Ten Thousand Thorns_A Fairy Tale Retold

by Suzannah Rowntree

  A chorus of voices answered him.

  “It was an ambush!”

  “There was a demon hiding behind the door!”

  “The whole village knew we were coming!”

  “A demon,” said Imperial Sword. “Is that what you think?”

  “It laughed at us. Horrible!”

  “Superstitious idiots, fleeing while no one pursued.” Second Brother drew two sharp hooks from his back. “It was the girl, of course. We should kill them all, your excellency. You and I alone would do a better job than these cowards!”

  His men dared not speak, but they looked at him pleadingly. Kill them all? Startled out of his self-command, the Imperial Sword tightened his fists.

  “No!”

  “They’re deserters! Worthless! The Vastly Martial Emperor would have them torn apart by wild horses.”

  Almost before Imperial Sword knew what he was doing, he swept his sword out of the sheath and pointed it at Second Brother. “Worthless peasant! I represent the Emperor here, not you.”

  To his astonishment, rather than cringe in fear, the bounty hunter smiled. For an instant Imperial Sword thought he read a challenge in Second Brother’s face. Then, still smiling, he lowered his hooks and bowed. “Your excellency, forgive the excessive devotion of the Emperor’s loyal servant.”

  Second Brother’s words were humble but Imperial Sword perceived their true meaning, and it chilled his heart. He knew the Emperor did not yet fully trust him. He knew this mission was intended to prove his loyalty, and that one false step would cost him his life.

  He knew that if he made that false step, Second Brother would be ready and willing to inform the Emperor for the sake of his own personal advancement. He didn’t owe the man an explanation, but he thought it wise to make one anyway.

  “We’re miles away from Nanjing in rebellious territory. If Clouded Sky and Iron Maiden have joined forces again, we’re going to need all the men we can get.”

  Without a word, Second Brother bowed again.

  “But your devotion to the Emperor is commendable!” The Imperial Sword turned toward his men. “The next time you worthless ones show such cowardice, I won’t restrain him!”

  At once, the guards kowtowed, murmuring their gratitude. The Imperial Sword gave orders to make camp. As the men dispersed to unsaddle their horses, he beckoned Second Brother closer.

  “You speak like a man who fears nothing at all, Second Brother. Perhaps you think your martial skill is equal to mine.”

  “Perhaps I think it is better, your excellency.”

  A malicious aura flickered around Second Brother. But the martial arts world was full of haughty and arrogant warriors. Under his mask, the Imperial Sword smiled.

  “You don’t know who I really am, do you?”

  Second Brother looked at him blankly.

  “Truly it is said that there is no wisdom like silence,” Imperial Sword observed. “Meditate on that, Second Brother.”

  Clouded Sky and Iron Maiden arrived at Wudang on the second evening of their journey from Peony Settlement. They did not see the guards again during their flight, but Clouded Sky knew the Imperial Sword couldn’t be far away.

  “Look.” They stood high on the long stair that led up the mountainside to the monastery perched above. Before them was a heaving countryside of forests, rivers and hills, overlaid with a haze of blue mist. Clouded Sky pointed north several li to where a flock of white birds had risen into the sky and now circled above their roost.

  “The Emperor’s men are still following us.” Iron Maiden frowned. “I thought that when we turned toward Wudang they would give up, or perhaps wait to ambush us when we leave. They’re too close.”

  The birds drifted on the air, sometimes seeming to melt into the clouds as their white feathers reflected the blue evening light.

  “Dage, is it safe here?”

  “Safe?” Clouded Sky shook his head. “This is Wudang Mountain, heroine. If we aren’t safe here, then no place under Heaven is.”

  They found the monastery perched high on the mountain’s slope, a cluster of tiled roofs, red walls, and grey cobbled courtyards linked by sudden stairs. There was a cold bite in the air; by morning, there would be a frost.

  The monastery’s heavy gate was still open, and the old gatekeeper called Clouded Sky by name as they went through into the courtyard beyond.

  “Martial cousin! You’ve returned!” He turned on his stool and lifted his voice. “Clouded Sky is here! Clouded Sky is still alive!”

