PREFACE

Some character's backgrounds have been altered to allow for them to fit the narrative of this story, outside the historical time in which they would have actually lived or died. Events and locations may be slightly altered as well. Please enjoy!

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THE VANISHING CRANE

"Have you ever stopped to consider that perhaps this life you have been cursed to live—with all of its trials and heartache—is not a curse after all, but an opportunity to shape your own destiny?"

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CHAPTER I

There was something inherently unique to the morning hours. She would wake early, before the sun itself, to witness the light drape over the cobbled walls and through the windows of this humble cottage. The rebirth of the sun and its nourishing care of all things invoked a warm feeling of possibility. Whatever the ever-changing mood of nature destroys today may be restored tomorrow. There will always be tomorrow and a new chance for something truly remarkable to happen. Today, she thought, today seemed special.

It was early spring in northern Yong Province. For Qu'an, a quaint village just south of the Eastern Wu capital of Jianye, spring encouraged stauncher tea harvesting, the village's primary trade. Merchants would travel to the small borough to purchase quality tea in return for various goods. It was a time of plenty; where a prosperous economy meant fewer struggles for the common person. Indeed, the beginning of spring was her preferred time of year.

This particular morning still bore the chill of late winter, but the smell of the blossoming crabapple outside her window as it shivered in the breeze was enough to rejoice in. She sat by that open window, as she did nearly every morning, silently considering the cool sunlight as it poured though the crevices of the cobbled wall that encircled the cottage. She noticed that dense fog had settled over the foothills in the distance. She lifted a porcelain cup brimming with amber tea to her lips and relished in the warmth. There was the faraway sound of someone plucking at a stringed instrument while elsewhere children laughed. What was traditionally a calm part of the day was now teeming with anticipation.

She had heard that soldiers from the Wu army would be passing through Qu'an today on their journey north to the capital. Normally, the military elected to travel on the main thoroughfare from the southwestern city of Yuzhang. Rarely did large units consider the winding trade routes that led though this humble village. So, on the occasions when it was reported that they would, the village became unusually lively as the citizens prepared for new patrons. They lacked much, but with the arrival of spring and their devotion running deep, the people worked tirelessly to offer all they could to the military cause.

The smell of freshly baked goods wafted in the air. It was so heavenly. She longed to be among the crowd and to see the excitement. She could hear muddled chatter as people gathered to discuss politics and the events of the day. She placed the cup on the edge of the window and stood to finish dressing. Sitting on a small bed, she took a wooden comb and began combing through the long strands of her auburn hair. Observing herself in a tableside mirror, she squabbled with her disordered locks as she contemplated. It was dangerous to venture out when the military came through, that is what Feng had told her. So, he insisted that she stay indoors during that time. She never understood why, but she never defied him either. Yet, she rarely went beyond the walls of this quiet property and she felt herself growing restless.

As she absently stared into her reflection, she caught a glimpse of her palm. A round mark, not unlike a tattoo, appeared to glow in the rising sunlight as she held her hand out towards the mirror. It was an intricate, red ring with six points encircling a simple character she was unable to read. Following the shape with her fingertip, the brand felt as natural to her touch as her own skin. She had asked Feng if this was the reason she should stay out of the public eye, but he would simply state it was only for her safety. However, she couldn't deny the feeling that she was a criminal or even a prisoner. For all of her memorable life, she had lived humbly in Qu'an village, never having committed a crime or willing ill upon another.

Covering the odd mark with a thin, red ribbon, she felt conflicted. If she stepped out among the masses, what would happen? She was but a normal woman, a person, watching as each day came and went outside of her window.

