Scowling, Marumi elbowed Zaiporo. “This way, my lord and my lady.”
Zaiporo marched close to Enashoma, as if guarding her from danger. A path of moss-covered cobblestones led them past masses of ferns, miniature ponds, golden maples, and hydrangeas that were losing their blooms to autumn chill. A bridge carried them across a larger pond to the tea pavilion. Lady Kobarai Fumiri, Lady Awasa, and Turesobei’s mother Wenari awaited them. Fighting cultists was easier, maybe safer, than this. He dreaded his weekly teas with his mother, but the monthly meetings with Awasa and her family … torture.
Everyone exchanged bows and shallow greetings. Awasa smiled warmly. He tried to return the smile. He had mixed feelings about her. Until Iniru, he had worshiped Awasa, or the idea of her anyway. But resenting that she would be forced to spend her life with him, Awasa had always been mean to him. Then he found real love. And lost it. But the threat of Iniru had changed Awasa. She was kind to him now. She tried to be, anyway, and managed to most of the time. He tried, too, but he didn’t love her and wasn’t fond of her, either. And today, especially, with his mind on Iniru, he didn’t want to chat with her.
Wenari frowned at Turesobei’s appearance but nodded appreciatively at Enashoma. “You did well,” she whispered to Shoma. “Bless me, but I must be getting through.”
Awasa stepped close to Turesobei and gestured. “I reserved the place next to me for you.”
“Thanks.”
Her perfume smelled like juniper. A juniper pattern decorated her green dress. She always coordinated scent and sight this way. He ground his teeth. Why this annoyed him so much, he had no idea.
He knelt beside her at the table, once all the ladies had knelt first. Why he had to suffer these teas was beyond him. No other boys were forced to do this more than once or twice … ever.
“Lord Turesobei,” said Lady Fumiri, “your mother tells me your studies are going well. Word is you will be the greatest wizard we’ve had since Chonda Lu himself.”
That didn’t take long. Turesobei shifted uncomfortably. “I doubt that, my lady. But they have gone well. I am working as hard as I possibly can.”
“Too hard,” said Enashoma quietly.
He shot her the dirtiest look he could politely manage.
Servants brought tea, watered wine, and rice balls stuffed with mussels and diced vegetables. Turesobei picked at the food with feigned disinterest, because society deemed that polite.
Awasa leaned toward him and eyed the sigil on his cheek.
“The storm mark, will it ever leave?”
“Doesn’t seem so.”
“Does it hurt or … anything?”
“It itches when a storm is coming, and burns when I use certain kinds of magic. Otherwise, no.”
“Enashoma,” said Lady Fumiri, “I hear your mother is searching for a new betrothal for you.”
“Nothing has happened yet.”
Lady Fumiri smiled condescendingly. “Well, something good will come to you in time, as they say. If only we had a son, eh?”
Enashoma tortured a smile onto her face. Turesobei nearly chuckled. He stuffed a rice ball into his mouth. The Kobarai had only one child, and they were determined to marry Awasa as high as possible. That meant Turesobei, since Prince Chien and his brothers were already married and their children were still young.
“I’ve arranged a meeting with twelve potential suitors for next week,” said Wenari. “I’m looking forward to it.”
“That is exciting,” Lady Fumiri said to Enashoma.
“I don’t get to go,” she replied sullenly, eliciting a dismissive frown from Lady Fumiri.
“I must make the choice, on my own,” said Wenari. “It would be improper for Enashoma to do so at her age. Without Noboro, it is left up to me. I asked Lord Kahenan, but he would have nothing to do with the process.”
Lady Fumiri tinked her tea cup against the plate. “Good heavens, why not?”
“He doesn’t believe in arranging marriages anymore. His late wife opposed the arrangement between Noboro and myself. High Wizards get to be a little quixotic, I suppose. And he is a busy man.”
Fumiri eyed Turesobei. He squirmed. “Why not you, Lord Turesobei? You could help your mother. You have high rank. You’re not a man yet, so the decision would rest with your mother. But Lord Kahenan could appoint you his representative in the matter.”
“Oh, I would never do that!”
“Why?”
