Meandering River, Ardent Flame
Page 7
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“Aie, young lady!” exclaimed Sister Ma, who was waiting at the door. “I have been waiting for you since the hour of Wu, and worrying for you all throughout!”
“We were going slowly, Sister Ma.” Flame immediately felt bad for upsetting Sister Ma. She hadn't considered that her absence would be worrisome to the nun.
“He hurt his leg.” She indicated the swordsman. Sister Ma rounded on him.
“And how did that happen, sir?”
“I was assaulted by bandits. Flame meimei distracted some. A fortunate thing, as she was carrying bandages.” He indicated his leg. The nun eyed it suspiciously.
“Those 'bandages' look dirty. And loose. And they smell of river...young Lian Flame, did you lead this wounded gentleman over the river?”
“Yes, Sister Ma.” Flame scuffed her foot against the stone gate. She was never one to strain herself in imagining how others felt. This time, however, it occurred to her that it might have been beneficial to do so. To be leading a man with a pained leg, on a rough route potentially bristling with bandits (truly, the threat had never figured in her mind before,) was to be a helpless target.
“That wasn't very considerate of you,” scolded Sister Ma, echoing Flame's thoughts.
“That's true, Sister Ma.” She stared down at some stones in the dirt.
“Let's set you up somewhere. And we're getting some proper dressings. Any longer with those and you'll be bleeding dry,” said the nun, rounding on the man. “What's your name, gentleman?”
The swordsman looked up from inspecting his leg.
“I am called Li Xiang by acquaintances.” He crossed his arms.
Flame nearly jumped up at the dark surname, but she quickly remembered that Li only had one son, and that this son's name had consisted of two characters. Could this be a younger son? No, reasoned Flame; it had only been seven years since the ill-fated wedding, and this man was at least twenty, she conjectured.
“Thank you for the hospitality, fashi,” he added, addressing Sister Ma politely with the title of a Buddhist teacher. Flame idly wondered how long she'd have to wash the leg wraps before they were usable again. She faced Sister Ma.
“Sister Ma, could I please have some leg wraps to use until mine have been cleaned?”
“You'll have to see me after evening chants,” replied the nun. “I need to find some. The cloth supply is running low.”
“Thank you, Sister Ma.”
“Alright. Off to your cleaning duties,” directed the nun. “This way,” she indicated to Xiang. Flame turned to leave, but Xiang motioned her to wait.
“I'll recompense you for your leg wraps. And your trouble. Come when you're free.”
Flame intended to. The day been full of upsets, beginning with those girls and their invocation of Judge Li, and ending with the bandit incident. This might be something good, and besides, she was curious about swordsman Xiang and the blade he held.