by Dahlia Lu
One by one they left the spring while trying to hold back their chuckles.
“It was my mistake,” Sayan admitted. He felt the ripples, so he knew she was coming out of the water. “I will learn to trust you from now on.”
The Black City was stationed on a snowy cliff.
The only possible entrance was through a narrow, stone bridge that sloped upward. The front city wall was massive and curved toward the bridge in a crescent shape. There were many small holes deliberately made along the length of the wall. It would be a difficult task to attack a city such as this one.
Sayan surveyed the surrounding with care as they crossed the bridge. It was only wide enough for three horses to go through. Below the bridge was a steep fall into the dark abyss. A film of mist hid the secret of its depth.
The marketplace inside of the gate was bursting with liveliness. Merchants were pushing colorful merchandise to the prospective buyers. Goods and spices from all over the world were gathered there. There was money floating around, but war had created too big of a gap between the rich and the poor. There was nothing in between. It was a shame when he remembered there were starving people just outside the city gates. He had tried to help the people along the way, but there were just too many. If he could help them that day, he couldn’t help them the next. No amount of money was enough.
“One room please,” he said to the innkeeper.
“Are you sure you don’t want two?” the innkeeper asked when he noticed the cloaked figure was a woman.
“One is fine. My sister and I cannot afford to pay for two rooms.”
Upon hearing their relationship the innkeeper smiled. “Of course, I’ll show you two to your room. Would you like dinner to be brought up as well?”
“Yes please,” Sayan said as he followed the innkeeper to the second floor. He waved goodbye to the innkeeper and locked the door behind him. “We made it here almost too easily. I can’t help but feeling there is more to it than this.”
“Sayan, do you have any direction in life?”
He blinked. “My direction in life? I will follow you wherever you go.”
“You can’t follow me all the time. You’re going to grow up and get married and have a life of your own. What direction do you have then?”
“If getting married means I can’t follow you where you go, then I don’t want to get married.”
“I’m trying to have a serious conversation with you.”
“I am too.”
“Let me ask in another way then. What do you want to do with your life? There must be something you want to do.”
He took a moment to think. “If you are asking me about what I would want in an occupation, then I guess the simple life of a shepherd seems attractive enough. I will be able to become the provider, so you don’t have to work as a dancer anymore.”
“A shepherd?” She faintly smiled. “I think you would be happy as a shepherd.”
“If you think that’s a good idea, then maybe we can buy a piece of land just outside of the Black City. I think we have enough money to buy couple dozen sheep.”
“We do.”
Sayan watched as Nala unwrapped the heavy blade and stared at her reflection on the surface. There was a little bit of sadness in her eyes, but other than that, he could not read her expression.
“Sayan, would you hold on to this blade for me?”
He came to her side and held up the blade with one hand. “Sure thing, I will carry it for you. It is still a little heavy for me to wield, but I’m sure I will only grow stronger.”
“You are already a lot stronger than an ordinary person you know.”
“How so?” Sayan asked.
“Well, for one, not too many people can lift up the blade and you can hold it with one hand.”
“That’s because I got used to carrying it around.”
“Promise me you won’t sell it.”
“If it makes you feel safer, I swear I will guard it with my life.”
She nodded. “Alright, the blade is your responsibility now.”
He flashed a smile at her. “I don’t think I will mind staying at the Northern Kingdom, even though it is a little cold. I saw a lot of pretty girls on the streets as we entered the city.”
“So you are interested in girls now,” Nala softly laughed. “Since that incident at the outfitter, I thought you didn’t like girls yet. You are becoming one of those beasts they call man after all.”
“You know I don’t like to be touched that way.”
She deliberately shuffled his hair. “I’m very interested to know who you will choose for your future bride. I’m sure she will be very pretty. I wonder if I’d fallen in love with anyone in the past.”
The smile on Sayan’s face died out. “Even if you did, it’s all in the past anyway. I’m going to get our dinners before the innkeeper comes up here.”
Sayan lied awake that night staring at the ceiling.
He had known her for seven years, but she had never shown interests in anyone. It was unlikely that she had fallen in love with anyone prior to her loss of memory. Still, it was completely possible. Maybe one day she would regain her memory and reunite with that person. He didn’t like that possibility one bit.
What was so bad about Nala having someone to love and love her back? There would be someone to take care for her. That would lighten his worries quite a bit. That person would make sure she get her meals on time and buy her new clothes when the seasons changed. Nala would love a companion who could challenge her intellect.
Damn, he felt like he was getting replaced.
Possibility this, possibility that, what was he thinking? He should think about the piece of land they would buy together. He saw a beautiful green field covered by a light layer of frost on their way to the Black City. Perhaps he could get an identical one. He closed his eyes and counted the sheep they would have.
He wanted to sleep in the next day. Exhaustion had caught up to him and all he wanted to do was rest. He turned around and found the other half of the bed empty. Nala had waked up far too early again. He buried his face in the pillow when the bright light of day was interfering with his plan.
