They cluster left Jining the afternoon after Mrs Zhu's recovery. He'd known her for one day, yet Bong had spoken non-stop about Mrs Zhu in the week and half since.
"Do you think Daiyu fancies me a tough guy?" Bong asked Anh over breakfast one day.
Anh, who still had sleep in his eyes, rubbed the crust away. "Sorry, who?"
Bong crooned, "Daiyu - Mrs Zhu?"
Anh blinked. "Oh!" Bong and Mrs Zhu were already on first name basis? "Oh. Uhm…"
"Because she said, while I was cooking her breakfast the other morning," He sat up straight and began speaking in a high-pitched voice. "'you must be really brave.'"
Anh cocked his head. "Okay?" He thought for a moment. "That seems… promising."
Bong continued. "So I said to her, 'well! I needed to find what snake bit you, didn't I?' And she said, 'You didn't need to get hit for it.'"
Anh chuffed. "She's right about that."
"And I said, 'well, that's where you're wrong – I had to, for you.' And then she said, 'But you don't even know me.' And I said… well, I actually, I didn't know what to say to that." Bond said scratching his bald head. Anh sipped his tea while Bong thought. Then Bong said, "So, what do you think?"
The tea was too hot! It burnt his tongue. "Ahh," He said airing his tongue. "Thorry. What wath the questhen again?"
"Do you think, that she thinks, that I'm tough?"
Anh waved air onto his tongue. "Why are you athking me?"
"Well," Bong said with a knowing nod. "You're the one with the girlfriend."
Anh laughed as his tongue cooled. He thought about what Bong said for a moment. "You know she's not my girlfriend, Bong." Anh said.
Bong shrugged. "Well, you know more about girls still."
Anh shook his head. "I don't, Bong."
"Well, I can't talk to Lao about her – he only thinks about getting his noodle wet!" Bong said with a huff.
Anh bit his lip. Lao was something of a womanizer, something of which Anh couldn't stand about him. But he didn't like women. Plus, now that Anh thought about it, whilst Bong would make fun of him from time to time, he had never seen Bong with a woman before. His older cousin... fancied a woman.
He didn't realize he was smiling. Though his constant talking about Mrs Zhu – Daiyu – had been a little annoying; he was rather happy for Bong.
Anh looked up at his older cousin with a smile. "I think Mrs Zhu would be mad if she didn't think of you as an absolute renegade."
Bong's cheeks flushed, but he made no attempt to hide his pride. He folded his arms behind his head and leaned back onto the sleeping red dragon. "Yeah… yeah, she may."
Although they had left Jining in a dismal light, the closer they got to The Summer Haven, the more excitable they became. Hei Lei bragged about the different game that he was looking forward to hunting. The game around The Winter Haven were usually too small and boney for his taste. The Summer Haven had larger, more wild game that he enjoyed.
Anh found himself day-dreaming often about Yara. What he would say; what she would say. And after the initial re-meeting, where would they go now to meet? Would they still meet in the park? He had always wanted to take her to Dragon Lake. Maybe if he saved enough money, he could buy some wood and build a small house by the lake? There was also a bubbling anxiety in his stomach that Anh didn't want to acknowledge, but sometimes dwelled on. What if they were two different people now? It has been three years after all…
By the third week of travel, a familiar sight was within the horizon.
Dragon Lake! Hei Lei tinkled. The party hooted and cheered as the lake came into view underneath them. They were but an hour away from The Summer Haven now. The lake was less full than before. The land around the lake was browner than Anh remembered.
The party turned downwards towards the lake. Just as it seemed as if Hei Lei, Lu Yu and Jiang were going to plunge into the water, they leveled out and skimmed the lake with their great claws. This was a tradition among the dragons when returning to The Summer Haven; to say hello to the Lake Dragon of Old who once lived there. Or so the legend goes.
The sun was glaring and reflected a deep orange off the lake and into Anh's eyes. He was so lost in the joy of returning to The Summer Haven that he almost didn't sense –
"There's an army ahead!" Anh yelled before yanking on Hei Lei's hair. The old dragon roared and soared above, followed closely by the others.
They're over there! Jiang said looking east. Bong and Anh had to squint to see the smoke from the eastern edge of the lake. It was only Anh's Second Sight that allowed him to notice them before. Anh shifted uncomfortably after they were above the clouds again. Though at least a week's march from Tinkling Village, they were still close. Too close.
The joy of the moment died down and did not recover when they landed at last in The Summer Haven. Despite their three week journey, they were only the third party to arrive. Danzi and Lao were the first, followed by the Gu Hong, and two of the three sisters, Shuang and Lian. Another cluster had arrived a day before. Two others were still unaccounted for. Most strangely, Minh Huyn, Bai Xue, Sha, and Tun were also missing.
