by K R Martin
“I assume your sister had other plans?” Desiree teased.
“It took us a good year to crack her ice wall.” A glint struck Fedor’s eyes, the glint that spoke of boys conspiring. “Every time he saw her, he made some ice comment. Oh, it infuriated her! At first, she ignored, then she treated civilly, but in control. I remember the day she lost it. She and I walked the halls together, after a meeting, and he called her Snow Empress. She lost it. She was all fury as she berated him, a fire melting all the walls. He merely smiled and took the verbal beating. When she finished, I’ll never forget what he told her...
“’Snow and fire, each lovely on their own, but deadly as well. Yet, together they can create a place for life, something truly stunning. Your Excellency.’
“He bowed and left.” Fedor continued. “Never again did he quip in royal conference, and Vasilissa missed it. She gave him permission to court her, and still enjoys his teasing when they are alone.”
“That sounds nice.” Desiree sighed, hoping she would one day have such a friendship.
“They are happy. He keeps her from becoming too serious, but he is a true partner as well. Though it does hurt being replaced.”
“That must be terribly difficult for you.” She felt a bit of sarcasm coat her words.
“At least now I can travel, see more of the world, meet interesting people, present company excluded.” The twinkle in his eye only tempered the ire caused by his words.
“It really is a shame.” She shook her head. “If you were a bit more handsome, there might be a woman who could look past your charming ways.”
His jaw dropped as she brushed past him, striding toward the group. Before she reached them, she turned, almost smiling in response to the warm gaze resting in his eyes. It still felt good to tease him, but there no longer resided the animosity that filled their initial interactions. Perhaps it was due to them being outsiders welcomed into the group more family than friend, but since her father’s demise, they had fallen into a companionship. Perhaps this was what it felt like to have true friends. She rather liked the feeling.
Chapter 7
Jian rode into the port city to cheers. It still unnerved him that so many people loved him, though these people seemed happier than most. He reined his horse mere feet from the military captain in charge, sliding off with ease.
“Sir!” The captain saluted.
“Captain.” Jian saluted back. His position felt odd; though still a captain, he was revered as a general. “I assume word of our mission has been delivered?”
“Yes, your vessel is ready to sail on the next tide,” the man replied. “It isn’t for some time. Would you care to take a respite, rest your limbs and have a meal?”
“That would be lovely, thank you.” Jian gave his horse’s reins to a younger man and followed the captain to a nearby inn. They sat at a smaller table near the back, and Jian watched the men travelling with him file in, though they sat closer to the front. It only took a moment before their food was placed in front of them. Digging in, Jian found the food quite good, and decided to take advantage of the moment.
“I noticed quite a welcoming as I rode in,” Jian started.
“Yes, the people do love their hero,” the captain replied.
“True, though this seemed a bit more enthusiastic than most.”
“They have much to celebrate.” The cryptic words piqued his interest.
“You are aware that I am to take a long journey, but what you’re probably not aware of is that my task is to find and arrest Captain Phoenix.”
The other man’s face hardened ever so slightly.
“I know why Retanny wants her captured. However, the reports I have heard lead me to believe that she might not be bad for Jenha.”
The man looked around, verifying they were out of earshot of the Retanny soldiers. “She arrived not two days ago, returned those destined for slavery, and paid off what was left of their debts, along with others.”
“So, she does seem to be benevolent,” Jian mused.
“From what I could tell, she has a heart for these people. There was much conviction in her eyes and voice.”
“You met her?”
“Only a moment, but it was enough. She reminded me of you. If you two joined forces, well, that would be quite a change for Jenha, and I believe for the better.” The gaze pierced Jian’s heart.
“Thank you,” Jian told him. They turned to safer topics for the remainder of the conversation. After being secluded in the palace for so many years, it felt refreshing to learn of Jenha’s state. It still disheartened him that Retanny kept Jenha in an iron claw, and that it continued the slave trade. Oh yes, Retanny’s imprisonment of Jenha’s people had grown, but the former emperor had enslaved many, even beginning the policy of enslavement for unpaid taxes. Jian just didn’t think he’d be assisting in deposing one tyrant for another.
The meal ended quickly enough, and Jian soon settled into his cabin. The cramped quarters would take time to get used to, but if The Phoenix was only two days ahead, the journey would be short. Then, the next journey would begin.
Moon, stars, a black night sky, all of it reflected on the waves. Peace and beauty filled the world around her, at least that’s how Ama Lei saw it. Then why did her heart ache? Somehow after the last stop, a hole had formed in her heart. Why? For years she’d closed her heart to all emotions, only opening it recently. She chose to focus on her people, on the happiness on their faces as she liberated them, and on her desire for justice and reclaiming what belonged to her. Then why did her heart ache so?
“Captain?” Taras’s voice helped pull her from her dark thoughts.
“Isn’t it a bit late for you to still be awake?” Ama Lei teased.
“I could say the same to you.” His eyes pierced hers, compassion and directness filling them.
“I couldn’t sleep. Too many thoughts.”
“Same. It seems to be almost routine, find a ship, attack, win, deliver people home. As nice as it is, it seems a bit redundant.”