With a helpless sigh, she returned the comb to its place next to the mirror and rose to dress. From her wardrobe, she chose a light gown suitable for the warmth of the day to come. Comforted by the soft silk, she wrapped her waist with a magenta sash and ribbon. Returning to the mirror, she arranged her locks into a simple braid and completed it with a jeweled comb; silver clasp with a ruby studded likeness of a crane; it was her most precious material possession. Finally, she chose a pair of magenta, linen slippers and with her teacup she exited her bedroom. Feng's antiquated cottage was small, but it carried a welcoming atmosphere. The furniture was simplistic; cushions of deep ocher with a floral pattern. There were many potted shrubs and blossoms that reaped the light flooding in from tall, screened windows. On the stone range a copper kettle whistled quietly. There was a collection of parchments and mindless writings piled on a sturdy, oak desk in the corner near a window.

Feng had, himself, been a highly ranked official in the Wu army since its early conception under Lord Sun Jian. Yet, he never shared many details with her about his military accomplishments. He spoke so little of his past that even the people of Qu'an, where he had spent all of his retired years, were unaware of his former identity. It would seem that, in his later life, he sought to relish in tranquility. He spent much of his time studying botany and tending to his many shrubs and florae. If this man, who had been her doting guardian all her life, had previously been a fierce wartime officer then it was a side of him she could see in her imagination.

Even now, as she drew back the aged screen doors, Feng was standing under a pear tree, considering the budding fruit. He was a stout man with a perpetually severe expression, but he had a kind and caring heart. She smiled, contented by him.

He realized her presence as she stepped gingerly from step-to-step down the path to the meager garden he was raising for the spring. He seemed torn as she offered him a cup of tea. The steam billowed in protest to the chilly air.

"You should stay inside, Yue," Feng said warily as he took the cup. It seemed very small and delicate in his calloused hands. He continued, "There is a military unit moving through the village today and it would be safer for you to stay home."

"I know," Yue replied, clasping her hands, "I just thought you would like something warm to drink."

Feng seemed to pause in thought for a long moment, considering her. Then he nodded and pressed the cup to his lips, finishing it completely in a single motion. He returned it to her and she couldn't help but laugh lightly at the hulking man. He offered a forlorn smile in response, seeming distracted.

Ding Feng was not her father. She had no memory of either of her parents. Feng had been her guardian since she could remember, and regardless, she viewed him as her true father. When she was younger, Yue would inquire about her mother and father often, but his only response was that he had found her as an orphan when she was very young. She had longed for answers, but eventually she reserved her tongue and ceased asking for them. She felt in her heart that if it was in her destiny find the truth, she would. So, she waited, patiently.

"Thank you, Little Bird" Feng said in an absent tone, "You should go back inside. I will be in shortly as well."

He turned away from her, but she quickly responded, "You aren't going to go into the village when they arrive? You might recognize someone from when you were in the army."

Feng paused again before returning to face her, "Perhaps, but I'm not interested in reliving the past. I am getting old, and I would rather enjoy my days in peace and quiet."

He turned away again, and this time he did not respond to her stammering, "…but."

He lumbered off, stopping only to pick up a worn tilling hoe from the overgrowing grass before vanishing around the corner of the house. After a moment of standing in dejection, Yue sighed and slowly turned to follow the rocky path back to the cottage. She stopped and lingered part way when the subdued chatter of the crowd beyond the walls grew in volume. The first of the band must be arriving. She found herself standing on the tips of her slippers, swaying from side to side in an attempt to see even the smallest glimpse over the closed gate. But it was of no use, the foreboding stone walls were built to provide privacy from the outside and they did so well. Defeated, Yue turned once more towards the cottage and took slow steps towards the door.

She stopped again, with her hand on the door and looked back at the gate. Then, she gazed towards the side of the cottage where Feng had disappeared and back to the gate. The cheering she could hear from the other side was too enticing. What a spectacle it must be, to see soldiers and officers in their splendid regalia as they return home from exploits she could only dream of. Yue placed the empty teacup on the stone next to the door and with her gown lifted in her hands, she scurried towards the gate, pausing only to look over her shoulder for her protective keeper to surely be there. She came to the gate and attempted to peer through the thin gaps between the wooden boards, but the most she could see were the backs of onlookers. Withdrawing from it, she observed the walls around her for any way to see over.