"I expected Minh Huyn here before you." Lao Longzi said as he welcomed the party back to the Haven.
"Perhaps he was giving Sha time to enjoy the south more?" Bong said. "She does love the south."
Lao had taken the time before the others arrived to fix up the villa. The hole in the gutter was fixed with tube to collect rainwater. A shattered window had been set back together with dragon saliva, and the mattresses had fresh straw and linens. It wasn't much, but it was an improvement.
That evening while the dragons met by the creek, the Keepers shared ale, a meal and news of their travels. Lao had witnessed some of man's pursuit in war on his short journey to The Summer Haven. "Travelling West, you can see how the war has left its mark on the land. Fields scorched to bring on a slow famine. Roads destroyed to halt migration. Homes destroyed."
It was the stories of the people he had met that truly broke his heart. "Parents sold their children for money." He said. "Others placed rocks in their clothes and walked them into rivers. Better to drown than starve to death."
As the night wore on, Anh and Bong shared of their journey, which was far less troubling than Lao's. With the exception of Mrs Zhu.
"The city is allowing sorcerers to mingle freely." Anh grumbled.
"You really thought you could stop them?" Lao glared. "I hate sorcerers as much as anyone here, but common folk don't live with their danger like we do."
"He could have killed her." Bong objected.
"'All that goes around must come around.'" Lao quoted. "You know, I know, everyone knows what consequences are plain when dealing with black magick."
Bong and Anh were both quiet after that. Lao tried to coax the two men with projects he had in mind for the Haven when Anh mentioned the army.
"How long have they been stationed there?" Anh asked.
Lao shrugged. "Maybe two weeks? I do not dare mingle with them." He said, reminding Anh of the dragon principles; Do No Harm. Direct or indirect.
Anh wondered. "Do we know which army it is?"
Lao didn't look at Anh. "We do not mingle with armies."
"Is that a yes, we know, or a no, we don't know?"
Lao sighed impatiently. "I don't know, and I don't want to know. It interferes with our principles; worse, it may compromise our security here at the Haven.
Anh looked off into the crackling of the flames in the fireplace. He grabbed a poker and played with a coal for some while as he thought of the army. Who were they, and why had they stayed by the lake for the last two weeks?
The following morning, Anh woke up early and made his way to the riverbank. The moon was low in the horizon and dawn was breaking to the east. The dragons stayed up all night for the moon meeting. Anh stood a short distance away knowing Hei Lei would sense him and permit him into the meeting.
You're up early. Hei Lei chimed.
We need a closer look at the army. Anh said.
Hei Lei was quiet, wary the other dragons were listening. Danzi spoke up. Step into the meeting, Anh.
Anh took a deep breath. Dragon Keepers seldom joined in on the Moon Meetings. He fumbled his way down to the river bank where the dragons sat. Earlier in the evening, the moon would have filled the water of the river and it would have glittered white and silver. As dawn approached, the river was dark.
He stood next to Hei Lei once he reached the bank. Danzi was adjacent to them across the river.
You wish to see the army? Danzi said. Anh nodded. This goes against principle.
Anh had thought about that. "Do no harm. Direct or indirect." Anh said aloud. Before Danzi could interject, he continued. But what if they are an enemy army –
We do not decide who is an enemy kingdom or a friendly kingdom. Gu Hong said.
I meant to the Qin; Tinkling Village. Anh said. What if they are an army intending harm on the village? If we know that but withhold that information, isn't that indirect harm on the village?
The dragons murmured among themselves for a moment. Danzi then spoke for them. We choose not to learn the kingdom of whom the army belongs too. This is how we minimize harm.
Anh shook his head. No, I don't agree with that.
Danzi growled.
Listen, Anh said. Even if we don't know who they are, what if they do still harm the village? That is indirect harm on our end because we knew they were by the lake but chose not to intervene.
Lu Yu purred lightly as she listened to Anh. Hei Lei and Danzi seemed somewhat unmoved.
Your feelings for the village girl clouds your duty. Danzi said sternly.
Hei Lei snorted. This was not an argument Anh was going to lose though. Not this time.
He bowed his head to the dragons You're right; it probably has. But I've given some thought to what someone in Jining told me – told us. He said turning to Lu Yu. "Silence and inaction makes you as bad as injustice itself."
Lu Yu thundered in response. He is right.
Anh grinned – he knew Lu Yu would take his side.
Danzi raised his chin. Gu Hong, the red giant, walked forward and met Lu Yu's gaze. You are inclined to agree with this, Lu Yu?
I do. She said firmly.
And what of you, Hei Lei? The elder dragon asked.
Hei Lei stood and uncurled to his full length. I care little for the girl – and the town.
Lu Yu then asked Hei Lei, in a gentle voice, But could you remain impartial to the knowledge of an enemy on our Havens doorstep?
