by K R Martin
“Mostly. I do not wish to impose myself upon you longer than necessary. Should you venture out of Jenhan waters, I might be able to be put ashore without fear of Retanny’s finding me. Sanskia, I have heard, is a place where a person can disappear.”
Ama Lei couldn’t stop her eyes narrowing. Surely it was a mere coincidence that she had disappeared in Sanskia after her dethroning. She would deal with that thought later.
“Then for now, I suppose you are our guest,” she stated.
“I am not to be confined?” His voice was genuinely shocked.
“What is the point? You have made it clear that you do not wish to return to Jenha, and it would be far more efficient to have you assist in the ship’s sailing. Of course, you will have to remain below during battles and when we make port.”
“I expect no less. Thank you.” He bent a half bow.
“Good. Taras will show you to your quarters.” Without another word, the men left her alone. She collapsed on the bed as all air fled her body. Jian was here. On her ship. He would sail with them for the foreseeable future. How was she to bear it?
Closing her eyes, she fought the breath, forcing it into her burning lungs. Now she understood how Renee felt returning after two years only to face her demon. But Renee was lucky. Her demon had truly been vile and easy to hate. Ama Lei’s, well, if Ama Lei was honest, her heart fought itself, unsure whether to hate him or fall once more in love with him.
The night air was cold but refreshing. When did Jian last step outside and enjoy fresh air? Far too long. Air was freedom, pure, and he hadn’t deserved such enjoyments in a long time, hadn’t allowed himself. Though even now he regretted the light feeling in his chest. He might be free of Retanny’s chains, but nothing could release him from the cage encircling his heart. At least, not until his task was completed.
“You look as though the world sat atop your shoulders.” The feminine voice had become quite memorable in such a short time.
“Not quite the entire world,” Jian answered as he turned to Phoenix. “What brings you on deck so late, Captain?”
“Clearing my thoughts. I could ask the same of you.” She retorted.
“Similar. For once, I am at no man’s bidding but my own.”
“And what is your bidding?” In the moonlight her eyes challenged him from behind the black mask.
“For the present, to make myself useful to you. For the future, well, it depends. Though I am fairly certain I know what awaits me at the end of my journey.”
“What might that be?” Her voice was soft, as if unsure whether she wished to hear the answer.
What could he tell her? That his journey ended with his death?
“I will have to see,” he replied. Her gaze left his, focusing on the waves.
“I thought you might want this returned,” she finally spoke as she held out his sword.
How could an object cause his chest to seize so? Reverently, he took his weapon in his hands, gazing at the carved serpentine dragon in the hilt.
“Thank you,” he managed to say.
“It is yours. I doubt you plan to use it against me or my crew; therefore, you deserve to have it returned. It is a fine piece of craftsmanship.”
“Thank you. This weapon has been passed down in my family for generations. Once bestowed upon my ancestor by the emperor, it was engraved with my family’s symbol, that of the dragon of wind.”
“It is rare to see a family with a dragon symbol.”
“True. The fire dragon is the symbol of the golden throne, so few families are allowed symbols similar, only those personally bestowed by the royal family.”
“Your family must be proud to have such distinction, and such a son.”
Was it his imagination, or did she sound sarcastic? He merely shrugged his shoulders. They surely must be ashamed of him now or would be once his fate was sealed. He doubted he’d ever see them again.
“Sorry to pry,” she spoke simply. Giving him a nod, she turned away, stopping after a few steps. “You should probably sleep. I don’t desire to see you worked to exhaustion.”
“Thank you, Captain.” He gave her another bow, watching as she strode away. She was right; if he didn’t rest, he’d be of no use tomorrow. And for once he needed to be of use.
Chapter 10
Well, Jian certainly had a work ethic, infuriating man. From the moment the sun peeked over the horizon, he had been dressed in simple pants and a loose shirt, ready to work. Taras had him running around, doing many tasks, and he did them all swiftly and well. Yet another mark on the admirable side in her heart.
