by K R Martin
True to his word, Taras sailed the length of Jenha swiftly and without engaging opposition, which was surprising considering how hunted she was. Even as she stood at the bow, Ama Lei kept her eyes open for enemy vessels. The port they sailed toward was one of the quietest, but she could never be too careful.
“I know you asked me to be swift, but I probably should have taken a bit longer getting here,” Taras teased at her side.
“Perhaps Master Deshi will be here several days early as well. He is meticulous.” she joked back, but he did manage to voice the same question that filled her mind. Hopefully, he would be there, or arrive soon. Quiet or not, she did not want to linger.
“I assume our guest remains below?”
“He thought it best. I have no idea how I am going to inform Master Deshi, and I hope he understands to keep certain things quiet.”
“This is Master Deshi. If anyone understands discretion, it is him. Besides, I will take the brunt and give him a little warning.”
“Are you up for your quick jaunt through town?”
“If he’s there, I will find him.” Taras’s voice was determined. It really helped to be able to depend on him. “You might need to hide below too.”
“Even if I hide, they’ll still see the ship’s name.” She nudged him. “Besides, I prefer to keep an eye out for trouble. Always best to be prepared.”
“Very true, Captain,” he replied with a chuckle.
As the dock grew closer, she could make out the figures moving, and one standing at the dock’s edge, completely still. Was he watching them approach? That did not bode well. He held himself tall, strong like a soldier. She fought worry, but something in her felt familiarity.
His features came into focus and laughter bubbled up within her, flying from her lips.
“Well, that certainly answers some questions.” Taras chuckled beside her.
Their ship pulled up next to the dock, and Ama Lei waved to the man. “Your timing is impeccable, Master Deshi,” she called.
“But of course,” he responded with a smile. “You, on the other hand, are late by one day.”
“We planned to meet nearly a week from today.”
“True, but I was able to finish my part and return yesterday.”
“Then you can spend plenty of time expanding on the merits of promptness as we sail to Espan.” she motioned to the gang plank as it was lowered.
“I will need help gathering my belongings,” he responded.
“Of course. Taras?”
“I’ll gather some help,” Taras said as he strode off calling for assistants. Deshi waiting on the dock until Taras and two others joined him, and then led the men into the town.
Ama Lei spent the time inspecting the ship and verifying their supplies. They would need to purchase more before leaving this port as there would be no more stops until they reached Espan, she thought as she emerged back on deck.
“We might need more hands!” the voice shook her from her musings as she stepped towards the side of her vessel. Her eyes shot wide at the crates and barrels that had been stacked there during her time below.
“Where did these come from?” she asked Taras.
“Ask Master Deshi,” he motioned with a grin.
“Master Deshi?” she asked the man as she crossed her arms.
“I figured we could use more supplies, and I gathered an abundance of goods that Luca will be pleased to add to his business.” His grin was cocky and she couldn’t help but chuckle at his forward thinking.
“Well, you heard the man,” she told her pirates who chuckled before running to help. With all the extra hands, the goods were loaded swiftly and they shoved away from dock before night fell.
Ama Lei remained on deck, watching as her empire disappeared behind them. After seeing it again after so many years it pained her to sail away. Silently, a hooded figure stood at her side, watching as the last glimpses of home finally faded from view.
“I didn’t think I’d feel relief, even if it’s still a bit sad.” Jian said softly. “I was part of the skirmishes against Retanny, so there were times when I left Jenha’s borders, but I never felt like I left home, until now. But after the coup, home became a prison. For the first time, I feel free.”
“There is a bitter sweetness to leaving a place you know as home, even if it became a difficult place.” Ama Lei returned.
“I’m sorry; I know I should be below, but I just needed to see it again.”
“I don’t blame you.” she smiled at him, trying to reassure him.
“I’ll just go back to hiding for the remainder of the voyage,” Jian nodded to her before turning, and freezing.
