Anshi: The Lost Eagle of the Steppes

Lessons Begin

The squad that went out with Anshi on the hunting and reconnaissance missions was very familiar to him. Every one of them had been with him that night in Yunmeng when the Guards were attacked by the Crown Prince's assassins and survived. They were his dearest and most trusted companions and he went nowhere without them. They had suffered greatly that night and to a man, volunteered to join the caravan. They recruited and trained others and spotted the raw talent among the nomadic members of the tribe and were responsible for training them to the standards met by all Guardians in Cloud Recesses. They also learned all they could from their new companions, whose raw and wild natures still belonged to the Steppes. The fighters were becoming a deadly force, even this early into this three-year journey. When they were not out scanning the terrain for signs of threat or guarding their Chieftain against harm, they were emersed in training in tactical defense. Each was well aware of what drove their leader and also was aware that whoever was behind his long-ago abduction and enslavement, might still be out there and may have already gleaned news of the Lost Eagle Tribe. May already have heard that a green-eyed Singer was taking to the Spice Route and wanted answers. It was a bold, yet dangerous quest. And they were sworn to protect him at all costs.

Anshi gave the order, and the three magnificent golden eagles, perched on the arms of Anshi, Ge Ban, and Sya Mu took to the skies, obeying the long calls directing them higher and keeping those sharp eyes focused to catch any movement below. The calls urged them further abroad, telling them to seek any prey and return for their rewards. All of them were female, quicker, stronger, and more agile than the males. Young and fierce, they would serve for six more years and while still young enough to find mates and procreate, they would be released at the age of ten.

Qiang was fascinated. This was a side of his adopted brother that he had never really grasped. This streak of wild abandon was almost infectious. He remembered back to when his mothers welcomed him into their family, how quiet and withdrawn he had been. Afraid of every step he took or word that he uttered. The way he was so quick to bow to the ground, terrified of displeasing those who embraced the brutalized young man. The haunted look in the emerald eyes spoke of expecting a blow or a whipping. It had taken time and he gradually grew into a strong and more outgoing person. Qiang just always thought of him as a hero like his uncle Lan Zhan and his Uncle Wei Ying, and his mothers. Someone who overcame the worst and survived.

As he watched Anshi, the memories came flooding back to him, and the man of the Steppes that saw surfacing was someone he wanted to emulate. He knew in his young heart that Anshi had to force himself to be harsh and implacable last night when they were thrown at his feet. He had no choice in the matter and was determined to show no favoritism or weakness. And they had deserved every scathing word he had heaped on them. He still cringed at the thought of having disappointed his brother so deeply. He vowed to bury his feelings for Xiao Mian until he felt ready to cope with them in a more adult manner and to begin to learn this new brother of his and devote himself to his service as long as he was by his side. Earning this respect from the bronzed and compelling Chieftain was the most important thing on his mind now. He loved Xiao Mian, but his duty was to his brother, his mothers, and the leaders of the Sect, at least until he became the man he was meant to be. But first, he needed to learn who that was.

Xiao Mian was chopping vegetables with Dawa Tuya. The older woman was quick and precise but did not need to nag the girl whose precision was as good as her own. A large bowl of onions already sat to one side as well as a big basket of chopped radish. Cabbage was next and then they would begin a big cauldron of rice. Various meats sat to one side. Antelope and rabbits caught by the eagles yesterday were seasoned and chopped into bite-sized pieces as well as a lamb, whose deformed back hoof would not allow it to walk. Xiao Mian had wielded the cleaver like a pro.