The Girl with the Red Lantern: An Epic Fantasy Adventure (The Shadow Lord's War Book 1)

by K.N. Lee

After he’d arrived, he’d rested, ate well, and changed into clothes more suitable for a man of his station.

  He was an imperial prince after all, even if he had been exiled. Now that his exile had ended, he’d be returning home soon.

  Dressed in a fine vest, dark leather pants, knee-height boots, he donned a red cape. Despite not being in armor, the sword with the dragon symbol was on his hip, and always ready for quick use.

  “Have a seat, my boy,” Master Sergey said when he entered the room.

  “Everyone still calls me boy,” Dimitri said, shaking his head. “You’d think I was still a rosy-cheeked ten-year-old coming to your office after a fight with Jamie and Maxsim.”

  Master Sergey, a man in his early sixties, with a salt and pepper beard and dark hair leaned against the floor-to-ceiling bookcase and folded his arms over his chest.

  “Ah, habit,” he said. “You man be a man, but you’re more like a son to me than a student. Have been for some time.”

  Those words touched Dimitri’s heart in a way he hadn’t anticipated. It was true. Sergey had taken him under his wing after he’d been sent to the temples. Magic was still so frowned upon by humans, and it was too dangerous to keep Dimitri in the palace with such gifts.

  “What of the trip to St. Petersburg?” Master Sergey asked. “Anything new to report?”

  Dimitri shrugged. “Nothing incredibly extraordinary. The crime bosses still battle for dominance, but I at least spoke to Mama Olga.”

  “Ah, and what did the old hag have to say?”

  Dimitri chuckled, and stroked his chin. “She said that you were a dirty bastard that still owed her an incantation for everlasting beauty.”

  Sergey shook his head. “She’ll get it when she stops opening dark portals.”

  “I don’t think that will ever happen,” Dimitri said. “She thrives on shadows.”

  “But, we need her to keep an eye on things on the other side,” Sergey admitted. “I suppose I’ll send her the scrolls as payment for the information she provides. We wouldn’t know of Tarth’Ral’s plans without her.”

  Dimitri nodded. “I agree, but that’s not what I wanted to talk to you about,” Dimitri said, leaning forward.

  “What is it?”

  “I came here this morning to tell you about a dream I had while in St. Petersburg.”

  “What of it?” Sergey asked. “More about the Shadow Clans?”

  “No,” Dimitri said, and for a moment, he hesitated.

  What he’d learned was much different from any of his premonitions or dreams of the future. This was something entirely different. He still feel her presence, and hear her voice.

  “Tell me,” Sergey said. “It seems to be plaguing you.”

  “Very well, I’ll just come out with it,” Dimitri said. “But, I think I was visited by one of the gods.”

  There was silence, and he studied Sergey. From his perspective, he didn’t seem surprised at all.

  “Says her name is Ziyi,” he said.

  This time, there was a hint of…something within his expression. Nonetheless, he couldn’t read what that something was. Mustering his courage, he sat back up in her chair and looked him right in the eyes.

  “Do you know something I don’t?”

  Shaking his head, Sergey sighed. “What do you mean?”

  “It just seems like there’s something you’re not telling me.”

  “Dimitri, there are no secrets between us. I am simply not surprised that you’ve been chosen for contact with a god. Your heart is pure, even if you have the spark of mischief in your eyes. I believe the gods can see past all of that, for we are all innocent and cherished in their eyes.”

  “Well, she did mention some things about my destiny and being called,” Dimitri added.

  That sparked Sergey’s interest. “Did she say what that was?”

  He clasped his hands before him and glanced toward the chandelier. “Well, let’s see. I can alchemize most metals, I’m a Seer, and I have an elemental spirit guide. I suppose it has something to do with those things. I can’t fathom what it is though.”

  Sergey nodded. “I’m sure it will come to you. If Ziyi came to you in your dreams, she will return.”

  “True,” Dimitri said. “But, she made it seem so pressing. I wish she would have just told me what it was.”