“Well I don’t really believe in—”
Enashoma coughed and elbowed him discreetly. His mother and Lady Fumiri went wide-eyed and set their drinks down.
Awasa rose halfway up. Her pale cheeks turned scarlet. “You don’t — you can’t mean—”
“No, I just — I don’t — I’m not opposed to … um … us.”
Awasa knelt back down, but her eyes blazed with anger.
Lady Fumiri huffed. “Well, this … this is most upsetting to hear you—”
Enashoma doubled over in pain, clutching her stomach. Everyone stood. Turesobei grabbed her by the shoulder.
“Shoma, you okay?”
Enashoma pinched him in the side. “I will be. It’s just …” She stood, still grabbing her stomach. “Lady Fumiri, I am so sorry, but I must depart a few minutes.”
“Dear girl, whatever is the matter?”
“Shoma? What’s wrong?” asked Wenari.
Enashoma blushed. How could she fake a blush? He was impressed. “Lady problems.”
The women nodded appreciatively. Turesobei backed away as if he had touched acid.
“If I could rest a few minutes. I’m so deeply sorry.”
Lady Fumiri glanced around and frowned. “Why is it there’s never a servant when you need one most? The result of hosting two events on the same day. Awasa, where is Marumi?”
“I gave her the hour off for lunch, Mother. I’m sorry. I thought we had enough help.”
“We did. Your father took more than he should have.”
Enashoma pointed to Zaiporo who stood outside of earshot at the edge of the garden. “He could lead me somewhere inside to rest.” She groaned. “I must lie down.”
She shuffled toward Zaiporo.
“That’s not proper, Shoma,” said Wenari.
Through gritted teeth she replied, “Got no choice.”
“Lady Enashoma,” said Lady Fumiri, “have Zaiporo call a servant as soon as you get there. Ititsi should be cleaning the library. She can help you.”
“Thank you, my lady.”
Angry and embarrassed, Wenari knelt with that wild look on her face that Turesobei feared. Impressing Lady Fumiri was her greatest desire, other than marrying Enashoma off to a prestigious husband. He'd better seize the initiative. Can’t let Enashoma’s effort go to waste.
“I hope she’s okay.”
That was the best he could figure out. He wasn’t equipped for polite conversation. It didn’t work.
“You really should have an attendant for Lady Enashoma,” said Lady Fumiri.
“Oh,” Wenari replied dejectedly, “we tried. Four times. It didn’t take. She kept ditching them and they would quit. Her father didn’t much care for the idea either. He thought she should be allowed to wander around like a boy.”
“Good heavens! Why?”
This was going south like a spell read backwards. He spoke the first thing that popped into his head.
“Awasa … the Festival of Roses at Noda Blossom Shrine next month. Will you be attending?”
She blinked several times. He’d caught her off guard.
“We hadn’t planned to.”
“If your family could make it, Mother and I would love to accompany you along the way. There is …”
“Yes?”
“Er … a dance. Afterward.”
Awasa flashed a devilish smile. “That would be lovely,” she said far too pleasantly.
Lady Fumiri’s expression softened. “I see no reason why we cannot. But we must check with Lord Kobarai first, of course.”
&n
bsp; Wenari smiled appreciatively at Turesobei. Two servants emerged from the kitchens with plum cakes and a spicy black tea. Chitchat resumed. Talk of teas, neighbors, and cousins. Not one mention of the Gawo. Discussion of war … of anything meaningful was taboo. Awasa tried to draw him out, but he became utterly bored with dresses and perfumes.
He tried discussing magic, but his mother scowled at him. Oh well, talking about magic to them was like lecturing an apprentice on his first day. Tedious. Amazingly, Awasa and her mother had no clue about magic, even though it was essential to the clan’s safety and prosperity. His mother knew more than she ever let on.
Turesobei stood. “I should go check on Shoma. Please forgive me, ladies. I will return.”
As he walked away, Lady Fumiri said, “He is quite devoted to his sister. An admirable trait.”
“They have always been close. It’s because they are both so much like me.”
Turesobei snorted. What nonsense. They were both like their dad.
He entered the house. Where had Zaiporo gone? A servant was scrubbing the floor in the library.
