A Scent of a Woman

by Shaolin Kitten

Part 6

The Festival of May was a great celebration of life. Monks of all types would make pilgrimages to the Forbidden City in China at least once in their lives to worship at the temple there. The Festival was a week-long celebration culminating on the final day of feasting and prayer. Many would celebrate by fasting that week while others would meditate throughout each day. Those that could not make it to the city would go home to their own temples if they were able, their thoughts of peace and harmony being sent outward. It was believed that if enough meditated, peace could be brought to the world.

Kwai Chang rose early and dressed in the traditional robes of celebration. It had been a long time since he'd worn the robes of the temple. It felt strange and good at the same time.

"The robes look good on you."

Kwai Chang Caine turned to see Master Kwahn standing in the doorway.

"Master, it is good to see you." Kwai Chang bowed to his old master and teacher. "Is it true about Michael? Will he be leaving the temple soon?"

"Did he tell you this?"

"Yes."

"Yes, he will be leaving, but only to make his pilgrimage. He wishes to worship at the temple in China. To know what our homeland can offer him."

"It is very dangerous. The communists may not allow it. You know what they did."

"Yes, I know." sighed Master Kwahn.

"Master," Kwai Chang became pensive. "I wish to speak to you about Master Dao. I sensed from him that something is not right. I felt the cloak of violence around him."

"Kwai Chang, your powers of perception are quite remarkable. Your father also had that ability, I believe, and also your grandfather it was said. Master Dao has been through a great ordeal. He came to us because his family had been killed by the Singh Wah. I should not even speak their name. You know they exist, and they have tried to destroy our order many times. Master Dao needs time. He is young. Michael spoke to me of his rudeness. He has been dealt with. He will be confined to his quarters during this celebration."

"Master, I do not wish to be the cause of anyone's pain; especially a fellow Shaolin. Please, do not confine him. It will only bring on more resentment."

"Perhaps you are right. You are wise beyond your years, Kwai Chang. What should be done then?"

"I do not know. Have many more monks arrived?"

"Yes, and they continue to arrive."

"Perhaps it would be a fitting punishment if Master Dao was to stand at the entrance and greet all who enter."

Master Kwahn smiled. "You are wise my friend. I wish you would return to the temple. The search for your father's essence must cease some time. Grieving must end. You would make a wonderful teacher and I could use your counsel."

"Is it not the way of the Shaolin to wander and help those that are in need?"

"Yes, but it is also the way of the Shaolin to teach others and to see that the order continues. Not all monks are suited to the task. The line of Caine is very special. Your grandfather and your father before you were Shaolin. Perhaps one of your children will also choose the way."

"Perhaps. But I have not found that special someone to share my life." Kwai Chang turned away, a blush appearing on his cheeks.

"Now, Kwai Chang, you cannot hide the truth from me. There is someone, but you have not voiced it yet. Who is this young woman?"

Kwai Chang was ashamed at having been caught within a lie of his own making. His old Master had been right. There was someone, but he did not know how to find the words to tell her.

"Her name is Laura Carradine. She has returned to live in the town."

"Where did you meet this young lady?"

"South of here in Berkley."

"Does she know of your feelings towards her?"

"No. I do not know how to say what I feel."

"Do not fret, the words will come in time."

As the two priests talked and were becoming reacquainted, a third was passing by and could not help but overhear the conversation. Laura Carradine? She is back? It had been over a year and a half since he'd last seen her.

Memories rose within the priest. He had not been at the temple very long. The story that he had given the Master had easily fooled the old one into letting him stay. At first, he was going to find a way to become the temple's Master and change what this temple represented. But instead, he found that what the temple contained was poorly trained boys and old men. Even the Masters did not seem to know the full ways of the Shaolin. That would not do. So, he decided that maybe there would be another way and another time when what he wanted could be achieved. Within six months, the students showed great improvement but not nearly fast enough. Still, he could be patient. Then, one day, a young woman and her father had come to see the Master, requesting an audience. He'd learned only that the man lived in town and his daughter was visiting. He did not learn much regarding the details of their visit. The priest watched them as they spoke to the Master. He could not take his eyes off of her. When they turned to leave, she dropped a book. He remembered acting quickly and giving it back to her. After that, he had found himself trying to be with her every chance he could get, but she had seemed distant toward him. He had been determined to win her affections, but she had left before he had an opportunity. Now she was back. Maybe he would have that opportunity again.

Then the priest frowned. Had he heard right? Had Caine met her? If that was so then he would have to remedy the situation. In his own mind she was to be his. There would have to be a way to keep them apart. He did not want to harm another Shaolin but if it came down to it, he would. After all, it really wasn't like Caine's brands mattered. As far as he was concerned, the descendant of a murderer did not deserve to wear the brands. They should be eradicated, better yet, scarred again to reflect his shame. And with that thought, Master Dao left the safety of the shadows for his own quarters.

End of Part 6