  As he cupped his fists, Clouded Sky couldn’t help smiling just as broadly as the gatekeeper.

  “Elder, where is shifu?”

  “At this time, he ought to be in the temple courtyard.”

  Clouded Sky bowed again and led the way toward the temple. There were an unusual number of people about. In addition to the Taoist priests that lived at the monastery, travellers and beggars gossiped or dozed under the verandahs. Clouded Sky guessed that they must have fled from the Emperor’s wars.

  The gatekeeper’s call brought disciples running into the courtyard. Soon Clouded Sky was surrounded by a crowd of his martial brothers and cousins.

  “It’s Clouded Sky! Where have you been? How did you survive?

  “Who is this lovely maiden? What is she doing with an ugly fellow like you?”

  Before he could answer, Iron Maiden called out.

  “I’m Iron Maiden, and I’m his bodyguard. Make way!” She aimed a palm at the nearest disciple, and sent him flying through the crowd. Laughing disciples scattered to left and right, clearing the path ahead of them.

  “Shifu first, disciples later,” she said.

  “You deserve it for calling me ugly, martial brother,” Clouded Sky added, stepping over the disciple lying on the ground. But as they left the martial brothers and cousins behind them, he murmured, “Please let me do the talking from now on, heroine.”

  “Whatever you like, dage.”

  “And the fighting. Especially the fighting.”

  She gave a disappointed sigh, but didn’t argue with him. They soon reached the temple courtyard, where a class of young disciples no more than nine and ten years of age practised their basic stances under the watchful eye of a sect elder.

  “Taoist Priest Harmonious Virtue!” Clouded Sky dropped the small bundle of personal belongings he’d been carrying since they left Flying Crane at the mountain’s foot. “Shifu!”

  The old priest looked up and his mouth opened in delighted astonishment.

  “Clouded Sky! Disciple!” A little shaky with age, he circled the young disciples and came down to meet them. “Truly, one happiness scatters a thousand sorrows. They told me you were dead!”

  Clouded Sky bowed deeply.

  “Shifu, the truth is not much better. Humble self has escaped, but I was the only one. Roaring Tiger and Broken Spear were both beheaded.” He held out the wooden box which he had carried so far. “Broken Spear asked me to bring you this.”

  Harmonious Virtue took the box with trembling hands and slid open the lid. His long white moustache quivered.

  “Broken Spear was my finest pupil, his martial skill matched only by his understanding. Ah! War is Death’s feast. But you, Clouded Sky, how did you escape?”

  Clouded Sky glanced at the little disciples still practising their stances. Harmonious Virtue followed his glance.

  “Yes, let us speak privately.” He closed the box and motioned for Clouded Sky and Iron Maiden to follow him beyond the temple to a quiet courtyard which overlooked the south hills toward Mount Jing.

  “There are Imperial guards on our trail.” Clouded Sky dropped his voice. “We know they are less than six li from here and still travelling.”

  The old priest stroked his beard.

  “Are they coming here?”

  “I’m afraid they might. They have a powerful martial artist with them; he uses venomous knives.”

  “Snow Wind?”

  “I believe so.”

 
Harmonious Virtue looked thoughtful.

  “Snow Wind is listed as the fourth greatest warrior in the martial arts world.”

  “I fear he and his men may be planning to attack.”

  Clouded Sky glanced at Iron Maiden. Seemingly oblivious to the conversation, she turned where she stood, staring at every detail of the scenery from the carved birds and tigers on the corners of the monastery roofs to the tumbled, rocky hillside below the courtyard parapet.

  “We’ve already fought them once.” It seemed she had been listening after all. “We would have done it again, but they were too frightened and ran away! With your help, Elder, we can fight them again and this time destroy them.”

  Harmonious Virtue blinked at her.

  “Miss—er—”

  “They call me the Iron Maiden,” she said, cupping her fists.

  “Miss Iron, Old Tze has said, ‘I make no effort—and the people transform themselves.’ Wudang Sect was founded for the purpose of enlightenment and spiritual cultivation. We do not involve ourselves in political disputes.”

  Iron Maiden blinked.

