The members of the Kingdom Guard were welcome always with mixed feelings in
the Palace. The Ice Clan could thank peaceful days and nights to them, and many
had to admit that with a tinge of bitterness. Some of them hated the idea, that
common mortals guarded their dreams. While actually not anybody could join the
Guard. Applicants arrived from every corner of the Mortal Kingdom, tall,
wide-shouldered, proud men, but only a few of them managed to pass the
obstacles raised by the General. The test of strength was simple, this was not
the point, where most of them failed. However, without sense, cunning and a
noble heart the rest of them waved goodbye soon as well to the camp, that stood
at the Grey Crab River. Liang Dao held a
parade among the applicants with a special joy before every Sorting, noting to
himself those in advance, who will make true Guards.
He was never wrong. Just like two
summers ago, when he met the young man walking next to him for the first time. A
blacksmith lived in the village of Xiang Mu near to the camp, who supplied the
Guard with swords, arrows and harnesses, and of course with anything else,
which could be made of fire and steel. One day Kai Chuo Yan arrived at the camp
not with weapons, but with his son, who took into his head to join the Guard.
The General said nothing. Everybody had this right, he could not even comment
the applications. Not if he planned to. Xi Wang was tall, wide-shouldered and proud. But there was
some cocky honour smiling in his eyes, and the General was never disappointed
in him later. The boy saved one fool with one hand, who did everything to fall into
the abyss during the sheep chase, then he belaboured him, when they fought
together in the sword duel, and he bandaged him at the end before waving him
goodbye.
Xi Wang was the leader of the sheep chase next year, already as the
General’s Captain. His father could be proud of him, just like Liang Dao.
That’s why he brought the boy to the Palace, when he was sent for. The General
wasn’t worried about him. If anybody asked, he might tell, that the girls and
ladies of the Palace should be rather careful, when seeing the Captain. But
nobody asked, so he simply enjoyed watching Xi Wang turning the head of all the
Palace maidens, who saw him walking around in the City this afternoon.
Xi Wang however had a great time
alone as well. He already saw the City a long time ago, but not the Palace
itself. His father took him to show the immortals of the Ice Clan. Xi Wang had
only a few memories of that day being so cold. His father didn’t understand his
son hovering about more often by the fire of the forge. It all turned out fine
at the end. Chuo Yan allowed him not only to get warmed, but he entrusted him
the water, then the fire, the he taught him everything he knew about weapons.
But Xi Wang never intended to become a blacksmith. As soon as he forged himself
his own sword, he never went close to the forge any more. His father fumed, but
the boy didn’t change his mind. He stated, either the Guard or the highway. Thus
Xi Wang became a Captain, and his father found another hand.
The boy straightened in the
saddle, when he rode across the Endless Bridge with the General, and he kept
his eyes open. While Liang Dao met the Counsellor, he stayed by the Stables,
and attended the horses.
The Stables were never visited by
so many clan members, like on this afternoon. Especially not so many Palace
maidens. Xi Wand was scrubbing the horses with a handful of hay, and he was
giggling. Behind his back the afternoon sun was shining back from the
snow-silver jewels, bracelets and hairpieces. Hidden laughter and whispering was
heard, when he tucked up the sleeves of his shirt to lift up the food bucket.
When he was finished, he picked up his weapons, that he put aside not to bother
him before He started towards the exit in such a quick pace, that the girls
stalling at the stable door had to jump, turn away quickly and pretend they were
there on a completely different purpose. One of them actually failed in this
task. She tangled in her skirt, and fell on the ground, bringing down her
friend with her too. Their pale skin turned rose, but they maybe didn’t feel
ashamed at all, as Xi Wang left them there after one dropped half smile, never
looking back.
The Captain promised the General
to find him as soon as he’s finished. However, nobody forbid him to take the
longer way. He roamed half the Palace before starting towards the Throne Room.
