The Magic Division

At the kingdom in the early hours of the night, torches lit up the courtyard.

The shogun and his inner court sat on the banister, overlooking the courtyard. High ranking officials and the new division stood in the courtyard, along with a few spectators.

Fabian the court sorcerer gave a hand gesture to the individuals that he had trained who began to perform martial arts choreography in quick succession as if they were facing an enemy.

The onlookers marveled because this was considered new to them. After they were finished, the shogun looked at Fabian and said softly, "Is that all?"

I have seen martial arts similar to this in China and Tibet. Where is the magic that they are supposed to be learning?

Fabian waved his hand and a few workers pushed out straw made mannequins into the courtyard. Pointing to his best magic user, Fabian motioned for him to destroy one of the mannequin.

The best who was the commander of the magic division stepped forward towards it. Taking a 'horse stance' he ready his attack.

Heat started permeating off his body as he raised his right hand in the air and his left hand below his waist. Then with thrusting action from his right hand forward, flames shot out of his hand and burned the straw made mannequin.

There was a loud thunderous applause from everyone who was spectating.

'My word, one shouted!'

'Impressive, shouted another!'

With the cheers for an encore, the commander got carried away and decided to burn the other mannequins without the command from the sorcerer Fabian.

The commander opened his mouth and with movements from left to right, flames came out and lit up all the other mannequins.

When he looked up to the balcony, the shogun and his court were now standing and clapping. Fabian however was very displeased and with a snap of his fingers, a gem which was planted into the skin of the commander, shattered.

As soon as it did, the commander burst into flames due to spontaneous combustion.

In a stern tone, Fabian said that disobedience will not be tolerated.

Wouldn't you agree, he asked the shogun?

The shogun smiled and said, "I agree!" I am still impressed, he continued. Continue the good work. Fabian nodded his head and turned and walked away.

His remaining members of the magic division, who saw their leader, walk off the balcony, turned and left the courtyard.

The body of the commander continued to burn and everyone began to leave the flaming display.

The court members were very pleased at what they had seen.The shogun smiled at the notion of anyone who opposed him, being burned to death.

Suddenly a carriage rolled into the courtyard with Emrica in it. She dismounted to see the burning corpse in the courtyard as two individuals began to walk up with buckets to put out the corpse.

The inner court members had dispersed and the shogun began to walk inside of the castle to view his prize.

Emrica wondered if this would be her fate, if she ever disobeyed the shogun. A nearby handmaiden walked up to her and led her inside to be viewed by the inner court and the shogun.