Stupid heart. If it didn’t stop pining for the man she once knew, she’d have a hard time executing the traitor as she promised.
Marching away from the figure now coiling ropes using his broad shoulders, she didn’t stop until she reached Taras’s side.
“Glad you chose to put him to work,” Taras said. “He’ll make our voyage easier.”
“I’m glad there’s some good come from his presence,” Ama Lei muttered.
“I am sorry, Captain.” His voice was soft, and kind. He was the only man on the ship who knew why she despised Jian. He was also the only one who knew Jian was the Hero of Jenha. They had all agreed to keep that fact a secret. “I can put him to work below, if you wish.”
“No. I can handle his presence, difficult as it may be.”
“Well, he may be below for some time anyway.” Taras pointed past the bow. Ama Lei turned just as cries of ‘ship ahoy’ filled the vessel.
Jian immediately dropped his ropes and strode toward them. “I believe this is my signal to go below,” he spoke. “And it looks to be for some time, if I’m not mistaken.”
“It does look to be a Retanny slave vessel,” Taras agreed.
“Which means passengers. I shall remain in my quarters until told otherwise.” Jian bowed before disappearing.
“Everyone should be told to keep his identity hidden,” Ama Lei spoke.
“Consider it done,” Taras said as he hurried off. Of course they’d run into a slaving vessel the day after Jian joined. But there was still time, especially time to decide about his desire to go to Sanskia. For now, it was time for Captain Phoenix to work her wonders.
Ama Lei watched yet another port fade into the distance. How many ports had she visited? How many ships taken; how many people saved and families reunited? Somewhere along the way she’d lost count.
“You are a remarkable woman.” Jian’s voice seemed to soothe and warm. No, he no longer had that power over her.
“Why would you say that?” she asked, ignoring those more enjoyable emotions.
“I know of few people who’d risk their lives and turn pirate simply to rescue the enslaved. If you were caught, death would not be swift.”
“I only do what needs to be done,” she replied.
“Still.” He gazed at the land. “It is more than I can do. I am known as the hero yet I am trapped, unable to save my own people.” Deep longing and regret shone in his eyes.
“Well, we should have time before running into another vessel, if you would excuse me.”
Ama Lei tried not to flee, even if she fled from him. She had to; his voice, his eyes, they all filled her heart in ways she hadn’t felt in so many years. He was dangerous, especially being near him.
She stepped into her room, her back pressed against the door. Slowly she sank to the floor and closed her eyes. Tears slipped through the lids as her mind journeyed against her wishes, floating until it settled in a familiar garden...
Ama Lei sat beside a sparkling pond, the wind almost musical in her ears. The pink blossoms seemed to fall around her, dancing upon the wind before settling around her. Even the air was scented with a sweet perfume. The beauty would only last a short time longer, and she was determined to enjoy every moment while it lasted.
“Ama Lei!” the musical voice danced upon the wind, bringing her a smile.
“Here, Mother!” Ama Lei called back as she stood, shaking t
he petals from her skirt. Then she took off running, laughing as she reached her mother.
“There you are,” the empress said with a smile so serene and loving, her brown eyes twinkling. Ama Lei couldn’t help but beam back up at her. After her own mother had passed not long after her birth, her father remarried the most wonderful woman. She had raised Ama Lei as her own, loved her as her own, even after Mei, her own daughter’s birth. Even if she was not Jenhan, Ama Lei couldn’t have asked for a better mother. “You missed a petal,” she pulled the item from Ama Lei’s hair. “Why is it that every day you seem to grow even more into a woman?” the smile turned almost sad.
“Oh, Mother, I am fourteen now, but I will always be your girl.”
“Yes you will.” the joy once more filled the empress’s face. “Before you distract me further, there is someone I wish for you to meet.”
“Who?” Ama Lei asked as she allowed her mother to lead her down a path. They turned a corner, and Ama Lei felt her heart leap from her chest.