Her gaze fell on the pear tree; its heavily dimpled trunk would make it simple to climb. It's leafy branches rested lazily on the crest of the wall, making it the perfect platform. Yue started towards it, but hesitated. Feng had so politely asked her not to be outside on this day. Since childhood, he taught her to raise a garden, to cook, and tended to her when she was ill. Remorseful, she brushed her fingers over the ribbon binding her hand. But, she was a child no longer and she pined for all the wonders beyond this quaint, little village. A short glimpse wouldn't hurt.

Yue placed a foot into one of the many knots in the tree's trunk and hoisted herself upward towards an extended branch. Startled by the disturbance in the canopy, perched birds took flight in a cloud of deserted feathers. She found a comfortable position among the verdant foliage where she draped her legs and rested her hands against the crest of the wall.

Peering over, Yue saw thick crowds of people watching and waving to the first unit of soldiers passing. Yue observed the passing throngs of troops in amazement. Some were dressed in full, red plated armor, carrying long, sharp pikes and spears. They seemed to move in perfect sync with spearheads aimed towards the morning sky. Cavalrymen flanked the foot soldiers, brandishing banners that bore the Wu emblem. The clamor of their thick, metallic armor and the rumble of their harmonic footsteps flooded the congested street. It was a tremendous sight to behold; Yue could only imagine the influence an army such as this must bear on the battlefield. She could not shake the feeling of envy. Surely, they must travel far and see truly remarkable things. Leaning forward, she could hear broken conversations from the spectators below.

"I heard they killed the God of War, Guan Yu, at Fan Castle," someone said.

"There's a rumor that Master Lu Meng passed away after the battle," said another.

"I can't believe our Lord would ally with those barbarians in the north."

Through the waves of red, Yue noticed a small boy reaching into the street while his mother held tightly onto his other hand. His small face was twisted with grief as he wrestled with the woman's grip. Overwhelmed by the ongoing commotion, his cries fell silent. Yet, he persisted in his attempt to extend his hand into the street for something.

Then she noticed a small party of mounted officers that carried a different air about them than all the others. She could see them approaching swiftly. At the lead was a thin, older man of seemingly high stature in lavish garments upon an armor-clad horse. People standing along the edge of the road waved adoringly as he passed, but he appeared to hold no interest in them. He simply gazed ahead with an expression of apathy on his gaunt face. Insulted by the unenthused man, Yue decided his social status had robbed him of proper humility. Two other officials followed this callous figure on horseback, both younger and more engaged with the common people who had come to greet them. One, a brash and unruly looking man lacking any suitable breastplate, gestured his hands madly at the crowds as he laughed and shouted. This seemed to invigorate them, particularly women, but Yue failed to grasp his allure. There was the resounding chime of bells that sounded only when the man waved wildly at the crowd.

Next to him was a reserved yet kind appearing man dressed in a splendid, red uniform. From afar, one his most striking features would be a red, winged cap he wore on his head. Certainly the youngest in the company, he wore a distraught visage as he looked to the fervent crowd with a reticent smile.

The trio passed in front of her and Yue instinctively withdrew behind the wall, revealing only the top of her head to see. None of them took notice of her. Then, she could only feel silly of her learned disposition to hide.

A sudden cry broke Yue of her self-loathing. A child, the same boy who reached in vain for some unknown reason into the line of troops, had broken away from his mother. He stumbled on tiny legs and bare feet through the trampled earth to retrieve what could only now be seen to be a grimy cloth blanket buried in the dirt. Finally appeased, his tears were subdued as he held the precious article to his chest. Through the dust and commotion, the unenthused official at the head failed to see the small creature impeding his path. Bewildered by the noise, the sturdy, white horse the man rode did not notice either as it continued to stomp lively towards the boy.

