This is the first of what may end up being many stories, depending on the feedback I get. It is not TOO long, and you may find it interesting (especially you Infernals). It is about a Mhun known as Tzu, born in Moghedu, who was instrumental as a general in the eventual breakup of the Selucarian Empire. There are no exact words to a tale as old as this, as it was handed down to me by spoken word when I was a child in Moghedu myself. The meaning of the words however has been retained.

Mhun Tzu was a native of Moghedu who by means of his book on the art of war secured an audience with the Occultist Haakon, then King of Ashtan.

Haakon said, "I have read your thirteen chapters, Sir, in their entirety. Can you conduct a minor experiment in control of the movement of troops?"
Mhun Tzu replied, "I can."
Haakon asked, "Can you conduct this test using women?"
Mhun Tzu said, "Yes."
The King thereupon agreed and sent from the palace one hundred and eighty beautiful women.
Mhun Tzu divided them into two companies and put the Kings two favorite concubines in command. He instructed them all how to hold halberds. He then said, "Do you know where the heart is, and where the right and left hands and the back are?"
The women said, "We know."
Mhun Tzu said, "When I give the order "Front", face in the direction of the heart; when I say "Left", face toward the left hand; when I say "Right" toward the right; when I say "Rear", face in the direction of your backs."
The women said, "We understand."
When these regulations had been announced the executioners weapons were arranged
Mhun Tzu then gave the orders three times and explained them five times, after which he beat on the drum the signal "Face Right". The women all roared with laughter.
Mhun Tzu said, "If regulations are not clear and orders not thoroughly explained, it is the commanders fault." He then repeated the orders three times and explained them five times, and gave the drum signal to face to the left. The women again burst into laughter.
Mhun Tzu said, "If instructions are not clear and commands not explicit, it is the commanders fault. But when they HAVE been made clear, and are not carried out in accordance with military law, it is a crime on the part of the officers." Then he ordered that the commanders of the right and left ranks be beheaded.

The King of Ashtan, who was reviewing the proceedings from his terrace, saw that his two beloved concubines were about to be executed. He was enraged, and transforming into a cloud of black smoke was before Mhun Tzu in an instant. But when he was about to begin shouting at Mhun Tzu, red in the face, something stayed him and then he said: "I already know that the General is able to employ troops. Without these two concubines my food will not taste sweet. It is my desire that they be not executed."
Mhun Tzu replied: "Your servant has already received your appointment as Commander and when the commander is at the head of the army he need not accept all the sovereigns orders."
Consequently he ordered that the two women who had commanded the ranks be executed as an example. He then used the next seniors as company commanders.
Thereupon he repeated the signals on the drum, and the women faced left, right, to the front, to the rear, knelt and rose all in strict accordance with the prescribed drill. They did not dare to make the slightest noise.
Mhun Tzu then turned to the King and said to him: "The troops are now in good order. The King may descend to review and inspect them. They may be employed as the King desires, even to the extent of going through fire and water."
The King of Ashtan said, "The General may go to his hostel and rest. I do not wish to come to inspect them further."

Mhun Tzu said, "The King likes only empty words. He is not capable of putting them into practice."

Haakon then realized Mhun Tzus capacity as a commander, and eventually made him a general. Mhun Tzu was to eventually lead Ashtan to a series of great victories in the civil wars, but those are tales for another time.

Alita

P. S. If you liked my story and would like to hear more, tell me! And some tips wouldnt hurt, as my only current form of income is running errands, etc.

Penned by my hand on the 1st of Ero, in the year 244 AF.