Hei Lei glared at her for a while before dropping his head. No… I could not stand by and do nothing if harm is on our doorstep. If they attack the town, it would only be a matter of time before they find us too.
Danzi, who Anh could see was watching their conversation unfold with growing discomfort, lifted his head up high. If harm is brought to either party, then you acknowledge it was you who is responsible.
Hei Lei grumbled as he beckoned Anh to climb on. I acknowledge that I am not a coward.
Anh's argument had worked! He mouthed a thank you to Lu Yu, who smiled reluctantly in turn. He half expected her to impart some words of caution, as she normally did, whenever Anh or Hei Lei strayed. This time, she did not. As he and Hei Lei soared into the air above them, the purple dragon remained lost in deep thought. As they ascended, Anh felt Lu Yu's grip on his heart. An image of tiny purple stone with milky white veins briefly flashed in his mind and left. Anh gasped and looked back at the purple dragon who stood with Danzi. Lu Yu had been deliberate sharing this with Anh.
Yu Lu and Danzi had an egg.
The clouds were heavy that morning, which worked to Anh and Hei Lei's advantage.
We're here. Hei Lei announced.
Anh's heart was beating fast with a mixture of excitement and fear. As they approached the camp, he clung tightly to Hei Lei's scales, his eyes scanning the area below. He spotted the sigil on the banners – it was a Chu camp. The camp was vast, with rows of tents stretching out for at least 2 li. In the early morning, the sounds of soldiers shouting and horses whinnying filled the air. Anh caught the whiff of smoke and cooked meat drifting towards the sky.
We need a closer look. Anh said. Hei Lei descended slowly, circling the camp but remaining above the cloud line to avoid detection. His wings beat silently through the air, and his black scales blended seamlessly with the darkened clouds. Anh peered down, counting the tents and estimating the number of soldiers. There were at least 500 men in the Chu camp. Hei Lei sensed Anh's anxiety. With a gentle bell, the dragon reassured him, and Anh took a deep breath.
We need to tell the townfolk at Tinkling Village, Hei Lei. Anh urged.
Hei Lei said nothing and turned westward. Their journey to Tinkling Village was silent and uneventful, spare for a break for a lunch of fox for Hei Lei (Finally! Some actual meat! He said) and a passionfruit for Anh.
They came upon Tinkling Village well after dark. Anh's heart jumped at the sight of its lights as they neared but faltered as they landed. Even from above, Anh could see the town had suffered. The orchards they landed in were picked bare; there was no smoke carrying the smell of food from the markets. Most surprisingly, however, no one came to meet them.
Anh frowned, lost in confusion, as he dismounted. Hei Lei was a giant, but he was dark as night. Perhaps no one could see you? He said.
The moon is bright tonight. Hei Lei pondered. Someone would have.
It was a wholly different town from the one Anh had loved three years ago. The travelers and merchants from all kingdoms who would camp outside the town gates were no more. The stables for mules and oxen were sad and empty. The gates which were usually wide open and welcoming to all were barred shut.
Anh felt a prickle on the back of his neck as they approached. He knew the guard at the gate but couldn't sense if they were armed.
"Who goes there?"The man yelled.
Do they have weapons?
Hei Lei squinted. Sticks.
Sticks? As weapons?
Yes. Sticks.
Anh rolled his eyes. "Hello!" He said trying to sound cheerful.
"Who goes there?" The guard yelled once more. Anh thought he heard a slight tremor in the mans voice. "Show yourself at once!"
"Joi?" Anh called out. Joi, of Jewel Street who tended the roast duck cart in the evening food markets. "Since when did you become a guard?"
Anh could see Joi as he poked his head out and his eyes widened. "It's you! You're back!"
Anh shrugged and placed his hands in his pockets. "Been a while."
"Where've you been? It's been nearly three years!" The man said leaning over the wall and looking far more relaxed now.
"South. At The Winter Haven." Anh said.
"What's the food like down south?" Joi asked. "I hear it's spicy?"
Seriously? Hei Lei grunted.
Anh smiled. "Disappointing to be honest – it wasn't as spicy as I thought it would be."
The man slumped. "Oh. Oh, that's a shame. The merchants – you know, the one's who come from the south - well, actually, the ones who used to come from south – because, you know, the war and all – well, they used to give us flack for our food being tasteless…" Joi rambled on for a bit. Anh thought he must have been terribly bored for Joi had never been one to talk on much. He smiled politely and nodded from time to time before Joi finally left an opening for Anh to interject.
"So," Anh said shifting from one foot to another. "are you going to let us in?"
Joi then looked around and stood up straight, as if remembering his job. "I can't let you in unless you identify yourself first and state your business."