The child's mother, acting on her protective instincts, dashed towards the surging train of soldiers and with all her might shoved the white beast as it approached the boy. Spooked by the unexpected shove, the horse reared its front legs with a whiny, throwing both the boy and the official to the ground. The man cried out as he and his regal garments fell to the mud. The confused horse continued to lurch and back away, kicking one of the younger official's mounts in its lowered muzzle. It too began to thrash wildly, leering backwards into the assembly of confused foot soldiers that scrambled to avoid it. The once adoring crowd fell silent with the exception of a few gasps and cries.

The prevailing sound that rose from the settling dust was the cry of the boy, who was cradled in his mother's arms as they shrank together in the street. From the pale look of trepidation on the woman's face, it appeared she knew of the error she had committed. She held the boy's head close to her chest, shielding him. The official writhing in the dirt stumbled to his feet and peered down at his muddled robes with outstretched hands. With a swooping gesture, he attempted to brush himself off as he bellowed in disgust.

Retrieving his sodden headdress from the ground, the offended man turned and started toward the cowering mother and son.

"Insolent woman," the man snapped in a hoarse tone as he bent to harass the accused, "look what you have done!"

He displayed the soiled headdress in her face in a humiliating fashion, before throwing it hard at her. This caused her to weep openly along with the boy.

"This is worth more than your filthy life, peasant!"

The cruel man grasped the woman by the arm in a terrible grip, and she cried out in fear as she clutched the traumatized boy. He continued to shout nonsensically at her and she pleaded for his mercy through tears. The sight was sickening; Yue clasped both hands over her mouth in an attempt to restrain a cry for the unfortunate pair. Onlookers began jeering; some in revulsion over the treatment of the woman while others commended the retribution.

"Master Sun Huan," The youngest of the officials, having regained control of his amber horse, spoke out over the uproar, but he was promptly ignored. He repeated himself, but more severely.

The older official paused before shoving the woman back to the dirt where she collapsed over the weeping boy again. The man turned on his heels with rigid shoulders, drunk on his own grandeur. He pointed a hateful finger at the young officer, who remained composed under the charge as he looked on with an unyielding expression.

"I do not need your reasoning, boy," The nasty man retorted through clenched teeth, placing strong emphasis on the label. He stomped over to his white steed where a soldier had taken hold of its reins. It jerked its head as the man unsheathed a polished blade from the saddle. Visibly disgusted, the young official shook his head, but said nothing.

The older man returned to the woman, who continued to lie face down over her child as the official addressed the crowd, "Allow this to be your only warning of what will become of defiance."

He pointed the sword at the disbanded soldiers, who immediately went to restrain the woman. She moaned as two soldiers pried the sobbing boy from her arms. All the while, he clutched the blanket, his only comfort now. What ensued was but a hazy nightmare; the two remaining officials pleaded with the mad man to refrain from displaying a public execution. People began to panic, some fled through alleyways while others attempted to rush the soldiers who threatened any who intervened with keenly pointed spears.

The horrible man with the sword turned his attention from the broken woman thrashing in the clutches of two soldiers and to the boy who was being held by the scruff of his neck. He no longer cried. The child gazed at his accuser and the hungry blade through red, swollen eyes.

A swift motion caught the white light of the sun, and then…

Yue could only compare what happened next to waking up from a vivid dream. All of her senses converged into one before she slowly awoke from what must have been a deep sleep. She expected to find herself in the warm embrace of her bed sheets, but instead she was standing in the middle of the street surrounded by petrified soldiers and peasants alike. Every pair of eyes was upon her in disbelief. The boy, standing still with his beloved item, gaped at her in awe. The woman, freeing herself from the now slackened grips of the soldiers ran to her child and embraced him. Her labored sobs were the only sound.

Bewildered, Yue spun to absorb all of the blank stares and looks of horror. Her mind reeled. This had to be dream. She brought her hands to her face, scrutinizing reality. It was then she realized that her palm burned fiercely. She noticed the vibrant mark on her palm. The silk she had wrapped it in was gone and the once black character embedded in the flesh of her hand was illuminated with an intense white light.

"What… are you?"