He saw numbers of wonders and beauty, and wearing the Guard uniform he was
never backstopped. Suddenly he paused. He was quite sure he knows where he is,
but as he turned around the corner he realized he must have been lost. He found
himself on a simple and boring corridor, while he was convinced he was headed
toward the Throne Room before. He started to go backwards, only to lose
direction even more. He began to curse in a low voice, but he didn’t stop. He
was relieved when he finally heard steps.
He stared at his luck with eyes
wide open, looking at a dark haired servant, who was carrying a pile of tablecloths in a
rush. They both recoiled. She stared at him wondering, and what was even more
strange, checking his weapons with the same interest. Xi Wang cleared his
throat, and nodded lightly. The girl tried to avoid him, but he only
straightened up and blocked her way.
- Excuse me, I’m in a hurry.
- Where to exactly? - the Captain
asked attaching a small smile.
- None of your business.
- I’ll take you.
The girl looked up to him with
her lips set, but said nothing. He pulled away and let her go. She moved on
with a hurry, but didn’t protest, when Xi Wang followed her. He was staring at
the determined steps, the swishing skirt and the dark hairlocks. He didn’t
realize where they went, he came to himself only when he saw the first guards.
- It was my pleasure. - he told
the girl, who didn’t even look at him.
He pulled his shoulder, and stepped
on the was towards the Throne Room. Nevertheless, if he did turn and was
patient, he just could have seen Bai He stopping and glancing at him from the
corner of her eyes.
The General waited for him at the
right side of the Throne room.
- The horses are fine? - he asked
the boy.
- Yes, General.
- Have you seen anything
interesting in the Palace?
- Yes, General. The guard is
well-organised. They are in a good number everywhere. The Guard wouldn’t be
needed after all.
- That day will never come, Captain.
- Yes, General.
Liang Dao nodded, then asked one
more question:
- Was he pretty?
The Captain replied with a wide
grin only.
Liu Shu lent back at his desk,
and glanced out to the corridor. The scent of rising excitement was in the air,
spreading around in the Palace like the scent of freshly blooming cherry
flowers. He was called on by many, asking him about the prince. He gave them
the only reply the had to know: His Majesty returned to the Clan. They need to
know nothing else. To tell the truth he didn’t know what the prince was
planning. Obviously he didn’t hurry to sit on that throne ny any means, while
he was honestly interested in the doings of the Clan. The Counsellor reached
for his crystal dagger and stood up. It was high time he visited Mirage Hall.
Ying Kong Shi didn’t sleep, he
only rested with his eyes shut, letting his thoughts fly around freely. He was
suddenly startled by the feeling of being pushed by his side. He opened his
eyes with a surprise, while the blue flames were awakening in his palm. Then he
realized he was alone, so he closed his fingers with a deep sigh and stood up.
As the voice of the guard sounded from outside, introducing the Counsellor, his
hand moved and the doors opened up.
- Greetings, Your Highness. I
sincerely hope you are feeling good.
- Counsellor… - Shi waved towards
the table, and they both sat. The prince were observing the other, but he
didn’t feel anything awkward. Still, he was quite sure the moment of surprise
has something to do with the Counsellor. One more thing to deal with later.
The Counsellor waited a while,
but as the prince remained silent, he began to speak:
- Your Highness, let me give some
suggestions regarding the upcoming ceremony tomorrow. As I have mentioned
yesterday, we have invited may guests, and the clan chiefs wish to speak with
Your Highness as well. It would be advisable to save some time for this task
also after dinner.
- This is just as I wish, Liu
Shu. About dinner…
Shi went silent, looking the
other expectantly.
- Your Highness, I dared to
entrust the High Maid with this task. The servants of the Palace are under her
command, and she has great experiences in organising such events. Everything
will be all right.
- The High Maid then… Tell me,
Liu Shu, who is this woman? All the servants in the Palace work for her. Those
who have all access to the halls of the Palace, those who take care of the
food… I want to know for sure, if you are satisfied with her.