Anh raised an eyebrow. "Is that really necessary?" He gestured to Hei Lei and back at himself. "You know who we are – we caught ducks for you once!"
I should have eaten them myself. Hei Lei quipped.
"I still need you to identify yourselves." Joi said. "Sorry – rules are rules."
Anh relented. "Yu Anh and Lung Hei Lei."
"And your business?" Joi asked.
"We need to speak to Lord Cao about…" Anh stopped short. He wanted to mention the army, but felt the collected Lord Cao would be best to know first. "…what the Dragon Keepers can do to help Tinkling Village."
As Joi shook his head solemnly. "I'll let you in – but I'm afraid there wont be much work for you here no more." He said before disappearing. The gate opened shortly thereafter and they stepped into the town. As Joi shut the gate. Anh noticed he was carrying a sword.
"I see you've taken up the sword?" Anh inquired.
Joi, who was a lanky and awkward man, fumbled with his sword handle. "It's actually a wooden sword." He said unsheathing it clumsily. "I'm practicing though…"
With what? Hei Lei laughed. A pillow?
Anh bit his lip. This was what Hei Lei meant when he had said sticks. He had never touched a sword in his life himself, but he had his qi if he needed to fight; plus, Bong had taught him a great deal about axe throwing. He found the prospect of Joi fighting an army with a stick a little pathetic. If Tinkling Village were to be attacked, Joi would be the last person Anh would want defending the town.
Not that there was much of Tinkling Village to defend. As Anh and Hei Lei walked, they saw plainly that the town was now but a shadow of its former glory. Three years ago, even at this time of the evening, the streets would have been bustling with food stalls and folk drinking merrily. Now, they were eerily empty. The colourful buildings that lined the main thoroughfare were now faded and worn. Some windows of old shops were boarded up, as if to hide the emptiness inside.
The few people who remained were haggard and tired-looking, and showed little strength even when they saw Anh and Hei Lei. One or two people waved; the rest went on with their nightly routines with a sense of resignation, as if they were waiting for something to happen, but what, they didn't know. Anh felt a heaviness rest on his shoulders; he wondered how many folk had lost loved ones, friends, and neighbours to the war, and were now just going through the motions of life.
When they at last came upon Lord Cao's residence, Lord Cao welcomed them as old friends.
"I never thought I'd see a dragon again." He said as he embraced the old dragon and Anh warmly. Though he was certainly joyous, Anh could see the war written all over his face. Lord Cao was the same age as Bong, but looked now a man of 70. He was balding, and his face was lined with deep wrinkles.
Though Anh pleaded it wasn't necessary, Lord Cao insisted on the three cups custom. "We need to enjoy these precious moments." He said handing Anh a cup.
He asked Anh of his three years in The Winter Haven. Anh's struggled to find the words to accurately describe three whole years. He spoke of Sha's stones, the floods in the south, and difficulties in learning a third language. He also mentioned in brief his trip to the Silk Fields.
Lord Cao's face lit up as memories of his merchant years flashed by. "What I would do to get my hands on silk. It's like gold here these days."
Lord Cao's stories were much darker. He spoke of how the trades suddenly stopped overnight. The greatest impact of the travellers disappearance initially was not food, but medicine. They stopped arriving during the winter when the sickly needed medicine the most.
"My first wife sadly succumbed to the flu." Lord Cao said solemnly. "There were no steady supplies of medicine as Xiangyang was seized. The children and elderly were the worst hit and used up the resources early. My wife had no chance."
Anh was unsure which of his three wives were his first but did remember their smiles. "I'm so sorry." Was all he could say.
The third drink finally came. "Lord Cao – there is a Chu army by Dragon Lake."
The silence was deafening. Lord Cao sat back for a while and thought as he drank. "How many men?"
"We counted 500 strong." Anh said. "A small army, but – "
"Enough to wipe Tinkling Village off the map." Lord Cao finished. "This is grave indeed."
Anh bit his lip. "What do you intend to do about this?" Lord Cao shook his head. Anh leaned forward his expression determined. "How many men do you have?"
Lord Cao whispered. "Not enough to fight an army." He then added. "I am surprised you are telling me this. I thought Dragon Keepers were bound by principle to remain neutral in war?"
Anh's heart leapt. "We are… but if we say nothing, you may lose everything." He added. "If you don't act now, you may lose everything."
Lord Cao considered this before nodding. "I understand. We must defend our home and our people." Anh nodded, relief flooding through him. "I thank you for your service - But we will not prepare for battle."
What? Hei Lei spat.
"What?" Anh stuttered.
Lord Cao half smiled. "Did you see Joi at the gate this evening, Anh? He is on night duty tonight. Tomorrow, another man will take his place, and he will be just as useless, just as unskilled as Joi. I do not say this to be cruel, but as plain fact. The people of Tinkling Village are merchants; not warriors."
