by K R Martin
“My darling daughter,” her mother reached out, beckoning her forward. Ama Lei fell to her side, wrapping her hand in both of her own and kissing it.
“You’re so cold.” Ama Lei noted.
“I fear I have not long left to be with you.”
“No, Mother, you can’t say that. You’ll get better.”
“Sometimes, no amount of medicine can heal an ailing body. I do hate that I must leave you so soon; you have grown to become such a beautiful young lady, and I know you will be a wonderful woman. You may not have been my daughter by blood, but you are the daughter of my heart. I am proud to have watched you grown; I just wish I could see your wedding day.”
“I am sure you shall, though it be a long time off.”
“Not so long.” Ama Lei’s mother’s eyes twinkled with life. “I know of a certain young man who has been gazing at you with admiration for quite some time, and I believe you admire him as well.”
Ama Lei turned from her mother, hiding the pink flush on her face. “I find him quite remarkable.”
“And handsome.”
Ama Lei giggled at her mother’s observation. “Yes. He is very easy on the eyes. But as a mere captain...”
“And I was a mere merchant’s daughter. If you care for him, I’ll make sure to speak with the emperor.”
“I do.” Ama Lei quietly voiced the thought that she barely admitted to herself.
“Good.” The empress smiled as she lay back into her pillows, her eyes closed and a peaceful smile graced her face. Even ill, her mother was a stunning and exotic beauty. “I can rest knowing you have found love.”
Ama Lei bit back the tears that threatened to fall. Her mother couldn’t leave her, not now. Her eyes opened and caught Ama Lei’s.
“I love you, my dearest daughter. I wish for nothing more than love and happiness for our future.”
“I love you too, Mother.” Ama Lei kissed her mother’s hand before laying it back on the bed. Standing, she leaned over and kissed her mother’s cheek. In return, her mother kissed her cheek, filling her with warmth.
She left her mother to rest and was informed of her passing.
Now, just mere hours later, she allowed herself to weep in the arms of the man she loved. A mere infant when her birth mother passed, this death affected her hard. How could she live without her mother? Who would she turn to with questions of becoming a woman, calm her nerves on her wedding day, or even talk her through a pregnancy? If she had a child, she could never turn to her mother for advice on the difficult days. She’d never hug her again, never kiss her cheek...
“I’m so sorry,” Jian’s voice was soothing, his words simple, but his strength and care flowed into her, helping heal the tears caused by her mother’s death. Oh, they’d never fully heal, and it would be a long time before the pain disappeared, but now, being in his arms, it felt like she had found home.
Chapter 16
Ama Lei watched as the port grew larger. As the last town they planned to stop at, the whole world was covered in white, and cold. Though, the ships they encountered were rare. That brought a few questions to her mind. This was the only port that she didn’t have slaves to return to their families. She hoped that was a good sign.
The ship docked, and she watched the men secure the ties. She needed to move, but her feet remained firmly in place. At least she had the good sense to wear her heavy cloak and warmer clothes, giving Jian his cloak back. The stupid garment brought too many memories.
When her mother passed, she felt her world crash around her, but Jian stayed at her side the entire time. He held her when she cried, giving nothing but comfort. If he hadn’t been there, well, she doubted she’d be sane. Her mother’s death nearly killed her.
“Welcome!” the voice called from the shore. Good, Ama Lei needed a break from her reverie. She looked up to see a smiling man waving on the dock. She returned his smile as she disembarked.
“Thank you,” she said as she shook his outstretched hand. “I wasn’t sure if I’d receive a welcome or not,” she told him.
“It is cold, but I knew you’d make your way to my office, so I thought it only right to come greet you myself.”
“And you are?”
“My name is Fynn, and I am this town’s tax collector.” Ama Lei didn’t bother to stop her eyebrows from shooting up, or even her eyes from darting to Taras. His face shone with just as much shock. Fynn chuckled, bringing their gazes back to him. “Come, I’ll put some tea on to warm us as we talk.”
