This is very important—read the first chapter. As I mentioned, I have re-edited this story. I have also re-edited the first chapter. Please read that first, and then this.
Summary: Keladry of Mindelan was dismissed at the end of her first year of a page. Others would have broken or given up. She didn't though...because of the people who believed in her--the people who helped her become who she was.
Disclaimer: I do not own anything belonging to Tamora Pierce.
Edit: 5-18-08: Yes, another edit. For those who do not know it--Patricine, Kel's sister mentioned in Page, is married to a Yamani noble (according to Tamora Pierce) with the name Toshuro noh Akaneru and has children. So that is actually cannon.
Edit: 8-15-08: Uh huh...last edit...I think. On the bright side, it makes everything flow much better. The names have been changed (Tasogare to Arigaya) and other events have too (not quite major, though).
Shadows' Fear
Part II
Part II
After more then a week of sailing on the ocean, Kel saw the busy dragon-shaped harbor that signified the main Yamani Island. Turning around, she nearly groaned when the ship's first mate walked up to her. "You'll want to step inside your cabin, my lady. We'll be arriving at Port Ryu soon, and you're probably anxious to freshen yourself up."
"I'm sure I will be fine up here," Kel said mildly, putting her politest smile on. When she turned away from him in a gesture of obvious dismissal, the man bowed before walking away. After making sure that nobody was near, the girl's smile dropped, and she sighed, wishing to get off the ship as soon as possible.
It wasn't that Kel disliked the ocean—she loved it. However, it was the ship's crew itself that made her wonder if she had been wrong in leaving so late; within the first few days, she started to wish she had taken the Yamani trading ship that had left Port Caynn three weeks earlier. The Aerial's crew was used to Eastern ladies who disliked the sea and never left their cabin. When Kel had boarded, dressed in comfortable breeches and a simple cotton shirt, she had felt everyone staring. After choosing to stay on the deck in the morning and afternoon, the only three women on board had started to avoid her—noble or no noble. Kel was thankful for the distance, but it was disturbing to have everyone skirting around her for a week, especially since she was only eleven years old. In a moment of wicked thinking, she had even considered practicing with her glaive in the open, just to see the expression on the faces of the spectators. Only the thought of the long journey ahead had restrained her.
When the ship anchored in, Kel was one of the first to step down. She looked around, wondering who would be sent to escort her. Kel half-expected her sister to be there, before remembering that Patricine was on one of the smaller islands, watching over the annual summer festival in the main Akaneru lands. Scanning the area, Kel saw a young man standing with two horses. Once seeing her turn, he approached, bowing. "Lady Keladry, I extend my apologies for such a welcome. Due to the festivities at the capital, we had not been informed of your arrival until today. His Imperial Majesty welcomes you to our Island." Bowing once again, he held out the reins. "I am known as Haruki noh Arigaya."
"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Haruki," Kel murmured automatically. She glanced quizzically at the horse; she had expected a carriage with a few guards. Confused, she mounted up. "I thank His Imperial Majesty for his great generosity and kindness in sending such an admirable escort." Bowing in her saddle, she looked at the noble for a moment—he seemed so familiar—before turning the horse and nudging its sides with her feet, causing the brown mare to trot slowly after Haruki. Trusting the horse to not lose its way, her head turned as she observed the port.
Nothing had really changed in the past year. Geisha girls were still wandering in the streets, luring people into their respective establishments. A variety of other entertainers roamed the streets for prospective clients. Immersed in observation, Kel was surprised when she saw the gate that marked the end of Port Ryu and the beginning of the brief countryside that would lead them to the capital. Kel's gaze turned away from the bustling crowd behind her, and focused on the scenery ahead. The fields were gold and yellow and trees were empty of the blossoms that decorated them in the spring. Glancing past a nearby field, she glimpsed a pair of peasant girls wandering in a forest road, dressed in the usual summer yukatas. Kel stared at her own clothes, and looked at the man in front of her. As she prepared to address him, the girl nearly groaned. The formalities of the Yaman were strict, requiring proper titles for people of all station. What was more, each person of important status was to memorize the proper title for various families of peerage. With almost a hundred names and stations in the islands, and one year of no practice, Kel would be hard-pressed to remember how to initiate a conversation.
'Why didn't Mama go over this with me?' Kel asked herself as she thought of the right title. 'Arigaya sounds familiar; I know I have heard of it.' She bit her lip as she thought, before gasping softly. "Arigaya is one of the five, a dukedom famous for its silks about all else. The emperor has not sent a small escort—this is equal to an escort Papa would receive as ambassador.' Biting her lip, Kel hesitated in addressing Haruki, before finally speaking up. "Honored Lord Haruki."
The Yamani immediately turned, stopping his horse. "Is there something wrong, Lady?"
