by K R Martin
Deshi chuckled. When did he chuckle? All she’d known of the man was control and stoicism, yet with this new guard, he had actually chuckled, and his eyes still had a twinkle in them.
“I myself am curious as to your abilities,” Deshi responded. “Shall we?”
Jian merely nodded, his eyes still shining with shock, as if he couldn’t believe Master Deshi would be willing to spar and train. It took Jian a moment to divest his person of sword and cape, giving him more maneuverability.
Both men sank into fighting stances. Now she could see what Deshi meant when he mentioned her stance. Jian appeared as though a simple breeze would divest him of his balance. Yet, she could see the energy humming through him. His muscles seemed to want to leap through his uniform. If she were honest, she’d admit it a pleasant sight to the eyes.
The men leapt at each other, though Ama Lei couldn’t say who moved first. Fists flew and met, bodies twisted, feet shifted all in a blur. It ended as quickly as it began; Deshi’s legs swept Jian’s out from under him, and Jian fell onto his back.
“You have skills,” Deshi spoke with warmth in his voice. “Your unarmed combat is unrefined, but with much potential. I train her highness daily and would be honored to consider you a pupil as well.”
Jian’s eyes were wide as he reached for Deshi’s hand. Quickly, he was yanked to his feet, almost stumbling from the force.
“Master Deshi, you have bestowed much honor upon me. I thank you,” Jian spoke as he bowed deeply again, his hands at his side.
“If you become my pupil, this is the correct way to express respect and gratitude.” Deshi fisted one hand, punching it into his open palm, and bowing.
“Yes, Master,” Jian smiled as he responded with his own fisted bow.
“Until tomorrow.” Deshi smiled before striding away. Jian merely stared after him, his eyes wide with wonder.
“Master Deshi was very impressed,” Ama Lei finally spoke. “It is not easy to gain his favor, especially not so quickly.”
“He favors me?”
“Master Deshi has made such a name for himself that he chooses his pupils now. And he chose you. I admit to some excitement training with you.”
“I do as well.” Jian bestowed his smile on her. He truly did have a wonderful smile that set her heart racing. “Forgive me this, but I had not thought your highness to be so skilled a warrior. Watching you was a pleasant surprise.”
“Thank you,” Ama Lei smiled as she attempted to hide the blush. “Would you care to walk with me?”
“Of course, if you grant me one moment.” Jian hurried to throw his cape onto his shoulders and fasten his belt and sword around his waist. “Shall we?” he motioned her to lead.
With him just behind her, Ama Lei walked through the pathways. The gardens always filled her with warmth, especially with the blossoms in full bloom. “I don’t think there’s another place in the world as beautiful as this.”
“I have not seen its equal,” Jian agreed.
Coming to a bench, Ama Lei sat, motioning for Jian to join her. He hesitated, but eventually sank beside her. Neither spoke, but peace filled the air.
“When did you begin to learn the warrior arts?” Jian eventually asked.
“Master Deshi began training me a little over a year ago. However, I have been studying with other guards since I was little. I’m not sure why it fascinates me.”
“Have you only trained in unarmed?”
“Oh, no, that has been recent with Master Deshi. Most have trained me in swordsmanship.”
“You wield a sword,” he stated more than asked.
“Yes. I am especially fond of the katana.”
“I could envision you wielding a weapon such as that.”
“Thank you,” Ama Lei smiled at him. “I hope I can have my own weapon someday. I dare not ask my father, though I’m sure he knows about the training by now. Perhaps the man I marry will be indulgent of my oddities.”
“A woman warrior is not an unheard of thing,” Jian noted. “Many women today know how to defend themselves, and our history includes many notable warrior empresses. I think you are just such a woman.”
“Well...” How could she respond to such high praise?
“I didn’t mean to embarrass you,” he spoke quickly. “Forgive my forthcoming.”
“No, it is refreshing.”
“Still, I doubt the man you are betrothed to would deny your wish.”
