Gan Chono sat at a long table between his and Davaajav's gers. The yurts made the spot private and the caravan knew that the man was not ready to see many among them, and they granted his desire. He sat, soaking the warmth into long-cold bones. It was a luxury he had always taken for granted; such a thing had been squandered as a teen, during better times. He had just finished a Go match with Davaajav, a version limited to a quarter quadrant, as he relearned the rules and regained his strategy. He and Davaajav had just decided the next game would involve the entire board. He felt a rare boost of confidence.

A voice out of sight announced,  "Are you two available to see your aging Uncle.?" Davaajav looked to his brother.  Chono paused, then said, "I would be happy to, Uncle."

He heard his Uncle clear his suddenly tightened throat before he entered. A similar rush of emotion flooded the younger men, and they rose and bowed as the grizzled Chieftain entered. He was carrying a large bundle wrapped in silk

"Gan Chono. There are things I collected that night; things that must go to the eldest living person in your father's line. " 

Gan Chono grew still. "Uncle Maral. I appreciate this gesture, but these should go to Anshi.  He is the youngest but has earned the right to be Chieftain."

Anshi entered at that moment. "No. I am Chieftain of the Lost Eagle Tribe. The Great Eagle Tribe still pledges their allegiance to you, Brother. I was five years old and unable to protect anyone, not even myself. You led them to safety. These were to descend first to Tarkhan, Batbayan and finally you."

"There will be no further discussion, Chono. Not when it involves your father's final wishes, Nephew!  They are immutable." Uncle Maral settled the discussion decisively by untying the bundle. On the top lay a rich robe in the red color favored by the Dilnur Chieftains. The men stared at it reverently. 

: Davaajav whispered. "Father's robe."

Gan Chono sighed and reached out to touch the garment.  He closed his eyes, recalling times he sat on his father's lap, his cheek resting there, falling asleep, lulled by his father's steady breathing.

"It is as beautiful as I remember."

He protested as they placed it over his shoulders yet, he immediately felt warmer, embraced.

"There are several other items. His ring that he wore for all official functions. It is a little loose, but you are gaining weight, so, that  problem will soon be remedied." He shot a stern look at  Chono, forestalling another protest.

The Red Stag Leaping Chieftain paused for a moment, to let Chono gather his feelings.  The next object was wrapped in yellow silk, faded to ivory from age. He lifted the material. There, blinding in the sunlight, Lay a magnificent sword, one the three brothers thought lost forever.

"Tsusny Tsangakh!" Breathed Davaajav. 

" 'Blood Thirst!' I thought it was gone forever,"  said Gan Chono.

Anshi sat his brother on a bench and laid the sword in his hands. "Aasem has told us of the night that your sword, the one you cultivated with, was destroyed, in front of your eyes. You heard its spirit's final screams, did you not?"

Gan Chono nodded wordlessly. 

"Father decreed that this sword come to you. It is now under your care. I can feel it responding to your touch. It is recognizing you as Lord and Master. It has chosen you, and you must not ignore its call."

"And if I am not worthy?"

"He calls you because you are. I feel it as we hold it.  You need to continue on, gain strength, and reclaim the man that Shuurga tried to destroy. It will take time..."

At that moment, Gan Chono, caught movement in the sky, beyond Anshi's head. He rose swiftly, so quickly that it startled the others, who were standing around him. He instinctively placed himself in front of them, shouting, "Flyers. Several hundred!"

They whirled around to scan the sky and Anshi got a good look and relaxed.  He cried out. "Blue and White! Our guests are arriving." He glanced at his Uncle and grinned along with Davaajav. 

There, in front of them, stood The Loyal Wolf, his hand, very naturally gripping Tsusny Tsangakh's golden hilt, the silver-etched blade still sharp and at ready; his slender body was wrapped in the rich red robe. Gaunt, yet instinctively ready to defend what he held dear, Gan Chono's hand shook as he held the sword out to his side, dreadfully heavy in his condition, but ready for battle; his carnelian eyes burned in pent-up fury. 

"Not foe?"

"Most definitely friends. Unless you insist on chopping off a few Lan heads!"

Gan Chono's eyes followed the line of his out-stretched arm to his hand that gripped the hilt of his father's 'Blood Thirst'. They were dazed and puzzled.

"Then the sword has chosen its Master. The master must begin to measure up. Do we agree?" The old Chieftain's voice brooked no opposition.

The brothers stood strongly, as one. "Yes!." They shouted loudly together, as Lan Sya Mu and Lan Ge Ban rushed towards them in excitement.

"They have arrived..." They pulled up sharp as they caught sight of Gan Chono. Anshi turned to them, his voice calm, yet holding a note of humor.

"The sons of Daniyar Dilnur will greet them as they land. Make sure all is ready in my tent."

************

The roar from the Lan regiment below reached the Heavens. The gleaming flyers above answered back.

"Lan!"

"Lan!"

"Lan!"

General Ge Ban bellowed at the top of his lungs

"Lan! Regimental Formation!" Instantly, the men took their places, although they literally trembled at the excitement of soon greeting the forces proceeding the procession on the ground. The newcomers would be relieving those who wished to return to their families in Cloud Recesses. The other men were consumed by eagerness for the wagons' arrival; their families were joining them for a visit before they continued to follow Anshi. It took all their Lan training to stay composed. 

As soon as the last flyer landed and took formation, Anshi, his uncle, and his brothers took position on a stage in front of the Lan regiments, and the fighters of both the Red Stag Leaping Tribe and the Lost Eagle Tribe. 

Anshi began to speak. 

"Welcome Lan Flyers. We great you in peace and unity. W hope you will find your accommodations comfortable. I know that this short wait for Lan leadership to arrive..." 

A strong crystal voice rang out...

"Chieftain... haven't these people waited long enough...um...Sir?"

Anshi's head snapped around looking for the troublemaker when a deep baritone voice commanded, 

"Columns, Part!"

Slowly, the columns separated precisely down the middle, like a river, starting from the front. When the last soldiers moved aside, there they stood.

Wei Ying, Lan Zhan, and Lan XiChen, shining like the sun, grinning from ear to ear. Slightly in front of them was Chang Lan Qinyang, her smile incandescent and her bright amber eyes brilliant with tears. Behind them was a crowd of relatives too numerous to count, headed by  Lan Sizhui, Lan Sya Mu,  and Chang Yenay.

All dignity was lost. Like a joyful child. Anshi broke into a run.

"Mom Qin! Brothers!"

He dashed as fast as he could and when he arrived he dove into Qin's waiting arms. Then his brothers sheilded them from the view of the delirious troops surrounding them.