Kel paused as she thought of how to phrase the question. "I apologize, but I was curious as to the duration this journey will take." She clenched her fist, hoping the Yamani would see the meaning behind her question.
"I have been remiss of my duties. We will arrive before the sun sets. Lady Marchioness Amaya noh Arigaya has arranged for your arrival beforehand. You will meet her upon arriving at the palace."
"Thank you," Kel said. Haruki nodded in return, before facing forward once again. 'I need to work on my Yamani etiquette,' the young girl thought, smiling wryly, before exhaling slightly. 'And, apparently, my emotions,' she added as her face smoothed into the usual still expression. Falling into deep thought, Kel became oblivious to her surroundings. She thought about the Yamani Islands—the festivals, the danger, the difference. The place where she had lived more then half her life in was a home in ways that Tortall never had been. Yaman allowed women rights some Tortallans could only dream of, yet the country itself was steeped in tradition and formalities. The thought made Kel start. 'Our family was respected first because Papa was the ambassador from Tortall, and later because Mama saved the Imperial Swords. Now, Patricine is accepted because she married a Yamani noble. Being the sister-in-law of an Akenaru will not help me here, not with so many here that are able to tie themselves to great nobility. I must prove myself after being gone for a year, with only my mother's reputation to back me.' She didn't want to think about it, and instead immersed herself in reviewing Yamani etiquette.
"Lady Keladry, we are nearing the palace."
Kel started, finding that they had entered the outer imperial city. The streets, colorful and clamorous, were replete with merchants and artisans. Eagerly, Kel soaked in the site, saddened when they entered the inner city. It was much smaller and less noisy, occupied by ambassadors and foreign visitors. Ignoring the curious looks, Kel stopped next to her escort after approaching the palace gate. The guards immediately bowed and let the two in. 'That's odd,' though Kel, as the two rode further in. 'Usually, people must show the imperial pass to even be allowed to proceed to the check point.' Before she could think more of it, her escort stopped and dismounted. Hurriedly, Kel did the same, recalling that the courtyard was the last point at which horses were allowed.
"I apologize, but I must leave you at this point. Hana," a maid materialized, "will accompany you to the Lady Marchioness, who is waiting within the gates." Haruki bowed and walked away, disappearing within seconds.
The servant placed her palms on her thighs, bending down deeply. "If you please, Lady," she said. Kel left her horse, patting it gently, and walked past Hana. She saw the gateway, large and beautifully crafted, in front of her. As she neared it, with the maid walking closely behind, she saw the guards, so quiet and hidden within the shadows that she had not noticed them before, move forward to pull open the gate. A Yamani lady draped in layers of the finest silk stood up gracefully. Kel swept a bow, not rising until she saw the Yamani incline her head.
"Have I the honor of addressing the Honored Lady Marchioness Amaya noh Arigaya?"
"I am she, Keladry of Mindelan." The noblewoman's eyes were clear and sharp. She smiled politely. "It is my privilege to meet you. Your exploits have reached these isles; they promise to outshine even your redoubtable mother's.
Kel stiffened slightly, confused. Her exploits? "I thank you for you kind words, Lady Marchioness. It is an honor for you to say such about me."
"You have earned the praise, Keladry of Mindelan." Amaya replied before continuing, "On behalf of Exulted Emperor of Heavens, I extend my apology. Regrettably, the date of your arrival has coincided with our annual summer festival, and we found out too late to form a proper escort. Your rooms have been prepared; please, accompany me along the paths." Turning, the noble glided forward, her ladies following. Kel looked down, rising only when the marchioness passed her.
With no carriages or horses allowed within the palace grounds, the view of the gardens was unhindered. 'Of course, that is why being a common gardener in the Imperial Palace is equal to being a minor palace mage in Tortall. If the grounds aren't enjoyable, the emperor would be less than pleased.' At this thought, Kel shivered. She remembered how a gardener had once neglected to take care of his plot. His hands had been cut off, his eyes blinded, and his feet rendered useless. 'As Mama once said, good rulers are usually not good people.' Trying not to grimace, Kel almost bumped into the marchioness as she stopped walking.
Before them was a silver portal. "If you would."
Kel stared in awe. She had only seen it once before. It was when Ilane of Mindelan had saved the Yamani swords; once meeting them, the Imperial Empress Consort had immediately opened one to return the relics safely to their rightful place. Precious few had access to the ancient portals.
'I had not thought I would view, let along use, one of these portals once again in my life.' Kel thought as she stepped through. With a flash of light, Kel found herself in a room.
She glanced around, noticing that it was the same room she had used a year ago. Nothing had changed. Before Kel could wonder what she would do, the Lady Marchioness stepped out behind her.
"A maidservant is waiting to assist you. You will be escorted to the Imperial Receiving Hall at the next bell."
"Thank you greatly for your kindness," Kel said, bowing again.
"It was my pleasure." With a nod, Amaya noh Arigaya stepped into the portal, which glowed brightly before disappearing.
