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« on: May 28, 2014, 07:05:00 pm »
--Chang-ning, En route to Zhao Manor--
As Roland walked openly down the street, Yiski did his best to walk along the edges. While Roland was wearing his normal clothing, Yiski wore a dark brown cloak with a hood over his head. While Yiski's attire should have drawn some attention, he was not the only one wearing a cloak. Sandstorms and duststorms were common during this time of year, making it common for visitors and residents alike to wear some protection (though all the sand and dust being tracked in made it a nightmare for the city's cleaning crews).
As Roland walked, he thought back on his attempted kidnapping and the conversation between the man and Yiski.
Why are the Birdmen still active?
Rather... how do they still exist?
If they're still around, then...
Then Ny-Lee is in danger!
But... what can I do?
As he thought more, the questions got more complicated and complex. Before getting any deeper, Roland mentally shook his mind loose.
I'm sure things will be fine. I just need to get to manor first.
After a good, long walk, Roland found himself in view of Zhao manor. As Roland got closer, he saw things which did not seem right. Before Roland had a chance to figure those out, a hand reached over, grabbed Roland, and pulled him to the side.
[Roland]
"Gah! Please do not surprise me like that!"
[Yiski]
"Sorry, but you looked like you we're spacin' out on me and this doesn't look right."
[Roland]
"Odd. I got the same feeling too."
[Yiski]
"Hold here a minute. Gonna do some quick spottin'."
Yiski ventured out into the middle of the street which runs along the front gate of Zhao manor. Despite all the people passing by, Yiski got a few good looks of the manor grounds. Consequently, the manor's entrance sat farther back and was obstructed by numerous trees. Satisfied with the initial view, Yiski went back.
[Roland]
"What's going on?"
[Yiski]
"There's a few armed men roamin' the yard and a few others just watchin' the main gate."
[Roland]
"Are they city guards?"
[Yiski]
"Based on the uniforms, pretty sure those are royal guards."
[Roland]
"Why would royal guards be patrolling the manor?"
[Yiski]
"No clue, but the ones I did see were armed to the teeth."
[Roland]
"Well, it would make sense if the Emperor were inside."
[Yiski]
"Dunno. Something still feels off."
[Roland]
"I could just walk up and ask for entry. After all, I am family."
Yiski gave Roland a hard look. Yiski almost lost Roland once this week. And based on his gut feeling, Yiski knew that idea would not end well.
[Yiski]
"Or we could sneak in."
[Roland]
"Do you think that's necessary?"
[Yiski]
"Better safe than sorry. Now, you wouldn't happen to know of any secret entrances to the manor, would ya?"
[Roland]
"Not that I have been told."
[Yiski]
"Damn.... well, let's try and get around back."
[Roland]
"Alright."