Sui Writes

Author: Suilan

  • Blades of Ashes Ch 4-3

    Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    Chapter 4-3

    Azula read the thorough report written by the Port Magistrate with a mix of awe and annoyance. The document was signed and sealed by the magistrate and Draeya General who had made a solemn promise before the magistrate to catch thieves. It legitimized Azula’s need for a legion escort to Genad City.

    Shaking his head, Azula could only admit that the general had skill in dealing with the corrupt.

    Azula turned to look at Draeya General. They stood outside the magistrate’s office. Draeya General’s officers were getting their horses ready. Draeya General stood tall waiting for his officers to get ready. His expression was calm and ready for whatever came next.

    Azula frowned when the general looked at him.

    “What?”

    “What is your name?” Azula asked. “I can’t keep calling you Draeya General.”

    “Why not?”

    “You called me Azula in the magistrate’s office. If you’re going to be helping my clan, we should know your name. Otherwise, my people won’t trust you.”

    Draeya General studied him for a minute, then stepped closer and held out his right hand to Azula. Azula gripped the report from the magistrate in his left hand and took Draeya General’s right hand in greeting.

    “Raithion Maenaer at your service. My close family calls me Raith.”

    Raithion’s handshake was unexpectedly firm. His palm had calluses, convincing Azula that he was not spoiled despite his high station in life. Damn it, so sexy!

    “Can I call you Raith?” Azula asked as he let go of Raithion’s right hand.

    Azula grinned and brought the paper he held to cover his lips.

    “No.”

    “General Maenaer?”

    “That is my father,” Raithion said. “You can call me General Raithion.”

    “General Raith,” Azula said with a happy smile making Raithion scowl. Azula ignored it and stepped closer to Raithion.

    “Let’s go to the dock. My crew is waiting. We can’t delay delivery to Genad. I’m worried something will happen to my family’s workshops if we don’t make it in time.”

    “Why can’t you meet us outside the port town? There is only one road out of the port,” Raithion said, folding his arms against his chest. “We’ll wait for you at the exit.”

    Azula’s frown deepened.

    “No way,” Azula said. “Do you want to stay on the outside, offering protection without understanding what you’re protecting? How can we trust you?”

    Raithion narrowed his gaze as he studied Azula. Then, he seemed to decide as he nodded.

    “Haedor and I will go with you,” Raithion said. “The rest of the legion will wait for us at the port exit heading to Naga State. Azula, having my legion officers crowding your dock station will make everyone nervous. I assume you’re still conducting business as usual. So, Haedor and I meeting your clan members is enough. In any case, you’re right. Visiting your ship will allow me to understand more about your operations and why anyone would come after you.”

    Azula suddenly remembered the people who were following him and Sennin. He had forgotten about those two women when he met Draeya General and was then dragged to the Magistrate’s Office by him. Looking around the busy compound, he wondered if he would catch a glimpse of them.

    “They’re not here,” Raithion said, drawing Azula’s gaze.

    “What?”

    “The two who were following you,” Raithion said. “They retreated when we entered the Magistrate’s Compound. We have not seen them since.”

    “Oh,” Azula frowned. “You saw them too?”

    “They followed you to the inn but stayed away when they saw my legion officers. I’m glad you were aware.”

    “Hm,” Azula shrugged. “A lot of people want to take our ore or tools, sometimes the wares we make. It pays to be vigilant. Then, let me take you to our ship.”

    “Alright,” Raithion started to head to his horse, but Azula shook his head.

    “You don’t need the horse,” Azula said. “We’ll walk, it’s not far.”

    “But—”

    “Come on, General Raith,” Azula said, taking Raithion’s right hand, and started leading him to the open gates. “Also, let Lieutenant Haedor let go of my friend. I need Sennin.”

    ****

    Raithion stared at the spot where Azula held his right hand as they walked along the main street of the Port City. He could not remember the last time someone had held his hand. Azula reminded him of an anxious child. Azula’s steps were energetic as he walked. He gripped the report from the magistrate in his right hand like a trophy. The smile he directed at Raithion in intervals made him want to laugh.

    “You can slow down,” Raithion said when Azula looked on the verge of breaking into a run. “I won’t run away.”

    “Really?” Azula turned to look at him, his grip on Raithion’s right hand still tight. “This is the first time legion officers are helping us with no payment. I’m nervous.”

    “Are you afraid I will run away?” Raithion asked with a chuckle, amused by Azula’s logic.

    Azula stopped in the middle of the street, forcing Raithion to a stop too. Azula stepped in close and then looked up. Suddenly, Raithion met intense hazel eyes. The noise of the street disappeared and they stood in perfect stillness.

    Azula was shorter than him but that did not deter his presence in the moment.

    “The thieves we’re chasing or evading have taken twelve of our people,” Azula said, his voice soft but full of passion. “Twelve families are mourning the loss of a breadwinner in their homes. The pain of this loss hurts us all. So, when you walk into our ship and promise to protect, we’ll take your word seriously. That’s who we are. The Sura takes the promise of protection with solemn belief. If you won’t be able to meet us on the same level, then it will be better if you walk away.”

    Azula let go of Raithion’s right hand and lifted the magistrate’s report.

    “This is nice to have for use later. But it is secondary. Right now, I need to know I can trust you with Sennin’s life, and the lives of the men who are helping me reach Genad City.”

    Raithion held Azula’s determined gaze for a minute, then his lips shifted into a small smile. It had been a long time since he met such a passionate soul. The capital city was full of people wanting to get ahead. Thieves, liars, insincere, and without gratitude, that’s what he dealt with most times. To meet such a passionate individual… was refreshing.

    Raithion took in a deep breath and let it out with a nod. He reached down and took out a dagger he kept in a hidden scabbard in his boot. Holding the smooth handle, he brought it up for Azula to see.

    “Hold it too,” Raithion said, nodding as he held Azula’s gaze.

    Azula broke their gaze to study the dagger he held, then brought his right hand to the dagger. He met Raithion’s gaze again.

    “What are we doing?”

    “Your Sura values your family,” Raithion said. “I’m a soldier first. And my oath is to protect. I will not run away or shirk my duty if you’re under my protection. This is my oath, on my blade, I will protect your people. Do you believe it?”

    Azula held his gaze for a moment longer then tightened his hold on the dagger, his callused fingers gripping Raithion’s right hand.

    “I believe you,” Azula said, then smiled, a startling curve of his lips that left Raithion stunned as Azula let go of his hand and turned away. “Let’s go, General Raith.”