“I understand. By the time we reach the final edge of Jenha’s territory, the people should be safe from slavery for a long while.”
“What of those more inland?”
“Master Deshi has those covered. Luca and Renee sent plenty of wealth and goods for trade. Master Deshi poses as a merchant and uses the profits to help those facing slavery further inland.”
“And I thought Master Deshi was merely expanding Luca’s business while he did some reconnaissance.” Taras chuckled.
They fell into a comfortable silence, just enjoying the night air. Ama Lei knew her actions helped her people, though her soul stirred to do more. As a child, she never thought about the throne, but now, her heart longed to sit on the Golden Throne. Even a few years before, she never would have believed the desire would be so strong.
“Sleep would probably be best,” Taras said as he patted her shoulder. She nodded, watching as he disappeared below. Gazing once more at the moon’s reflection on the sea, she focused on accepting the peace, holding it inside as she finally felt the call of slumber.
Chapter 8
“Captain! Ship sighted!” The shout pulled Ama Lei from her slumber, though blessed sleep didn’t seem to want to release her. Forcing her eyes open, she realized that dawn had only barely passed. Well, it wasn’t the first time she’d been woken after only a precious few hours of sleep. “Captain!”
“Yes!” she called back, swinging her legs out of the bed.
“Ship sighted and bearing down fast!” Taras called.
“What kind?” she called back as she rushed through the dressing in her long tunic and pants.
“From what we can tell, it appears to be a Jenhan naval vessel.”
She paused, surprised. Of all the ships they’d faced, they had all been Retanny vessels. This would be a first.
“Prepare for battle and inform the bowmen.” She ordered as she strapped on her katana and tied her mask in place. Hoping they
were friendly, she also didn’t want to take a risk with the chance they could carry cannons.
Cannons. Monstrous inventions. Her heart filled with fire every time she thought of them. Fireworks were beautiful and wondrous creations, but whoever turned them into weapons should have been charged, imprisoned, and his work destroyed. As he had already passed, she’d have to settle with destroying every single weapon and knowledge of its creation. Thankfully, it was a very closely guarded secret; even Retanny couldn’t get their hands on the plans, merely a few weapons.
Fully dressed, she emerged to a flurry of activity. Marching to the ship’s stern, she caught her first glimpse of the pursuing enemy. And it was pursuing them. She could see the men scurrying, preparing for battle.
“They don’t look friendly,” Taras noted.
“No, they do not,” Ama Lei replied, recognizing more Retanny men than Jenhan. On a Jenhan naval vessel? Then again, she shouldn’t be surprised. Retanny preferred keeping Jenhans on land where they could be kept an eye on. For now, she had a ship to subdue.
“Turn the Crimson Thorne around, let’s meet them head on!” she called out, grabbing the railing as the ship lurched to the side. Their prey now fully before them, the ship sped through the waves. Twangs sounded above her, and she watched the arrows fly, landing in a small area around the cannons. It felt satisfying watching the enemy jump back from the offensive contraption.
“Grapplers, at the ready!” Taras yelled, and several men grabbed their ropes, twirling the hooks around in preparation.
Angry faces appeared on the other vessel. “Now!” Ama Lei cried. The metal flew through the air, landing with resounding thuds. Ropes pulled taught, the ship jolted beneath her, crashing into the others. “Release the sails!”
The cloth folded fast, allowing them to float with the other rather than fighting the bonds. Shouts erupted around her as the men leapt onto the enemy’s decks. Her sword sang as she pulled her weapon from its sheath. Leaping over the railing, she joined the others in battle.
Animosity permeated the air around her as her blade sought its next opponent. Jenhan or Retannian, it didn’t matter, this ship was only filled with those that hated her. Well, all their hatred wouldn’t change her victory. Each man fell swiftly before her until she stood directly before the captain. His eyes were filled with fury as he bore down upon her. His attacks were filled with much force, but erratic. It was hard to stop the blows, but also meant he’d be easy to defeat. Finally. She ducked beneath the blow, lifting her sword to hit his wrist with its blunt edges.
He roared as the weapon clattered from his hand. Her katana found its place near his neck. “Yield?” she asked.
“Fine,” he replied, lifting his arms.
“Your men as well.” The man sighed but gave the order. All around her, weapons clattered to the deck. The men were rounded up and placed under guard. Ama Lei stepped to the side, watching it unfold. It was an easy win, and that made her uneasy.
“That was the easiest win we’ve had,” Taras noted as he joined her.
“Too easy,” she agreed. She watched in silence as Taras joined the men below deck. Something was definitely wrong, especially since the captain had a smirk on his face. After too long a silence, Taras re-emerged, marching straight towards her.
“There’s something that requires your attention below deck.” His tone was even, his eyes flat, and that worried Ama Lei even more. Striding for the stairs, she figured which room required her attention. Nodding to her men, she stepped inside. And her world came crashing down.
Chapter 9
It can’t be. The man had his back towards her, but there was no forgetting those broad shoulders, or the tall head perched above them. Her body remained a statue, her face a frozen slate. Only her hand twitched as it clenched the weapon tighter.
Then the man turned around.
Her heart crashed to the floor.