The Counsellor didn’t reply. But
the look in the prince’s eyes made no doubt he would have to tell everything.
- I do not trust her fully, Your
Highness. As I don’t trust many clan members either. But I keep an eye on her,
and she knows that.
- Since when are these mortal
servants in the Palace?
- As long as I can remember. -
the Counsellor pulled his shoulders. - I don’t know, exactly when the first
mortal joined as a servant, but it might be related to someone in the Guard. If
Your Highness wishes, I shall look up the records.
- Leave it, no need to. I just
wondered, what’s the reason…
Liu Shu glanced at the prince.
- Your Highness, there are only a
few mortal servants in the Palace, and no man among them.
- Maybe the members of the Ice
Clan are not in the mood to serve the Palace any more?
The Counsellor leaned back and
sighed.
- The tranquillity of peace made
us all a bit comfortable. There is no fool in the Kingdoms, who would cry for
war. The Guard is proud and strong, but I thank the gods, that we have nobody
over the Ice Veil to be worried about. If we were only on our own…
- We are weak then, you say… And
we even need mortals to bring us fresh flowers…
Liu Shu watched the prince with
searching eyes.
- If Your Highness doesn’t
approve, I will not let any mortal servants to Mirage Hall in the future.
- It’s not the point. - Shi shook
his head. - But I do not approve anybody of the Ice Clan to consider the
mortals as a lesser being.
- Of course I understand, Your
Highness. And I agree. However, as I mentioned, there are only a few mortal
servants living in the Palace. And they all consider it to be their home.
Shi opened his mouth to speak but
he changed his mind, and he only said:
- Just make sure they are handled
fairly. This applies especially to he High Maid.
- Yes, Your Highness. I’m sure
the High Maid would use serious methods only in justified cases.
- We’ll see. - the prince nodded.
- All the mortal servants shall be present tomorrow.
- Yes, Your Highness.
- Leave now. And send the
General.
Liu Shu stood up and bowed.
- At once, Your Highness.
Liang Dao and Xi Wang obeyed
immediately the word of the Counsellor, and soon they called in Mirage Hall.
The General made a few steps ahead, then knelt without hesitation. Xi Wang
however looked at the Prince straight in the eye, who seemed to be not a summer
older than him. Ying Kong Shi returned the challenging look, but by the time
his eyebrows started to frown Xi Wang was already kneeling with his head bowed,
his hand on his heart next to the General.
- May the Ice Clan eternally glow,
Let there be forever ice and snow. - The General greeted the prince with the
traditional motto of the clan, to show him his respect.
Ying Kong Shi looked at him
wondering. The last time he heard these words was when his coronation was at
hand, and the clan members swore allegiance to him. Memories of millennia… He
had to remind himself to forget about the past, and concentrate on the present.
- Strength and honour. - Shi
returned the tribute with the code of the Guard, and noted with a half smile,
that the young Captain jerked his head up.
The General had a stronger
self-control. He looked up only when the prince said:
- Raise up.
- My name is Liang Dao, Your
Highness. This young man is Xi Wang, Captain of the Guard. We are both at your
service.
Shi checked their faces, he
didn’t reply at once. The General’s look was clear, and the water of the
Iceflower Lake down there in the valley, and it was shining like the blade of a
sword. On the other hand, Xi Wang was looking back at the prince with such a
challenge, that he tended to accept it at least for having fun. But Liang Dao
cleared his throat and the Captain lowered his eyes obediently.
The boy knows his place. But he
is strong, it would be irresponsible to underestimate him, the prince thought.
- General, I count on the loyalty
of the Guard. And I wish to visit the cap in the nearest future.
- As you wish, Your Highness. We
are at your service.
Shi smiled.
- We will meet at the ceremony
tomorrow. And... Captain… bring a second sword too.
When the General and the young
Captain were gone, the price also left Mirage Hall through another corridor. He
was headed to the Peak, where he and his brother watched the Light of Gods so
many times. But that was a very long time ago, unspeakably many sunsets ago.