    Previous | Blades of Ashes ToC | Next

  • Blades of Ashes Ch 4-2

    Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    Chapter 4-2

    Gesi Ajai carried a pail filled with fresh water with his right hand and a scoop with his left. He walked along the long benches of his greenhouse watering rows of tomato plants, eggplants, and spinach. His eldest daughter was partial to the tomatoes, so he always watered them well, determined to keep their house in stock.

    Gesi did not pause when a knock came on the greenhouse door. He kept working and only glanced up to see his trusted confidant walking along the rows of tomatoes growing in neat pots along the benches.

    “Good afternoon, Lord Ajai,” Sazama said, pausing by a tomato plant with a set of five green tomatoes. He studied the fruit with keen interest.

    “Afternoon, Sazama,” Gesi said, as he kept watering the eggplants.

    Gesi took the time to study Sazama.

    Sazama was thirty-seven this year. He had no family, was not married, and had no children. Gesi was twenty-three years old and living in Witia State in the South-West of the Lyria Empire when he met Sazama.

    Gesi was an impressionable scholar at the time. He had passed the empire’s state exams and earned his place working in the agricultural office of Witia State. Thanks to the government job, Gesi worked hard and made enough money to uplift himself from scholarly poverty. He paid off those who helped him on the way up and got justice from those who had wronged him.

    Feeling content, Gesi made a friend in the government office. A righteous scholar who worked for the Ministry of Justice in Witia State. His name was Tajan. Tajan had one younger brother he doted on, but Gesi particularly liked how passionate Tajan was about his work. Their bond grew fast, and Gesi found himself spending a lot of time at Tajan’s family home. He met Tajan’s younger brother, Sazama, and was accepted into their brotherhood of two.

    Then, in the course of his work, Tajan stumbled into a powerful opponent. A magistrate from the Capital City Genad. Tajan looked up to this powerful magistrate and often visited him when he was in Witia. On one of Tajan’s visits to the magistrate’s compound to visit the powerful lord, he accidentally discovered a sinister plot.

    Gesi frowned, watching Sazama reach out to touch the ripest of the tomatoes. He fought the urge to snap at the young man, but it was difficult. It was difficult.

    “I won’t take it off,” Sazama said. “I know you keep them for Naeri. She is a lucky girl, your daughter. It must be nice to have such a doting father.”

    Gesi paused in the act of pouring water for a spinach plant. He studied Sazama openly, mulling over Sazama’s wistful tone.

    Once again, the tone was understandable. After all, Sazama had once known a deep caring affection from his older brother, Tajan. Dear Tajan who discovered a plot designed to murder Basileus Rokas. Tajan’s righteous nature drove him on a wild ride to the capital city determined to report the plot. He wanted to connect with the Basileus’s office and report a crime, but he was caught before he could get out of Witia State.

    Gesi Ajai had accompanied Tajan on the road to the capital city. That day, he met the powerful Dowager Basilinna.

    “What is your dream?” she asked him, as he watched Tajan die in the middle of a wild forest.

    The Dowager Basilinna’s voice had sounded bored as she watched him tremble with grief and anger. Her legion guards standing behind Gesi with sharp daggers ready to end his life in the same way as they dispatched Tajan.

    “Do you want to keep your life?” Dowager Basilinna asked him with an indifferent tone.

    “Yes,” Gesi remembered saying his voice trembling, despite the grief and anger. The determination to live overcame his grief.

    “Then, you will join my cause from now on,” Dowager Basilinna said with a dismissive tone.

    Gesi watched her walk away with her guards assured of his obedience. She did not look back once, not even to confirm if Tajan was truly gone. Her legion guard left him kneeling with a dead Tajan lying on a muddy patch in the middle of the forest. A demon grew inside him that night, even as he gathered Tajan’s body and placed it on a horse. A desire to have enough power to escape having to submit to Basilinna’s whims filled him until it was all he could think about at every meal, and when he lay down to rest.

    This mad desire to be strong overtook his being, so much so that when he brought Tajan’s cold body to Sazama, he infected him with the same desire. The need to be strong, not to have to bow to others, and Sazama wanted revenge for his beloved brother’s death.

    He was twenty-three years old when Tajan died. Now, here they were, thirty years later, on the verge of accomplishing their goals. Gesi smiled and glanced at Sazama.

    “You can take two from the pile,” Gesi said, thinking it was good to spoil Tajan’s little brother once in a while.

    Sazama smiled as he reached for the ripest one and wiped it on his black tunic.

    “Why did you visit me?” Gesi asked, finishing with the spinach plants.

    “We have movement,” Sazama said, biting into his tomato. He only took one and moved to lean on a workbench laden with empty pots. “The Basileus has installed General Maenaer in his offices at the palace. He has given him the job of being a military liaison.”

    “The Marquis from Draeya is trouble,” Gesi frowned. “How is the inspector-general managing the case of the counterfeit silver?”

    “The clues are pouring in,” Sazama said. “The assayer has identified Sura Clan ore as the source. This matter will be reported at court tomorrow morning.”

    “Good,” Gesi nodded in approval.

    “Hulan has sent a message from the port,” Sazama said. “A complication. Draeya General has shown up at the port magistrate’s office with a member from the Sura Clan. They have recorded a case of theft for the ore.”

    Gesi chuckled and put away his pail, and the scoop on a small rack in the corner. He picked up a small towel hanging on the rack and used it to wipe his hands.

    “Why do you laugh?” Sazama asked.

    “Draeya General is amusing. He feels if the case is reported, the Sura Clan can escape. I can’t let that happen though after working so hard.”

    “Why do you need their workshops?” Sazama asked. “We can always make do with the income coming from our enterprises in Witia State.”

    Gesi Ajai folded the rug he used to wipe his hands and placed it on the rack. He started a stroll between the aisles, checking for illnesses and pests on the plants. Worms could decapitate an entire grow. He did not want to risk it.

    “The Sura Clan has workshops at ideal points along the streets of Genad Capital. I need the amount of money they rake in a day,” Gesi said, pausing to study a tomato that was struggling to keep up with the others. “I need the wealth if I’m to enter the Minister of Finance office.”

    “Now what?” Sazama asked.

    “Now, we push the case for the resolution of the counterfeit silver case,” Gesi Ajai said. “Make the necessary preparations to find the Sura cargo carriages. A raid on one of their busiest workshops should produce coin molds. The Inspector-General will take it from there. At the least their license to trade in the city will be canceled, at worst and best for me, the head of the clan will be charged with treason.”

    “What about Draeya General?”

    “He’s not someone we can offend, we’ll work faster and make sure by the time he arrives in the capital, the case is concluded,” Gesi said, uprooting the struggling tomato plant. “Our plans must be concluded. Clean out loose ends.”

    Sazama nodded and looked around the greenhouse.

    “I’m sure Naeri will be excited to discover you have planted juicy tomatoes for her,” Sazama said.

