by Ryan Kirk
"They are good fighters, but they can be bested. I have seen it happen."
The last part was a bit of a lie. He knew monks had been defeated, and knew that a nightblade like Ryuu held the monks and their training to be worthless, but he had never actually seen a monk defeated. A part of him was curious to see it happen.
The soldier seemed calmed a little by Akira's words, but still he paced. "My king, I always believed I would die on the battlefield, but this is too much to bear."
Akira shook his head and then realized Yuki couldn't see the motion in the darkness. "I do not think you have much to worry about. This is a small monastery, and I doubt they will take any action rashly. I expect that Captain Yung will resolve the situation soon.”
Akira's demeanor finally calmed Yuki, and Akira laid his head down to get some rest. If nothing else, this was an opportunity for him to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. He only hoped that rescue would come soon.
Akira wasn't sure what time it was anymore. It felt as though the two of them had been imprisoned for days, but the rational part of Akira's mind knew that not even a full day had passed. But whether it was now night, morning or midafternoon, Akira had no clue.
He fared better than the young soldier who was with him. Perhaps it was his age, perhaps it was his experience, or perhaps it was his unshakable faith in the captain of his guards, but he did not pace endlessly the way Yuki did. After a while, he gave up trying to convince the young man to relax. They were certainly in danger, but there was little they could do about it, and it was no use worrying about what they could not change.
The cell was a very quiet place. The thick walls muffled the sounds coming from outside, so Akira was surprised when he heard a bell ringing. He couldn't tell how far away the bell was, but he suspected it must be close. He smiled to himself. A bell could mean a great many things, but he suspected it meant the captain of his honor guard was finally on his way.
After the bell rang, Akira placed his ear by the door of their cell. Although the sounds were muffled, he was able to make out the dim sounds of the monastery in confusion. He could hear shouts, some of which sounded like commands, and others that sounded like panic taking root. He frowned. There was a possibility he didn't want to consider, that perhaps the Azarians had already made it this far north. He pushed the thought aside. Either way there was nothing he could do except wait calmly.
After the initial turmoil died down, there was little that Akira could hear. He gave up his post at the door. Whether the alarm was due to the Azarians or to his own captain, Akira assumed they would come for him soon. When they did, he didn't want to get knocked on his tail when the door opened.
The waiting was the hardest part. It was one thing to wait when one knew they might have to wait for a long time, but to wait when something was happening right outside was its own unique form of torture.
It seemed like half the day had passed, although it had probably only been a few moments, when the door to the cell opened. Akira was blinded by the early morning light streaming through the door. Standing in the door was a tall silhouette that Akira immediately recognized as Captain Yung. Never before had he been so grateful to see the captain of his guards.
It was Yung who spoke first, "I think I've come to rescue you."
Akira noted the sarcasm in his captain's voice, but he was so glad to see him, he played along. "You think?"
Captain Yung nodded. "Yuki is definitely free to go. He listens to orders. I've spoken with the monks, and we have come to an understanding. I'm only bringing you out of here if you agree to listen more closely to my suggestions in the future."
As Akira's eyes adjusted to the light, he looked behind Yung. The courtyard was filled with his honor guard, and many of them had blades drawn. He could guess the kind of understanding they had come to. He smiled at his captain. "I cannot guarantee I will listen much better, but I will certainly make an effort."
His generally stoic captain laughed. "Well, that will have to be good enough for now. Come on, let's get you out of here."
When Akira stepped out of the cell, he took a long look around the courtyard. His men held their position well, forming a corridor of safety leading to the main gate of the monastery. It was clear Captain Yung had decided this was going to be a smash and grab operation. Akira was supposed to walk out and his guards would follow.
As tempting as the idea of simply leaving the monastery was, Akira paused. Even though he had had plenty of time to think while he was locked up, his thoughts had never wandered past what would happen after he was rescued. He looked around at all the people who had come to the monastery seeking shelter and had only found pain and servitude. Akira couldn't stand to see his people treated in such a manner, and now with his honor guard here, he felt compelled to take some action.
But he wasn't quite sure what he should do. He could order the deaths of the monks, but he was afraid of the repercussions of such an act. The monks were strong fighters, and although it looked as though they had peacefully allowed Akira's honor guard to enter, if their lives were at risk they might fight and kill many of his men. Not only was Akira disturbed at the prospect of losing some of his men, he couldn't stand the idea of any of his people killing each other when there was a much greater enemy camping a hundred leagues to the south. His short visit had also reminded him how revered the monks actually were. If he took direct, violent action against the monks, there was no telling how the people would react.
He could also order the monks bound. There was a slight chance of resistance, either from the monks or from the people seeking shelter in the monastery, but it was a much more attractive option than killing them. But then they would have six additional mouths to feed, and there was a good chance the monks would use their skills to act as a beacon to bring other Azarian hunters to their location. Akira shook his head. No matter how fast he thought, he couldn’t think of what to do with the rebellious monks.
