Member-only story
Master Bao and the Evil Spell
“A story is a powerful tool, Student Ping, for creation or destruction.”
Master Bao rode his great ox, Xi, along a road that led to the capitol city of Chang’an, in the Shannanxi province. His pupil, Ping, walked alongside.
“I have never seen so many people in one place before, Master,” Ping said. “And we haven’t even arrived at the South Gate of the city.”
“Yes, Ping. This is called The Million-man City by many. The palaces of the last eight dynasties have been located here, so we’ll be seeing many soldiers who guard the emperor.”
At the gate, they were stopped briefly by the guards while they registered, but soon were into a street teeming with people.
Crowds surrounded the vendors’ stalls that lined both sides of the wide main road. People were purchasing brightly colored scarves and robes, summer fruit and vegetables. Ping wrinkled his nose at the smell of smoked duck and roast pork that seemed to fill the air.
When twelve mounted soldiers trotted past, the gleam of the sun reflecting off their shiny bronze armor, Ping’s eyes opened wide. The purple plumes on their helmets and their heavy swords told the citizens these were house guards of the Imperial Palace. The way was immediately cleared for them.