    Gesi sighed.

    “I hope it makes her smile because I’m about to push her into a life decision that may change her life,” Gesi said.

    “You’ll marry her to Basileus Dio?” Sazama asked. “Are you sure?”

    “We need to gain closer footing with the ruling family,” Gesi said. “Marriage is an easy bloodless method. Naeri will make a beautiful Basilinna.”

    Sazama studied him for a moment, then nodded and started to head out of the greenhouse.

    “I better hurry to clean up loose ends. Otherwise, it will be difficult to vet a Basilinna from your house, Lord Ajai,” Sazama said with a smile.

    “Then do it well,” Gesi said, holding Sazama’s gaze. “Meanwhile, I’ll help Naeri meet the Dowager Basilinna. The Dowager will help us plan a meeting between Naeri and Basileus Dio.”

    Sazama nodded. “Good luck Lord Gesi.”

    Gesi watched Sazama leave the greenhouse. He walked around to the tomato plant Sazama had touched and studied the three fruits remaining on the plant. There had been five. Sazama must have taken a second one as he left.

    Gesi scowled and reached for the pot. He carried it to the work table and proceeded to destroy the plant and the remaining tomatoes to small bits with a hammer. He threw the mess into the compost pit under the worktable. He placed the now empty pot into a pile of unused pots and took in a deep calming breath. Better, nothing was worse than half-baked or ruined, it was not the same.

    He looked up when he heard a soft knock and stared at his eldest daughter, Naeri Ajai. She was beautiful this morning. Her long blonde hair fell down her back in silky waves. She was dressed in a red dress with a fitted bodice and long skirts that swept to the floor in layers of fine tulle. Naeri was always radiant, but her wary expression as she watched him made him pause.

    Gesi wondered if she had seen his temper on the tomatoes Sazama ruined.

    “Naeri.”

    “Afternoon, Dad,” Naeri said. “I—you called for me?”

    Gesi bit back his scoff. Her shaky voice betrayed her. She had seen his temper. He weighed how much the revelation bothered him and found that he was not so worried. Naeri would be Basilinna soon. She would need to handle courtiers and a cruel Dowager Basilinna. His temper could be considered the least of her worries.

    “Go prepare,” Gesi said to Naeri. “We have to visit someone important this evening. Make sure to hold your hair in a style that reveals your face. Don’t disappoint me.”

    Naeri studied him for a minute more.

    “Alright, Dad,” she said, then turned and left the greenhouse.

    Gesi listened as she broke into a run, her heels rapping a frantic beat on the wooden path leading to the main house, and he let out a sigh.

    Children were so difficult to manage.

    ******

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  • Blades of Ashes Ch 4-1

    Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    4-1

    “Sir,” Azula said, facing the magistrate of the Naga Port Town. “I’m here to report a series of thefts.”

    “Yes, you’ve already said that,” the magistrate said, his attention on the bowl of grapes on the desk before him. He sorted them out, one by one, removing skins and piling them on a small saucer.

    Azula frowned at the habit.

    Who peeled grapes?

    The magistrate’s office was a hall with six other desks arranged around the room. Six officers sat at their desks, each one busy. Not with matters of the magistrate’s office. Oh no, that would be too much to ask of this lot.

    One read a book, laughing as he ate peanuts from a bowl on his desk. Another was busy assembling a miniature boat on his desk. Azula would have admired his concentration in a different setting. Three were sleeping. The last one watched him while he chewed on a stick.

    Azula returned his gaze to the rotund man sitting behind the official magistrate’s desk. The magistrate’s face was round and soft, like a fresh bun from the oven. His hair was receding leaving him with an impressive bald spot at the top of his head. His dark brown hair was still held in a ponytail.

    The magistrate’s uniform was a rich purple tunic and a matching jacket decorated with gray embroidery on the sleeves and the collars. A medal of his office was pinned to the lapel of the embroidered jacket.

    Azula could not see more of the magistrate because he sat behind his mammoth desk. He looked overly fascinated with the grapes he was peeling.

    “Sir,” Azula said.

    “Consider the problem reported,” the Magistrate said, picking up the saucer filled with peeled grapes.

    Azula winced when he started eating them in a handful. Grape juice trailed down between the magistrate’s fingers and he wondered how this man kept his office.

    The magistrate smiled wide at Azula.

    “We’ll do our best to catch the thief.”

    “Don’t you want to know what is stolen?’ Azula asked, a frown creasing his forehead.

    Azula looked back at the open doors of the magistrate’s office. Four soldiers guarded the entrance. They each held a spear and wore a sword, ready to defend their magistrate’s office at any sign of trouble.

    “What is stolen?” the Magistrate asked, though he was not interested. He ate another handful of grapes and looked at Azula with a bored expression.

    Azula cursed Draeya General under his breath for the hundredth time. Thirty minutes ago, when he and Sennin finished eating, they got up to leave the table. Azula wanted to return to the ship to start preparations for unloading the carriage. However, the moment they stepped outside, Draeya General’s lieutenant arrested Sennin and asked their legion brothers to hold him.

    Shocked, Azula turned to Draeya General.

    ‘If you want your friend released you will go to the magistrate’s office with me. Report the theft of your ore.’

    Draeya General did not give him an option. He kept walking with eight of his legion officers following him. Haedor, the brute, gripped Azula’s left arm and dragged him away from the inn. Poor Sennin was held by the rest of Draeya General’s legion.

    When they got to the magistrate’s office, Draeya General pushed him to enter alone.

    Azula cursed under his breath. If Draeya General was going to help him, why insist on him reporting to the magistrate? Everyone knew the magistrate did not care to investigate cases that did not benefit him.

    Azula took in a deep breath and prayed for patience.

    “Our Sura Clan’s cargo carriages have been hijacked six times on the road to the Capital City. The thieves have murdered twelve drivers and taken our ore. We seek the government’s help,” Azula said, looking at the Magistrate.

    “That is a sadness,” the Magistrate said with a nod, staring at Azula.

    His expression had not changed. It felt like Azula was reporting that the sun had risen this morning and was now overhead. Azula fought a scowl.

    “And what do you think our magistrate’s office can do to help?”

    “Start looking for the thieves?” Azula suggested.

    “Hm,” the Magistrate said with a nod. “Yes, that is a very good idea. But…”

    Azula frowned when the Magistrate trailed off and glanced at the man chewing on a stick.

    “But what, Hulan?” the Magistrate asked.

    “If the thieves are so vicious as to murder twelve drivers, how can our office of four officers help?”

    “Yes, exactly,” the Magistrate said, smiling at Azula. “It sounds perilous.”