Those eyes... pure brown orbs, though she had never seen them so devoid of, well, anything. Not cold, not lifeless, yet no emotions shone in their depths.
“You must be Captain Phoenix,” he gave her a half bow. “My name is Jian.”
“Just Jian?” She couldn’t stop the words from her lips, though she was glad her voice sounded steady.
He winced. At least there was some emotion left within him. “I suppose you could consider me a military captain.”
“What can I do for you, Captain?” she asked.
“You can accept my complete surrender.”
Surrender? Why would he surrender to her? Her eyes narrowed. Surely she was missing something? He was too brilliant to simply surrender. “Why?”
“Because if I am not imprisoned by you then I will be forced to hunt you.” Ama Lei fought the urge to step back. He didn’t want to hunt her? Then why was he here? “My orders currently are to hunt you down and either capture you and bring you home in chains or kill you where you stand.”
Ice seeped through her veins. He was here to destroy her.
“You have done much for the people of Jenha but have made an enemy of Retanny in the process. The only way I can allow you to continue assisting the people I love is to make sure I cannot be your enemy.”
“I could kill you.” Even as the words left her mouth, she knew she couldn’t. Not now, at least. Later, when he was tried for his crimes, then he would pay, and she would deal out the punishment.
“It would be no less than I deserve.” The words were soft and filled with sorrowful regret.
Great, now he had a conscience. He wasn’t allowed to be regretful.
“Look,” his eyes burrowed into hers, clenching her heart with their intensity. “I have orders to kill you, but I don’t want to. All I ask is that you get me off this ship; after that, I am at your disposal.”
Ama Lei looked at him, trying to see past the statue. He willingly asked to be made a prisoner and spoke of love for the people. If ordered to facilitate her demise, he would. His honor demanded nothing less.
“Very well. Captain Jian, I accept your total surrender.”
“It’s not that simple.” Jian shook his head. “It must be believed that you bested me.”
The grin tugged her lips. “Oh, I believe I can arrange that.”
Ama Lei dashed onto the deck, practically drenched with sweat. She had almost forgotten how skilled Jian was. Whipping around, her katana caught his blade, blinking in the sunlight. They pushed off, but were drawn together as blade met blade, each stroke filled with power as it sought to undo the other. Jian might have wanted a fight for show, but she was determined to truly best him. Somewhere along the way, his blows became real as well.
She whipped around, just in time to block as Jian bore down on her. Had he developed more muscles? Her own muscles screamed at her, tense and straining under his blows. No, he would not defeat her, not this time, not ever again.
Focusing her rage into her arms, she swung swifter, the swords whipping through the air, seeming to fly as they continued to ring off each other. He was swift. She was swifter. She swung, her katana forcing his weapon aside. Her leg kicked his hand, feeling satisfaction as the weapon clattered on the deck. The katana swung, the point touching his chest, just above his heart.
The silence felt thick as it surrounded them. Jian’s eyes seemed surprised but resigned. Even Ama Lei couldn’t understand why her blade wasn’t pressed against his neck. Her mind knew that the neck was the better point, yet her heart dictated the weapon. Perhaps those scars weren’t as healed as she believed.
“Yield!” The order was deep, straight from her chest.
His eyes narrowed. Would he back out of their agreement? They closed, his shoulders slumping ever so slightly. The moment they opened, they shone with defeat. “I yield.”
“Good. Taras, see that he is escorted to the Crimson Thorne and put our guest in confinement.”
Shouts erupted around her, and even the captain made a move in protest.
“If anyone makes a move, I’ll run t
his through him.” That silenced the crew. They all seethed around her, but no one else made an attempt to move. Two of her men took his arms, and Taras took his sword. The rest of the crew had already gathered what cargo was in the hold, including sneaking over Jian’s belongings. Taras certainly deserve lots of credit for adding those in such short notice.
Once Jian had been escorted below, Ama Lei and her men rushed back to their vessel, pulling the grappling hooks as they leapt over. Tension filled every man around her until the enemy had disappeared behind them.
“I don’t think they’ll pursue us,” Taras spoke at her side.
“I suppose it is time to speak with our guest,” Ama Lei spoke ruefully as she made her way to her cabin. As soon as she walked in, she forced her legs to continue moving towards her side table, pouring herself a drink. She threw her head back, downing the contents in one gulp. Only after taking a deep breath did she turn and face the man who haunted her the past several years.
“I assume we’re well out of visual range?” Jian asked.
“Yep. They won’t be able to find us anytime soon,” Taras announced as he lounged against a wall.
“Good.” Jian breathed a relieved sigh. “Most of the military genuinely cares about the people, but there are a few who prefer the monetary gains from Retanny. Those are trusted enough to be put on the vessels, sadly. Being away from them is a breath of fresh air.”
“Glad you feel that way.” Taras said.
“What happens now?” Jian asked Ama Lei.
“That depends,” she replied. “What do you expect?”
“Nothing.” At least he was honest about that. “You could leave me at the next port, though I would caution against that. Sadly, I am well enough known that word would spread, and I would be forced to hunt you again, a prospect I am not fond of.”
“Is the only reason you surrendered so you could not search for me?”
