by Kahn, Denise
THE MUSIC TRILOGY
♫♫♫
Peace of Music
Obsession of the Heart
Warrior Music
______________
DENISE KAHN
Praise for Denise Kahn
Split-Second Lifetime
This Author has a way with describing scenes that is vivid and brings it all to life. She educates subtly in that she gives you the imagery from many parts of the world, the cultures, the habits, the different ways and more. I believe this is a new and particularly fresh way to educate. I compare her writing to the book Eat, Pray, Love. I hope this book becomes a movie too some day. Good luck and please write more!
Nasrin Safai,
Professor of Esoteric Spirituality, Author
What an intriguing journey into Denise Kahn's metaphysical world! Her vivid tale of star-crossed lovers and love of life, music, and international adventure brings home a very important message ...love to the fullest with an open heart and never forget.
You'll want to keep on reading after the last page...did not want it to end. This soul-searching story should be captured on the big screen with a sequel!
Susan Zamora Gorman
Producer/Director
Peace of Music
What a thrill this novel is, especially for me, since I am Greek and a singer and have lived in many of the places in the book. It portrays beautifully the history of my country, some of which I lived through. Most of all, I truly love the way music is intertwined in the story.
Musicians will not be able to put this book down, nor anyone else who appreciates a good novel. Please write more!
Nana Mouskouri
Opera and contemporary singer,
UNICEF Ambassador, Author
Peace of Music
This is an exquisite book. A beautifully woven tale covering several generations of one family whose paths are intertwined with an amazing Chinese vase. Although the story begins in China, the plot covers a range of countries and continents as well as several centuries as the magic of the vase touches the lives of the family to whom it belongs. The writing is beautiful, the characters are rich and varied and the pace changes from the smooth to the rough of World War. Be prepared to lose yourself in an amazing world of music, laughter and intrigue as you follow the vase from thirteenth century China to modern day Europe.
This novel will not fail to capture the imagination of the reader.
Sonya C. Dodd, Author
Obsession of the Heart
This tale is centred around a singing diva called Davina. From the first page the story whisks the reader along, from one crisis to another as we meet many other colourful characters along the way. This is very much an adventure story with love, deception and loyalty thrown into the mixture.
The pace is quick as the action travels from country to country in a world of super stardom, yet very real human emotions. Hold onto your seats in this roller coaster of a journey!
Sophia Gampton
Warrior Music
Thrilled this is a Trilogy!
I just finished Denise Kahn's Obsession of the Heart...and was so sad that it was over as I turned the last page. I didn't want it to end and now with Warrior Music, I can continue reading this amazing story of the characters I have grown to love! I just ordered the soft cover edition...several for me, family and friends and started to read the e-book preview immediately because I cannot wait! It is such a beautiful gift...Kahn's talent. Written with heart and insight, she continues to weave this amazing tale of an incredible family. Her story lines are so well done...they hook you! So excited to finish Warrior Music and can definitely see this trilogy on the big screen!
SZG
Not just a book, but a journey.
Once again Denise Kahn takes you from one corner of the earth to the other in this wonderfully composed novel. Her characters are so sincere, I feel that no matter who the reader may be a connection of some sort will be made. This is the gift of a special writer. Hopefully new books to come (fingers crossed)!
MCT
Around the World in 80 Quotes on Photos
Inspirational, beautiful and informative
"Take 80 inspirational quotes that will get you thinking about a variety of life's greatest truths, add in a wide array of stunning photos from every corner of the Globe and you have Denise Kahn's Around the World in 80 Quotes on Photos. The photos are as thought-provoking as the notable quotations - and add an element of beauty that only they can. If you wish to take an entertaining trip around the world without leaving your desk chair, this book will provide you with your round-trip ticket. I highly recommend this beautiful and stimulating book."
Dr. Joe Rubino,
www.CenterForPersonalReinvention.com
Also by Denise Kahn
Novels
Split-Second Lifetime
Music trilogy
Peace of Music
Obsession of the Heart
Warrior Music
Photo Book
Around the World in 80 Quotes on Photos
Travel Tales
(Short travel stories)
We were 12 at 12:12 on 12/12/12 (Mexico)
Entertained by the Gods (Greece)
Sai Baba’s Ashram Rendezvous (India)
Short Stories
Miraculous Moments;
True Stories Affirming that Life goes on,
By Elissa Al-Chokhachy
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are either products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events, locales, or persons, living, dead, or undead, is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication can be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from the author or publisher.