    Azula started counting back from a hundred. His temper would not help him here. There was Sennin to save and he had cargo to offload at the docks, and a journey to Genad City to complete. He could not be arrested here.

    “Will you record the crime?” Azula asked.

    “Oh,” the Magistrate said, with a nod. “Yes. I guess we should note it down somewhere. Don’t worry. We’ll get it down as soon as Siva wakes up. He had a difficult night last night. His wife gave birth to twins and they do not get enough rest in their house anymore. It’s all the crying. I say, babies and wives should live in one residence, while the husband lives in a nice quiet room. But that’s me. What do you think?”

    Azula cursed under his breath, forgetting to count down his temper.

    Clenching his fists, he started to take a step forward, determined to shove the remaining unpeeled grapes into the magistrate’s mouth. The imbecile deserved it, what a horrendous idiot.

    A commotion started before he could reach the magistrate’s desk, and he turned to find Draeya General entering the office with his lieutenant and legion officers. They were fully armed and looked like warmongers.

    Two of the legion officers used their sword handles to hit the desks of the magistrate’s officers, startling them to attention. The sleepy officers fell out of their chairs and stood when they saw legion officers with panic in their eyes.

    Hulan, who had answered the magistrate earlier, stood at attention staring at the ground hoping to go unnoticed.

    Azula frowned.

    Hulan was suspicious. His stance looked confident even as he lowered his head in the presence of Draeya General. His eyes watched Draeya General with intent. A slight smile curved his lips. Azula’s frown deepened, but he had no time to dwell on why.

    The magistrate dropped the plate he held on the floor making a mess of his peeled grapes as he stood up with a gasp. His eyes looked like white balls as they took in Draeya General’s eventful entry.

    Azula frowned at Draeya General who came to stand next to him with casual grace.

    The general wore his formal coat. The black coat with its gold embroidery announced his station and rank. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back as he studied the magistrate with interest. His legion officers were busy intimidating the surprised magistrate officers on each side of the room.

    “Why did you make me come in here if you were going to follow me?” Azula asked, with annoyance. “Making me report a crime to this idiot before you can help me. Did you want to watch me turn into a fool?”

    “It was interesting watching you try to look humble. Don’t insult yourself by calling yourself a fool, Chieftain’s son,” Draeya General said. “And stop scowling at me. I’m not the one who has pissed you off.”

    “You’re holding my friend hostage.”

    Azula cursed under his breath and turned his scowl to the shocked magistrate.

    “You should breathe, Sir,” Azula reminded the Magistrate. “You may choke on the peeled grapes in your mouth.”

    The magistrate sneered and started to point at him, but the grapes in his mouth choked him and he started to cough.

    Azula laughed.

    “Ha, that’s what you get for treating me like an idiot,” Azula said.

    “Hush,” Draeya General warned next to him and stepped forward.

    The general pushed a goblet of water standing next to a jug on the table to the magistrate. The magistrate took the goblet and drank deeply. When he stopped coughing, he placed his goblet on the table and looked at Draeya General.

    “What is the meaning of this? How can a general walk into the Magistrate’s Office armed and cause a commotion?”

    “I heard there was a problem of thieves terrorizing the citizens. I came running to help out because it is what I should do. What do you think, Magistrate Netan?” Draeya General asked. “I, Draeya General, am responsible for looking out for the small citizen.”

    “Draeya!” Magistrate Netan gasped and straightened to his full height. “Ay, if you told me you were coming we would have met you at the gates into the compound. Why—?”

    “No need for the ceremony,” Draeya General said, lifting his hand to stop the magistrate from coming around his desk. “I’m here to pick up a task from the magistrate. How could I announce myself for you to meet me at the gates? I’m not so insolent.”

    Draeya General turned to look at Azula and winked.

    Azula made a face at him, but the general had already returned his attention to the magistrate.

    Magistrate Netan was busy wiping the table and arranging his chair behind his desk.

    “Draeya General, please,” Magistrate Netan said, holding out his hands to his desk for the general to sit.

    “No. Magistrate Netan should sit,” Draeya General said, holding out his right hand to the chair. “I still need you to write down everything this young man said to you. Otherwise, how can you ask me to help him catch thieves?”

    Magistrate Netan stared at Azula in surprise, he stuttered, frowned at Azula, then nodded with enthusiasm.

    “Right. General is right,” the Magistrate said and sat in the chair with a shaky sigh. “Siva, bring me a paper and a pen. I’ll write down the young man’s statement, and orders to catch the thieves.”

    “You need three copies of the report,” Draeya General said and folded his arms against his chest. “Azula, why don’t you start your statement?”

    Azula was caught between awe and annoyance with how fast Draeya General got the magistrate to work. He wished he had half the power. Their Sura Clan would be far richer he thought with a frown.

    Draeya General touched his right shoulder and he scowled at the man before he stated his grievances, one by one.

    *~*~*~*

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  • Blades of Ashes – Character List

    The Lyria Kingdom from the Blades of Ashes
    Rough drawing of The Lyria Kingdom

    Genad City – Arc 1 Characters

    • Basileus Dio Adertha – Ruler of The Lyria Kingdom
    • Thanir Maenaer – A General tasked with protecting Dio Adertha by the previous Basileus
    • Raithion Maenaer – Son of Thanir Maenaer. He is also a General under his father’s wing. In Arc 1 – The Case of the Forged Silver Coins, his wedding is a bargaining tool to save the Sura Clan.
    • Noriel Maenaer – She is the second daughter of Thanir Maenaer. Her wedding to Lord Draug in the capital city serves as the Maenaer’s launching into the Genad City nobility community.
    • Soriel Maenaer – She is Thanir Maenaer’s youngest daughter. She becomes Dio Adertha’s wife and The Lyria Kingdom’s Basilinna.
    • Silveren Maenaer – Thanir Maenaer’s wife and mother to Raithion, Noriel, and Soriel.
    • Lord Gesi Ajai – The Ministry of Agriculture Minister with a blinding ambition to reach the top of Lyria Kingdom’s politics.
    • Lady Naeri Ajai – Gesi Ajai’s oldest daughter.
    • Theod Dorn – Dio Adertha’s Head of Palace Guard and confidant.
    • Dowager Basilinna Olneth – Dio Adertha’s mother, and the previous Basilinna. She is from Witia.
    • Princess Sanan Adertha – Dio Adertha’s Aunt, sister to his father, Rokas Adertha
    • Prince Ramak – Princess Sanan’s husband who was previously her bodyguard.
    • Minister of Finance Pamplona
    • Haedor – Raithion’s lieutenant and confidant.