Now, when the sun has set, but the starts were still to come out, and the world
was flooded by the cherryflower-coloured shine, Shi made up his mind to look
around at last from up high as well. He walked out to the head of the ice bird
shaped of ice, and looked down into the abyss. He never was afraid there, not
even being a child, when he had no magic in him, and he could’ve died easily.
Ka Suo was always sitting beside him, and he would’ve caught him anyway. But
his brother was not here now, and Shi embraced the familiar, burning pain with
an obligate smile. It comforted him only to know, that Ka Suo is alive and
happy, as he found not only love but freedom also. However, time and space
separated them forever, and he could do nothing about that. He was about to fly
before, yet it seemed he lost his taste now.
- A king cannot be soft-hearted…
- the wind whispered.
Shi didn’t mind. He moved his
hand, and the robe he wore disappeared, and a light mantle appeared instead
above the white, simple shirt. He tilted his head, so all the braids and the
prince’s crown vanished from his hair.
- Do not waste your magic… - the
wind grumbled, snatching into his hair, tangling the snow-white locks.
Shi raised his hand, covering up
the Peak with turquoise flames. Expressing his opinion.
- Snooty… - Snow Bird noted, as
he appeared next to him on the icy rock.
- A nice evening to you too.
- I thought I would wait until
you cry your heart out, but I came anyway.
- I wish I knew why you are
mocking me.
Snow Bird gave no reply, but the
wind died. Shi could finally take a look around in peace. You could not see
either the Endless Sea, or the Mortal Kingdom from the Peak. Only the deserted,
grey, snowless mountains to the east, where darkness came from. But the
thickening shade wasn’t illuminated by the crimson lights of the fires once
burning forever. The darkness of the night remained desperately black. Shi
closed his eyes.
- Do not say it… - he whispered
and Xian Xue obeyed.
Shi returned to his room only
when the Palace was covered by shades everywhere. He ordered the night shift
guards not to let anybody in Mirage Hall, unless he opened the doors. It was
already dawning when he fell asleep. He was awaken by dull-voiced conversations
somewhen during the day, but he refused to get up. He recognised the patient
and severe voice of Liu Shu, giving orders to the guards. However, he couldn’t
endure for long the annoying squeaking of the High Maid, who arrived later. The
woman was bickering with the servants on an absolutely not low-key volume,
scaring Liu Shu, that the ceremony is spoiled, if the cannot enter at once to
prepare His Majesty as they should.
The prince remembered an old
memory… He saw his mother, always surrounded by clipped-haired servants,
preparing for hours every time she was supposed to attend some official
ceremony. And Ka Suo… He was also complaining about wasting so much time on
preparing for ceremonies. Shi would’ve wasted some magic on creating a proper
outfit for the celebration, then he changed his mind. It’s not worth that much
magic. Any maybe he could avoid such situations in the future, if he gives in
now.
He rubbed his eyes, and sat up.
He pulled a flower closer from the tablet by his bed, and breathed its scent
deeply. Then he raised, just as he was, in shirt and barefoot, and he walked to
the snow crystal inlaid into the middle of the floor. He took a deep breath and
yelled out to the guards.
Liu Shu was the first to enter.
He looked up the prince raising up, something passing in his eyes, but he wasn’t
too surprised after all, remembering their last conversation. Shi nodded him
slightly, then he glanced straight forward. And he tried to look very
strictly.
The High Maid was next to appear
in Mirage hall, followed by the servants. As she saw the prince standing in the
center of Mirage Hall, his hair down, without his expensive cloths, barefoot,
her hypocrite look melted away from her face just like fire burns ice into
nothing. She just stood there, funny voices coming out of her throat, as she couldn’t
speak. Silent giggling started behind her back, and the situation was getting
very sensitive. To her luck the prince had mercy and he said in a clear voice:
- Make haste.