Anh couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You intend to do nothing?"
Lord Cao was taken aback. "No!" He shook his head. "No, we will not stand by and do nothing. No – we will meet with them and offer terms. Though what terms we can offer…" He sighed. "I don't yet know. I will need to seek council."
Anh considered this for a moment. "'Not all wars are won in battlefield.'"
Hei Lei groaned. You've been listening to Danzi too much.
Lord Cao invited Anh and Hei Lei to stay the night in his villa. Anh was briefly tempted to accept, but in a fleeting moment declined.
Lord Cao smiled knowingly. "She will be happy to see you again."
Anh's face flushed with heat. Three years ago Lord Cao had no idea who Tieze Yara was, despite living in this very town. Now he knew that they were friendly?
"If," Anh stuttered. "If you don't mind, m'lord – "
Lord Cao held a hand up to stop him. "It's alright, Yu Anh. Please come back tomorrow at noon for the council meeting."
Anh smiled and bid him farewell. He stood and was about to leave when he noticed Hei Lei was not moving.
Are you coming? Anh asked.
Hei Lei grumbled.
Anh rolled his eyes. Oh, I see. He turned to Lord Cao. "Can Hei Lei stay tonight?"
Lord Cao looked at the great beast wide eyed. "It would be…" he thought for a moment. "…an honor. Yes, Hei Lei can have the guest room."
Enjoy your park. Hei Lei snorted.
If three years had caused Anh to forget anything, it didn't show as he raced through the narrow – albeit, empty - streets of Tinkling Village. He had been looking forward to this moment for weeks. Three years had passed since he last saw Yara, and he had spent every day since then dreaming of the moment they would reunite. A nervous energy pulsed through his body. He had rehearsed what he would say to her a thousand times, but now that he was finally here, the words seemed to have escaped him.
He took a deep breath as he approached the front door of the Tieze residence. It hadn't changed much. The only thing he thought was different were the tapestries. They were faded and old. He knocked on the door and his heart pounded in his chest. As the seconds ticked by his excitement began to turn to anxiety.
The door opened; it was Mrs Tieze. Anh hated himself for thinking this, but he couldn't help but notice she was no longer as fat as she had been before.
Mrs Tieze drew in a deep breath. "Yu Anh." She said.
Anh bowed and smiled. "Mrs Tieze. It's good to see you."
"The hour is late." Mrs Tieze said coldly. "Come back tomorrow to see her." With that, she slammed the door.
Anh stood in shock. He had no mind to put a finger on what had just happened. The hour was late, he admitted to himself… But it's not like Yara's parents had minded that fact before? He paced back and forth on the sidewalk and then moved to sit in the park. It was overgrown compared to the last time he had slept here. He found it more beautiful. Every few minutes, he looked at the Tieze residence in case Yara came out. With each passing moment, his hopes dwindled.
Eventually, he realized that she wasn't coming. Disappointment washed over him like a wave, but he tried to push it aside. There was probably a good reason she couldn't make it. Maybe he could see her tomorrow? He knew that he would wait as long as it took to see her again. After all, three years was a long time to be apart from someone you loved.
When all light from the Tieze residence was blown out, Anh blew a tuft of hair from his face. The park was a welcome refuge, but he knew he wouldn't sleep if he kept looking over at the Tieze residence. Hei Lei would give him a heckling, but at least he'd get a decent nights sleep in Lord Cao's hall. He began walking back. It was only then, when he wasn't rushing, that he noticed something was missing.
The place where the two old men used to play chess was empty, the benches they sat on now vacant. It was the first time he hadn't seen them there. Anh couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. Once, he had watched them from afar and occasionally shared a joke with them. But now they were gone, and with them, a small piece of his heart. He stood there for a moment, gazing at the empty benches, lost in thought. It was a reminder that life was fleeting, that even the most constant things could disappear in an instant.
"You've gotten taller."
Anh's heart skipped a beat. It was the sweetest voice he had ever heard.
He spun on his heels and spotted Yara standing behind him, under the shadow of an overgrown yew tree. He grinned. "You'd expect that after three years."
Yara leaned against the tree with her arms crossed. Anh could just make out her lips pursed as she studied him. When their eyes met, Yara's faux sternness turned to laughter. Anh tried to hold back his own tongue, but her laughter was infectious.
Yara ran and threw her arms around him. The impact of the hug near sent Anh tumbling, but he managed to catch her and spun her about. When he stopped spinning, he drew Yara in and held her for a while. For all the doom and gloom of the day, Anh was at last holding her and his troubles melted away.
Yara cupped his face in her hands. "When did you get back?" She said with a giggle.
"The Haven, yesterday. Tinkling, a few hours ago."