Crumbled on the ground, the would-be executioner held Yue with a befuddled expression. It seemed he had been thrust a small distance by an unknown force. His already soiled garments were threadbare and his gaunt face scorched as if ravaged by fire. He sat with the sword at his feet, where it lacked the blood of its intended victim. Then suddenly, as if struck by some revelation, the battered man leapt to his feet.

"Heretic!" He announced, again with a pointed finger. Onlookers began to murmur, the spell of the scene finally broken. Some began to frantically push through the crowd in an attempt to flee.

"What?" Yue replied with a weak voice, baffled by the accusation but without an explanation to give.

Furious, the man took hold of her wrist and raised it high for all to see as he shouted, "Behold, a woman who conjured magic to assault a member of the royal family."

Pangs of fright were bursting inside of her as Yue helplessly let this vile being parade her before the village like an animal. She began to beg for forgiveness, stating she didn't understand. But, to her dismay, her pleas only fed his fury. Could this be the reason? The reason Feng sheltered her so? All she knew now was uncontrollable regret.

"Release her," his booming voice filled her with relief, though she considered herself undeserving of it. Tears were welling in her eyes, as she looked to him, ashamed. Feng stood, looming from the crowd, a monstrous man with rage beckoning within his dark eyes. His white fists were clenched tight at his sides. The man restraining her faced him with wavering resolve. Feng offered another warning.

"I said to release her," Feng started towards them. Yue slowly turned her gaze to the other officials. The brasher of the two looked on with a creeping grin; he seemed readily amused by this turn of events. The other was very clearly stunned as he observed the fiendish man that was Feng. He had a hand resting on the hilt of one of two blades at his side.

"This village has been housing a heretic, it seems, with the intent of using magic to bring harm to a superior," the man's coarse voice rose over the crowd, gaining power from his own absurd words. However, there was truth in them; she felt he was deserving of justice for attempting to murder an innocent child … and magic? Yue was uncertain, but she had somehow appeared there over a man who had somehow been brought to his knees by some force that she could not explain.

"This is your final warning," Feng tremendous bark reverberated off of the stone walls outside of their home, "release her or I will kill you."

The air, thick with discord, seemed to be reaching an inevitable boiling point. The surrounding soldiers were poised with weapons drawn and ready.

"You alone will face an army over this woman?" The man's voice was audibly shaken by the ferocious threat, but he retorted with a hiss, "You both will be taken to the capital to face the Emperor himself for your acts of treason and heresy."

With proud harrumph, he shoved Yue into the arms of soldiers. She yelped as they brashly shoved her to the ground.

"Seize them!" He called with a smirking laugh.

A thunderous commotion followed; Yue rose to her knees to see soldiers with weapons rush at Feng. However, the giant man, with unraveled skill she had never witnessed before then, confiscated a pike from a soldier standing near. Without sparing a moment, he lunged towards solders that were closing in around him. He pierced one through the chest with precision, killing him. Blood spilled onto the earth. There was screaming all around them as people fled in all directions. The other soldiers hesitated at the sight of the monstrous man.

Feng was bent forward in defensive stance with the spear close at his side, ready to strike again. However, his attention turned to Yue as she struggled to her feet. His fierce resolve seemed to waver. He started toward her and she felt an arm encircle her throat. The ground vanished beneath her feet and she could feel a jagged point threaten the skin of her neck. Yue clawed desperately at the armored forearm of the soldier who barked at Feng to drop his weapon.

Yue gasped and pleaded for mercy as she watch Feng halt his charge. There was continued shouting through the chaos. Heeding the threat, Feng dropped the pike to his feet and the soldiers swarmed him. Her final impression of this horrific scene was of the woman who sat still in the street, cradling her weeping son in her arms. Her muddled face was heavy with exhaustion as she gazed at the restrained woman. Before her eyes were bound in tight cloth, Yue could see the silent gratitude in her face. Finally, as she was dragged in some unknown direction, there was only harsh shouting and the darkness.

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