The Empty Garden
Twofold[edit]
Abbot Goruk refolded the letters of ordination in front of him. “It will be our honor to host two itinerants and further their studies in the martial arts for as long as you wish to stay with us.” Cynis Lachid and Layochi clasped their hands in front of themselves and bowed in unison.
“Of course,” continued the Abbot, “it is not the most peaceful of times to be visiting Varsi. Not that Varsi could ever truly be considered peaceful, mind you…” The clearing of his throat was like gravel sliding down a stone incline. “The Voivode has never been a particularly pious man, but recently…”
Lachid nodded sympathetically. “Trouble…”
“…with the local populace?” finished Layochi.
Goruk sighed. “I wish it was that simple. True, the locals are not paragons of Immaculate virtue, but such is our lot here. No, it’s much more than that. The Voivode has begun to make deals with the Anathema.”
“Surely not,” said Layochi. “How could such a thing…”
“…come to pass?” questioned Lachid.
The Abbot rubbed stony fingers against his eyelids. “I don’t know entirely, for I am not as privy to the Voivoide’s councils as would be preferable. But, for my part, I think it started with a man named Nameless Ravine.” He turned his hands palm up and looked down at them for a few moments before continuing. “Regardless, great damage has been done to those who dwell within the city, even those who dwell here within the temple. The Anathema are adept at cloaking themselves in righteousness, and even after the… incident… at Two Bridges, many of the monks here have become sympathetic to the demons’ cause.”
“A grave matter indeed,” Layochi responded. “Tell, us…”
“…who seems to have been most effected by them?” Lachid leaned forward as he asked his question. “We will, of course, want…”
“…to be on our guard,” nodded Layochi in agreement. “It may even be that an outside influence…”
“…such as our own…”
“…may be beneficial in this situation.”
The Abbot smiled. “I had hoped you might feel this way.” He stood and walked around his desk. “I’ve chosen Brother Cypress to be your sifu as you continue your training in the Water Dragon Style. He has been greatly troubled since the defeat of Shin Jin Twelfth Son at the tournament, and it’s only grown worse since he saw the writings of this Nameless Ravine. I had hoped that as he helped you train your bodies, you might use the experiences of your travels to help train him back to correct thought and action.”
Lachid smiled in return. “Of course, Abbot. We will be sure…”
“…that he relearns the true path.” Layochi bowed alongside her brother, and the twins left for the kwoon.
