by Ryan Kirk
They continued on, Rei taking the time to let Ryuu take everything in. He was shocked by the numbers of people he saw. He wasn’t sure of any way of estimating how many people were on the island, but it numbered well into the thousands. If both men and women were trained, he was in the center of a military force stronger than anything the Three Kingdoms had ever seen in its entire history. Why hadn’t Shigeru told him about this? He had grown up thinking his kind was almost extinct.
“This is amazing. I never thought I would live to see so many blades. There’s so many of you. Of us.”
His comment seemed to be exactly what Rei was waiting for. Ryuu could tell she was bursting with questions for him, she had been trying to be patient and give him time to adjust to the island. She couldn’t hold herself back any longer.
“So it’s true? In the Three Kingdoms the nightblades are hunted? Why?”
“Yes, we are hunted. I’ve only ever known of four. Myself, Shigeru, Orochi, and Moriko. They hunt us because they believe we are a danger to the Three Kingdoms.”
“In our classes they say we are hunted because the people in the Three Kingdoms are afraid of our skills.”
Ryuu nodded. “That’s true. With so few nightblades left, there is more legend than truth left about us in the kingdoms.”
“Were you hunted?”
Ryuu thought back to Orochi tracking him and Shigeru across the Southern Kingdom. “Yes. Yes, I was.”
Rei saw it wasn’t something he wanted to talk about, so she switched subjects. “What is it like in the Three Kingdoms?”
Ryuu shrugged. It seemed hard to describe his entire upbringing in a few sentences. “It seems a lot like here. Most people go about their lives every day, just doing the best they can. It’s all the same, but with way more space and far fewer nightblades.”
“Have you fought in any wars?”
He shook his head. “No. I’ve fought multiple opponents, but I’ve never been part of a war. I don’t think I ever want to.”
They continued on in silence for a few steps, but Rei’s questions soon came bubbling up again. Ryuu answered them as best he could, always keeping an eye on his surroundings. His presence was being noticed everywhere they went. Most people didn’t seem to care one way or another, but there were some who took a prolonged interest in him. Ryuu could almost smell the politics, knowing it would be a necessary evil in a community this size. He contained his sigh. He didn’t want to become a pawn in some petty political struggle he didn’t understand.
Fortunately, Rei’s presence seemed to deter anyone who was too curious about him. He wondered what it was about this girl, who seemed so insignificant, that kept others away. In his usual manner, Ryuu decided to ask.
Rei’s easygoing demeanor dropped for just a moment and Ryuu saw there was much more to this girl than he had initially thought. It wasn’t that her behavior was a disguise, but it was camouflage of a sort. It hid a very quick and intelligent mind.
“I am one of Tenchi’s top students. There are those who think I am being groomed to take over as elder when Tenchi rejoins the Great Cycle. I’m not convinced it’s true, but he and I are close. His policies aren’t popular with all the people here, which is why you’re drawing even more attention than an outsider usually would.”
“But why not approach anyway?”
Rei barked a quick laugh. “Remember our fight back in the caves?”
Ryuu did remember. She had been a difficult opponent, particularly in the dark. Ryuu had never met anyone who could use their presence as a weapon.
“You’re the first person who’s successfully defeated me in over a cycle. So, yes, they’ll stay away until it’s proper to come forward at the dinner tonight.”
Ryuu nodded. It was fair enough.
“Also, I’m going to want to know how you beat me one of these days.”
“With pleasure.”
With that they turned to a private bath house. It overlooked the sea, a gorgeous view. Rei pointed. “There you go. There will be warm water inside.”
Ryuu grinned. It was the first thing he had looked forward to in a very long time.
Ryuu was certain he had never felt as refreshed as he did after his bath. He felt as though he had shed whole layers of dirt and grime from his skin. He and Rei walked back, Ryuu answering question after question. Her curiosity seemed to be boundless as she pestered him with her rapid-fire questions. She reminded him a little of himself back when he had been a few cycles younger. He was still curious, he just wasn’t as forthcoming with his questions as she was with hers.
In fact, he wished he had time to get some of his questions in edgewise. He wondered if part of Rei’s incessant questioning was an attempt to delay any conversation about the island. The more they walked and talked, the more Ryuu was convinced it was at least a part of the role she was playing. He tried to relax. He was in a rush, but his answers wouldn’t all come in the next day or two. Even if he didn’t like it, he would be here a while. Instead, he kept his senses open to the island, trying to soak in all the information he could.
When they got back to his own hut, Rei left him at the door.
“You’re welcome to come in if you like. I could answer more of your questions.”
He could see a hint of temptation in her face, but she shook her head. “No, I need to stay out here so you can have some privacy. I’m sure there’s still a lot on your mind, and dinner won’t be long from now. I’ll have plenty of time to annoy you with my questions later.”
He went inside, not entirely disappointed she wasn’t coming in. She was right. He still hadn’t had enough time to process the last few days, or the last moon, if he was being honest with himself. He made himself comfortable and let his thoughts drift.
It didn’t seem like long at all before there was movement outside his door. He roused himself from his meditative daze and stood up to greet Tenchi as he came in the door.
