Champion Standing

Chapter 1 Liao prepared to depart from his service to the Kingdom of Kush to participate in the Hainan Island Dao Tournament, a prestigious event that, at Liao’s level, was open only to the best warriors of the Han Dynasty. The competition was by invitation only, and invitations were offered only to those warriors whose skill with the famed weapon had already been proven on numerous occasions and in the presence of many witnesses. Win or lose, it was suggested that to even be invited was victory in itself. From the Han point of view, however, that wasn’t true. Winning, said the Han People, may not be everything, but losing wasn’t anything. With the title of Champion Standing came great honor. A common saying to the Han People was, “No one remembers who finishes second.” No one really knew precisely when this tournament had taken on such grand proportions, or even when it had begun for that matter, but neither did anyone doubt its importance. When Liao was selected to participate, and the invitation extended, eyebrows were raised throughout the empire, as were many whispers of protest. The restoration of Honor to the Rong Clan notwithstanding, Liao had many enemies in the Empire and many openly voiced their opposition to the inclusion of a member of a once disgraced clan in such a prestigious tournament. For the moment, however, Liao, and by extension the Rong Clan, had found favor with Chancellor Gengshi, and favor with the Chancellor carried great weight. And so, the invitation was extended; and the challenge was accepted. Liao would compete for the highest prize a Warrior could hold in the Han Dynasty. The significance of the event was all the truer for this one who so often felt the need to be more Han than the Han People – more honorable than the most honored. Rumor had it that Liao’s Nubian employers started a betting pool, and that they bet heavily in favor of Liao even though no first-time competitor had ever won the competition. Before departing for Hainan Island, there was certain business to which Liao need attend. Liao proceeded down the main corridor of the Kushite Royal Palace to a staircase with his young son, Kaden, in tow. He passed several archers of the Nubian military along the way, each in turn greeting him and his son as they passed. Climbing the ornate staircase, Liao reached the fourth floor, to the chambers of Princess Ayana. On the way, Liao explained to his son where they were going, and why. Leaving Kaden in Ayana’s care was a habit Liao had developed over the years since his son had come to live with him. Ayana was Kaden’s godmother; a request Liao made of her shortly after he discovered his wife had kept the knowledge of their son a secret until her death. Ayana was already up and going over her day’s schedule when Liao rapped on the door. “Come in,” she said. “I’ve been waiting for you.” “I’ll be leaving shortly,” Liao explained as the two of them entered Ayana’s quarters. “It’s good of you to look after him while I’m away.” “Good morning, Kaden,” she said before turning her attention to Liao, who had to turn his broad shoulders sideways to enter the narrow door. “I’ve been looking forward to this ever since your father’s invitation to the Hainan Island Dao Tournament arrived. We’re going to have a great deal of fun while your father is away.” It was obvious from his expression that Kaden cared a great deal about Ayana and was looking forward to spending the time with her. Ayana next turned her attention to Liao. “I sense a certain amount of apprehension on your part, Liao. Nervous?” she asked. “It is a very important tournament, Ayana,” he answered. “To be named Champion Standing is the greatest honor a warrior can achieve short of victory on the field of battle. I’m not certain that one who is not Han can fully appreciate that.” “And,” Ayana interjected, “it takes your mind off of your upcoming birthday.” Ayana and Kaden laughed loudly at the comment while Liao, agreeing with them, waited, stoic, for the moment to pass. “There is perhaps some truth to what you say as well.” Resting his large hand on Kaden’s shoulder, he said, “My horse is waiting. Kaden, do not dishonor your family.” That said, Liao turned and left the two conspirators, still trying to recover from Ayana’s jibe. “Liao”, she called after him, “we’re all counting on you to bring back that Champion Standing trophy! Good Luck!” Liao merely shifted, bowed his head in their direction, and then continued on his way. He stopped back at his chambers only long enough to retrieve the things he would need for the trip, and to get his Dao. As Liao reached the main gate to the palace, Ayana, Kaden and many off-duty archers were in attendance to see him off. Princess Ayana was the one to speak on their behalf. “Liao! Brute strength is not the most important asset in a fight. Real power is in the heart. Success, to the Rong Clan!” She spoke the words in impeccable Han Chinese. While the formality of Ayana’s salute surprised Liao, he was even more taken aback by the response of his friends, and their applause. He stiffened into a more militaristic stance, nodding formally. “I will bring honor to your kingdom, Princess.” He kicked his horse and rode at a full gallop to the docks. Moments later, he guided his horse, bearing only him, his Dao, and the good wishes of his friends, onto the Hemiolia, the fastest ship in the Nubian navy – coordinates set for the Hainan Island and a date with destiny. * * *