Ama Lei turned and hid the grin at the sight of Deshi standing there, arms crossed, and almost glaring down at Jian.
“Master Deshi,” Jian said as he gave him a deep bow.
“I thought I heard that you had been taken prisoner by Captain Phoenix, but I didn’t expect to see you as a guest.” Deshi’s eyebrows raised and Jian shuddered slightly. “Granted, I’m surprised anyone bested you; surely I taught you better.”
“My apologies, Master.”
“So, what have you been up to, aside from betraying all that I taught you?”
“Master Deshi, there are no words I can use to express my sorrow at the actions I took. You are right; I did abandon everything I believed in and betrayed those I cared for. Though my head knew it to be for the best, my heart knew it would destroy what I once swore to protect. I cannot ask for forgiveness for what I’ve done. All I can hope is that my actions would cause a better future.”
“Only time will tell, but if Captain Phoenix is allowing you freedom, then you must not be as bad as others believe.” Deshi’s eyes twinkled, and it gave Ama Lei a bit of relief. She’d have to fill Deshi in on what she’d learned. Later.
“Thank you, Master Deshi.” Jian’s voice betrayed deep emotion. She understood. Deshi was their mentor, and his approval would always mean so much to both of them.
“However, I expect to see you’ve improved over the years. Tomorrow, at dawn, you will be proving that you practiced.” Deshi said as he spun away from them. Jian watched him leave with his jaw slack open, and Ama Lei released the laughter at their exchange.
“Oh! And I expect you there as well, Captain.” Deshi called over his shoulder without stopping.
Ama Lei’s laughter ended as her own jaw dropped. Just who was Captain on this ship? Her head turned, and she caught Jian’s eyes looking as shocked as she felt. A smile broke on his face, and a chuckle left his lips, only to turn into full laughter. Even she relaxed and allowed the laugh to be released.
They laughed until her chest hurt, and even then she couldn’t stop the smile, though her cheeks were beginning to hurt. He might not realize it, but it felt good to laugh together again. Tomorrow, they’d be students again. She was looking forward to it.
He was not looking forward to it. Deshi might have said he moved on, but Jian knew better. Training this morning was certainly a test, whether that be of his skills, like Deshi said, or his loyalty. Or, this was Deshi’s plan to give him a sound thrashing. Not that he didn’t deserve it.
Even as he stepped on deck in pre-dawn light, Phoenix and Master Deshi were already sparring across the deck. The few sailors awake cheered them on. Keeping quiet, he hid amidst the shadows, just watching, well, prolonging his sentence. Although the view was quite nice.
Phoenix was fluid, like the water that surrounded them. She twisted around a punch, swirling around to send a kick to Deshi. His parry was reflective, sending a swift kick her way. Their bodies became a constant exchange of blows, limbs flying in a blur. She really was skilled. Her body moved like water, fluid, but her attacks, well, they reminded him of flames leaping from a fire. It fit her. No wonder she was named for the mythical creature of flames.
Deshi ducked beneath her blow, his legs sweeping hers out. She landed on her back, though swiftly rolled over her shoulder, to land on crouched f
eet.
“Now that is new.” Deshi’s voice rang with marvel.
“I have learned a few new tricks over the years.” Phoenix replied with a smirk as she straightened. So, she was once Deshi’s pupil as well; that would explain how fighting her felt a bit familiar.
“Ah! I see our honored guest has arrived.” Jian winced. Of course Deshi noticed him, and there was no mistaking that sound of impish glee. No, he was not looking forward to this. Time to face the music.
Jian moved forward, each step forced. The glint in Deshi’s eyes only confirmed his suspicions.
“Let us see if you have even practiced since we last sparred.” Deshi crouched, energy flowing through his body. The man didn’t even have a shine to show he’d been working hard. Oh, this was going to be bad.
Lowering into his position, Jian took a breath, mentally focusing his energy even as his eyes never left his master. His limbs itched to spring forward, to leap into action. He always moved first, as Deshi was the most patient man anyone had met. But today, well, Jian was not jumping into the thrashing he expected to happen.