“I trust you have found everything to your satisfaction?”
Ryuu bowed. “You have been very generous, both with your time and your resources. Thank you.”
Tenchi grinned. It seemed to be the permanent expression on his face. “Rei told me she kept you very busy with questions about the Three Kingdoms. Please forgive her if she offends. She is very curious about what happens beyond this island.”
“It was no problem. It must be difficult to spend one’s entire life caged in by the sea. I suppose it also prevents a guest from asking difficult questions.”
Tenchi’s grin turned mischievous. So Ryuu’s guess had been correct.
“There is much to be discussed. I’ve mentioned before that your arrival comes at a delicate time. Your arrival will force our community to make a decision, and I fear we aren’t ready for it. I asked Rei to keep you distracted not because there are secrets here, but because I wanted to have the first opportunity to speak with you about us.”
Ryuu found that he wanted to trust Tenchi. The man was open and friendly and kind, but Ryuu’s rational mind kept his guard up. This was most likely the man who had sentenced Shigeru to death. No one here was quite as they appeared. Ryuu reminded himself not to trust too easily.
“We have some time before dinner. I’d like to speak to you about the situation here, but please, ask your questions first. You’ve waited patiently.”
Ryuu’s mind spun. There were so many questions, it was hard to know where to start. “What is all of this? I never expected to find more than a handful of nightblades.”
“Someday I will show you the long history, which is written and must be memorized by all. But first, I must answer your question with a question. What is taught about the Great War in the Three Kingdoms?”
“That the nightblades tore apart the Kingdom with their feuding and greed. After the war, relations couldn’t be mended, leading to the political system that has held for the past thousand cycles.”
Tenchi ran his hands thoughtfully through his white beard. “It seems the legends h
aven’t changed much then. The truth is more complicated, as the truth often is. Here on the island, we have a complete account of the time, which you are welcome to read. In short, the nightblades and the dayblades were instrumental in the downfall of the Kingdom. We weren’t the only reason, but we aren’t without blame. After the war, there were still thousands of blades left alive. Those who took a vow never to get involved in the politics of the kingdoms became the ancestors of the monastic system you are familiar with. The system was made of both nightblades and dayblades, but the healing arts of the dayblades were better tolerated by the Three Kingdoms. They attempted to create a standardized curriculum attainable by all blades, a curriculum which ignored much of what we hold true.”
Ryuu was curious. He had always wondered how the monasteries had started. “What do you mean?”
“The sense reveals itself in different ways to different people. You’ve seen a number of different abilities in your time, and despite your strength, you are unable to learn them.”
Ryuu thought about Moriko’s ability to hide her presence. He could match it to some degree, but Tenchi was right, despite his other abilities, hers was beyond him.
Tenchi saw that Ryuu understood. “The problem with a common curriculum with the sense is that it must be the lowest common ability, which is quite low. Because of this shared curriculum, the abilities of the monks in the monasteries has degraded to the level you know it to be. They’ve strayed too far from the paths which grant true power.”
Ryuu nodded. He didn’t know about the heritage of the monasteries, but he knew his strength was much greater than that of the monks. Now he had an idea why.
“Other factions were exiled. A large contingent ended up here, almost a thousand people when all was said and done, close enough to the Three Kingdoms we never really lost touch, but far enough away and hidden enough that we haven’t been discovered. Other blades elected to stay in the kingdoms and were killed. Other factions have spread out throughout the world, although we only know of a few that still survive and attempt to communicate. Most have been lost for good.”
“However, we’ve done well on the island. The plateau provides enough land, and the sea enough food, for us to support a bit over three thousand people comfortably. We’ve been at this population now for hundreds of cycles, dedicated to only one purpose, strengthening our abilities in the sense. It’s the tradition you yourself were trained in, even if you didn’t know it.”
Ryuu took in all the information with rapt attention. Every word was news to him.
“What happened between Shigeru and Orochi? Shigeru said they had a feud which ended in a young girl dying at his blade.”
“He didn’t lie to you. The elders knew about the feud, but underestimated how serious it had become. The death of the young girl was not intentional. That was clear. But our laws, our values, are strict and unbendable. We must never repeat the failings of our ancestors. I loved Shigeru almost as a son, and his skill set him apart from others his age. But there can be no leniency. I was the one who sentenced him to death by exposure.”
“What happened to Orochi?”
“He was a more complicated case. He had broken some of our rules, but the punishments were not as strict. But he was always different after that night. He had never been a happy child, but he became hostile and prone to violent outbursts. Six moons after the incident, he managed to escape the island by forging my signature and gaining admittance to the boat going to the mainland.”
“Why do you sail to the mainland at all? You’ve been exiled and seem happy here.”
Tenchi stood up. “That’s a good question, and one I can answer as we walk to dinner. It plays a role in what is coming.”
They both stepped out of the door. With a nod from Tenchi, Rei led them on.
“Ever since the Great War, we have been divided about our purpose here. Politics come and go, but each of us is raised with a love for our homelands. We all know where we come from, even though most of us have never touched the ground we want to call home. Our ancestors were trying to escape. We now debate whether we should go back.”
