Chapter 17:
Part 1:
The weather was unusually hostile .The day was moist and extremely hot with the sun glaring down at the hapless travelers below. Even the frugal shade under the leafy trees offered little respite from the overpowering heat. Still the travelers continued, trudging wearily on their tired horses. The landscape was quite breathtaking. Tall grass covered the undulating plains like green velvet, whimsically adding a few crooked trees here and there for variety. Unfortunately, neither of the travelers had any interest in this careless beauty of nature.
"Are you sure that this is the right way?" One of the travelers asked one of his companions, a girl with red-gold hair.
The temperature was running high and so were tempers "How many times will I tell you Suraco..I don't know!"She snapped.
"Look, there's the water hole!"The other traveler yelled.
They raced towards the dense clump of trees. There was a natural spring in the middle of the cordon of trees that bubbled out from the depths of the earth and filled a natural depression around the spring. The grass that surrounded that the spring was soft and succulent .The horses gratefully munched on it.
The travellers took off the harness from the horses back and let them graze peacefully by the water hole. They then splashed some of the cool water on their heated face and refilled their water bags.
"I guess we could stay here awhile and eat something."The girl remarked.
"An excellent idea Princess."The boy who had first seen the water hole exclaimed.
Both of them sat down under the cool shade and stretched their weary legs.
"Come on Suraco. Sit down."Keeah called out.
Suraco hesitated "What if a patrolling scout party finds us?"
"Suraco, you do realize that are disguised."Keeah said quietly "And I think that it is good enough to fool a patrol, if we should chance to come across one."
She chuckled a bit "After all, isn't the great Suraco supposed to be a golden haired green eyed devil."
Suraco grinned a bit and sat down. They were all wearing enchanted necklaces that made them look different. Keeah had slaved quite a bit to produce these enchanted items. It gave them all a cloak that disguised their real faces and gave them a profile that was totally unlike them.
Suraco for example was no longer golden haired .His hair was now black and unlike his extremely well groomed hair, its dusky locks fell in careless disarray over his shoulders. He was very fair and his skin was usually flawless. But now his skin was tanned brown and there was a healthy sprinkling of freckles over the bridge of his nose .His eyes were still green, but they were not mesmerizing. Instead, they were mischievous and warm. He was no longer Suraco. He was Fahon, the traveling carpet dealer.
Sotisku was also dark haired. But instead of his normally messy hairstyle, his locks were pulled back and tied into a neat ponytail .His gait, dress, talk, and all cried 'sophistication'. His eyes were green like Suraco, but with flecks of blue .His skin was also tanned brown, but it was flawless and silky. He was Kenji, cousin of Fahon and the heir to his imaginary father's rather thriving business. Snotty, spoilt rich brat, that was the image that Sotisku had tried to gain and he succeeded rather well at that.
Keeah however had chosen a different hair color .Her hair was an almost blackish red but with golden tips that shone when the sunlight fell on them .Her grandfather Reishi had this unusual hair color. Red but with subtle golden tips that shone like dewdrops when the sunlight fell on them .Her eyes were a deep indigo blue, and her face was drawn with delicate fragile lines .She was Suzano, sister to both Fahon and Kenji, who was traveling with them to reach her 'mother's ' house in Rong -Yang.
"So "Sotisku took a small bite into the sweet bun "Do you think they will fall for it?"
"Fall for what?"Keeah frowned, then realization dawned on her "Oh..You mean that ridiculous trick with the carrier pigeon..Kami..I hope not!"
"But, I thought that you wanted them to fall for it!"Sotisku was confused.
"Well, I do want them to fall for it."Keeah sighed "But I really hope that they will not be so stupid."
Sotisku looked completely clueless.
"Menesku is one of the most irritatingly perceptive generals I have ever encountered .It will be a shame if he were to fall for such a juvenile trick."
"But..I still do not understand."
"Oh do shut up Sotisku "Suraco snapped, "We should be worried about more important things. Like do we even know where we are going?"
