His mouth had puckered from lack of smiling, however every word he had uttered beamed with warmth that it was worth a smile nonetheless. Yes, he had always been there for him and his companions, and he was the hand which had freed them for the Imperial prison, saving them from execution. And now, thanks to So Dzong they could rest their weary bones and their distressed souls.

The chase had lasted for nearly four weeks, before, at last, they found sanctuary at Evernight Waterfalls.

A rabid dog got ahold of a raccoon and mauled the poor thing back and forth like a rag doll: This scene Prince Shufeng had witnessed as a child was etched into his memory forever. Ever since accused of treasonable designs he felt like this defenceless raccoon, chased by numerous imperial guards and soldiers, his enemies restless and coming from all sides.

With a smattering of allies, and lacking support, yet the prince and his loyal companions had survived. But in return they were tattered and exhausted by a myriad of physical and emotional wounds.

Soon, his allies, from the partisans of General Yun Hishoku and the Wongasaru Clan who believed in his innocence, came to the realisation that without influence and strategic advantage, they had, in truth, reasons to lament the weakness of Prince Shufeng's position. It was a struggle of ill-armed rebels, who were never even numerous, against the imperial troops, and was marked by great loss of life on the rebels' side.

Yes, it would be difficult and even impossible to imagine any better end result than the actual outcome of this battle—death.

Empress Yū Miko threatened anyone who would aid and abet the Second Prince with the cruellest of punishments—Nine Familial Extermination.

Their entire family would be considered guilty by association and responsible in the case of a rebellion against her Emperor Son.

Parents, grandparents,children, grandchildren, uncles, cousins, and other close kindred… and also those living with the traitors regardless of surname; would be put to death by the lingering death, death by a thousand cuts.

Indeed, Empress Yū Miko was the most furious tyrant that ever disgraced human nature. There was no limit to the cruelties that she perpetrated in order to eliminate Prince Shufeng, and retain her power.

Could there be any more defeated, disgraced and utterly humiliated position than this prince's?

Subsequently, his allies had gone to him with word of them breaking allegiance: "We are not in fear of death, but rather harm to our family."

How could the prince not be insensitive to their heavy-hearted plea?