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Message: <blockquote data-quote="ForceUser" data-source="post: 260857" data-attributes="member: 2785">Session One, Part 3OUT FROM Thang Long they journeyed with the sun warming their backs. The road was bustling with farmers and merchants heading to market and horse soldiers patrolling the lanes around the city. Morning light sparkled off the otherwise murky waters of the wide Red River to their right, and the boats of fishermen and vacationing shihs drifted east down the river and towards the distant sea.It took them six days to reach the first destination. They rode upriver toward the highlands, passing many small villages and military outposts. Eventually, they turned south toward a mountain region called Du Phen, where Tran, following a map, led them up a tiny trail into a highland jungle. The region was robust and green, with extensive tree coverage and thousands of species of birds, animals, and plants. After half a day of riding up the trail, it became so overgrown and difficult to follow that they dismounted and led the horses on foot. Finally, as the sun began to fade in the sky and the jungle loomed gloomily around them, Tran spotted a spire rising above the canopy, silhouetted against the setting sun. “That’s it!” Tran exclaimed. “Han Bai monastery. We’re almost there.”Lei grunted in acknowledgment. It was better that way, he’d decided. The young aristocrat’s enthusiasm was grating. It was almost as grating as helping him put on the exquisite suit of chain mail he could barely wear without falling off his horse, or retrieving his masterwork kiem when he tossed it in the trees during practice. “Han Bai monastery,” rattled Tran, “is the seat in Dai Viet of what is called White Crane kung fu. The major characteristics of the style include wide-armed, wing-like movements, high kicking, and the crane's beak, a hand weapon made by joining the fingertips firmly. It’s an impressive art, though considered impractical by some. There is but one grandmaster of this style in the country: Tran Minh Long. He’s a great hero because he helped the Emperor seize the throne and restore order after the fall of the Ly dynasty. That’s why the Emperor made him a part of the imperial family. But it’s said he prefers to stay here and teach his students.”“Mm.” Lei replied. He studied the monastery as they approached, squinting in the failing light. High, thick walls. Two sets of massive, iron-bound doors guarding the entrance. Armed guards on the walls…armed guards?“This place is a fortress, master. I didn’t know monks donned armor and wielded the kama-do.” Lei pointed at a soldier on the wall. “Oh, they don’t. That man is a no-sheng – a temple guardian. They are a separate order within the monastery. While the monks spend their time in study, contemplation, and meditation, the no-sheng guard the sanctuary and protect it from the outside. They’re a more martial group, as I understand it, and the ones who do most of the fighting when it’s needed. Yes, this place is a fortress. It has to be to protect the solitude of the Han Bai students. These hills are infested with tribes of giants and orcs.”“Er..” said Lei. Giants?As they approached the monastery, a monk stepped out of a small door framed by the larger wooden door. He was short and bald, and wore a loose-fitting white garment. His arms and what could be seen of his chest were covered in tattoos. He walked up to them and bowed low. “Greetings, travelers. Welcome to Han Bai. How can I help you?”</blockquote>

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