“I do not know; I have yet to be betrothed to any man.”
“I thought it custom for royalty to be betrothed at birth?”
“Traditionally, but as my mother died giving birth to me, the mourning period pushed any contracts back. Before my father could consider a match for me, he met the empress, and, well, she brought some of her notions of allowing her daughters a chance for love, much as my older brother will have his choice in marriage.”
“I rather like the empress.”
“I do as well. I could not have asked for a better mother. What of your family?”
“My father died when I was young, but my mother carried on, raising us well, sometimes working herself. I joined the army as soon as I could to take some of the weight off her, and to make my entire family proud. When I announced I had joined, my grandfather gathered the entire family. We have a tradition, a ceremony, where the family’s sword is passed to the next heir.” He pulled the sword from the scabbard, and Ama Lei was able to truly view the weapon.
“Is that a dragon?” she asked, pointing to the whiskered face.
“Yes. Generations ago, the emperor bestowed on my ancestors the symbol of the sky dragon and this sword.”
“That is an honor. And this sword is beautiful.”
“Thank you.” He beamed as he sheathed it.
“It’s just... well...”
“Yes, your highness?”
“Isn’t your sword crafted in a style called ‘jian’?”
Jian laughed, a big, boisterous sound that bounced in the air, leaping out of his wide smile. “That is the joke of the entire family. My father was so proud of our heritage that he named his firstborn son and heir after the family’s heirloom.”
“Well, it does suit you.”
“Thank you.”
A wind danced through the trees, creating a shower of petals falling around her. She looked up, in awe of the sight surrounding her. A noise, but soft, caught her attention and she turned her gaze toward Jian. The look on his face sent her heart racing. Indeed, he gazed at her with open adoration, as if she was the most beautiful sight in the world.
Chapter 12
Even in her moment of relaxing, she couldn’t stop thinking of Jian. After so many years of locking the man in the box so far in the recesses of her mind that she’d never think of him, he now filled her thoughts completely. That box had been so completely destroyed, she knew she’d never be able to build it again. Which aggravated her to no end. She had been perfectly content in her life, ready to return, claim her throne, and see justice done to the traitor.
Then he had to dance into her life and destroy all her walls. He still had to pay for his crimes, but she was less certain that she’d be able to swing her sword. With the sun disappearing behind her, Ama Lei removed her sword from its sheath. Looking back, she’d been lucky that he hadn’t recognized the blade. The grip was common enough, but the blade’s etchings of cherry blossoms in the metal was uniquely hers, and he’d recognize it the minute he saw it.
This time she allowed the smile, the feeling of joy at the memory that flowed into her mind.
The pink flowers had long since given way to green, and now red leaves. Ama Lei bundled the heavy shawl tighter around her shoulders, using its warmth to shelter her from the wind. Fall had certainly covered the world with its cool grasp, but somehow still managed to bring beauty with it. The richer hues of reds, golds, and oranges filled the world around her. Though she preferred spring, fall had its own charm.
“Your highness.” Now that voice
was pure warmth, bringing a smile with it.
“Captain Jian,” she turned to face him. “I am glad you can join me.”
“My responsibilities are to keep you and your family safe; of course I am at your service.”
“That is not what I meant.”
“I know. Though, I will admit, none of my responsibilities are as enjoyable as watching over your highness.” The winkle in his eye made her face flush with warmth. After so many months together, he no longer spoke with mere civility, but genuine friendship.
“You have been gone for several days,” she tried not to sound petty or to pout, but if she were honest, she missed his company.
“I had business to take care of.” He sounded regretful, but that twinkle still lit his eyes. And, had he kept his hands behind his back the entire time?
“What sort of business?” she asked as she meandered around him, attempting to see his back. The silly man kept pivoting.
“Something of a surprise,” he replied, his voice filled with laughter.
“Then why don’t you show me?”
“That is the nature of a surprise.”
“Captain, if you did not mean to show me, you should not have brought it.” she crossed her arms and allowed the pout.