The news was surprising to Ryuu, but he supposed it was understandable, with as many nightblades as were on the island. With the military might surrounding him, they could take the Three Kingdoms by force if they chose.
“Mostly we stay connected to trade and to gather what news we can, even though we’ve never established a significant network of spies and informants. We have a general idea of what is happening in the Three Kingdoms, but that is all. We keep the boat because we aren’t willing to sever the tie completely.”
“How does this affect me?”
“I am the leader of this island, but I hardly rule with an iron fist. I’ve been able to reserve your time for the first day you’ve been here, but that will end tonight. Tonight you will meet the leader of another faction on the island, a political group whose membership is becoming quite large. If the trend continues, they will be in the majority by this time in the next cycle.”
“What’s the argument?”
“There is one faction that believes the proper role for us is to remain on the island. It is the faction I lead. I believe we should lie here, apart from the Three Kingdoms. I am not convinced our power is meant for the Three Kingdoms. As much as I want to return, I think we would only do more harm than good. The second faction, the one which is growing in power, believes we should make a triumphant return to the Three Kingdoms, using force if necessary.”
Ryuu tried to judge all the implications in his mind, but there were too many for him to wrap his mind around. “You want me to support you?”
Tenchi laughed. “Of course I want you to support me, but I won’t attempt to coerce you more than you would expect. Someday later I will explain my reasoning to you, but for now I’d simply ask you keep an open mind and resist pledging your support to either side. I don’t know what your personal thoughts are on the matter, but I would ask that you recognize that as an outsider, your opinion will carry more authority than others’. Please use the responsibility wisely. Much may rest on your shoulders.”
Ryuu couldn’t help but like Tenchi. Even if he was an excellent politician, Ryuu thought the old man believed in what he was saying. He thought of Akira. The best and most dangerous leaders were the true believers.
Ryuu’s thoughts were cut short as they reached the large building where dinner would be served. Ryuu had no problem identifying it. It was filled with the energy of dozens of people, and Ryuu knew it was his turn to step into the political spotlight.
Tenchi ushered him in without fanfare, but Ryuu could still tell he caused quite a stir by his arrival. The island was small enough that everyone knew everyone, so an outsider stuck out from the crowd. To his host’s credit, everyone was very polite. He had worried he would be mobbed, but people circulated easily and Ryuu was introduced to people one at a time, each person having enough time to introduce themselves. Ryuu was able to remember most names, but it wasn’t just the people in front of him that interested him. It was the crowd.
Tenchi had warned him about the tension among the island’s population, but it was nowhere to be seen in this room. Everyone seemed to mingle freely, and Ryuu couldn’t identify any distinct cliques. The atmosphere was more family dinner than political showdown.
There were nine long tables spread throughout the hall, three rows of three. Ryuu was seated next to Tenchi at the table in the center of the hall. They were joined by another eight, men and women alike. As Tenchi sat down, so did all the others. Conversations ended as people made their way to seats. Ryuu noted each table had ten people, for a total of ninety present. Tenchi had said tonight’s meal would be held among the leadership of the island, so ninety people ruled over three thousand. Ryuu wished he understood government better.
Tenchi introduced Ryuu to all the people at their table, even though Ryuu had already been introduced to many of them. Ryuu’s attention was immediately drawn to a s
mall woman just a few cycles older than him named Shika. She was quiet, but very attentive, and she seemed to draw people’s attention to her whenever she spoke. He knew he was making a host of assumptions, but he knew she was the leader of Tenchi’s opposition. It was something about the body language and the effortless way she attracted people to her. She was a natural leader, even though she was quiet. She radiated power and confidence.
Once food was served, the volume of the room increased. People were busy speaking to one another, and at Ryuu’s table almost all conversation was directed at him. People were eager to hear news of the Three Kingdoms, even if Ryuu didn’t feel qualified to give it. He was hardly versed in the current affairs of the region, and really only knew what Akira had told him before he left. But he recognized he was still more familiar with the Three Kingdoms than anyone at the table and tried to answer questions as honestly as he could.
As he gave his answers, he watched Shika studying him. He felt that she could read him like a book. He wondered what Shika was thinking, what was going on in her mind. His wondering was put to rest as she asked him directly.
“What do you think would be the reaction of the Three Kingdoms if they learned about this island?”
Ryuu paused. He felt like he had walked right in front of an archery target, and Shika was holding the bow.
Ryuu couldn’t bring himself to lie. If his information was going to influence the decisions on this island, they needed to have accurate information.
“I don’t know, but if I had to guess, I would guess the reaction would be panic and fear. The prevailing attitude in the Three Kingdoms is that the nightblades and dayblades are a menace. Every child grows up in fear that if they are naughty, a nightblade is going to come for their head. It’s hard to shake hundreds of cycles of tradition.”
“But Lord Akira knows you, and your relationship isn’t based on fear.”
Ryuu considered her point. He supposed she was right. Maybe it was mutual respect? Ryuu had never thought about it much.