Ama Lei, Taras, and Hino all followed Fynn through the streets, stopping inside a building. “Come, sit, and make yourselves comfortable. I’ll be right back.”
The room certainly was cozy. Several relaxing chairs filled the room, creating a semi-circle around a fireplace. Ama Lei sat in a middle chair, the men taking the two chairs to her right. The fire was warm, the chairs comfortable, and Ama Lei couldn’t help but think that this room was not what she expected.
“Sorry for the wait,” Fynn said as he returned, carrying a tray with a teapot and four cups. He placed it on the table and proceeded to pour the tea. For a foreigner, Ama Lei found herself impressed by his movements, as if it was natural.
“Thank you,” she said as she took the offered tea. He merely nodded and gave her men theirs before taking his own.
“Now,” he sat in his own chair, “I assume that Captain Phoenix is here to right the wrongs of Retanny.”
“You are well informed.” She found herself rather liking this particular man.
“I try to be. This area is quite remote, though beautiful and peaceful.”
“It is rather nice.”
“Thank you. It is quieter than it has been; though never a large port, being close to Vikieva meant decent trade. After Retanny’s coup, well, things have slowed, but the people manage alright.”
“So, what’s your story? You are unlike any other man we’ve met.”
“I suppose I’m not. I am, as you guessed, a Retanny man. For years I worked hard, proving my loyalty and bettering Retanny, but unlike most, I did it without any questionable dealings. After Retanny acquired Jenha, I was rewarded with this position, and decided to try to better the lives of those here.”
“That must be why we never ran into slaves taken from here.”
“And as long as I’m here, I’m going to keep it that way.” Ama Lei sipped the tea, savoring the floral taste. “I developed a name for myself and invested wisely. This job is more for pleasure than need. After I realized how bad things could be, I made sure to keep a portion of my wealth for emergencies, though I’ve rarely had to use it.”
“Why is that?” Taras asked.
“The people here. They have a good community. When one is failing, the others rally to help. Most are also proud and give back in other ways to feel they’ve earned their place.”
“That is remarkable,” she spoke with admiration. It would be hard to implement on a large scale, but for smaller areas, it could work. There would be a lot of work for her once she took the throne, but a plan like this could help everyone get on their feet quicker.
“Well,” Hino finally spoke. “You all seem to do well for yourselves, but we’d still love to help. I suppose you could add a donation to assist all?”
“We’d be grateful,” Fynn smiled.
“Mr. Fynn!” a boy’s voice called before he rushed through the door. “A ship has docked.”
“Thank you for informing me.” Fynn smiled at the boy, even if his words bore a hint of sarcasm. “As you see, I have guests from that ship.”
“Welcome,” the boy grinned as he bowed at them. “Mr. Fynn, Nonna requested to have you join us for supper.”
“I would be honored, though I would not wish to be rude to our visiting guests.”
“Nonna would probably welcome them too.”
“I wouldn’t wish to impose,” Ama Lei spoke.
“How about you join me in meeting Madame Matriarch, and she can decide for herself?” F
ynn asked Ama Lei.
“It would be my honor.”
“We will meet you back aboard,” Taras said as he and Hino stood.
Ama Lei bid them goodbye and joined Fynn in following the boy in the white streets. “May I ask about Madame Matriarch?”
Fynn laughed, his voice bouncing off the buildings. “Forgive me, I should have explained the name. That boy comes from the city’s most prominent family. In decades past, they were honored by the emperor, and the family is very revered because of it. However, the matriarch is such a kind woman that we’ve nicknamed her Madame Matriarch as a sort of joke. You will soon see.”
“I am looking forward to it. May I ask who the family is?”
“Oh, I seem to have lost quite a bit of my manners!” the boy ran under a large archway, disappearing into the house behind. Ama Lei’s eyes lifted to the animal carved atop the archway and her jaw dropped. “Welcome to the familial complex of the Undagon family.”
The wind dragon...