He was the most handsome boy she’d ever seen. Bedecked in military finery, all red and gold, his hair slicked back high on his head, barely falling to his neck. His face still looked young, but his eyes shone with years of knowledge.
“Captain Jian, allow me to present my daughter, Princess Ama Lei.”
“Your Imperial Highness,” Jian bowed deeply before her. His voice was as warm as the sun, and as deep as his bow.
“Darling, Captain Jian has made quite the name for himself, and has been given the assignment of palace guard, specifically for our protection.”
This handsome boy was to be her guard? Hopefully her face didn’t betray the warmth she felt. He must be quite the soldier if he was charged with protecting the empress and princesses. Most men weren’t allowed within their private palace wing.
“I am needed in the great rooms; Captain, I trust you to keep my daughter safe.”
“Of course, your Imperial Majesty,” Jian bowed once more.
“Until later,” Ama Lei smiled as her mother kissed her forehead. She swept from the garden, and Ama Lei couldn’t help but admire her mother. Though not born in Jenha, she’d taken to their customs, and had become the people’s beloved empress.
Once her mother was out of sight, Ama Lei turned her attention to the young captain standing near her.
“I assume you’ve been welcomed to the palace?” she asked timidly.
“Yes, thank you.” he replied simply.
Oh yes, he certainly had a military way about him. “You probably haven’t seen the gardens,” she motioned around her.
“They are quite lovely,” he replied, a ghost of a smile gracing his face.
“Would you like to see it?” she asked.
“I would love to,” he replied, allowing a genuine smile to form.
Oh, he had a handsome smile. “Then follow me.”
As she led him through the garden, she found him delightfully easy to talk with. He paid genuine interest, asked questions, spoke with respect. When he delivered her to her chambers, he bid her farewell with warmth in his eyes. She knew, in that moment, she was well on her way to falling in love.
Chapter 11
Ama Lei’s eyes burned as she blinked away the sunlight. Why was it so bright? Moaning, she rolled out of bed, trying to plant her feet before falling to the floor. What time was it? Judging by how bright her room was, the sun must have broken the horizon quite some time before. How late had she slept? And when had she last slept past the sun’s waking? She would have to have a long talk with Taras about never letting her sleep in ever again.
Dressing quickly, she barely remembered to tie the mask on her face before emerging on deck. And almost marched right back to bed. Somehow, Jian had decided to work above deck without a shirt on. Why did he have to have so many muscles, and when did they become so pronounced?
Closing her eyes from the sun causing pain in her head, and the man causing pain in her heart, she whirled, attempting to find her right hand. The smirk he sent her way helped cool her headache, even while her temper flared.
“Is it not a wonderfully warm day?” Taras had the gall to grin at her.
“Considering we are travelling further north, I doubt the weather is that warm.” Even if she felt a bit warm due to something other than the weather, not that she’d admit to that.
“Speaking of travelling north, we are nearing the boarders of Jenhan.”
“Yes we are,” Ama Lei agreed, finally looking forward again, and failing miserably at not gazing at a certain half-clad man. He wasn’t that boy anymore. “Once we have reached the final port, we will return to Espan. The people here will be well until our return; we’ve seen to that.”
“That we have. Although Deshi has probably helped as well.”
“Of course he has. And I’m sure he’ll be happy to see us again.”
“I have no doubt, though I think he’ll be surprised at our guest.” Taras just had to point out the very man she was trying so hard not to notice. Right then, Jian took a moment to stretch. Did a stretch truly use so many muscles? “Deshi did know him, I assume?”
Ama Lei closed her eyes, trying to clear her mind of the thoughts that kept her up all night. “Yes, Master Deshi knew Jian. I cannot say how he will react.”
“We still have some time. And since we do, I recommend you get some rest, Captain. You look as though you need a little more sleep.”
If glares were weapons, Taras would be bleeding. And he had the gall to grin at her.