"Took your darn time. You said one year – not three years!" She said with a raised eyebrow.
Anh was waiting for her to say that. "There were troubles." He said leaning his forehead onto hers.
He and Yara swayed for a moment. "We've had a fair share of troubles here too." She whispered.
Anh placed his hands gently on her shoulders and stepped back. He wanted to look at her properly. Her once chubby face was thinner, and he could make out the tops of her cheek bones. Her hair had a slight curl to it, and her complexion was darker than it used to be. Not as dark as Anh's, but plain enough to see she had spent more time outside.
The war was painted on her, though. Not as deeply as the cracks in Lord Cao's face, nor as noticeable as Mrs Tieze's weight (or, lack, thereof). It was an emotional scar that he could see. Her once bright eyes were shadowed. He didn't need the ability of reading hearts to see in hers that she had lost many people she had loved. The carefree girl he knew three years ago was much more guarded now, though Anh sensed it wasn't just war that had played into that.
"Why were you away for so long?" Yara mused.
Anh leaned his forehead back on hers. "The dragonlings didn't make it."
Yara gasped and cupped her hand over her mouth. Anh struggled to hear her. "Is Sha okay?"
Anh closed his eyes. Memories of Sha's piecing screams of grief flooded him. "I don't think she will be the same again." He whispered.
"Grief will do that." Yara tutted, looking over to the bench where the chess players once sat. Anh recalled the two old men playing there the last time he was in town, looking for Yara. He was in such a rush to see her, he didn't appreciate their old banter. How he wished he could take it back.
As if reading his mind, Yara whispered, "It was the flu that took Patzi. There was enough medicine at the time, but it was distributed to the children first. My brother was sick as well, but he was one of the lucky ones." She sighed. "Sa Far went on for a year after but was miserable. They say he died of heartbreak."
Anh looked up at the sky in an attempt to keep the saltwater from coming out. He hadn't even known their names until now.
"Did the war come to The Winter Haven?" Yara asked.
Anh shook his head. "We heard whispers. It hardly impacted the towns around The Winter Haven. It only really his me how bad it was after we left."
"To return to Tinkling?"
"To Jining – Oh!" He remembered he had a gift for her in his pocket. "Hold out your hand." Yara held her hand out, and Anh clasped it in his own with the pouch inside. "You will never guess where I went."
"To Jining, apparently." Yara said with a wink. She undid the drawstring of the pouch and drew out the seeds. "What are these…?"
"Mulberry seeds." Anh smiled.
Yara's eyes grew wide. "You went to the Silk Fields?" She asked. "Were they beautiful?"
"Like a tapestry." Anh said, recalling the canopies from above and his short visit to the village Lu Lin. "You would have loved it."
"Do you think these seeds will grow out here?" She asked.
"Try." Anh said clasping her hands around the pouch.
Yara began to blush. "I always used to talk about the Silk Fields. I can't believe you went there."
"I wish you could have seen it." Anh said. "Yara, did your mother tell you I visited earlier?"
"No – I overheard her telling my father. One could say I made quite a show of pretend sleeping."
Anh raised his eyebrows. "Still sneaking out, Tieze?"
Yara held a finger to her lips. "Walk with me."
They walked on, hand in hand, catching each other up on stories of the last three years. Anh grew bored of Lord Cao's questioning earlier, but he spoke with newfound enthusiasm with Yara. He told her of learning axe throwing and picking up new dragon keeping skills. Mostly, he spoke of he and Hei Lei's day flights south to see the limestone mountains, and once, the ocean.
Yara shared stories of the good times that had passed in Tinkling Village. One of the odd outcomes of the travelers disappearing was the wildlife returning. She had seen more swallows than ever before. "Don't tell Hei Lei, though." She added with a wink. Since trade was largely down, her family began learning new skills to sustain themselves. Her father, being one who can read, was appointed to Lord Cao's council early on.
"A strategist?" Anh asked.
Yara shrugged. "I honestly couldn't tell you. He comes home quite late these days." Anh wondered if he would see her father tomorrow at Lord Cao's when he delivered the news of the army...
Yulan was now of age, but instead of learning craft or writing, as was custom of his family, he was taking up arms. Meanwhile, Yara and her mother continued to spin loom, only rather than create art, they were supporting the war by making shoes.
"Shoes?" Anh thought. "That's an odd shift from tapestry."
"It sounds like the last thing someone would think of for war efforts. But think about it!" Yara said preparing for one of her usual rambles. Anh smiled – her rambles were music to his ears. "Soldiers need proper footwear to protect them from sharp objects, and rough terrain, and also keep their feet dry when it rains. Also…" She shuddered. "It can prevent trench foot."
"Trench foot?"
Yara cleared her throat. "It's when your feet stay cold or wet for too long and the skin starts falling off."