Copyright © 2014 Denise Kahn
ISBN: 978-1499758122
Published by 4Agapi
www.DeniseKahnBooks.com
[email protected]
CONTENTS
1
Peace of Music
Pg 1
2
Obsession of the Heart
Pg 219
3
Warrior Music
Pg 487
BOOK ONE
PEACE OF MUSIC
____________
DENISE KAHN
To all who fought for peace and freedom,
Who sacrificed everything,
Sometimes including their lives,
Who continuously inspire us
And make our hearts smile.
And to my family
Who kept this history and tradition alive.
This is for you.
Life resembles a novel more often
than novels resemble life.
George Sand
13TH CENTURY
SONG DYNASTY
SOUTHERN CHINA
CHAPTER 1
The blind man looked up. He saw her. Oh, how vividly he saw her. The woman slowly extended her arm to him and smiled. A white aura enveloped her entire form and emanated from her heart like a bright sun. Her long white gown seemed translucent. She was surely the most beautiful of women, he marveled. Elegant and refined, sweet and delicate, her features chiseled as only the Great God could master. Yet her greatest assets were her compassion, mercy, and wisdom and of course, her power—more powerful than any other woman, man, or even Emperor. See-Fu was devoted to her. She guided him, and he followed her guidance. She was Quan Yin, his beloved Goddess.
See-Fu was a short, thin man. His round face, adorned with a pencil-thin mustache drooping down the sides of his mouth, surrounded an easy smile. His eyes were an opaque blue, as if void of lig
ht, the areas around them pockmarked with tiny holes—the result of an explosion from his pottery oven that not only took the color from his eyes, but also left him blind and scarred. He was not badly disfigured, but had a rather haunting gaze.
See-Fu sat cross-legged in front of his little altar in a small room surrounded by meticulously organized shelves lining the walls. Each shelf held glistening porcelain pots of different designs and colors, displayed by size. He knew exactly where each piece rested, each one lined up like a regiment of soldiers in perfect formation—from tiniest salt and pepper holders to large water urns. This was See-Fu’s porcelain shop. His fingers searched for an incense stick. He lit it, placed it in a holder in front of the sculpture of his goddess, touched her feet delicately, bowed in reverence and said a prayer.
“Your heart is heavy today, See-Fu,” Quan Yin said.
“Yes, very,” he sighed.
“It is because of Lían Huá, Lotus Blossom, is it not?”
He nodded. “I want her to be happy, and as a father it is my duty to do the best I can. I am just a poor potter making a modest living. She is such a wonderful daughter and deserves the joy she so yearns for, but I fear I will never be able to provide enough.”
“Lotus Blossom indeed deserves happiness, and you can help provide this for her.”
“I can?”
“Yes.”
“But how?”
“I will help you.”
“Oh, Lady Quan Yin, you always come through for me. You always shower me with your abundant gifts of wisdom and love. I am truly grateful and honored. I am your humble servant,” See-Fu said, and bowed reverently.
“See-Fu, you are a special person, with great Light, and I am always by your side. Now, Lotus Blossom, she is in love with a young man, is she not?”
“Yes. But I cannot provide a dowry large enough for her to marry him. Oh, what am I to do?”
“You are to make a vase, as only you can, and you will paint it with brushes and colors which you will make from nature’s bounty. I will guide you to the materials.”
“I am grateful, Quan Yin, I can of course create the vase, but I cannot see to paint it.”
“When the music plays, your heart will be your eyes.”
See-Fu reverently bowed again. He would do as she asked, even though he wasn’t really sure what she meant, but he trusted her implicitly. When he looked up Quan Yin was gone.
“Father, Father, where are you?” A voice from outside called.
See-Fu’s hands were close to his chest in prayer; his head bent forward almost touching the tips of his fingers. He had a smile on his face.
Lotus Blossom walked in and saw her father sitting in front of the altar. She knelt next to him, hugged him and played with the ends of his mustache, almost tying them together, just as she had always done since she was child. He gently caressed her face, seeing her with his fingers. Lotus Blossom had her father’s jet-black hair. Her eyes were brown and soft, like a young doe’s. Her natural rose cheeks and lips, along with her very white complexion and flawless skin, made her the epitome of a china doll.
“You have become a very beautiful young lady. You look very much like your mother did at your age. It is time for you to marry.”
“Oh, Father…” She sighed.
“You do not sound too happy. All young women are happy when they are of the marrying age.”
“Yes, that is true, but they would be happier if they married the man they love.”
“So, then it is settled. You will marry the man you love—that would be Zhou.”
“Of course that would be Zhou, but we both know that this kind of marriage would never be possible. He is a nobleman…”
“And because of a dowry, right?”
“Well, yes…”
“Ah, I can hear the disappointment in your voice. Well, let me tell you a father’s secret.”