Something was not right.
He could tell that it was not morning’s first light. It is already noon if he was not mistaken. It was the first time in many years he slept until noon. Ah, it didn’t matter. He would sleep until he appeased the tiredness in his body.
When he woke again, it was already evening. The innkeeper was knocking on the door asking permission to come in. Since Nala wasn’t there, he granted it. The innkeeper placed the dinner on the table and then headed toward the exit.
“Wait a minute,” Sayan called him back. “There is only one portion here.”
“Yes, one portion for you. Your sister told me this morning that she will not be coming back, so I only prepared one portion for you.”
“You must have misheard,” Sayan replied. “Get us another potion. She will be back soon.”
“I’m very sure she told me that she won’t be coming back,” the innkeeper said. “She already paid for the room in advance and took her horse with her. She didn’t tell you she was leaving?”
Sayan quickly glanced at the fat bag of gold on the table and then at the heavy blade at the foot of the bed. He bolted off the bed to check their baggage. There were only his clothes inside. He launched himself at the innkeeper and grabbed him by the collar.
“When did she leave? Which direction did she go?”
“She left very early this morning and she was heading toward the city gates…” the innkeeper replied with a shaking voice. “That’s all I know, please don’t hurt me!”
He let go of the innkeeper and the man fled out of the room as quickly as he could. Sayan tried to remember the conversation last night. He knew she was asking strange questions, but why couldn’t he have guessed she planned on leaving? Why didn’t she take him with her?
It was his second time being abandone
d and it hurt far more than the first. Find her, his head beckoned him, find her. He gritted his teeth, grabbed the bag of gold and slammed it against the wall.
“She doesn’t want you! She lied! She is like the rest of them! Everything she said was a lie!”
The feeling of starvation returned again, and it wasn’t for food. It was the same sensation - lightness, numb, and an overwhelming urge to sleep. He knew why she had left, but why was he so angry with her? She had a good reason, but so did his parents. He felt the rage wallowed up in his throat. He felt a thirst that only tears could quench, but he didn’t know how to cry. He had never cried in his life.
Where did she go? Where did she go? Could he catch up to her now? Sayan rushed to the stable for his horse. He mounted it without putting on a saddle and headed toward the city gates. She wouldn’t be there. She was far gone by now. He didn’t know which direction she went. He wished he knew.
The blade – the one thing he swore to her he would protect with his life. He left it back at the inn. He hurriedly raced back.
He was glad it was still here where he left it. It was the only thing she had left for him. If he lost it too, would she only be just a dream? He still remembered every little detail about her, but the blade was the only proof that she ever existed.
He should’ve destroyed it. He should’ve thrown it away. He’d rather she did not exist in the first place. She should have let him starve to death. Was there anyone crueler than her in the world?
She misled him into thinking that he was needed. She deceived him into feeling secure. She made him feel like she was going to be with him forever. She was a liar, nothing more.
Chapter Four
Western Kingdom, 953
The cry seemed to be coming from the north.
A cloaked figure searched the tall wheat field for the source of the cry, being extremely careful with her footsteps. The cry was getting louder, so she knew she was near. A breeze from the north blew the hood off of her head, but she quickly pulled it back into place. It was a dangerous time for women to be alone without the company of a man, especially in deserted places.
Unending wars made bandits out of desperate men.
She found what she was looking for laying just off of the dirt road. The infant was partially wrapped in a very dirty cloth. She picked the child up and cradled him in her left arm while her right hand search for a bottle of milk in her bag. She quickly fed the child, because she knew it was starving. They child immediately sucked on the nipple hungrily.
She mopped down to the ground when she heard the sound of horses approaching. From the number, she knew they were soldiers and not bandits. She lowered her head to the child so that the hood would hide her face from view.
From the black color of the flag, she knew it was the army of the northern kingdom. She curiously took a peek at the man leading the army. He was riding on a massive black stallion, but the beast was dwarfed by his size. She had heard much of this young prince, but it was the first time she had seen him in person. She could not see past the mask on his face. The only thing she could see was a petrifying aura about him. It was incredibly rare for a person to be born with that kind of aura, but it may not be a bad thing in the time of war. His presence alone could give him a mile long advantage on the battlefield.
She was more concerned with the enormous platinum blade strapped to his back. Although sheathed, she knew right away that it wasn’t crafted by humans. It was a soul weapon. The energy emanated from it was unmistakable. How a human prince came to possess such a weapon troubled her, but it did explain a lot. The rumors surrounding the notorious prince may not be rumors at all.
Even his own men feared him like a plague.
“You there,” one of the soldiers leading the way shouted at her. “Which way leads to the red city?”
The roads leading to the red kingdom was similar to a maze. There were many forks on the road, and some of them travel in circles. It was no wonder that the black army had gotten confused. It was quite intentional and she didn’t know if she should interfere.
“Only one road leads to the red city,” she replied, “but I am unfamiliar with this area, my lords. I’ve only come here twice.”