  “Do not fear,” Harmonious Virtue added. “For the same reason we cannot allow the emperor’s men to enter the gates of this monastery. If necessary, I will go out and speak with them. So far from Nanjing, with the gates of Wudang closed against them, there’s little they will be able to do.”

  Iron Maiden still seemed confused. Clouded Sky added quickly, “Shifu, Iron Maiden has come from the other side of Hubei looking for someone to go with her to Ten Thousand Thorns Temple.”

  Harmonious Virtue raised his white eyebrows. “Miss Iron, do you think there is truth in that old legend?”

  “Truth? I know it’s true. I’ve been there myself.”

  “You have been to Ten Thousand Thorns Temple?”

  She nodded.

  “Humble self was not able to wake the princess from her meditations. I have been searching the martial arts world for one who can! Perhaps one of Wudang Sect’s disciples can help.”

  “To wake the princess?” Harmonious Virtue stroked his beard. “Miss Iron, how does an enlightened one return to the ordinary world? A broken mirror never reflects again. Fallen flowers never go back to the old branches.”

  Iron Maiden’s brow creased in momentary concentration.

  “What about an attachment to what is beyond one’s self, Elder? Do you think that would do it?”

  Harmonious Virtue looked at her for a little while.

  “How old are you, if this decaying one might ask, Miss Iron?”

  She dropped her gaze sadly.

  “This ignorant one does not know, Elder.”

  Harmonious Virtue spoke in a very gentle voice.

  “A wise answer, Miss Iron. Now you are able to answer any question.”

  “I have heard it said that the sea cannot be measured with a bucket, shifu.” Clouded Sky wasn’t sure why he was defending her, but he spoke before he could stop himself. “Iron Maiden is not so ignorant as one might think! Her martial skill and internal force are profound. She has defeated me twice.”

  Iron Maiden looked at him gratefully, and then bowed to Harmonious Virtue.

  “Try me, Elder! Let us exchange stances, and see for yourself if my martial arts are any good!” She lifted her palms.

  Harmonious Virtue stepped back hurriedly and said, “Once on a tiger’s back, it is hard to alight, Miss Iron.” While Iron Maiden thought about this, Clouded Sky realised the old priest was looking at him, weighing him up. At last Harmonious Virtue added, “Miss Iron, you must be weary after your long journey. Someone will show you to the guest house now, and tomorrow morning, I will introduce you to our disciples. Perhaps one of them will be interested in helping you.” He paused. “Although I must warn you. I am unsure whether you will find any Wudang Sect Disciples willing to mend the broken mirror, or return the fallen flower to the branch.”

  Iron Maiden bowed, cupping her fists.

  “Still, I will speak to them, Elder.”

  Harmonious Virtue bowed and clapped his hands, whereupon a young disciple crossed the courtyard to escort Iron Maiden to the guest house.

  When she had gone, Harmonious Virtue laid the spear-box on the parapet next to him and slid back the lid. For a while he looked down on the broken spear, his lips moving in prayer.

  As the sun sank into the west, the light began to fail.

  Finally Harmonious Virtue looked up. “I perceive that you have not agreed to go to Ten Thousand Thorns Temple, Clouded Sky.”

  “No. She asked me and I refused.”

  “Why is that, my disciple?”

  He kept no secrets from his shifu. “I know I must return to Mount Jing. The Emperor is busy with the Yuans in the north, but once he is free to turn his attention to Hubei again, he will come to destroy the last of the Roaring Tiger troops. I must remain focused on the greater good, and not allow Iron Maiden to turn me aside.”

  Harmonious Virtue bowed his head. “Who is this Iron Maiden? Who is her shifu?”

  “I don’t know, but I do not think her martial arts are completely orthodox. She has a variant of Wudang Sect’s Heaven-Shaking Palm Technique, but far more aggressive.”

  “Hmmm. A fierce dog ruins a liquor shop, my disciple.”

  Clouded Sky considered this for a moment. If he kept bad company, it would drive away his true friends. After a moment his shifu continued.

  “Remember, Wudang Sect occupies a position of honour in the martial arts world. Even though you have completed your training, you should be careful not to ‘bring injury to the group’.”

  “I know, shifu. But with the Imperial Guard following us, I thought it was better to stay together.”

  “Surely there was someone else you could join forces with.”