“Perhaps you are right. Would you care to sit?” he motioned to the bench, and Ama Lei sunk into it. Gone was the teasing, instead Jian seemed nervous. She wished she could say something to ease him, yet his eyes held her tongue captive. “Your imperial highness,” he bent on one knee before her. “It has been my greatest honor to have been chosen as your guardian, to be guard to the royal family. Yet, I wish to prove to you my deepest devotion, and so, a gift, a show of my loyalty and devotion to you, Princess Ama Lei.”
He pulled the item from behind his back with a flourish, presenting it atop his open palms, his head bowed and eyes closed. Ama Lei turned from his earnest face to the item he held out.
“Oh,” she moaned as her hands flew to her mouth. Resting atop his open palms was the most beautiful katana she had ever seen. The grip had black cord crossed around a red base, and the gold oval guard seemed simple aside from the lightly etched dragon on the underside. But the blade, the blade was covered in etches of cherry blossoms, seeming to fall from the guard towards the blade’s tip.
Her hands trembled as she reached for the weapon, brushing the flat surface of the curved blade. “This is magnificent,” she breathed.
“I had to find the perfect craftsman, but I believe the wait worth it. A princess deserves a blade worthy of her.”
“Cherry blossoms?” she asked, for certainly they were an unusual design for a weapon.
“I think of them, and I think of you. You are both so beautiful, so rare.”
“Thank you, Jian,” she breathed, biting back the tears of joy. Her eyes lifted to meet his, also shimmering with moisture. This gift was priceless, a gift from the heart. Jian, for she could no longer think of him as captain, had become her dearest friend. No, he was much more than a friend.
The tears fell freely, some sounding with clinks as they landed on the blade. After his betrayal, she wanted to throw the blade in the sea, to never see the token he bestowed upon her, but logic prevailed. She had her baby sister to watch after, to protect; they were both alone and dependent upon Ama Lei’s skills to protect them. And a weapon was a necessity. By the time she could replace it, she had lost the desire to lose it.
After all, what better poetic justice that the sword he gifted her became the weapon to sever his head?
Though now she lost the taste of vengeance. Turning the weapon, she looked at the etching she had added to the underside of the guard, that of a Phoenix rising from flames. Her new and chosen symbol. Would Jian appreciate that? Of course he would.
Oh, foolish heart. Perhaps the cold weather would help freeze it again. If she focused on the betrayal, she could just push those frustrating feelings of admiration back into their locked box.
She had to, for Mei’s sake. Her sister didn’t deserve the pain brought in her life. To be thrown from a life of ease and happiness to uncertainty and nothingness. Mei had been so frightened, clinging to Ama Lei. The images of her murdered family still burned in her mind.
“Where are we going?” Mei had asked in her timid voice so many times.
“I don’t know.” Ama Lei had always responded.
That first night on ship, they had discovered one trunk with a few of their possessions, clothes mostly, and hidden beneath, her sword. She always thought a loyal maid had done so, now she was not so sure.
And yet again, her mind circled back to the very man she was trying to forget. Sleep... sleep would help. She could disappear into nothingness and attempt to forget.
“Mother!” The cry escaped Mei’s lips, jarring Ama Lei from her fitted slumber. Rolling over, she gently nudged her baby sister awake.
“It’s alright, Mei, I’m here,” Ama Lei spoke soothingly.
“Ama Lei?” Mei asked, her uncertain eyes searching the room.
“I'm here.” Mei seemed to relax in her sister’s arms, but soon sobs wracked her body. “I know, sweetheart. You just cry.” Ama Lei tried hard not to shed her own tears.
“I wish Mother was here,” Mei said between sobs.
“Me too.” Ama Lei whispered. She was only fifteen; all she knew was palace life. How would she survive in a foreign land, with no knowledge or skills aside from her fighting abilities? At least she could protect her sister.
“What’s going to happen to us?”
“I don’t know.”