    Sura Clan – Arc 1 Characters

    • Azula Doriel – the second son of the Sura Clan’s Chieftain.
    • Marius Doriel – The Sura Clan’s Chieftain.
    • Lasma Doriel – Married to Marius
    • Alise Doriel – The eldest daughter of the Sura Clan’s Chieftain and the next chief.
    • Magnus Doriel – Marius’s cousin and Azula’s godfather.
    • Sennin – Azula’s companion.
    • Alva – A childhood friend who works at the Doriel homestead managing the day-to-day
    • Kalas – A strong manager who helps Azula manage the mines and transport and shipping of the clan’s ore.
    • Torak – Marius’s assistant.
    • Juya – A member of the Sura Clan’s chief council.

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 16-2

    Tani cursed under his breath as he walked away from Dante, his heart speeding in his chest. Just now, when Dante cut the dead branch off the tree, he thought they were going to kiss. It hurt him when Dante turned away without giving in to the urge.

    It was always so difficult at the start of their relationship. This pull between them was too hard to manage. If Tani were asked, they would have spent most of their time here in bed, but…

    He could not be greedy. He needed to remember to take his time. Remember their connection was new for Dante. Their love was fresh…again.

    Tani closed his eyes in frustration and rubbed his forehead with his right hand. He would have let out a soft sigh, but then a strong hand gripped his left wrist, pulling him to a stop.

    Tani gasped when Dante dragged him into his arms and kissed him hard. A deep hungry, demanding kiss that had Tani closing his eyes and his free hand gripping Dante’s left arm to keep steady.

    Dante let go of his wrist. He cupped Tani’s face and kissed him again, like a man starved, finally giving Tani the passionate kiss he had been craving.

    Tani let out a soft moan, wrapping his arms around Dante’s waist, his fingers bunching Dante’s white linen shirt. Feeling the heat coming off Dante’s body. Tani closed his eyes, losing himself in their hungry kiss. He felt too hot, insanely needy, his skin turning sensitive, needing to feel Dante’s hands on him.

    Dante broke their kiss a moment and Tani opened his eyes to find Dante studying him. Dante caressed Tani’s bottom lip with his thumb.

    Dante’s gaze was sharp and filled with heat. His lips slightly parted, his breathing coming a little too fast, as he slid an arm around Tani’s waist and pulled him closer. Closer still until their chests touched. Tani’s breath came in shaky breaths as he brought his arms around Dante’s shoulders. Dante held him tighter, turning to pin Tani against the trunk of the closest apple tree. His big body pressed against Tani in full possessive ownership.

    Tani’s breath snagged as his cock filled with need, arousal engulfing him in a hot cloud. Dante took advantage of his parted lips and set his mouth to his again. His kiss was ravaging. Tani’s blood surged in response, his body molding to Dante. He tightened his arms around Dante, savoring his taste, hot, wild, and utterly uncivilized. Their shared heat was so familiar it brought the sting of tears to Tani’s eyes.

    Dante pressed him harder against the apple tree, his hands moving over Tani’s body, stroking down Tani’s back, cupping his bottom, and grinding his swollen cock against him. Long fingers slipped between them, feeling Tani’s hard length through his trousers. Tani let out an aroused moan, his fingers digging into Dante’s hair in response. He undid the rubber band Dante used to hold his hair and sunk his fingers into the soft tresses, holding on, making Dante moan.

    Dante pressed his palm on Tani’s hard length, his touch bold, sensual. Tani had seconds of warning; his hard cock pulsed so hard, he feared he might disgrace himself from the sensation. Then Dante stroked his palm over him and Tani forgot modesty. An intense orgasm built up inside him and fractured into a million pieces leaving him shaking. Tani let out a hoarse moan, arching into Dante’s caress at a loss.

    Dante took in his moans with a sweet kiss, and a soft sob escaped when Dante wrapped a secure arm around him to keep him steady. Holding him tight through his weakening ecstasy. Their kiss broke and Tani buried his face into Dante’s shoulder, closing his eyes as his breath came too fast trying to find his balance again. He clung to Dante’s shoulders afraid he was going to melt to the ground.

    Dante buried his nose into Tani’s right shoulder and breathed him in. He pressed his lips on the soft curve of Tani’s shoulder, sucking on sensitive skin, and then licked at the spot with hot intimacy.

    Tani trembled.

    “This is my answer,” Dante murmured into his ear after a while. His hot breath sent maddening electric tingles racing down Tani’s spine. “I want you. All of you. Every part of you. I don’t want to wait. Let’s make love, Tani.”

    Tani held on to Dante, elated. He opened his eyes and stared at the rows of apple trees closest to them. They were filled with blooming white flowers, even the ones that had none before were now heavy with them. He grinned and decided to hide this strange happenstance of his ecstasy from Dante, for the moment anyway.

    “Let’s go inside,” Tani murmured.

    “Mm,” Dante agreed.

    Tani held onto Dante and teleported them straight to the bathroom. His cheeks flushed with color when Dante cupped his face and tilted his head up.

    “You’re gorgeous,” Dante murmured, studying Tani’s face. His thumb stroked Tani’s right cheek, the pad of his thumb shifting to trace over Tani’s bottom lip.

    “I’ve wanted to see you this way for a while,” Dante said.

    “Messy because you drove me to the brink with a simple touch?” Tani asked, his cheeks flaming, somewhat mortified by his swift orgasm in the orchard. He had thought he had more control. Turns out Dante could drive him to the edge with a simple kiss.

    “Wanting me,” Dante corrected, taking Tani’s lips in a soft kiss. Then he murmured against Tani’s lips, “as much as I want you. There’s nothing messy about our passion. It’s how it should be.”

    Dante kissed him again and then helped Tani out of his clothes. His hands were gentle as he helped Tani pull off his t-shirt. Dante dropped it to the floor with a small smile. His gaze was appreciative as he took in Tani’s figure. His fingers were sure when they reached for Tani’s trousers. He unbuttoned them with a single flick of his fingers. Tani held Dante’s gaze as Dante pulled down the zipper and Tani’s trousers dropped to the floor. Tani stepped out of them and closed his eyes when Dante reached for his dark underwear. His fingers warm against Tani’s skin.

    Dante took Tani’s lips in a short sweet kiss, as he pushed his messy boxer briefs down.

    Then, Tani stood naked before Dante.

    Dante looked at him, his gaze heated as it traveled down from his shoulders, down his chest, to his stomach then to his aching cock. Tani fought the urge to step back as he faced his beloved for the first time in decades. With no clothes to shield him, and no lies between them, Tani decided to take off the glamour that hid his origins. His eyes took on the distinctive fox clan slits. Kinon’s cuffs on his wrists restored to their true form, heavy and punishing on his wrists.

    Tani met Dante’s gaze.

    “This is my true self,” Tani murmured, his voice shaking, vulnerable.