Anh winced at the thought. "I take it some here have experienced it?"
Yara nodded. "In the beginning, yes. In fact, some believe the flu was brought on in Tinkling because of trench foot." She looked out beyond the street. "It wasn't so bad at first, when the trade stopped. But then the flu came, chewing and spitting out the weak. And then the food shortages." She held a hand over her stomach. "We're lucky we had the orchards in Tinkling; but grain was hard to come by. And hunger can drive you mad. People you once thought of as friends quarrelled over chicken scrap. I think the worst day was when Yulan cried with hunger, and all we had to spare was bark infused water which we passed off as soup."
The thought of Yara or little Yulan going hungry broke Anh's heart. "Is there enough food now?"
"There is more now. I believe the darkest of days are over."
The night sky was starting to brighten with dawns impending arrival. They had been walking all night. They came by a bench that sat under a budding magnolia tree. They had been here before – nearly four years ago, this was where they had tried the pickle for the first time before going out to find peppers.
"Do you remember this spot?" Anh asked.
"We ate here for the first time together. You hated my pickle."
"I didn't hate it." Anh laughed. "It just needed a little pepper."
Yara looked down at her feet as she twirled her hair. "A bit of spice didn't hurt, I suppose. I've gotten better at cooking, since."
"I liked your cooking." Anh smiled.
"You must be the only one who does." Yara smiled still, but looked on rather sad. "My mother started me on homemaking."
Anh frowned. "House building?"
Yara burst out laughing. "Sometimes I forget how far removed you are, Yu Anh! Home making – marriage preparation."
Anh's heart sank into his chest. Of course. She was 18 now. He had seen young women previously taken up with a matron on Inn Street for lessons. Yara's mother had taken it upon herself now to lesson Yara. Had he of grown up in a town, no doubt he'd of had some similar lessons from the men.
"It's been a rather… overwhelming experience. I don't mind the cooking as it means we have food in the house." She looked away from Anh and over the trees. "It's the lectures about managing a household, bearing son's, and being proper that's rather frustrating. Oh – " She looked back at Anh with a twinkle in her eye. "and the meetings."
Anh inquired. "Meetings…?"
"It started with the noodle stand boy from Jade Street. His parents asked mine for a meeting to see if we'd be a good match. I've known noodle boy since childhood, and let me tell you Anh, his heart is in the right place, but his head is full of rocks. They said no, but my parents were suddenly so interested in me. My father had the idea to ask around the town for propositions, and my mother took it on herself to lesson me on homemaking."
Anh bit his lip as he felt a vice grip over his heart. He hated to admit to himself; he was jealous.
"If I may," Anh gathered the courage to ask. "have you taken to anyone?"
Yara drew his hand to her lap and whispered. "It's not up to me." She said sadly. "Do you remember, Anh? Four years ago, when I said that I had a superpower; I could become invisable?" Anh nodded. "Everywhere I go now, I have eyes on me. My parents restrict me. It's a cruel trick of fate."
Anh squeezed her hand. "Yara…"
Yara looked down at their hands intertwined in her lap. "I wish I could be invisible again." She whispered.
They sat there in tired silence for sometimes. It was the comfortable silence of old friends. Dawn was breaking, and the first songs of the day were sung by birds in the magnolia tree.
Yara yawned. "I should go – before my parents realize I'm out."
"I hope I don't get you into trouble." Anh said standing up.
"Even so, it was worth it." Yara said standing up with him. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders. "I'm so happy you're back, Anh."
Anh breathed in the scent of her hair. "Me too." He squeezed her gently. "Me too."
He walked her home then laid down in the park next to her house. He fell into a quick sleep. It was midmorning when Anh was roused awake by a most surprising figure. It took a moment for Anh to piece together who the elderly man with the extraordinary beard towering above him was.
Danzi. Anh nodded, sleepily.
Your presence is requested at Lord Cao's council. Danzi, in his shape formed human, added, Lao Longzi wants to see you first.
Of course he does. Anh grumbled as he got up. When did you two arrive?
Midnight. Danzi said.
Why?
Lao Longzi has his principles.
You gave me your permission.
I did. Danzi concurred.
And Lao Longzi?
Did not. Danzi said. They walked through the midmorning towards Lord Cao's home. The streets were only mildly more alive than the evenings.
Danzi, Anh said as they neared the town centre. About the stone -
No one knows about it.
No one?
You, me. Lu Yu, and Lao Longzi are all who are to know for now.
Anh considered this for a moment. Is it because of Sha?
There are other reasons, Anh.
Why did Lu Yu share it with just me then? Anh asked.