“Sir Fynn,” a female voice called drawing Ama Lei’s eyes to the older woman stepping from the home. Her face showed lines from years of laughing, and her eyes were so kind, and very familiar. There was no denying, this was Jian’s mother. “I hear my grandson has brought you and a guest for our supper.”
“Your invitation was very generous, though we did not wish to intrude,” Fynn spoke with a quick bow.
“Nonsense. Now, please introduce me to this intriguing young lady.” With the full force of her smile now focused on Ama Lei, she found herself relaxing under the welcoming gaze.
“Madame Matriarch,” the woman chuckled at Fynn’s use of her title. “Allow me to present the fearsome, the famous or infamous, Captain Phoenix.”
Ama Lei bowed deeply.
“Captain Phoenix! News of your adventures has reached our doors, and we would be honored, and excited, to have you and our crew join us for as long as you wish.”
“You are most generous,” Ama Lei spoke as she stood.
“Nonsense. You have done so much for Jenha and its people; it is our pleasure to assist you. I only wish...” her eyes glazed over in wishful longing. “It is no matter.” She spoke, shaking those thoughts.
“What do you wish, Madame?” Ama Lei risked.
The woman smiled at her. “You remind me so much of my son. The love for the people, desire to serve and help, even if it’s a difficult choice.”
“I suppose he turned pirate too?”
“No, but he made some difficult choices to protect people. I haven’t seen him in years, and some days I do miss him.”
Yes, Ama Lei could see how much she missed her son. Jian always spoke warmly of his mother, and at one time she looked forward to meeting her. Now that she had, well, she couldn’t help but feel the warmth and kindness her mother had possessed. This was a woman Ama Lei would have loved to know under other circumstances.
“Forgive my musings, I would be honored to invite you and your crew to join us for a feast. We always have plenty to share and would be delighted to listen to your tales of adventure.”
“We would be delighted to accept. If you will excuse me, I shall return soon, with a few guests.” She winked, and Jian’s mother gave a full laugh, following Ama Lei through the streets. Since the woman had been so kind opening her home, Ama Lei was determined to give her a gift in return.
“Captain! What news?” Taras asked as she stepped onto deck.
“We have an invitation to dine this evening.” Ama Lei told him.
“Now, that sounds wonderful!” Taras replied with a grin.
“I know a few will still need to remain aboard, but if we could plan a rotation so all can enjoy.”
“Aye, Captain,” he saluted and marched off, sending orders across the ship. He’d have a schedule set quickly that would be fair for all watching over her ship.
As for her, well, she needed to make sure everyone would be joining that evening. She gently rapped on Jian’s door.
“Come in.”
She let herself do just that, twisting the handle before stepping into the tiny cabin. Jian sat in the hammock, book in hand. He looked up, his face a mask of no emotion.
“May I help you, Captain?”
“I just wondered when you would mention that this was your home.” There was the loss of the mask, the surprise, regret, reminiscent longing, all playing in his eyes, even for a mere moment.
“I honestly didn’t think it relevant.”
“I do. Especially as your mother invited us to dine this evening.”
“What?” his jaw dropped this time, the mask completely falling away, letting his emotions full rein.
“Jian,” her voice turned gentle, reminding her of the girl she had once been. “I know we agreed you’d remain hidden when we make port, but I can guarantee no word would go back to Retanny.”
“It’s not that simple,” regret laced the words as he swung his legs over. “After I... led the coup, I didn’t think I deserved to return.”
“Your mother seems proud of you.”
Jian smiled. “She always supported me. I wrote her after, apologizing for my actions. She wrote back saying she supported me. I don’t deserve that, not for what I’ve done.”
“We’ve all made mistakes. Look, whatever punishment you think you deserve, you still have a mother who loves you, and misses you. I’d give anything to see my mother again. Death can come swiftly, even to those young and healthy. So, stop sulking, and get dressed to go see your mother. Whether you believe you deserve it or not, your mother does deserve to see you. I’d recommend not wearing your formal uniform, but still dress nice.”