Stepping forward cautiously, Kel slid a screen to the side. In the dressing room, a maidservant stood, bowing before silently ushering Kel in.
A complete outfit was set out in the room. As she looked at it, Kel smiled wryly: she did not miss the fact that the colors corresponded perfectly to the kimino she had worn on her first visit to the Imperial Court. Once the kimono was on, Kel looked down at herself. Under the orange-gold of the outer kimono, embroidered with summer flowers, a spring green robe was just visible. A nagajuban of summer-yellow silk completed the garment.
Kel sighed, almost wistfully. True, she enjoyed the comfort of wearing only breeches and a shirt more than anything, but Yamani kimonos were elegant and beautiful beyond belief. A well made kimono was light and airy, even with over five layers, and was no more uncomfortable than a cotton dress for the summer. The kimono Kel wore was no exception. Sighing slightly, Kel dismissed the maid with a polite smile.
Kel shifted slightly as she waited, glancing around the room. It struck her that, although all her trunks and belongings were present, nothing was unpacked—a rare occurrence in the palace. Before she could continue the thought, Kel was interrupted by a light knock on the screen. Haruki stood outside, smiling politely as he bowed his head. "Lady Keladry, the Exulted Emperor of Heaven, Great Ruler of the Yaman, Kano noh Hikari has requested your presence. I will escort you to His Imperial Majesty."
Kel treaded forward, trying to imitate her mother's regal air, before slumping and striving to just hide her fear. Walking stiffly, she followed Haruki, fearing the worst. As the two walked on, Kel found herself becoming increasingly nervous. No, Kel was not merely afraid.
She was terrified.
Here she was, alone and not even twelve, about to face an emperor who killed men for not bowing correctly. This time, she wasn't traveling with her father, or standing beside her mother. She was in the Yamani Islands on a favor and nothing else.
"I believe in you."
Kel relaxed as Ilane's voice echoed in her head. It was what her mother would say in any circumstances; the whisper gave her strength and the ex-page raised her chin. She swept forward and passed the footmen. The doors opened.
"Keladry of Mindelan, Daughter of the Savior of the Swords."
Taking a deep breath, Kel slowly moved forward. In the back of her mind, she noticed Haruki take a place on the right of the emperor, before quickly kneeling and touching her forehead to the marble floor. It seemed like centuries before the emperor spoke.
"Rise, Keladry of Mindelan."
Standing, the Tortallan girl remained silent as she gazed at the floor. The emperor's voiced echoed throughout the hall. "This is the Daughter of the Savior of Our Swords. Once a daughter of the Yaman, we welcome her back. Is there one here who speaks for her?"
Eye's widening slightly in shock, Kel worked to keep her emotions hidden. Sponsorships were not unheard of in the Islands: orphaned children of lesser Yamani nobility were often taken in by great Yamani nobility, similar as to how masters took apprentices. Due to frequent raids on the coast and bandits on land, sponsorship had once been frequent; as Yamani families became larger, it had become less so. It was not that which made the occurrence odd, however.
No, it was the fact that never, in the history of the Yaman, had the custom been extended to one without Yamani blood. Sponsored orphans often ended up with some of the highest positions in court; at times, they were even adopted. Foreigners, no matter their rank or circumstances, had never even been considered as possible candidates.
But Kel was—in front of the Imperial Court, she was announced as a possible candidate to sponsor. She watched for signs of surprise, but the well-trained Yamani nobles showed no expressions. Kel waited as complete silence descended in the room, tilting her head up to gaze at the emperor. Haruki caught her gaze. He didn't break it, looking at her steadily before giving her a half-smile and facing forward once again. Kel almost gaped before hurriedly looking down again, wondering how long it had been since the emperor had last spoken. She had almost given up all hope when a clear voice broke through.
A figure stepped forward, announcing, "I speak for Keladry of Mindelan, in the name of the Water, Earth, Sky, and Air."
Scribble's Scribbles: So, I didn't exactly edit much except near the end--the beginning is more grammatical errors, deleting unnecessary parts, etc. The most notable part at the end is the sponsorship, which is much more realistic and imaginable then a random person speaking up for Kel and taking care of her. For those who find it hard to imagine--well, there are some explanations coming up about why the Yamani are suddenly so open. If there is any confusion, review, email, or PM me and I'll try to get back.
As for how the Arigaya family is "one of the five"...well, that'll come up later, too. Explaining it will rather spoil the story, I think. As for the ages of Haruki, and his relationship with Amaya (wife, sister, mother, cousin?), I don't know. My muse hasn't quite solidified those facts yet.
And yes, Kel is not an orphan (I don't plan on making her one either--that's not quite giving anything away, though). The Yamani just made a wee little exception, as you'll find out.
As a side note, Port Ryu is named that because it basically is a dragon-shaped port.