Another family problem

You and your father hear a knock on the door stopping both of your laughing about Mei's need to make the remedies as unpleasant as possible. The both of you know there are at least four local herbs that any other Shaman trained in medicine would prescribe to speed up the natural healing. The biggest issue, they take about a full week to heal fresh wounds compared to Mei's personal concoction which heals up in just two days. Terrible taste and faster healing, you suppose it's worth it.

While lost in thought about the vile medicine your father answers the door allowing Guard Captain Gao into your Chambers.

"Ah, my old friend and my star pupil standing and moving about!" he smiles seeing the two of you actually not dead from the **** attempt "We must deal with the postponed meeting to calm the Druid and Shaman council down." Gao continues "A few tribes of The Wilds are pushing for attack on Errian even at the risk of being drawn into the larger conflicts between the three powers to the West." he looks a little hesitant as he carries on his topic of conversation "There is even the chance of harming relations with High Keep Tenor" Gao informs your father and you about the troubling news.

"Who are the instigators Gao" Sage Saito asks with a worrying tone causing you to raise a brow in question at who your father must expect.

"First off, the Shaman Donco from your wife's Tribe of the Northern Beserkers, which, as the two of you should know from her father dying last week, is soon to be inherited by Lady Tisha. Remember that naval **** on Errian where he got hurt quite badly?" he raises an eyebrow at the two of you which you both nod in agreement "Well, you two know the story behind it, let's leave it at that..." Gao says awkwardly not wanting to be dragged into a family dispute.

Before your father could respond you talk wanting to know what may be happening and if it's connected to the assassin's true motives. "Gao, I know you don't want to upset anyone but do you think my step-mother Lady Tisha had anything to do with the group of men who tried to kill myself and father?" you ask curiously "Could be a play for power or sense of **** because she blames me for not running to her fathers side?" You ask remembering how she silently pushed for your resignation as the military's top General behind your father the Sage after you round up the captives and sent them to High Keep Tenor for a prisoner exchange with Errian.

"Kaito, you go deal with the council while I talk to my wife about her current actions..." Your father demands as he leaves.

Gao quickly responds to your question. "Well, you still know how to ruffle your father's feathers" he releases a short laugh, "Asking if your mother is vowing for power by removing you and him from the equation..." his hand goes to his chin as he contemplates what to say next "Truthfully, you may be half right as your uncle found out it was two separate contracts in regards to the **** attempt. One for your life and another for the Sages" Gao says to you in a whisper not wanting anyone to know that Akechi, the spymaster of The Wilds is looking at his sister in law as a suspect in the recent attacks.

"I'm Sorry Gao, but do not refer to that woman as my mother." your tone goes aggressive "She is nothing more than my father's young whore." you snuff "Only twenty-nine years old and she made moves on my father who was fifty-seven when they met and its only been a year since she had her father threatening to rebel if my father didn't marry her," you say holding back your anger about your step-mother.

"Apologies Kaito," he gives a nod "I Know your mother Lady Sara was the daughter to the second son of High Keep Tenor's King. But you must remember not to act on your hatred or you may give her power over you within the factions. Understand, Kaito?" he raises his eyebrows looking at you with authority "Part of the council that want war with Errian would prefer them being wiped out completely instead of just being pushed out of The Wilds." Gao says in a calm voice making sure you keep your composure for what you may have to face. "Just, go in with a clear head and please, don't do anything rash!"