Ulagan Baatar, Master of the Grand Ravine, breathed heavily as he practically collapsed into a chair. “You were correct, grandson. His presence was….” he trailed off. All those who had not felt Master Rou’s might before were in a similar state, their eyes wide and spirits trembling. It had taken all of Baatar’s will not to fall to his knees outright and shame his ancestors when Lord Rou had turned his gaze upon them. His son and grandson had spoken of Master Rou. They had been adamant that his might was beyond all other men. They had described, in detail, how his very presence made the earth tremble. But so too did Cai Xiulan feel of the Earth. She could make the Dueling Peaks acknowledge her presence as a leading figure. If she called upon her true power she could shake the entire province. Among his people there was some debate on who was the true Herald of the Earth between them. Had Cai Xiulan not united them? Had she not returned to them their pasts? Had she not proven herself a capable leader? All knew such things to be true. She was a friend of the Ravine. She had the Earth in her bones. And yet Master Rou’s entrance removed all doubt. Cai Xiulan was a spring, a warm upwelling of strength and embraced by the power of the Earth. Master Rou was the Earth. His presence enveloped the Dueling Peaks. The venerable mountain allowed Xiulan to command it. It prostrated (...)