“Jian will save us; he has to.” Ama Lei didn’t have the heart to tell Mei that her ideal hero no longer wore shiny armor. Oh, Mei adored him, and he doted on her. Those days would never happen again. She had no idea how long they’d rested together, or when they passed out.
She awoke to knocking.
“Yes?” she called out.
“We’re docking soon, and you’ll be departing.”
“Oh, thank you.” The world hazed over. Allowing Mei a bit more sleep, Ama Lei managed to pack their few belongings into two bags, hiding her weapon beneath a cloak.
“Ama... Lei?” Mei’s voice was drowsy.
“We’re going to leave at port,” Ama Lei told her.
“Where are we going?”
“I don’t know. But hey, it will be an adventure.” Ama Lei tried to focus on positive.
“Okay.” Mei gave her a ghost of a smile. They finished packing together, before each grabbed a bundle and stepped onto dock.
Flurry of activity surrounded them as the men prepared to dock the ship. Men bumped Ama Lei as they rushed past her, some glaring. Mei clung to her side, and Ama Lei placed her arm around her sibling’s shoulders, clutching her even tighter. None of these men were from Jenha, and very few even spoke the language. Soon, ropes were tied, and the plank lowered to the dock.
“Time to go,” the guard ordered gruffly. Ama Lei squeezed Mei’s shoulders, refusing to let go as she led her sister onto the docks. They followed the man for a while, leaving the docks behind them. If Ama Lei wasn’t terrified of the bleak future, she’d wonder at the vibrant colors around her. Finally, they stopped. “Never return to Jenha.” the man said before turning and walking back the way they came.
“Where are we to go?” Panic filled Ama Lei’s question.
“Doesn’t matter, just don’t go back.” And the man disappeared.
He left them. Where would they go now? Her eyes frantically darted around. Did she even remember how they got here? All around her were golden buildings, large round archways, and brightly colored fabrics draped everywhere. And the people, they all spoke words she could not understand. Their skin was darker than hers, and they seemed to stare at the foreign girls.
Ama Lei pulled Mei closer, backing against a wall and away from the bustle. She wouldn’t cry, though. She had to be strong, for herself and her sister. Surely someone spoke their language, or that of Espan. As it was her mother’s
native tongue, she made certain her daughters spoke it well; even Jian learned... no. She refused to think of that traitor.
“Well, well,” a deep voice pulled her focus to a man stopped near them. His skin was even deeper than those around her, as brown as her eyes. And his face seemed so kind, and a bit familiar as well. “I never thought to find your highnesses here.” He gave them the deep bow so familiar.
“Who are you?” Ama Lei asked, wary yet hopeful. After all, he spoke her language.
“My name is Luca, and I am a merchant. I’ve visited your lovely kingdom and have seen your faces many times. But why are you here in Sanskia?”
Of all the things to ask, he just wondered why they were in Sanskia? Not why they were alone, nor why their clothes were a bit shabbier. No, he simply asked why they were there. Though his eyes, well, they shone with all the questions not voiced. Yet, he hid them all under a gaze of kindness. A merchant? They always seemed honorable to her. It wasn’t as though she had any other options.
“There was a coup,” Ama Lei spoke simply. “Our father and brother are dead, and we are now exiled.”
“Surely not,” Luca gasped, gazing at the girls with new eyes, ones that shone with compassion.
“We were shipped here, and left here, with orders not to return, ever.”
Luca closed his eyes, no doubt visualizing the types of horrors two young girls had gone through. When he opened them again, they were nothing but warm, and a smile formed on his face. “Your highnesses, it seems that I have the great privilege of escorting you in this fine city. Would you permit me to see you ladies to a much more comfortable place than the streets?”
Ama Lei nodded, and followed the man, all the while wondering if she made the right choice to trust the man. Granted, she didn’t have much of a choice, but the last time she trusted a man, he had betrayed her. She tried to memorize her surroundings, hoping to find her way if this turned bad.