“A secret?”
“Yes, little beautiful one. When a daughter is happy, a father is happy. I will provide this dowry for your marriage.”
“Oh, Father, you have the biggest heart in China, but only an Emperor would have that kind of power.”
“Not only an Emperor, but a father who loves his daughter as much as I do,” See-Fu said with authority. “Besides, I have an ally.”
“You do?”
“Of course. Now, don’t you worry. Together, we will make our dreams come true.”
“Oh, Father, I wish I could believe that…”
“Believe, believe!”
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Quan Yin nodding.
♫
CHAPTER 2
See-Fu sat on his doorstep as the sun came up over the horizon. He felt the warmth and smiled, partly because it would be a lovely sunny day, which he hoped would bring joy, and partly because he heard his beloved daughter.
“How are you this morning, Father?”
“I am well, my Lotus Blossom. The tea smells wonderful. Thank you for bringing it to me.” He sipped a little and then said: “Today is an important day.”
“Why is that, Father?”
“Because you and I have a rendezvous with nature.”
“We do?”
“Yes. We are going to get ingredients and materials for my secret.”
“Your secret?”
“The one that will make you a happy bride.”
“Oh, Father, you know that would only be possible if I married Zhou.”
“I told you before—believe! Believe!” See-Fu said with happiness in his voice as he got up. “Now, let’s not waste any time. Let’s go.”
See-Fu gently held Lotus Blossom’s arm as she guided him into the fields.
“Now, tell me what flowers you see,” See-Fu said.
“Well, I don’t know all their names.”
“That’s alright. Just take me to them. Which one do you see first?”
“Pretty red ones.”
“Lovely. Pick some for me.” Lotus Blossom came back with several flowers. She handed them to her father. He smelled them. “Ah, these must be poppies, a beautiful red color. Good. Let’s continue.” See-Fu said, as he put them in a small leather pouch.
They continued throughout the day. By dusk See-Fu’s collection included eleven different kinds of flowers, all meticulously kept in their individual little pouches.
Back at the shop See-Fu selected thirteen tiny pots and lined them up on a work table. He removed the pouches from his belt and took out the flowers from the first one. He smelled them, tore off the petals, and placed them in the first little container. They were white daisies. He continued in the same fashion with all the flowers, sometimes rearranging the order of the pots after he had felt their texture or smelled them. One by one they filled up and See-Fu inhaled the rainbow of smells. The containers were arranged from light to dark: white, yellow, an empty one, pink, orange, light green, mauve, another empty one, blue, red, purple, and two more on each end without anything in them. They were there so that See-Fee would remember that the blank holders would be for the gold, silver, clear and black. He was finished and happy with the day’s work. In the background he heard Lotus Blossom playing her qin (pronounced chin), the seven string traditional zither. See-Fu went to his cot in the back of the shop and quickly fell asleep listening to his daughter’s music, the always-dangling mustache positioned straight across the smile on his lips.
See-Fu and Lotus Blossom sat side by side on one of the steps in front of the door of their little house. The village was busy with the daily routine of merchants haggling, men and women buying supplies, little boys chasing little girls’ pigtails and dogs barking at the wheels of the carts rolling down the street.
See-Fu exclaimed: “Ah, the stone merchant has arrived from the provinces.”
“How do you know that, Father?”
“Listen… the wheels are groaning, the cart is carrying a heavy load.”
Lotus Blossom shook her head. “How can you tell among all the carts in the street?”
“Each one has its own individual sound. Take a look. The one passing us now is filled with sacks of rice.”
“You’re right! But how do you know?” She exclaimed.
“Listen carefully. You can hear the grains shaking in the sacks. And the next one is filled with fruit.”
“Now, Father, fruit doesn’t make any kind of sound!”
“No, but they smell. Ah, here is the stone cart, I need supplies.”
The stone merchant stopped the ox pulling the cart in front of the potter’s house. “Good day to you See-Fu, and to you Lían Huá.”
“Good day to you,” they answered.
“See-Fu, I bring you only treasures today!” The merchant beamed proudly.
“Excellent. I am in need of special materials. What do you have?”
“Come, I will tell you.”
See-Fu went closer to the cart. The stone merchant took See-Fu’s arm and guided him up and into the wagon. He felt around and touched several baskets filled with different colored stones and rocks.
“First of all I need pai-tun,” See-Fu said.
“Yes, I have that. The white bricks’ texture is perfectly fine, just what you need to make your porcelain, See-Fu.”
Lotus Blossom, having climbed in behind her father, picked up one of the bricks. “How are they made?” She asked.