    Dante took a step closer. He placed his hands on Tani’s bare shoulders. His fingers started a slow gentle caress down Tani’s arms. He held Tani’s gaze as his fingers wrapped around Tani’s wrists, holding the gold cuffs that marked him a deviant. He lifted Tani’s right hand to his lips and pressed his lips to the cool gold metal.

    Dante then brought Tani’s hand to his left cheek and Tani straightened his fingers to cup Dante’s cheek.

    “What?” Tani asked.

    “I think you’re expecting that I’ll turn away from you. You show me your cuffs, your eyes, wanting me to cringe and run,” Dante said, shaking his head. He took Tani’s hands and brought them to his chest and the buttons of his white linen shirt. “I won’t, Tani. You’re stuck with me now, no matter what we face in the future.”

    Tani sucked in air at the mention of the future. He thought about Cale’s warning. The idea that someone took Dante’s life when they parted filled his head. Panic had him dropping his gaze to the buttons on Dante’s shirt. The longer he spent with Dante, the more he wished Cale were wrong. The more he wanted to know what a future with Dante looked like. The future he never once experienced in Dante’s company, he wanted to know it.

    Tani undid the first button of Dante’s shirt and looked up to find Dante studying him.

    Their future seemed far away and unsolvable, but the now was here. Tani decided he would lose himself in their shared bliss.

    <<Previous | Table of Contents | Next>>

  • Updates

    June 2023 Updates

    I’ve been on an editing spree these past two months. I have loved going back to old work and rediscovering characters.  Now, I write this update because I’ve had to move my e-books from their usual platforms. One of the platforms I was using removed my work and wrote me a message about inappropriate content. I am not proud of the emotional turmoil that ensued. March 2023 was an unforgettable period of anxiety, and questioning the meaning of policies on sites, and life in general.

    Instead of fighting and haggling with decisions from platforms I do not own, I’ve decided to consolidate all my content on Kindle for ebooks, and on gayauthors.org/authors/lilansui for running chapters. GayAuthors.org has always been a welcoming home for all my content. If you can’t get into gayauthors.org for whatever reason, I will also post ongoing chapters on this site. Hopefully, keeping it to these tried-and-true sites will make my life easier.

    On a personal note, I’ve had a series of emotional ups and downs over this episode. I know it happens, people report books and content and mark it inappropriate. Policies on platforms kick in and voila! While I respect personal opinion, it sure has sent me on a crazy spiral. I considered removing all my work, or only using this website, even quitting all together. March was really hard to deal with. Thank goodness for my hubby, who suggested a re-edit and a decisive move. There is no easy way to deal with judgment from others. I know now that I can only shake it off, and march on. My stories will now live in these three platforms, until another crazy episode happens.

    So,the official platforms to find and read Suilan Lee Books and Ongoing Stories are here:

    Ongoing Chapters: gayauthors.org/author/lilansui/ /or here

    To Download e-books: Find them on Kindle

    The e-Book re-upload will take some time, but I will keep writing my other stories as I go. I apologize to anyone who is waiting for the next part in a story. I’ve not been in a place to continue, which is not a good enough excuse, but I’m seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.

    Be whole, be well. It always will get better.

  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 16-1

    Dante loved everything about the farmhouse in the middle of an apple orchard.

    From the kitchen filled with herbs growing in little pots on the window seal, the antique cooking range and the oven spelled into baking potatoes in the afternoon like clockwork.

    “What happens if I put in something else to bake?” Dante asked the first day when Tani pulled out a tray of four large baked potatoes. “Will it let me?”

    “It will,” Tani said. “This is Cale’s sense of humor. He thinks I will soon have potatoes growing in my stomach. I figure I have loved eating them so long, it is unlikely his thoughts will come to be.”

    “You and Cale sound close,” Dante said, as he sat at the kitchen table. He watched Tani pull out sour cream from the fridge.

    Tani found a bunch of chives from a vegetable holder on the counter and washed them. He chopped them on a board, then opened the sour cream container and got to work cutting open the baked potatoes. He took his time responding to Dante’s comment. Dante waited with patience.

    “Cale is family,” Tani said, as he found a tablespoon. He scooped sour cream and placed it on the top of the baked potato. Two scoops for each potato, then he sprinkled chopped chives on he sour cream.

    “He was assigned to watch over me when I was sentenced to stay in the mortal realm,” Tani said. “Through the centuries, we have come to understand each other better. Cale’s the master of calamities and he has ended up being the one to understand mine best. He helped me through the worst of it.”

    Dante absorbed Tani’s answer with a nod. His heart heavy at the thought of the pain Tani must have lived through to find comfort in the god of calamities.

    “Don’t think about it,” Tani said, bringing a plate with two baked potatoes and placing it on the table before him. “Cale is a friend. Don’t over think it.”

    Dante nodded, and accepted the spoon Tani handed him. He used the spoon to mix the sour cream and the chives with the soft insides of the potato. He took a bite of the result and smiled at Tani.

    “It’s delicious.”

    Tani smiled, sliding soft fingers over Dante’s cheek. He went to the counter and returned with two glasses of orange juice, and his own plate. He pushed the salt and black pepper shakers closer to Dante.

    “What would you like to bake in the magic oven?” Tani asked, with a wink.

    “Chicken,” Dante said.

    “Mm,” Tani nodded taking a bite of his own baked potato. He let out a soft moan of appreciation at the taste and Dante placed his spoon down to stare.

    The joy on Tani’s face at the taste of baked potatoes was hard to ignore. He filed the look away and reminded himself to discover new baked potato recipes for Tani to try.

    “We’ll have to visit my nosy neighbor for chickens,” Tani said. “This farmhouse has none. It would be cruel to let life grow here without a tender

    “Okay,” Dante said, picking up his spoon. “So, does this count as our second date?”

    Tani glanced at him then and chuckled.

    “When was the first?” Tani asked.

    “This morning when you met my parents,” Dante said, making Tani laugh. The sound filling Dante up with joy. “We can say the elephants in the forest in the middle of a jungle were the highlight of that date. This must be the second one.”

    “You’re impossible,” Tani said, continuing his meal.

    After lunch, Tani took him on a walk around the vast farm, to see the apple trees. They were blooming, ready to fruit soon.

    “Why apples?” Dante asked, when the sun started sliding down in the horizon. They walked back to the farmhouse at a slow pace. They held hands, and Dante felt like he was living a teenage dream he had forgotten. It felt exhilarating.

    “Will you laugh at me if I tell you why?” Tani asked, stealing a glance at him.

    “No,” Dante said with a small smile, as they walked along the grassy path between rows of apple trees.

    Tani nodded.

