Interlude - Foreshadowing?

An autumn breeze in the trees
A restless time of change
Thoughts turn to loss and revenge

"Master?" The voice broke the stillness of the lily garden. The meditation had been a troubling one, but necessary. Perhaps sent by the Pancreator himself.  No, to dare to assume such was indicative of hubris. He was chosen and raised to be above such petty sin.

"Master?" The voice appeared again from the tranquil darkness.  Xiaohuozi realised he had been lost to his thoughts once again.  He opened his eyes.

The servant, Lao Tou, stood to his left out of reach should the knight have drawn his sword reflexively upon being disturbed and struck him down. He was obviously a veteran householder. The man's bald head stood in stark contrast to the long, thin white beard that reached down to his waist, further evidence of his experience and age.  He was dressed in the immaculate attire of one of Xiaohuozi's father's staff, the symbol of House Li Halan emblazoned upon his left breast. The autumnal sun had crept up and was shining it's amber glow over the garden. The half light exaggerated the wrinkles on the servant's dusky face.

Xiaohuozi did not look at the man (to do so would be improper) instead he remained in his meditative pose, legs crossed, hands resting on knees with palms upwards to the heavens ("Beseeching-man-anticipates-blessing") but in keeping his eyes open he gave the unspoken command to continue.
Lao Tou looked to the ground deferentially. "Your father has approved your request and travel arrangements are to be made.  You may leave today if you wish, my lord."

"If the Pancreator wishes." Xiaohuozi's response was curt. A stern admonishment.

"Yes Master." The servant threw himself prostrate in remorseful atonement. "Forgive me."

"Hmm" Xiaohuozi rose, feeling the breeze across his chest as he stretched. He drew his sword. The old man was still laid low before him, as motionless as one of the garden's jade statues. The young noble reached out with the blade and gently touched it's tip to the man's bowed forehead.  He still made no move, not out of fear, the beads of sweat that touched the sword gave that away, but out of obedience and a knowledge of his ordained place in the Celestial Order.

The blade was sheathed with a fluid motion. "Rise, prepare my traveling garb and paraphernalia. It is the Pancreator's will that the relic is recovered.  He has chosen me as his vessel in this matter and I must shoulder the burden.  I shall leave for Ravenna tonight."