Sotisku glared at Suraco but refrained from answering.
"Yes "Keeah's voice was firm "I studied several accounts, each of which mentioned the prospective location of Taiskun's abode. So, I matched it with a fairly accurate map of Konon and extrapolated location for our goal. I know this is a gamble. But this is one chance we have to take."
"You know, if Menesku is so perspective then...I think we will find a nice contingent of soldiers waiting for us at the base of the holy mountain."Sotisku said thoughtfully.
"I am hoping that as well "
"What!"
"Think about it Sotisku, since the maiden of Suzaku came the morale of Konon is at an all time high." There was an unholy gleam in Keeah's eyes "There is nothing I want more than to crush that confidence, tear it apart like paper ..I want to prove that the coming of the miko has hardly changed anything ..And what better way to do that than by snatching a victory right from under Menesku's overlong nose."
"I didn't think that his nose was that long."
"Who cares?"Suraco's green eyes twinkled "But Princess has a point."
"Both of you are insane and suicidal "
Keeah chuckled "I know."She looked at Sotisku "Do you regret coming on this mission?"
"I will follow you to the gates of Hell if I must "Sotisku said somberly "I regret nothing"
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Thirteen-year-old Ukano stood at the front door of her house .Her house also served as an inn for weary travellers. But, the village in which this inn stood was not on a popular route. Travellers hardly passed through this sleepy hamlet and even if they did, they hardly partook any refreshment in this modest establishment. They all went ahead and stayed in one of the plush motels in the town a days ride from here .Her mother insisted that business was slow. Ukano thought that business was non-existent.
Fortunately, they had quite a large amount of tillable land .The land was fertile and the yield high. The money that came from it was quite sufficient to sustain their simple lifestyle. Ukano yawned. Their life along with being simple was also, according to Ukano, exceedingly boring .The closest they had to excitement was when farmer Jin's cow went missing.
The house was emptier than usual. Cousin Chulivey had left two years ago on a personal business and this year her elder brother Hitoshi had left to join the army .Now, the only occupants of their house were mom, dad and herself. Both mom and dad were at the fields tending to the crops .She had the run of the house.
' Its not like anybody is going to come ' She leaned on the doorframe and allowed her mind to wander.
The sound of hoof beats brought her out of her daydreams. She straightened her rumpled tunic and watched the road eagerly .For the first time in six months any traveler passes through their village.
The three travellers slowly made their way towards their inn and stopped in front of Ukano.
Ukano took a while to study the three travellers in front of her. There were two boys and a girl. Ukano may not have much idea of fine cloth but even she could understand that they were quite well -to-do .The dust could hardly mute the elegant lines of their dress, or the grace of their bearing.
"Pardon me "
Ukano was brought out of her trance by the girl's voice. It was warm and her accent was like a lady.
"Is this an inn?"
Ukano hastily gathered her wits "Yes, my Lady." She bowed a little, curtseying as Cousin Chulivey had shown her. She wanted to make a fine impression on the lady. Mother would be so proud if she could acquire such distinguished guests.
The girl smiled at her, her indigo eyes twinkling "Good ". Then she turned towards the pony tailed man who rode beside her "Dear brother can we not stop here tonight?"
"Here?"The boy's voice was haughty and cold "I thought you had better taste sister."
Ukano's eyes flashed "I assure you sir that you shall not find our establishment lacking " She tried her best to act mature and well-behaved even though she was having an hard time resisting the urge to punch the pony tailed guy.
"I think the place is fine."The other man spoke up "It is peaceful."
"Ah yes, it is indeed Fahon "The pony tailed guy spoke in a condescending manner "If you ignore the bugs, the lumpy beds and the awful service."
"We don't have bugs!"Ukano had forgotten all about her decision to act mature.
"Disrespectful!"
"Kenji "The girl's voice held a faint warning. Kenji stopped .The girl turned and smiled kindly at Ukano "Can we get three rooms?"