  “Sometimes that’s how things are. They give you breadcrumbs of information until you’re ready for the full meal.”

  There was silence then as Dimitri tried to remember everything he’d seen in his dream.

  “There was something that stuck with me,” he said, narrowing his eyes as he retraced every memory.

  It had been days ago since he’d had it, but he still couldn’t shake it, and he didn’t want to. It had been pleasant in comparison to the death and carnage he usually saw in his dreams.

  “Dragons flew across the sky. There was a lot of destruction, and ruins, and a sword.”

  Master Sergey shot a look at him. “What kind of sword?”

  He shrugged. “Seemed pretty standard. A bit big, if you ask me. But, Ziyi held it in her hands as a statue.”

  That brought light to Sergey’s eyes.

  “It cannot be,” Master Sergey said, standing to his full height.

  He left his spot against the bookshelf and crossed the room to another shelf. He pulled a worn, leather chest from on top of it, and placed it on the wooden table before Dimitri. Dust rose and floated in the air, hovering in the slivers of sunlight that came in through the window.

  After opening the box, he reach in and took out a scroll that was fasted with a bronze latch.

  “In the legends, Ziyi was said to wield a golden sword. The Sword of Light.”

  Dimitri’s brows rose. “I think I vaguely remember that. Its been so long since I learned the ancient history of the gods.”

  “Well, if its the same one from your dream, then the Sword of Light may still be out there, and Tarth’Ral will rip the very surface of the earth apart to find it.”

  “Really?”

  Master Sergey’s eyes widened, and he sat down in his chair.

  “Dimitri,” he said, and stroked his beard. “I think your destiny might be to find the lost Sword of Light and stop the Shadow Lord. I think your destiny is bigger than either of us imagined.”

  Chapter 15

  Dimitri walked from the temple and to the gardens. What he’d just learned from Master Sergey was almost too much for him to wrap his mind around.

  He’d always known he was different, and had unique gifts. But, he never imagined having to use his powers to stand against Tarth’Ral.

  The air was sweet, and smelled of honeysuckle. Memories from his childhood returned, as he walked the grounds of the hidden temples. He’d trained there during his adolescent years, and would never forget the fond memories of racing through the golden fields with his friends.

  This was more home than any other place in the world.

  Now, he reflected on just how he would be presented when he returned to his palace. How would Emperor Vlad feel about what Master Sergey felt was his destiny?

  He knew that it would possibly make more sense not to tell his father. But, the emperor had a way of seeing right through people and any hidden truths.

  Then, he found himself thinking about his mother. If she’d been alive, she wouldn’t have stood for Dimitri being exiled.

  There were fragments and memories of her—memories that perhaps he couldn’t decipher, and some that he didn’t want to.

  Casting a glance at the moon, he resolved to return home as soon as possible. Father had opened the doors for him once more.

  It was time for a reunion that made his stomach turn with dread, fear, and a tiny ray of hope.

  The forest called to him, and he accepted its invitation. In the dark he was safe.

  He was home.

  The moment he stood inside the thickness of the forest, a blue light flickered out of the corner of his eye. He paused, and
took in his surroundings.

  “What is it, Ingrid?” Dimitri asked as eyes adjusted to the pitch black that stretched all around.

  Ingrid appeared before him, materializing like a collection of mists that morphed into a beautiful translucent woman.

  “I’ve something to tell you,” she said, in a voice that more serious than he’d heard in quite some time.

  “What is it? Not another spat in the Spirit Realm about who I choose to spend my nights with, is it?”

  She shook her head. “We don’t care about those things, Dimitri. But, there is something brewing in the Unseen. A meeting is being orchestrated. A fated one.”

  That was indeed interesting.

  “Great, where and when will it be? I’ll wear my best garments, polish my sword.”

  “Its quite serious, Dimitri,” Ingrid said, folding her hand before her silver gown.

  “Ah, did I not sound serious just now?”