“Just don’t wreck my ship.” She sighed as she allowed her weary body to carry her to her room. Even as she collapsed on her bed, her thoughts wandered right back where they had travelled all night. Stupid thoughts that kept her from sleep. Though, a smile formed on her face, it had been a long while since she dreamt of her mother.
Tears escaped her eyes as she remembered the woman who raised her. If only Mother were here, she’d help untangle the mess of emotions in Ama Lei’s heart. Though, Ama Lei was glad she’d been spared watching her husband’s murder, or her own death. Ama Lei and Mei might have been spared death that night, but there was no guarantee their mother would have been treated the same.
What would Mother think of all this? She would be proud that Ama Lei was using all the resources she could to help her people, but Jian’s treachery would have broken her heart. She adored Jian, and Ama Lei could still hear her voice granting her blessing. Mother had been sick for so long; but at least she died believing her daughter had found love. She had. And then she lost everything.
Ama Lei allowed her body to relax as her mind wandered to more pleasant thoughts.
“Your form is still loose in your legs,” Deshi spoke as he stood above Ama Lei, who was now lying on her back.
“But should I stiffen, I shall lose the movement.” Ama Lei responded as she allowed him to help her to her feet.
“There is a firmness in the fluidity,” Deshi responded. “Much as your cherry trees; their branches, even their trunks can sway with the wind, but their roots are strong, their trunks unyielding. Much as the tree, you must move with the energy, use the flow of your opponent’s momentum, yet be unbreakable, and unyielding.” Even as he spoke, he lowered into a fighting stance. Ama Lei paid closer attention to the tension in his muscles.
She tried to mimic the stance, but she felt off balance, constantly shifting her weight to keep on her feet. “Close your eyes,” Deshi spoke softly. “Feel your energy moving through your muscles; feel the ground beneath your feet, grounding you, solidifying your stance. Let it make you strong, as unyielding as your trees. Feel yourself that cherry tree.”
She could. Her feet suddenly seemed anchored by invisible roots, her legs as strong and fluid as the trunks, her arms loose, ready to move with her opponent’s wind.
Rustling caught her ears. Her eyelids flew open, just to see Deshi’s fist flying. She bent, avoiding the blow. Before he prepped for another blow, Ama Lei twisted, her legs moving, flying through th
e air as they reached for Deshi’s. Nothing but air greeted her foot, and she planted herself, just as he knocked the back of her knee. She fell, but only to a knee this time, her arms ready for the next attack.
“Much better,” Deshi remarked. “You have come a long way in the past year.”
“Thank you.” Ama Lei smiled at him. “I may only be fourteen, but I rather hope I will be as skilled as you when I am older.”
“It will take many years for you to become a seasoned warrior. Though, sometimes it takes a fiery path to truly turn a person into one.”
“Not sure I like the sound of that.”
“It is not easy, but remember, some of the most precious gems are forged by fire and pressure.”
Ama Lei looked away, unsure how to respond to that. Her life was a peaceful one, the only real challenge being Deshi’s training.
“If I may,” the voice was quieter than usual, but she easily recognized her new guard. How long had he been watching? “It is true that trials can make a person, though it can also change them. Sometimes,” he gazed up at the blossoming trees, “beauty can come from stability and constancy.”
“You are wise for one so young,” Deshi spoke.
“Master Deshi, allow me to present Captain Jian, new to the palace guards. Captain, this is Master Deshi, grand master trainer.”
“Master Deshi, it truly is an honor,” Jian bowed low before the man.
“I must say, I am honored to meet you as well. I have heard quite a few tales of the young and brilliant strategist.”
Jian turned as pink as the flowers surrounding him as he stood, his eyes still focused on the ground.
“I believe that is enough training for today,” Deshi told Ama Lei.
“I suppose I can wait until tomorrow,” she giggled as she gave him a fisted bow.
“If you are finished,” Jian spoke up. “Might I... might I request a sparring match? I have been trained all my life with sword but am much less certain of my unarmed skills. It would be such an honor to have even a few suggestions from such a master.” Jian once more gave a deep bow.