“Zaiporo took her to the resting lounge,” the servant said. “East wing.”
From beyond the paneled door leading to the resting lounge emerged giggling and chatting. Two people sat beside each other. Turesobei saw only their silhouettes. He slid the door open.
Zaiporo shot to his feet and bowed. Enashoma blushed and sank back on the seating cushion they had shared.
“Zaiporo!” Turesobei said.
“My lord, my apologies. I was … I mean … I know I was supposed to …”
“Zaiporo, I have nothing against the two of you talking. But my opinion is of no consequence.” He glanced back into the hallway. “You could have ruined both your reputations.”
Zaiporo backed a few steps away, his head down. “Yes, my lord. I’m sorry. It was careless of me.”
Turesobei would’ve sworn he heard Zaiporo mutter something about Iniru. “Shoma, you could have ended up in a lot of trouble. You’re both lucky everyone’s so busy.”
Enashoma clenched her fists and her jaw. She stood in front of Turesobei and looked him full in the face.
“We were just talking. It was my fault. I asked him to stay so I wouldn’t be bored. You’re lucky I bailed you out.”
“I appreciate that. You have no idea how much. But you’ve got to be careful when—”
Footsteps tapped down the hallway. Rotund Lord Kobarai ambled down the hallway and entered the room. They bowed to him, and he bowed in return to Turesobei.
“Lord Turesobei, what is going on here?” he asked.
“My lord, my sister retired from tea early. She wasn’t feeling well and rested here. I had Zaiporo lead me in since I didn’t know the way.”
“Ah. Excellent. You should have had a maidservant stay with you, Lady Enashoma.”
“I had a servant of yours here, my lord,” said Enashoma, “but I sent her away. Didn’t want to distract her from her duties.”
He nodded. Then he locked his eyes on Turesobei, appreciatively. Like he was an investment. “Good to see you, Lord Turesobei. Is your grandfather well?”
“Very well.”
“I have heard your powers are increasing. That you blasted a hole the size of a house into the training field.”
“Nothing so grand, my lord, but I did cast a lightning spell to rival any other cast in the last few centuries.”
He didn’t like bragging, but Kobarai expected it. He would continue until Turesobei indulged him. He had to play this game every time he interacted with the man.
“Zaiporo, find Lady Enashoma a maidservant. Come, Lord Turesobei. Why don’t we have tea in my office. I’d like to discuss some matters with you. Fortune is smiling on you, young man. You bring honor to my family and yours. You will be a great wizard for the Chonda, and the weapon that will save us from the Gawo. Without you, I fear for our chances. I am so proud that I will be able to call you my son in three years.”
Chapter Nine
After having tea with Lord Kobarai, Turesobei felt weighted down with responsibility. He needed someone to talk to.
The Hall of the Ancestors housed the memory stones of the clan’s aristocracy. Outside the entrance, Turesobei removed his shoes and washed his hands and face in a basin of clean water. The attending priest bowed and replaced the water.
Turesobei stepped into the gloomy, lantern-lit hall of mahogany floors and walls. A silk screen to the left depicted the Great Deities who were distant gods that no longer directly participated in the affairs of humanity. He bowed and recited the shortened version of the Hymn of the Great Deities. Though he knew the longer version (unlike most people), he never recited it. He’d leave that to the priests who had the hour to spare.
“Great Deities, I give honor unto you all. I am nothing without your blessings. To you, Kaiwen Earth Mother, from whom we all come, I am thankful for body and home; flesh, root, and blade. To you, Taneiosu Eternal Sun, I am thankful for warmth and light, for saving us from the Ever Dark and Cold of Eternal Night. To you, Avida Bright Moon, I am thankful for hope when the night comes, and clarity of thought and purpose. To you, Zhura Dark Moon, I am thankful for instinct and passion, and for fear so that I shall never grow too bold. To you, Great All That Is Known and Unknown, I am thankful for all existence.”
The silk screen to his right depicted the eight Shogakami deities native to Okoro. The Shogakami had welcomed the early baojendari explorers, especially Chonda Lu, who was the first to discover Okoro, but when exploration had turned to invasion, the peaceful Shogakami changed. After Lord Zyraga of the Beasts turned savage, becoming Lord Nazyraga of the Monsters, the other Shogakami imprisoned him and retreated from the world, disheartened and defeated.