Captain Yung had been about to remount his horse when he saw his king stop and think. "Sir?"
Akira looked up at his captain. "I cannot leave my people here to be forced into servitude by the monks. They deserve better, especially in these trying times, but I do not know what to do."
Akira watched as Yung thought through the problem for himself. He could see the veteran trying different ideas and discarding them, just as he had moments earlier.
Akira decided to put the question to the people. If he did not know how to save them, perhaps they had some ideas. He raised his voice and spoke. "My people. All your eyes are open, and you can see what is happening here. The monks make you work night and day, with little rest and little food. When your rightful king comes within these walls, he is detained like a common criminal instead of king over all the land. But I do not know how best to help you. I do not know how best to ease your suffering."
He let a silence settle over the monastery. For a moment, it seemed as though the Abbot of the monastery was going to speak, but Akira stopped him with a stern gaze. The people would have to make their own decision, not influenced by the rhetoric of the monks.
The silence dragged on, and Akira wasn't sure any among the people would ever speak up. Had they become this afraid? Akira looked from eye to eye, trying to catch the gaze of just one who would stand and speak. But one by one, each person averted their gaze.
Finally, a woman stepped forward. Akira took her measure quickly. She appeared to be the type of woman who could be found all over his land. Her hands were calloused from work, her skin had seen many cycles of sun, and she held tight to her husband's hand as she spoke, her voice clear in the crisp air of the morning.
"If you wish to help, please leave."
Akira physically took a step back, surprised by the woman's request. It was the last thing he expected to hear.
The woman found a little bit more courage and continued. "You seem like a decent man, and all of us here believe you think you are doing what needs to be done. But our
armies have failed us, and our young men aren’t coming home. The monks say they can protect us, and we believe them."
Akira looked around the courtyard and saw many nods of agreement among the people. Rage, anger and grief welled up in his heart, and he was barely able to contain himself. How was it that his people would choose servitude to the monks over a chance for freedom and a new start? His mind struggled to comprehend, but he wasn’t able to put a rational thought together. He was moments away from losing his composure when he heard the calm voice of his captain. "Akira, we should leave."
Akira looked in surprise at his captain, who never used his name, and saw the same pain and sadness that he felt reflected in his captain's eyes. It sapped all the anger from his bones. "Very well. I shall do as you ask."
He mounted the horse that had been provided for him, and took one last look around the monastery. "I know that right now you are scared. I know, because I am too. But know this. We're still fighting, and we will continue to fight until we have peace. Hide behind these walls today if you must, but one day you will be free. You have my word."
With a silent curse, Akira spurred his horse to motion, refusing to look back at the monastery as he left.
Chapter 23
At one time, Ryuu thought jumping in the river would be a great idea. Now he was far less sure. Moriko had taken their gear, but all the same, Ryuu was weighed down by his sword and clothes as the river took him downstream. He had never realized how many rocks and downed trees were in the river. In short, swimming and drifting downstream was not the relaxing experience he had hoped it would be.
Eventually the water slowed, and Ryuu saw he was approaching a village. With a few powerful strokes, Ryuu swam in the right direction, ensuring the current would push him up along the banks of the river.
It was mid-afternoon by the time Moriko found him. He had started a small fire outside the village, warming himself and drying his clothing and gear. They each updated the other on the status of their tasks. Ryuu wasn't surprised to hear Moriko had accomplished her task without difficulty.
Ryuu was hesitant to talk with Moriko about his own experience, partly because he was still figuring it out himself. He had fought with all the power he had, and it still hadn't been enough. But there was a nagging sensation in the back of his mind, a doubt that would not go away. Had he fought with everything he had? Was he as good as he was going to get, or was there still more for him to learn? He did not know the answers to the questions, but hoped he could find them before he met with Nameless again.
Once they were all caught up and Ryuu’s clothes were decently dry, they continued on their journey. Moriko had brought the two horses they'd gotten from Akira, and they continued to follow the river at a decent pace. Ryuu knew they had shaken Nameless momentarily off their trail, but he wasn't sure how far Nameless would pursue them, and he wanted to put as much distance between them as possible.
That evening they came upon village that was small, but had a dock. There was a decent sized boat moored there, and Ryuu figured it was as good as any. They rode into the village to find the ship's captain.
The man was easy to find, and fortune smiled upon them. The man was leaving for Highgate in the morning, and was more than happy to take on two additional passengers in exchange for their horses. As Ryuu suspected, everyone who was able to head north was doing so, trying to avoid the Azarian advance for as long as possible. Everyone was waiting for a miracle, but none was forthcoming.
The next morning they were off, and the days that followed were some of the most relaxing in Ryuu's memory. He and Moriko didn't train, worried that word of their skills would spread. Instead, they spent most of the day lounging around the ship, watching the land pass behind them quickly. The wind was from the south and the currents were strong, and Ryuu was amazed by how quickly they sailed up the river. It was his first time on a ship on the river, and he delighted in the speed of the vessel. After two days of traveling, the captain picked up on Ryuu's interest, and the two of them formed a loose friendship. The captain would instruct Ryuu on the nuances of the ship, and on occasion even gave him a chance to steer the vessel. Ryuu was thrilled, and Moriko simply shook her head and laughed at him.