Deshi’s eyes narrowed, just a slit. Oh no. He leapt. Jian moved to block, not quick enough. Pain flooded his chest from the impact, and he flew back, landing on the deck. His back filled with sharp pain from the impact. Yes. This was going to hurt. A lot.
“I see I have some work to do,” Deshi quipped with glee.
Jian hated today, and it hadn’t even started. However, he stood up, brushed himself off, and prepared for the sound beating he deserved.
“You did well,” Ama Lei spoke, trying to hide her own glee. Granted, she told Deshi everything before the sparring match, and he understood, but he still enjoyed giving Jian a bit of a thrashing. And she enjoyed watching it. Well, it did make her feel a bit guilty, but she could ignore that.
“I tried to keep my skills honed, but it has been a while since I last had a challenging partner to spar with,” Jian spoke. He stretched, and immediately winced. Deshi had definitely given his all to challenge Jian; even Ama Lei had never seen him fight so skilled before. He had hidden much of his talents, and she wondered if he had even more hidden away as well. Her master certainly was a mystery.
“Very few can compare to me,” Deshi said but without pride, simply stating facts. It was easy to admire him. “I will admit, though, you were one of the few students I have had that has come close to mastering the skills I teach.”
“Thank you, Master,” Jian spoke, surprised at the praise.
“I still think you chose a fool’s path, but I think you have also learned and grown. And, I doubt you will be as reckless again. You are not one to wish for a sound defeat.”
Jian sighed. “Of course, Master.”
“In all honesty, I did enjoy sparring with you again. And I look forward to continuing your training, without quite so many bruises.”
“I look forward to growing under your tutelage once again.”
“Good. I expect both of you ready tomorrow, bright and early.”
“Both of us?” Ama Lei asked.
“Yes. Your skills could use improvement as well.” Deshi didn’t wait for an answer, but simply turned and strode below deck.
Noises sounded beside her, choking sounds but joyful ones. Then, chuckles sounded, merging into full laughter. She turned to see Jian bent over, his arms wrapped around his stomach, and laughter just bubbled out of him.
“Enjoying yourself?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“I apologize,” he managed to say between laughs. “It just feels nice to not be the only one singled out by the Master.”
His smile as the laughed subsided warmed her heart, and she couldn’t help but smile back. Besides, he did have a point. Being under Deshi’s tutelage was always more enjoyable with a frien.... companion.
“Well, it appears as though our bodies will be tested tomorrow. How about we rest our bodies today and test our minds in the process?” she offered.
“I would like that,” he replied and motioned for her to lead the way. The journey might be long, but she found herself looking forward to it. After all, she had a chance to fight Jian daily, while enjoying conversing about her favorite tales. Oh, yes, she would enjoy the journey.
Chapter 20
Desiree strolled through the castle halls, admiring the architecture, and the art that adorned the walls. Espan had rich culture, something she found lacking in her own home. Retanny once had such culture, before they became so hungry for power that they destroyed what culture they had, and the cultures of the ones they conquered.
Sometimes she wondered what her life would have been like had she been born in a place like this, surrounded by such welcoming people. Then again, she loved her mother, and couldn’t imagine having another. She missed her so much, especially now. The duplicity had begun to eat away at her. How did Renee stand it? At least Will made their time together enjoyable. He was fun; if she had a brother, she’d want him to be like Will.
Glancing out a window, she reasoned that she still had time before she needed to prepare for supper. Might as well enjoy a bit more time to herself. A grin formed on her face and she almost skipped through the halls, not stopping until she reached the room she sought. Stepping through the door, she breathed the scent of leather and paper.
The library. Of all the places she’d discovered, this was her favorite. There was an allure to so much knowledge, and so many stories. Desiree had already learned more about the different kingdoms and empires surrounding hers, their cultures and histories, than all her years of studying as a princess. Oh, she’d learned courtesies and manners, but that barely scratched the surface.