  “So I thought, but there’s a price on my head. With Roaring Tiger dead, no one was willing to defy the Emperor.” He sighed. “I didn’t just come here to return Broken Spear’s weapon, shifu. I’ve become concerned about my martial arts. Worthless self was always a poor student. I can’t even exchange stances with one young maiden, let alone a troop of imperial guards. Now the time has come for me to take Broken Spear’s place. Please, Elder, give me more training before I return to Mount Jing.”

  “My disciple, those who know when they have enough are rich.” Harmonious Virtue’s words held gentle rebuke.

  “Yes, shifu, but learning is a weightless treasure you can always carry. I was happy to be second after Broken Spear. But now he is gone, and I realise I can no longer be content as I am.” Clouded Sky put out a hand to touch the broken weapon as he tried to contain his sorrow. “Before he died, Broken Spear told me his dream of peace in All-Under-Heaven. No more massacres. No more broken families. Broken Spear entrusted that dream to me. It is my duty to carry it forward and see that it comes true.”

  Harmonious Virtue stared into the sunset, now little more than a lemon-yellow streak under lowering purple clouds. “That dream is what made Broken Spear the great martial hero he was. It would have brought him to perfect enlightenment, in time.” His eyes slanted sideways to Clouded Sky. “You understand that victory is not the ultimate goal for a warrior.”

  “Yes, shifu.”

  “We learn the sword so that we may understand that we are one with the sword. This is a noble discipline. But once this is attained, there is a further path to take. Here, we understand that we are one with all around us. Not only the sword, but also the man at the other end of it. When we understand this, we reach enlightenment and lay down the sword.”

  “You have taught me this from my youth, shifu.”

  Harmonious Virtue nodded.

  “As you have foreseen, the Mount Jing rebels desire you to lead them. Since the death of Roaring Tiger, they do not have a leader. Roaring Tiger’s son is too young. Three days ago, an emissary arrived, saying they had heard a rumour that you had escaped and were making your way here. It seemed impossible—and yet, you have returned.”

  �
��Roaring Tiger envoys? Here?” Clouded Sky turned from the parapet in delight. “Who came?”

  Harmonious Virtue gave another sigh, a long wistful sigh that quenched his happiness.

  “Shifu?”

  “Two tigers cannot live on one mountain, disciple.”

  Harmonious Virtue meant that he was being distracted by two different purposes. “That is true, master.” Clouded Sky bent his head. “But please, let me dedicate myself to your teaching for as long as I can. Two months or so.”

  “Two months! Surely it is the shallowest stream that runs most swiftly.”

  “I could stay longer.” Clouded Sky swallowed. “But without my help the Emperor will take Hubei, and Broken Spear’s dream will fail.”

  There was a short silence. Softly, Harmonious Virtue said: “I also have a dream. I am growing old. Soon Wudang will need a new Sect Leader. It is a task for a young man, but it requires a high aptitude. Of course, I had already picked out a disciple to replace me. Together with my martial brothers, we had chosen Broken Spear to be Sect Leader after my death.

  “Now that he is dead, I agree with you that it is time for you to take his place. Perhaps also as Sect Leader, when I die.”

  Clouded Sky restrained the questions that rose to his lips. He forced himself to remain silent a while before he selected one in reply. “Shifu, you confer on me a great honour. Did Broken Spear know you had chosen him as Sect Leader?”

  “No.” Harmonious Virtue looked sadly at the spear box. “If he had, perhaps he would still be here today.”

  “Do you think he would have been content to study spiritual matters here at Wudang, with All-Under-Heaven suffering war and chaos?”

  “He would not have forgotten the ultimate goal of a warrior.”

  Spiritual enlightenment. Not victory over the Vastly Martial Emperor.

  “Truly, virtue grows one foot while evil grows ten feet,” Harmonious Virtue went on after a moment. “The time when martial artists could roam the world freely, righting wrongs and doing justice, is past. Most people are willing to submit to the Vastly Martial Emperor. As chaos overpowers All-Under-Heaven, the righteous submit to the will of Heaven. The eagles return to the mountains, the tigers to the forests, and the sages to the fortress of their own convictions.”