As they traveled north, it felt like a weight was lifted off their shoulders. Ryuu couldn't use his sense very well while on the boat, but even if Nameless was pursuing them, they had left him far behind. For a while, at least, they were safe, and for the first time in several moons, both of them felt completely at ease.
They continued to dance around the question of what they would do once they got to the island. Ryuu wanted to convince the nightblades to make a return to the Kingdom. Moriko wanted to make their home there. Sometimes it came up in conversation sideways, but every time it did, they changed the subject quickly. The time would come when they would have to make a decision, but both of them enjoyed a temporary truce, enjoying their days on the river as a simple and carefree time.
It only took them a few days to get all the way to Highgate. Ryuu couldn't believe how much faster water travel was. He would never ride a horse through the Northern Kingdom again if he could help it.
When they reached Highgate, Ryuu barely recognized the city. The last two times he had been through, it had been one of the most exciting places he had ever seen. Markets had flooded the city, and you could hardly turn a corner without running into a vendor willing to give you the best deal you'd ever heard of. The city had been alive, full of an energy all its own. As they journeyed up the river, Ryuu told Moriko about it, about all the people and the wonderful types of food they had.
But when their little ship pulled into dock at Highgate, it felt as though they had sailed into a ghost town. Last summer, Ryuu could hear the city from leagues away, the combined voices of thousands of people all living, breathing, and selling next to one another. Today Ryuu could hear the sound of old paper blowing across the streets.
There were people about, but far fewer than Ryuu had believed possible. The docks were nearly empty, where once they had been filled with ships of all shapes and sizes. The people who remained did not seem friendly, and indeed, as they disembarked from their ship, Ryuu felt as though they were being actively avoided.
Moriko stood next to Ryuu and looked up at him. "Quite the city you've got here."
Ryuu looked around in wonder. "I don't understand. The Azarians haven't made it this far north. How can the place be this deserted?"
Moriko didn't know the answer either, so together they walked deeper into the city, trying to understand what happened. Everywhere they walked the windows had shutters over them, and the silence was almost oppressive. After a little bit of searching they found an inn that was still open. When they walked in, they drew stares from the two patrons in the hall. They took their seats as the innkeeper came up to them.
"How can I be of service?"
"Food to start. But perhaps you could also tell us what has happened here. The last time I was here, the city was full of people," asked Ryuu.
The old man gave them a suspicious look, but Ryuu deflected it easily. "We have been on the road for a long time, and have not heard news in several moons."
The innkeeper shrugged, apparently unconcerned about any danger they might pose. "It's no secret. The land has been invaded to the south, and people are running scared. It is said the invaders are moving north quickly, and will be here within the moon. The monasteries have offered shelter, and most have left to live within those walls."
Ryuu nodded his appreciation at the information. The Azarians were expected to be here within a moon? It seemed hard to believe. The distance between Highgate and the old Southern Kingdom was large, and groups of people moved more slowly than individuals. The Azarians might be coming, but he didn't think they would arrive so soon.
All thoughts of the Azarians fled from their minds as the innkeeper brought them food. Perhaps it was because they had been on a boat for the past quarter moon, but the food was delic
ious. Both Moriko and Ryuu helped themselves to hearty portions, and when they were done, just for a moment, everything seemed right with the world.
After their meal the two nightblades found a small place that was out of the way. Moriko guarded the area while Ryuu sat down to extend his sense as far as it would go. They had been many days without accurate information, and there was much they would need to know to move forward. Ryuu closed his eyes and placed his hands on the ground, sending his sense far and wide across the land. He sensed the advance of the Azarian clans, moving forward at a pace that continued to surprise him. In the back of his mind, he thought that perhaps the innkeeper hadn't been as wrong as he had thought. It would be more than a moon, but at the rate the Azarians were advancing, it would not be much longer than that, not unless something stopped them or slowed them down.
Ryuu also found Nameless, surrounded by other Azarians. Ryuu didn't spend too much time focusing on what was happening, but simply confirmed the gigantic hunter wasn't on their trail. Satisfied they were safe for the moment, Ryuu focused his attention on the docks. He was worried that with Highgate as empty as it was there would be no ship to the island. His fears proved to be unfounded. He sensed two nightblades at the docks and made a mental note as to their location.
Ryuu was about to stop his roaming when one other thought occurred to him. He sent his sense to the south, searching for the nearest monastery. What he found was almost enough to knock him free of his meditative state. The monastery was there, and it had grown enormous. Ryuu couldn't even guess how many people surrounded the monastery. Whatever the monasteries were doing, they were attracting incredible numbers of people. To his sense, the monastery felt almost the way Highgate did last summer.