    “The first gift I ever received from a mortal was a bunch of apples in a bag,” Tani said. “They were delicious, and I became partial to the taste.”

    Dante’s eyes widened, remembering the bag of apples the original Durante brought to a wild forest for Tani. The start of a fate that tied them together for a lifetime.

    Dante tightened his hold on Tani’s hand and stopped, making Tani turn to look at him.

    “Is that why you’ve grown an orchard full?” Dante asked.

    “Perhaps,” Tani said, with a shrug. “It started out that way. I transplanted the original apple tree from Durante’s old farm. Then, in time, I grew more, collected others. Now…”

    Tani looked at the rows of apple trees around them.

    “Maybe I always liked apples. In any case, they have become my sanctuary,” Tani said, then resumed their walk back to the farmhouse. “It’s been too long. It’s hard to pull it apart to figure out the reason.”

    Dante held his comment on the matter. His anger at Durante growing again. Tani’s devotion was so clearly painted in the apple orchard. How did that fool miss it? Or had Durante simply chosen to ignore it?

    Breathing out the weight of their past, he followed Tani to the farmhouse in silence. Listening to Tani talk about their nosy neighbor who might visit them if she noticed smoke coming from the fireplace the next day.

    Falling into a domestic routine with Tani felt amazing. They took turns showering in the well-stocked bathroom tucked in the corridor. Tani summoned Dante’s clothing from Artri House. They both dressed down in sweats and t-shirts.

    Later, they ate sandwiches for dinner.

    Tani was careful to keep their conversation away from their heavy past. Pulling Dante into discussions about the archeological digs he had participated in around Europe. They ended up in the living room designed for comfort after a hard day’s work. Tani lay on the comfortable couch with his head resting on Dante’s lap as they talked. They watched the fire crackle away in the fireplace in the corner.

    “Do you miss spending time with April and Zach?” Tani asked at some point, late in the night.

    Dante combed his fingers through Tani’s hair. His fingers occasionally playing with the gold leafs on Tani’s right ear.

    “I do but my presence in their lives will never be prominent,” Dante said with a soft sigh. “There was a time Viola would get very angry when I told her that. She thought I had no love for our children, for her.”

    “And?” Tani asked, shifting on Dante’s lap so that he could look at him.

    “I do love my children,” Dante said, holding Tani’s gaze. “Because I do, I feel the best place for them to be is with Viola. My fire magic, my family legacy is too heavy for them to carry. It would only place them in harms way if they stayed with me.”

    “What if they had the legacy in their blood?” Tani asked.

    “Then I would bring them to Artri House without hesitation and teach them everything I know,” Dante said. “As my mother taught me. As Grandmaster Landi taught me.”

    Tani studied him for a moment.

    “None of them have the legacy though. They might never understand why you left them. Will you be sad if they never understand your way of thinking?” Tani asked.

    “Perhaps,” Dante said, his gaze shifting to the bright fireplace. “It is the price I have to pay as a warlock father to two pure mortals. I do hope, when they are older, we can meet and talk. I do want to see them achieve their dreams. I’ll always support them, if they let me.”

    “You’re a good man, Dante,” Tani murmured.

    “You’d be the first partner I’ve ever had to say so,” Dante said, thinking of Viola and the way she got angry with him.

    “I will remind you often,” Tani said, then got up and held out his hand to Dante. “We should sleep. I think we should prune the apple trees while we’re here. Make sure my nosy neighbor gets a good harvest.”

    Dante took Tani’s hand, and stood up.

    “Turn off the fire,” Tani murmured.

    Dante waved his hand at the fireplace, using his magic to snuff out the flames until the embers cooled. Then Tani led the way to the master bedroom with its large bed made of oak. They slid onto the comfortable mattress. The white sheets felt so soft Dante wished he could feel them on his skin.

    He imagined making love to Tani on the comfortable bed, even anticipated it. Then, once they were in bed, Tani gave him a chaste kiss, turned of the lights and promptly fell asleep.

    And so, a seven-day stay at the farmhouse started.

    Each day was filled with a lesson on patience and restraint. Dante was sure Tani was testing him. They spent their days in the orchard, pruning apple trees.

    Mornings at breakfast were light, their fridge refilled by the clever magic created by the god of calamity. Dante listened to endless praises for Cale from Tani. After breakfast, they started work. He loved watching Tani walk the grand apple orchard with a set of shears pruning apple trees. There was a love for the work in every action Tani did.

    In between the work, there were fond kisses and affectionate hugs, but their nights were filled with Tani going to sleep the moment they slid between the comfortable sheets. It was as though he had forgotten their promise to make love on their third date. Dante started a very regular sighing routine.

    Two days into their stay, Dante finally met the nosy neighbor.

    She was a Greek woman in her late twenties. She wore her blonde hair long, was dressed in a white cotton skirt and a blue blouse, her feet in flat sandals. The Greek woman brought two chickens for their pantry and a basket filled with an assortment of vegetables from her garden. She arrived right as they returned to the house for lunch.

    “Fox Lord, you should call to let your neighbor know you’ve returned to the farmhouse,” she complained the moment she saw Tani. “How long has it been since you dared to let your shadow darken our region?”

    “I don’t remember,” Tani said, opening the front door.

    Dante took the basket of vegetables from the woman and smiled in greeting as he hugged the basket.

    “I’m Selene,” she said in greeting. “Can’t wait for him to introduce you to me. He thinks I’m a nuisance. I’m glad he is staying with someone this time. I worry he might starve to death if he stays here alone.”

    “I’m Dante.”

    “I know,” Selene said with a small smile. “The last one of you.”

    “You know?” Dante asked, surprised as he looked at Tani.

    “Hard not to when Cale is his warden,” Selene said. “I thought the little lordling had jumped into the dark side the first time I saw the god of calamities aura in our region. I came to banish them both, only to discover Ekho royalty had come to search for solace in our quiet isle.”

    “You talk too much,” Tani said.

    “You barely talk, Fox Lord,” Selene said leading the way into the farmhouse. She headed straight to the kitchen. “Come on Dante, I bet you want to eat more than baked potatoes. I’ll teach you a special trick about the magical oven in the kitchen. Cale has a strange sense of humor. If you put vegetables into the oven, they cook in record time. One day I tried chicken and I swear to the fates that it makes the most delicious grilled chicken in the world. Otherwise, baked potatoes remain a boring staple.”

    “I like your neighbor, Tani,” Dante said, placing the basket of vegetables he held on the kitchen table.

    “Fox Lord thinks I’m nosy,” Selene said, as she pulled out a flat baking pan from a cupboard and took it to the sink. “Let’s make chicken, with grilled cauliflower and some wild rice. Dante, the rice bin in the pantry is refilled by Cale’s magic.”

