Ascent of the Beast King

The Ring

Li Dan thumbed the ring now in his palm, unwilling to hand it over.

"If you have one, did you know my father?"

"It's possible... I suppose I owe you an explanation. This ring is a very special item, you see the insignia? That's personally carved by my master and given as a reward only to his most favoured disciples. It's a sign of great talent and great power."

Li Dan nodded, mum always said dad was a great warrior but he had never really believed it, even when he had let his fantasies run away with him. Lin furrowed his eyes suddenly, "what happened?"

"How long has it been since your dad left you this ring?"

"I don't know, ever since I was a baby. I've never met him..." Lin's eyed furrowed again as he bore in on the ring. He shook his head. He reached to touch it then pulled his finger away as if he had been burned.

"What is it?"

"That ring has a seal on it. Whoever set it is much stronger than I am..." Li Dan rolled his eyes, he had been the victim of one too many practical jokes.

"Has the ring ever... done anything strange?" Li Dan shook his head.

"I don't know your father. I'm sorry."

"Wait! You said it's your master's symbol right? He should know. You could... you could ask him and he could tell you and... and... and..." Lin placed a hand on the young boy's shoulder.

"Slowly, little one. My master is the one who sent me here. I have a suspicion he is just as eager to meet you as you are to speak to him."

"Is he scary?"

"Haha. Not at all. He looks like he could hardly hurt a fly... but... you'll see."

Li Dan crinkled his nose. "Are you going to take me to see him? I can't go without Li Jia. Will it be safe for her? I won't leave her behind!"

"All in good time. Is that your mother's grave in the garden?" Li Dan nodded. Silent. Lin took the boy into his arms and carried him out to the small grey arch sat in the corner of the garden. He made a few signs and a domed barrier rippled into existence around it before disappearing.

"What did you just do?"

"It's just a guarding spell. No-one will be able to remove it now."

"Remove it? Why would anyone remove it? It's only me and Li Jia who live here."

"Just taking precautions. That's another lesson to remember. Always have 3 plans: one for the best outcome, one for the worst outcome, and one for anything in between."

Li Dan nodded. He didn't want Lin thinking he was dumb.

"Does this mean... my dad is still alive?"

Lin had no idea how to answer. He considered the question for a moment.

"If he was stronger than me... he must be out there somewhere. Not much could threaten him."

"Then why hasn't he come back?"

...