Zhefu chuckled unselfconsciously.antlan87 wrote:"You owe your life to a forienger?" Asked a surprised Zetie Pi. He nearly asked how he could live with such shame when it occured to him that perhaps it would be best to learn of the circumstances surrounding the incident first. "Forgive my outburst, but I was... surprised that someone at our station could owe such a thing. If possible, could you tell me how that came to be? It is a rather unusual thing to occur after all." Not to mention there are a few benefits one could have with foreigners in their employ, thought Zetie Pi.
"Of course. In my youth I was a bit of an... adventurer. Good with a sword, and daring, I traveled the land, and outside of it, in search of fame and riches. I found some, but also found my share of misfortune. One day the Heavens decided that perhaps I needed to be humbled.
"I had taken shelter under a tree during a storm. Lightning struck it, setting it afire. I was horribly burned, and would have died, if not for Lucius....
"Ah Lucius. A man who cared not for race. A truly civilized man in any sense of the word. He and his band saved me, took me to a healers. I promised to repay him for saving me one day. He and his band left. The next time I saw him was on his deathbed," he said, his voice filled with sadness at the memory.
"His final request was to take in his band of exiles, these Romans, and to help them find their place in our land. How could I refuse such an offer? If not for him, I would not be here."
He then spoke quietly, so that only Pi could hear.
"And they have their uses. They are all militarily trained, in one way or another. Their arts are foreign to us, and thus foreign to those who would oppose my goals. I would rather resolve things peacefully, but sometimes iron is needed. And I believe much iron will be needed before my journey is over, unfortunately."
He looks to Pi.
"But, I believe you have an idea of such things. I see the hunger in you, the hunger for change. Perhaps you would be willing to aid me, in return for suitable rewards?"