Most zaboko and k’chasans still worshiped the Shogakami, but modern baojendari paid them little respect, save at festival times, choosing to primarily worship the Great Deities. Because of Chonda Lu, who had tried to stop the baojendari invasion, the Chonda Clan did worship the Shogakami. Chonda Lu had always blamed himself for the resulting invasion, even though he had opposed the Emperor.
Turesobei bowed and spoke a brief prayer to them all:
Lady Ashifera of the Fields
Lord Moshinga of the Mountains
Lady Ishiketa of the Forests
Lord Zyraga of the Beasts
Lady Amasan of the Winds
Lord Bokaga of the Clouds
Lady Naibane of the Seas
Lord Razakan of the Rivers
In the middle of the hall stood a man-high, smooth stone representing Death. He touched the stone as Death would one day touch him. Fortunately, he was the only one here this afternoon. The sealed chamber at the far end of the hallway held the remains and artifacts of Chonda Lu. No one knew what was actually in there. He had asked Lu Bei, who had replied simply: “Not much of anything.” A statement Turesobei didn’t believe.
The chamber to his right held the ancestors of the royal line. He entered the one to the left, which held the rest of the Chonda family.
Noboro’s memory stone, made by spell from the ashes of his father, was the first one on the nearest of a dozen rows. He knew the spell, though he had never used it. One of the lesser wizards fulfilled that role. A Kaiaru could pull the memories of the deceased from the stones, if the deceased were from one of the aristocratic bloodlines. The stones were still made, even if no Kaiaru walked the land anymore to use them.
Turesobei placed his hand on the stone and recited the Prayer for the Dead. He knelt and bowed. He touched the storm sigil on his cheek. It lay in the exact same spot as had the Chonda Goshawk his father had crudely drawn in blood as he died in Turesobei’s arms, binding him to seek vengeance against the Storm Cult. After achieving that goal and taking in the Storm Dragon energy, the mark had changed to this storm sigil.
“Hello, Father. Sorry I haven’t come more often. Things are going … well, I guess. I’ve accomplished so much. Because you took a chance on
me. You got me caught up in more than you should have, but you didn’t mean to, and … I’m doing okay.
“Better than okay. I could have everything anyone could want. Awasa is being nice to me. Mom almost seems proud of me, sometimes. Grandfather … I’m worried about him.” He wrung his hands. “The thing is, Grandfather’s skills are diminishing. His memory is getting screwy. I don’t know what to do.
“I’m working hard to live up to everyone’s expectations. There’s so much pressure. Prince Chien, King Ugara, Lord Kobarai … everyone expects so much of me. I thought things would get better, but they’ve only gotten worse. And now with Grandfather … and war with the Gawo inevitable …
“Everyone thinks that’s why I’m working myself to exhaustion, to live up to the expectations, but that’s not what’s driving me. Honestly, I’m bored out of my skull. I’ve got too much of you in me. I want to go back out into the world. I want adventure. I’ve got everything I should want.
“But none of this can compare with the wonder out there in the world and having Iniru by my side. Only without me, the clan will fall. I can’t run away like you did. You were lucky.
“Me, I’m trapped here. And Iniru … she may be …”
He wiped away a tear. “I miss you, Father. It’s not fair … I’d just gotten to know you.”
Chapter Ten
After dinner, he went to his mother’s house. He didn’t go inside. He wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation with his mother. Enashoma waited for him in the garden, as he’d requested. She gave him an irritated look. Strangely, Enashoma liked to go to bed early.
“What is it?”
“Shoma, I know you’re frustrated. I understand. Believe me, I do. But you’ve got to be careful.”
“Hey! I bailed you out. Big time.”
“I know. I appreciate it. But you could have gotten Zaiporo into a lot of trouble. He could have gotten kicked out of Ekaran. Do you know what life would be like for him then?”
“Better than this.”
“For me and you, maybe. Maybe. But not for him. For a zaboko in civilized lands, living in Ekaran Province is as good as it gets.”
Storm Phase Series: Books 1-3 Page 39