“Twice is better than none,” the soldier said. “Lead the way for us and you shall be rewarded.” The soldier suddenly snatched the child from her arm. “If you trick us, your baby will die!”
The situation didn’t allow her to refuse.
She mounted the horse they provided and lead the way for them. She honestly didn’t know the roads very well, but she was taught a trick that very few people know. The local people told her to follow the road that lead to the setting sun and she would reach the red kingdom. She would lead the way, but she would keep that little secret to herself. Besides, the group she was leading was fewer than three hundred. They didn’t come to battle.
The red city rose in the horizon before the sunset died out. The shadow of the city wall blanketed over the landscape. Crimson flags flapped violently against the wind. The city gate was waiting for the arrival of the guest.
“Give the child back to me,” She said to the soldier holding the infant. The soldier kept his promise and returned the babe. She bowed to the prince, but before she could turn away, the tip of his blade pushed back the hood of her cloak. Her amethyst eyes looked up, stunned, and quickly pulled the hood over her head. He’s seen her face!
The soldiers nearby who’ve seen her face could only uttered a string of gibberish due to the shock. She silently cursed herself for being so careless. If the prince decided to abduct her, it would be troublesome. She didn’t want any bloodshed.
The prince kicked the horse on its side and rode passed her. She let out a sigh of relief and then fled away.
The feast was bursting with life with the presence of exotic entertainers from faraway lands. Fire breathers, jugglers, and dancers in sheer loose gowns circled the feast table. The female servants made haste in serving wine to the noblemen and court officials, while the male servants replenished the tables with lavish foods.
Laughter was plentiful in the air.
Sayan sat at the honored guest seat, overlooking the banquet. His host, the King of the Western Kingdom, sat adjacent to him instead of on the throne. The King didn’t look old, but the grey streaks of hair gave away his age. The dark circles under his eyes indicate restlessness. He probably hadn’t had a good night sleep in a while.
The king offered him a toast.
Coming late to the feast was a young woman dressed in a ruby silk gown, heavily embellished with gold jewels. Her pale and delicate face was a sharp contrast to her raven black hair. She bowed her head slightly to the King and then to him.
Sayan had never met her, but he knew who she was. The princess of the Western Kingdom was known for her beauty, good taste, and extravagance spending. He had heard many other things, but he was never the kind of man who listened to the words of mouths.
The princess’s dark brown eyes looked up at him. She was frightened at first, but the feeling quickly subsided to make room for a pleasant surprise. Her future husband did not have the face of a demon like the rumors had said. For a princess, her thoughts were too transparent. Perhaps that would be a good trait in a wife. He could always get what he wanted to know from her without so much an effort. He was starting to have interest in doing business with the Western Kingdom. This marriage arrangement may not be such a bad idea.
“Forgive me!” a servant girl mopped down to the ground. The entire court became eerily quiet. “Please don’t kill me!”
Sayan looked to his left shoulder and followed the trail of spilled wine down his cloak. Now he doesn’t need an excuse to leave. Even though marrying the princess of the Western Kingdom may seem like a good idea, he needs to think it over. The woman could cause him more harm than good.
Sayan got up from his seat and headed toward the front exit. Not even the King uttered an objection. His men followed him out.
&nbs
p; He drew out a sword by reflex when he heard suspicious rustling sounds coming from the three branches above. He looked up and saw a young girl standing barefoot on a thin tree branch. Her left arm was holding on to a branch above her shoulder and her right arm was reaching for a large ripe peach. Her fine, brilliant, and silky hair hung from leaves to leaves.
Images rushed back into his head.
She clumsily stepped on the train of her pale pink gown and lost her balance. If he hadn’t caught her in time, she would have tumbled onto the ground and probably broken an arm or a leg. She swept her hair out of her face to see who had saved her from the fall. A pair of pale green eyes was staring into his.
Those same pale green eyes.
His men were pointing their swords at her, accusing her of being an assassin.
“The girl is not an assassin!” The King ran toward them breathlessly. “I assure you she can do no harm!”
His men slowly withdrew their swords.
“She is the bride elect of my son,” the King quickly replied. “He is off to battle and left her in my care. The girl is no assassin.”
Sayan looked down at her. “Instead of the princess, I will take this girl.”
Horror crept up the King’s face. “That will not do! If my daughter does not please you, our kingdom has many beautiful women!”
“I want this girl.” Sayan flipped her onto his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Normally there would be a lot of kicking and screaming, but she remained still. Perhaps she had recognized him.
“She belongs to my son, Prince!”
“They are not married.”
“There will be a wedding once he returns-”
“I want this girl,” Sayan repeated.
There was no further objection from the king. He could only watch as Sayan carried the girl away.
The news struck him like lightning.
Ce thought he wasn’t going to be able to stand. He shook away the dizziness of the shock and shoved his servant aside from his path. He wandered out of the camp, desperately searching for a horse healthy looking enough to carry him home. He needed to talk to his father, and immediately.