  She pursed her lips. “Just be ready, Dimitri. What will come will change the course of your life.”

  She vanished then, leaving him baffled.

  He threw up his hands. “Well, thank you very much for nothing at all.”

  Confused by that short, cryptic exchange, he retreated back to the temples. By morning, he’d be ready to sail back to the place he was born.

  The Imperial Palace of Moscow.

  Chapter 16

  MEI

  Mei napped during the day, and stayed awake at night, looking into the darkness, and hoping that no Shadow Clans or their beasts would come fro her.

  A week had passed since she ran from her aunt’s home, and she grieved Siying’s death. If only she’d have discovered her abilities faster. She used her skills from living in the rural countryside to survive. She built fires, set traps for rabbits, and kept following the green light the red lantern shone for her.

  One afternoon, she was awakened by a mystical hum.

  She sat up, and stretched. Everything ached, and she was sure it would take a few days for that to pass.

  Still, the song was the most beautiful sound she’d heard, like the singing bowls the monks played at the temples, but clearly from a man’s voice.

  Transfixed, Mei stood from her spot on the soft patch of grass beneath a moss-covered tree.

  She dusted off blades of grass and twigs, and walked along the path that had revealed itself before her. Her feet seemed to move on their own accord, but she didn’t resist.

  She was bewitched, and for a moment she wasn’t sure if she was awake or still sleeping.

  White stones began to appear underfoot. She took them without fear, and prepared for what would appear at the end of the path. She gazed ahead, and beheld the crystalline lake that revealed itself from behind the tall trees.

  There, standing at the edge was a man in white robes. He wore a long gown with draped sleeves and a silver circlet.

  Mei stopped in her tracks and considered turning away. But, a wave of calm washed over her as the man turned around and pointed his disarming violet gaze her way. His long dark hair was pulled into a ponytail at his nape. He was perfect, like a vision.

  She’d never seen anyone with his complexion. His skin was the dark—the shade of mahogany—and he was nearly a foot taller. He appeared to be human, possibly in his twenties. There was an otherworldly air about him that she couldn’t quite place.

  But—his face—it made her blush to realize she was staring at him.

  “Zhou Mei,” the young man said, tilting his head as she looked Mei up and down. “I’ve dreamt of you a thousand times. You’ve made it.”

  Why would anyone dream about me?

  Mei shifted her weight from one foot to the other. “Who are you?”

  A smile spread across the man’s handsome face, and he gave her a deep bow.

  “Call me Rohan,” he said, with a dip of his head and a flourish of his arms. “Warden, Master of the Earthly Realm.”

  Chapter 17

  Master of the Human Realm?

  Now, Mei stood before him in a tattered tunic, with mud and dirt clinging to her feet and legs. Her face was scratched from being smacked by bushes and twigs, and her hair was a tangled mess.

  “Why are you waiting for me?” Mei asked, glancing around her to see if there was anyone around besides her and the Warden.

  She wiped a sheen of sweat from her face, and tried to make herself somewhat presentable. She’d never been what was considered traditionally beautiful. Her eyes were said to be too intense, her chin too pronounced, and her frame was more athletic than petite. But, now, she wished she’d been as presentable as she’d been for the Matchmaker for this young man.

  “You see,” he began. “I’ve been searching for you for quite some time. My very reason for being in this realm is because of you. And, when the spirits told me that you’d be heading my way, I bridged the gap and came to meet you. Now, we must hurry before the Shadow Lord also hears of your presence. There are many spies in the Unseen, behind the Veil.

  “But, why?” Mei asked. “Why would the Shadow Lord have any interest in me?”

  “You see, you were born for a very special purpose. Your traumatic past is simply fuel to the fire within your bones, and blood.”

  Mei stiffened. She didn’t want to think of anything from the past.

  “Do not fear your past. It is there for a reason; to learn, to grow, to shape you into who you are.”