Ama Lei strode from the room, and through the narrow passages until she stepped into her own room. Still not understanding why, she changed into one of the few gowns she carried with her. After donning the light blue inner-gown, she took the dark blue outer-gown and slipped her arms in the wide sleeves. Wrapping the edges over each other, she took a silver sash, tying it simply at the front. In a moment of pure vanity, she switched her black mask for a blue one edged in silver.
Before she changed her mind, Ama Lei threw a cape over her shoulders, and strode from the room and onto deck. She seemed to be the last to arrive, which annoyed her, but everyone else had taken the time to appear nicer. Most had changed into nicer clothing, and the rest had washed faces and combed hair. Even Taras had worn a vibrant orange long tunic, blue loose pants, and a light blue sash drawn over his shoulders for warmth.
Then, there was Jian. He stood proud, sword strapped at his side, and dressed in a long black wrapped tunic, edged in red. The sash was also black with a red dragon embroidered into it. She didn’t stop the smile, though she tried to ignore her heart’s thudding. After all, he looked beyond handsome in his family’s robes.
“Read to leave, Captain?” Taras asked.
“Absolutely,” Ama Lei replied and led the way down the docks, and through the town. The sun had finally begun to set, and several bundled people emerged from their homes to light lanterns outside. Some gave them curious looks, but most rushed back into the warmth.
As they neared, she looked back over the group, noticing that Jian hung back, hiding in the shadows of the crew. Oh, he would not be staying there long.
Finally, they arrived at his family’s home.
Ama Lei took the rope, tugging once to ring the bell. Almost immediately, the door opened to reveal Jian’s mother.
“Captain Phoenix!” She beamed, warming the cold night. “Welcome back. And might I add, you look lovely.”
“Thank you.” Ama Le blushed under the woman’s praise.
“Please, come in out of the cold.”
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she continued as she followed Madame Matriarch into the grand entrance. “Though I’ll admit to surprise at your invitation, as a gracious guest, I have brought you a gift.”
“Nonsense! There is no need.”
“Actually, I think you will be pleasantly surprised.”
Ama Lei stepped aside, motioning for Jian to step forward. He pulled his shoulders back, lifting his head. Tears glistened in his eyes as he gazed at his mother.
Her own face molded from the smiles to shock, and tears graced her eyes as well.
“Hello, Mother.” Jian’s warm voice cracked as he broke the silence.
“Jian,” she cried as she stumbled forward.
Jian rushed to her, wrapping his arms around her and placing his chin on her head. His eyes closed, forcing the tears down a face filled with happiness and peace. He was home.
After a moment, they pulled back, and his mother’s hands took his face, allowing him to gaze at her son. “You’ve grown so handsome.” She said. “Thank you,” she turned to Ama Lei, “for bringing my son home.”
“No thanks needed,” Ama Lei replied. “He is a remarkable sailor and has gotten here on his own merits.”
“Well, tonight will be truly something special. Come.” Taking her son’s hand, she led the way to the grand dining area, already filled with laughing and smiling family members. “Everyone!” her voice brought all eyes toward her. “Tonight we celebrate, for Jian has returned home!”
Cheers filled the room and Jian was soon swamped with family members. Ama Lei laughed at the enthusiastic wave surrounding him. Obviously, he was well-loved, and much missed. Then, somehow her presence had been noted and the crowds soon surrounded her. The smile was genuine as she accepted the praises, and she allowed herself to be swept by the wave to her seat.
She sank onto the cushion, folding her legs beneath her. It had been some time since she last sat so formally without chairs, and she realized how desperately she missed it. Taras sank to her left, slightly awkward as he first sat, but soon found himself comfortable. Madame Matriarch sat at the head of their central table, just to Ama Lei’s right, and across from her, Jian sat on his mother’s other side.
As the initial excitement subsided, she noticed her crew had been dispersed throughout the other tables, though Hino had joined her table along with Fynn and a few of Jian’s siblings. The meal began with playful banter, and many stories as the siblings caught up. Jian smiled with an ease that she remembered from their early days together, before her mother’s death and his betrayal.