She stepped towards her favorite section, the one that held tales of grand adventures, brave heroics, and dashing knights romancing kind maidens. They were so unique to Espan, though Cartiana had begun to produce their own tales. She hoped more tales would be created from other kingdoms, teaching their own values and histories.
Reaching up, she lifted her hand and grasped her current favorite novel.
“Of course you’d choose a romance.”
Her hand stilled as it lowered the book. She should have known he’d be here.
“I don’t see why I shouldn’t.” She carried the book to an open chair and turned to face Fedor. “After all, love is quite the wonderful thing.”
“I will agree with that, but romance stories seem to be a bit unrealistic. Having love doesn’t make every problem magically disappear. As evidenced by his majesty.”
The boy had a point.
“Yes, but the argument could be made that love is stronger than even death.” Silence answered her, which responded louder than if he answered in agreement. With a victorious smirk, she opened the book and began to read.
“I suppose I should say that I’m moderately impressed that you can even read that.” And there’s the quip to destroy her desire to read.
“For your information, I can speak six different languages, not including two different dialects found in Retanny. It does help that Espan and Cartiana have the same language, though they have their differences. The dialects are so fascinating to learn. I will admit that Vikieva has an interesting language structure.”
She could practically hear him seething. “At least we only have one dialect, as opposed to Retanny’s two.”
“True. But that is the beauty of joining two languages into one, rather than having the same language for centuries.” Brilliancy seemed to seep from her mind tonight, and it felt great.
“I suppose it was easy to learn as you had nothing else useful to occupy your time.”
“For goodness sake!” Desiree snapped her book shut. “I know I’m not a prince; I was not given the chance to learn to fight. I spent my life as a pawn to be molded to someone else’s whim. And yes, I enjoy simple pleasures such as dancing and beautiful gowns and jewels, but I also believe in being diplomatic and courteous to other dignitaries. One day I will be the empress, and even now I am the face of
my empire. I have to appear a certain way, whether you approve or not.”
She shoved the book onto the chair, trying not to throw it, and stomped from the room. Did he call after her? It didn’t matter. Sure, he was handsome. She realized that the moment she first saw him. His rich brown hair curled slightly behind the ears, framing a strong jaw with chiseled features, and his light brown eyes always seemed to glow. If he would only keep his mouth closed, but he never did, and she couldn’t keep hers closed either.
Beneath his sharp tongue lay a heart that just shone. He was smart, kind, brave... she still remembered how he dashed before her when the castle had been attacked. He placed himself in harm’s way, to protect her. When her father had taken her and Renee captive, Fedor was the one to rescue her from her imprisonment.
So why did he bring out her sharp tongue? He didn’t always. At the masquerade, they talked, truly talked, and flirted and she enjoyed being with him. Oh, she knew he lay behind the mask, but he obviously didn’t know it was her or he wouldn’t have been so kind to her. That night, she fully allowed herself to speak her mind, and he listened. If only they could return to that.
Tears? No, she refused to cry. Not over him, even if he was the first man to set her heart racing, to respect her mind, and to protect her. No one had ever made her feel so protected before. Too bad it had to be him.
An arm wrapped around her, pulling her tight against a firm chest. The scream left her lips before a large hand covered her mouth.
“Don’t cause trouble, and we won’t have to hurt you,” the gruff voice said in her ear.
“Hurry up, the guards will rotate soon,” another voice added.
Desiree felt her body yanked back, dragging her further into the shadows. What was happening? Was she... being kidnapped? No, she couldn’t be taken. Opening her mouth, she bit hard, ignoring the dirty sweat. The man yelped and pulled his hand away. She drew a quick breath.
“Fedor!
Fedor watched as Desiree fled the room, eyes bright with pain at his harsh words. “Lady Desiree,” he called after her, though he didn’t try to project his voice. What could he say? Chances were, he’d hurt her more.