  “Perhaps mine is simply the mark of someone cursed,” Mei said, and sucked in a sharp breath at the pain in her heart. The Matchmaker had betrayed her, just when she thought she had an ally. “Death follows me.”

  “Only because darkness is so eagerly drawn to light,” Rohan said, his voice so assured and soothing that it gave Mei chills.

  To hear those words gave her a spark of hope. All of her life she had felt that darkness always seemed to follow—always ruined every ray of happiness in her life.

  “Your suffering can end now,” Rohan said. “If you come with me now. Come, and I will empower you. I will train you to use your power.”

  Rohan held out a hand and waited—expectantly—for Mei to accept his grasp.

  “How do I know you aren’t one of the darkness…come to collect or kill me? I’ve heard these words before. You want to teach me, mold me, make me into who I am destined to be. But, what makes you different from the Matchmaker?”

  Rohan lifted a brow over his right eye. “The darkness has no power over me, no dominion. I understand your reservations. They are well founded, and I am proud of your ability to discern.”

  He took a step back and sat on the ground, legs crossed.

  “But, what I want you to do now is ask yourself if I can be trusted,” he said. “Then listen to what whispers within your mind, pay attention to the sensations your body gives you. These are all signs from the part of you that knows what is for your highest good and what is not. You have the key to the truth within you if you only take the time to pay attention. I’d wager your body warned you against trusting Phong Li and her lies dipped in sweet cream. Did it not?”

  Mei tensed. He was right. Her gut had warned her against it.

  “I thought so,” he said, reading her face. “It’s time to stop ignoring the signs, and start trusting yourself. Your destiny has waited long enough for you to be ready. Let’s not wait for the world to end to step into your power.”

  She couldn’t believe how much sense he was making. She’d told herself the very same thing; that she would not ignore her intuition ever again.

  So, she did as he advised, and closed her eyes.

  Somehow, she already knew he was not like Li, but she wanted to double check anyway. She asked herself, is he trustworthy? Will he hurt me?

  Then, she quieted the frantic thoughts of her mind and waited for the answer. It didn’t take long for a wave of calm to wash over her, and a flood of love to fill her veins.

  When she opened her eyes, he was standing, and held a hand out to her.

&nb
sp; Aghast at how beautiful the sensations that just washed over her were, she stared at him in reverence. “Who are you really? Where did you come from?”

  “So many questions, but are you willing to seek the answers,” he said, shaking his head. “I offer you clarity. I offer you peace and freedom from fear. Come with me, Mei.”

  Rohan motioned her closer, and held her other hand out behind her where a small canoe appeared upon the lake. “I’ll take you to the Temples of Wan Fu to reclaim your birthright. And, we will begin. It’s time to stop wandering in the dark and discover the magic within.”

  Go, Mei. He is of the light, the ancestors in the red lantern said.

  Mei stepped forward, and he helped her into the canoe.

  Rohan sat behind her, and the boat began to move without paddles or effort. It moved by magic.

  “Thank you,” she said. “For being here to protect me and teach me. I had to be cautious. I’ve seen and experienced so many things, and I’m still a bit shaken by it all.”

  “You have,” he said. “Which is usually the path of a warrior. There’s still so much to experience. We’ve only just begun.”

  He handing her a flask. “A crystal elixir.”

  “What does it do?” Mei asked, trying to peer into the flask, but seeing only darkness.

  “You've taxed yourself to near death. You'll need to recharge your energy and magic reserves before we can even begin your training, but, soon you’ll be back to your old self. Be mindful, it will put you to sleep, but the sleep will be restorative.”

  She hadn't realized just how tired, hungry, and thirsty she was until the warm liquid touched her tongue and went down her throat. It soothed, and sated her thirst and hunger with only a few sips.

  It was as if a string had been cut—one that had held Mei together—and she found herself slumping onto the floor of the boat. She could barely see or think clearly.

  All that surrounded her was complete darkness, and the faint hum of Rohan’s singing.

  Chapter 18