Ukano felt herself warming up to the girl .She and Fahon were not too bad, now Kenji ..Her mouth spilt in a wide grin "Certainly my lady."
"Seriously Cousin Suzano..."
"Kenji, the last time I stayed at an inn in the city, there was somebody constantly making a noise under my window. "Suzano said quietly "And the carriages that constantly rushed past the rest house gave me a headache."
"Well, only because you say so."Kenji smiled at Suzano, momentarily losing his haughty mask.
But when he turned towards Ukano his face was just as cold. Fluidly he alighted from the horse and helped Suzano to alight. Then he turned towards Ukano.
"Don't stand gawking like an idiot girl. Take our horses to the stable."
He led Suzano inside. Ukano fumed.
She heard a small chuckle
"Ignore him."It was Fahon who spoke, his green eyes twinkling."He has a rod stuck in his 'you know where'."
He paused "So what is your name little lady?"
Ukano smiled .She liked Fahon "My name is Ukano."
"Ukano .It is a nice name .So where are the stables?"
Ukano pointed "That way my Lord."
Fahon steered the horses towards the stable "You can call me Fahon."He remarked casually "Would you be kind enough to warm a bath for my sister? She is very tired."
"Certainly."Ukano nodded.
"Well then, go "
"But the horses."
"Don't worry .I will stable them."Fahon smiled kindly.
Gratefully Ukano scampered off ' I hope mom and dad come home quickly.'
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Night had descended. Along with her dark satin veil studded with sparkling stars she brought a cool breeze that brought some respite from the stifling heat of the day .The cool wind played in the grass as they swayed with her soothing touch.
A small group of travellers sat around the fire .A tent had been put up .The horses were let loose and they were feeding quietly on the succulent grass that grew by the river beside which they were camped.
"This is actually good Menesku " One of the travellers spoke up .It was a girl.
"Thank you Lady Lee "Menesku remarked absentmindedly.
"So where did you learn to cook like this?"Lee asked as she scooped up her second helping from the still steaming pot.
"The same place where I learnt everything else."
"And where is that Menesku?"Lee asked curiously.
"The battlefield."Menesku said quietly as he put down the bowl.
"Oh "Lee turned towards Hotohori who was staring at the sky absently fiddling with his food.
"What's the matter Hotohori? Why aren't you eating anything?"
"I am not that hungry."Hotohori sighed putting down the bowl "I think I will go for a walk."He smiled at Lee "Excuse me my Lady."
He got up.
"I will come with you."Menesku got up as well.
Hotohori nodded and both of them walked by the silent riverbed, a little distance away from the camp.
"So, why are you so bothered?"Menesku asked as soon as they were out of earshot.
Hotohori did not answer but pointed at the sky. Menesku followed Hotohori's direction and gazed up at the sky.
"The constellation of Seiryuu?"
"It is unusually bright tonight, isn't it?"
Menesku looked at Hotohori "That's only because the night is clear."
"Then why do I feel this dread in my stomach.."Hotohori looked at the sky "No, no, Menesku, something is going to happen tonight ...Let us be extra careful."
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The village looked peaceful. The farmers had returned home. The cattle had been locked in their sheds and the children were now safely in their room listening to the tales of princes and their beautiful princesses.
A solitary figure in a drab brown cloak stumbled on towards the inn ...occasionally turning back as if to check if anybody was following ...Her face was pale and sweaty and it seemed that she had great difficulty in walking.
Unseen to the traveler in the brown cloak another figure stood watching the girl's halting approach towards the inn .The hooded figure watched dispassionately as the girl stumbled and fell, struggling to rise on her feet.
The darkness beside the mysterious man swirled like dark water and formed a shadowy malevolent shape.
"Go now."The man said "And do not fail me."
The other shadow nodded and glided down the slope toward the girl.
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Yusagi :Thank you so much for those reviews .
Yes Menesku is a star warrior and I haven't mentioned which star warrior he is ..yet .But I will ,soon .
Keep reading .
Please review .