The High Maid turned red right
down to her collar decorated by gems, but she started to order the servants
around aloud. Shi peered at the Counsellor and allowed himself a half smile.
Liu Shi coughed in return.
- Make a bath. Get the garment.
And the jewellery. Quick. - Xi Huan fussed about.
The girls looked after their
task, while the High Maid loitered in embarrassment. Shi was already laughing
inside. Then he got serious. At the same time they both saw Bai He appearing at
the door, a basket in her arms filled with fresh flowers. She did not look at
them, trying to remain invisible and to reach the table, but Shi stood in her
way.
- Wait. Choose a flower.
Bai He shivered and snapped her
head up. She looked into the eyes of the prince, and dipped into the basket.
She picked a snow lily, but as she realised, she put it back and pulled out a
cherry sprig instead. She reached to him, but the High Maid smacked at her arm
right away. The flower and the full basket with it fell onto the floor. The
girl retreated in embarrassment, and bowed her head at once.
- You fool. You don’t even know
His Majesty deserves a snow lily? Quick, pick it up, and bring another. - she
yelled and kicked the basket further away.
Shi took a deep breath. The
cherry sprig rose up, the empty basked flew into the arms of the girl, the High
Maid started to shiver from the icy flames covering her up from head to toe.
- Enough. - the prince whispered.
Bai He crouched down and collected
all the scattered flowers in silence. Most of them broke, she sadly put them
back into the basket. The High Maid didn’t dare speak, but she wasn’t able to
hold back her anger. She had no courage to stay in front of the prince either,
so she muttered something and disappeared towards the bath hall.
Shi didn’t move. He was standing
there with the sprig in his hand, watching the girl. Bai He looked up, and her
hand stood still in the air. The moments passed, but silence was broken after a
few heartbeats by a bustling voice.
- Bath is ready, Your Highness. -
the High Maid reported, bowing deeper than usual.
Shi didn’t move yet, first he
watched the mortal girl collecting everything, taking a bow and leaving.
In his bath hall the servants
lined up with towels, his robe and his underclothes in their hands, watching him
innocently. And they obviously waited him to undress.
- I will be alone. - he used his
most severe voice, and waived them to leave him alone. The girls and the High
Maiden put down everything they had in their hands on a bench set by the wall,
bowed and left.
Shi observed them walking out
through the moving curtains hung between the columns around the bath. All of
them looked back at him.
That is just fine, he thought.
First the throne, now this… How long can he escape their expectations? He
blinked at the bath, filed with lilies. He sighed resignedly, and dropped down
his cloths. Water and flowers refreshed him quickly, and improved his mood a
bit too. He didn’t want to get it over with at all costs and as soon as
possible. Curiosity woke up inside him, so as he put on his soft, blindingly
white cloths and walked back, the Counsellor noted happily the tiny smile
hiding in the corner of his mouth.
The High Maid was ready holding
the long, light turquoise coat decorated with thousands of gems in her hand. A
detailed blue embroidery ran down from the shoulders of the coat, and Shi felt
its weight already, even before raising her arms to put it on. But the robe
wasn’t laid on his shoulders yet, as the crown rested on a pillow in the hands
of a servant as well. The other servant approached with a comb in her hand,
when the door opened again. Bai He returned with another basketful of flowers.
As she entered the door, she bowed silently, as she wouldn’t want to be noticed
at all. She approached the table keeping a distance from the others, and began
to empty her basket without a word. The prince thought otherwise though. He
wanted to annoy the High Maid on purpose. So as the servant lowered her head in
front of him, raising the comb, he shook his head.
- No. Today Bai He will finish my
celebration outfit.
The High Maid loudly started to
protest.
- But Your Highness. This is only
a mortal. She is not worthy, besides she has no idea about how to…
Shi didn’t look at the woman. He
only tilted his head a bit, and she was already forced to shut up.