Danzi was silent for a while. Anh was certain Danzi was done with their conversation until they reached Lord Cao's home. We have not always seen eye to eye; you, Lao Longzi. Me, and Hei Lei. But yourself, Lu Yu and I have something in common. Danzi continued. We do not necessarily agree with principles.
Anh scoffed. You? Non abiding? Danzi must be mocking him! But Danzi looked Anh dead in the eyes.
Laws are created based on their times. I have lived many lifetimes, Yu Anh. He shifted into his dragon state once more. Times are changing. It is now time for change.
Anh wanted desperately to press Danzi for more when the doors of Lord Cao's residence opened. Lao Longzi was pacing in the Hall when Anh and Danzi arrived. Anh could sense Hei Lei still asleep in the guest room.
Lao huffed when he saw Anh. "What were you thinking?" He said bluntly.
"Danzi gave me permission." Anh said.
Lao's expression darkened. "It goes against principle."
Anh spoke up. "We cannot ignore the threat that this army poses to Tinkling Village."
Danzi then added. It is not against our principles to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
"You wouldn't give half a shit if it wasn't for your girlfriend." Lao blasted.
Anh was about ready to knock Lao out with his qi. "Really? Like you cared to tell anyone about Danzi and Lu Yu's stone?"
Lao choked and looked towards Danzi. "You told him?"
Lu Yu did. Danzi said matter of factly. As I said; It is not against our principles to protect those who cannot protect themselves.
"What does a dragonling have to do with villagers and war?"
There has not been a dragonling born in over 400 years, Lao Longzi. Danzi boomed. 400 years ago there were several eggs, but all were stolen by hungry and war torn men.
"I know our history, Danzi –"
You fail to see the consequences war has on the Dragon Havens! Danzi said. Even Anh's ears burned with the new told history. The dragons stopped interfering with human conflicts after Imperialism. But we suffered along with humans when they went to war. We stopped bringing rain, they starved, and we died. We stopped helping them in their petty conflicts, and they died, and we died. We turned our backs on the humans, and they turned on us. Dragon Hunters were borne out of hate for dragons. We must bring the humans to our side, if we are to see our children, and future Dragon Keepers, live on.
Lao muttered under his breath, Anh broke our principles –
Anh is currently upholding the livelihood of the Haven, and the village! Danzi roared.
Anh was lost for words! All these years, he thought of Danzi as an old cooth, pious, and stuck in his beliefs. Anh saw Danzi now for who he truly was; a dragon of great courage and wisdom beyond what Anh gave him credit for.
Lao sighed heavily and stopped his pacing. I understand your concerns. I want your dragonling to hatch and live freely away from hunters as much as you do. But we must be careful not to involve ourselves too deeply in human conflicts. Our involvement could have unintended consequences.
Danzi nodded. The unintended consequences have manifested once. My dragonling will not succumb to human greed where conflict can be avoided if we can help it. He added. Which we can.
Lao looked at both Anh and Danzi with a mix of frustration and admiration. It was then Anh became aware that Hei Lei was waking up in the next room. "Hei Lei…" He cautioned.
I know your love for each other, Danzi said. but Hei Lei must not know of the dragonling. Not yet.
But why? Anh insisted.
Danzi met Anh's gaze. I think you know why now…
Anh met Danzi's gaze and bit his lip. Oh yes… the more he thought about it, the more plain it was. He did know…
Very well. Anh said reluctantly. He took his leave after, and found Hei Lei rubbing his chin across the lattice of the wall.
Do you have an itch? Anh asked.
No – I'm clearly defacing this lattice with my jaw because I'm bored. What do you think? He asked sarcastically.
Anh resisted the urge to chuckle at the old dragons sarcasm. Come here, he beckoned. Hei Lei laid next to him and Anh rubbed the dragon under his jaw, right where he knew he was prone to an itch. You need to stop sleeping with your paws under your chin. Anh fussed. You have no idea what you've walked on during the day.
I have plenty idea. Hei Lei tinkled. How about I step on you now, and we can compare the itch tomorrow morning?
Anh smiled as he went on scratching the black beast. He felt a tug in his chest as he did so. He didn't want to keep secrets from Hei Lei, but lately it felt as if he it was all he did. Bong had warned him not to mention Wucheng. Danzi didn't want Hei Lei to know about the egg. Additionally, Anh was withholding questions about Hei Lei's previous Dragon Keeper knowing full well it would pain both Hei Lei and himself…
How is your girlfriend? Hei Lei asked.
She's not my -! Anh paused and then grinned. This was no secret he had to hide from Hei Lei. She's okay, actually.
Just okay? Hei Lei huffed. Guess I wouldn't be too excited to see you either.
Anh kicked Hei Lei. Cheeky! It was wonderful to see her. It's just…different. Life here is different.
War is funny like that. Hei Lei said.
Anh laid his head into Hei Lei's chest. What could he do but agree?