Bai He stepped closer, but her
face looked nervous, and her hand shook as she took the comb. The prince took a
seat on the high-topped chair, that Liu Shu brought for him.
Bai He took a bow too, as it was
requested, but she still hesitated to touch the white flow of hair. Shi heard
the girl finally sigh, and in the next moment careful fingers run along his
hair. The High Maid hissed, and Shi smiled with satisfaction. He felt the scent
of cherry blossom, as the girl pulled the comb along in his hair again and
again. But when Bai He began to do the complicated braids, the air shook around
them with the power of an awakening magic. Her previously certain fingers
paused, but the Counsellor cleared his throat, so Xi Huan broke the spell, and
disappeared in the bath hall with a sullen face, ordering the other servants
after her.
Bai He relaxed. She was quite
sure the High Maid had enough. Solely the presence of the Counsellor and of
course the prince assured, that Xi Huan didn’t dare protest stronger. She
couldn’t deny the Prince’s order, and she couldn’t move the girl away for a
second time, after succeeding for the first time. She watched Ying Kong Shi
showing favour toward the girl in front of everybody. But Bai He was sure, that
she will be punished seriously for this - or for some hardly covered,
fabricated reason, and also she will be likely moved away form the Palace. She
wouldn’t have minded, though she would’ve missed those she spent most of her
time with. This will be one of her last days. Why not enjoying each and every
moment? She smiled as we was convinced, that nobody sees her, and started to
work with more courageous moves. New ideas popped into her mind, and she formed
the braids in such a way, that no immortals would’ve done. And she didn’t mind
touching the prince’s neck sometimes.
Shi had fun. He managed at last
to irritate the High Maid, and he brought some pleasant moments for the mortal
girl as well. He saw her every move perfectly, as a huge mirror stood a few
steps away from them, that was pulled closer because of the preparations for
the ceremony. The girl almost finished with the braids, only the last steps
remained, but she was to stand right in front of the prince for it. She tried
markedly not to look at him, though this was impossible, as she had to arrange
the locks left free. And she couldn’t do it without the crown. She looked up,
Liu Shu was already standing by her with the crown in his hand. Bai He thanked
him with a smile taking it over, and after checking the braids one more she
placed the sparkling jewel on the prince’s head carefully.
Ying Kong Shi closed his eyes.
The crown was heavier than yesterday. He waited until the girl finished with
arranging his locks, then looked at her. Bai He, who approved herself one last
peaceful moment before giving in to her fate, was so surprised by the searching
glance of the shining blue eyes, that she froze. Shi moved first, but as he
stood up, he kept on watching her. She was forced to step back. Still they were
too close to each other, when the High Maid returned with the girls.
Xi Huan watched without comment,
that Liu Shu places the robe on the shoulders of the prince. Bai He bowed, when
the last moment passed. She didn’t wait to be ordered, she stepped aside on her
own, and found something to do as far from the others as possible.
The High Maid bent her brows trying
hard to hide her emotions, though she took a bow for order’s sake, and complimented
the prince for looking really elegant.
- Liu Shu, come with me, I will
talk to you before the ceremony begins. - Shi said, then remarked by the door,
outwardly to the Counsellor, practically for everybody:
- Everybody get prepared, without
delay.
As the prince and the Counsellor
left Mirage Hall, Xi Huan began to scream:
- You heard the prince. Get yourself
together. Don’t bring shame on me.
She looked around, but only
briefly, thinking already about which dress to choose. Her anger remained
still, but she decided to deal with the mortal girl later, after the
celebration.
As soon as she set her legs out,
the two girls started to yell after Bai He, and ran to her.
- You lucky snow bird. The prince
chose you!
Bai He squelched them.
- I am done.
- Come on… How can you say that? -
Yue Liang tried to cheer her up.
- Indeed. Come. You will have the
most beautiful dress on the celebration. - Li Ming added.
They took the girl trying feebly
to protest from two sides, and stormed towards their room.
First
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