    “Hm,” Dante winked at Tani who had sat down at the kitchen table with his arms folded against his chest. “I should explore this kitchen more.”

    “It will surprise you,” Selene said, coming to open her basket to find two heads of cauliflower. “In any case, I’m glad to see you here, Fox Lord. I worried that this would be the last—”

    “I’m already here,” Tani cut off Selene. “Stop talking so much. Why don’t you focus on making the chicken?”

    Tani stood up and took the cauliflower heads from her.

    “I’ll wash these for you,” Tani said.

    Dante frowned at how fast Tani interrupted Selene but did not pause to think deeper about the reason. He went to the pantry and found the rice bin filled with wild rice. Taking the scoop inside the bin, he measured a cup and returned to the kitchen to find Tani glaring at Selene.

    Tani sighed when he saw Dante and turned on the tap at the sink.

    “What now?” Dante asked, moving to join Tani at the sink so that they could wash the cauliflower and the rice. “Why does Selene annoy you so much?”

    “He can’t stand my sunny face,” Selene said, as she found a pan for the chicken.

    “You’re too nosy for your own good,” Tani grumbled.

    Dante kissed Tani’s right cheek, amused by Tani’s attitude toward Selene.

    “I like your annoyed face,” Dante said when Tani glanced at him.

    “I’m not annoyed.”

    “Yes, you are,” Dante said, leaning on the counter so that he could study Tani’s expressions.

    Dante stole a glance at Selene who was busy arranging the chicken pieces she brought on the baking pan. She salted and seasoned them with the attention of a seasoned cook. So, Dante leaned in and whispered into Tani’s ear.

    “She seems worried about you, you know,” Dante said. “I think she’s no different from Cale who spelled the house.”

    “Mm,” Tani said, biting his bottom lip as he washed the cauliflower and broke it into pieces.

    Dante placed a colander in the sink for the cauliflower pieces.

    “She’s the reason you want to prune the apple trees, right?” Dante asked, studying Tani’s face.

    Tani met his inquiring gaze and nodded.

    “She’s another Hera,” Dante said with a quick grin.

    “Not at all,” Tani said, shaking his head. He glanced at Selene and then scowled at the cauliflower. “Hera is a child I’ve raised. That one is Ekho.”

    “What?” Dante glanced at Selene to find her watching them.

    Selene grinned wide.

    “You heard everything I just said,” Dante said, knowing their hearing was sensitive.

    “Yes, handsome Dante. Have I told you that I think you’re the best version? I especially appreciate the fire brewing inside you for the Fox Lord. It’s spectacular to watch,” Selene said.

    Dante bit back a grin when Tani’s scowl deepened at Selene’s comment.

    “What kind of Ekho are you?” Dante asked, leaning on the counter, his arms crossed as he studied Selene.

    Strange, but had Tani not said it, he would never have known Selene was an Ekho. She did not look like one. Dante frowned thinking about the Ekhos he had met in the past few days.

    Tani’s uncle, Amu, and the earth goddess, Eren, had also looked quite plain. Why was it different when he looked at Tani? Was it because Tani’s eyes were amber?

    “I’m a half-breed,” Selene said, smiling at Dante. “Half-fox and half-dragon. My parents brought me to the mortal world to escape harsh criticism from the more cynical members of our clans. Don’t look so surprised. Prejudice grows in every society in some form.”

    “Why do you call Tani royalty?” Dante asked.

    “He’s the son of the Fox Goddess Anit and…,” Selene looked at Tani. Dante wondered if she was waiting for Tani to protest, but when he did not, she grinned and continued. “The Immortal Lord Sunu.”

    “Immortal Lord,” Dante said, his gaze returning to Tani. “As in the head of the Immortal Clan?”

    “Yes. Lord Sunu is the master of the Citadel and the emperor of our Ekho clan. He rules the Septum,” Selene said. “You’re well informed for a mortal.”

    “I’m a bloodborne warlock,” Dante said. “Ekho-blessed with fire magic.”

    “Oh,” Selene’s eyes widened with drama. “That explains the fire I see in your veins. You’re a mortal hybrid. Your kind is rare. Your mother must have come from a powerful warlock line.”

    “Yes. Her powers added to my father’s and made me. Why are your eyes different from Tani’s?” Dante asked, curious about Selene’s blue eyes.

    “My father is a dragon,” Selene said. “I get my eyes and blonde hair from him. Even my powers and love for beautiful things come from him. In our line, the more powerful parent leaves a mark on his or her children.”

    “So, Tani’s power and eyes,” Dante said, his sentence trailing off as he met Tani’s amber gaze.

    “My father’s mark on me,” Tani confirmed. “My hair is red from my mother’s side.”

    “Fox Lord’s parents are at the god level,” Selene said, her voice heavy with reverence. “It’s natural to have a mark from each one.”

    “Why do you call him Fox Lord?” Dante asked.

    “It is the easiest title,” Selene said. “I’m not shameless enough to go around calling out the name of the Immortal Lord’s son. I’m afraid he will come to find me.”

    Tani scoffed at Selene’s comment, his shoulders tense at the mention of his father.

    Dante noted the tension growing in Tani at the mention of his roots. He brushed his lips on Tani’s forehead and decided to change the topic. He asked Selene about her farm and what she was growing.

    Selene was fun to have around, once they got over her need to poke at Tani’s mood. She was lively and enjoyed sharing recipes. She shared the same aversion to Cale that Dante had for the god of calamities.

    “Don’t fight him if he shows up,” Selene said to Dante when she got up to leave after lunch. “He protects Fox Lord like a guard dog. It’s hard not to respect him for his dedication.”

    “Have I said you talk too much today?” Tani asked as he watched Selene leave the kitchen with a wave.

    “More times than I care to count,” Selene said. “I’ll bring you more veggies the day after tomorrow.”

    “I didn’t ask,” Tani said.

    “I’m telling Dante,” Selene said, blowing a kiss at Dante. “I’ll see you later, handsome Dante. I hope you smooth his edges by the time I get back.”

    Dante chuckled as a strong wind pushed Selene out of the house and slammed the door closed.

    “Your magic works well when you’re annoyed,” Dante said. “Selene is not so bad.”

    “She is an acquired taste,” Tani said, shaking his head.

    “I think you worry about her, but you don’t want to make it obvious. Why?”

    “I don’t,” Tani said, standing up. He took their used plates to the sink.

    “Tani.”

    “We should finish the row we started this morning,” Tani said starting the water to wash their plates.

    Dante bit his bottom lip to stop himself from pushing. It was interesting to discover that this house probably held the secrets of Tani’s core. Like the truth of Cale protecting Tani, and pushing him to live when he didn’t want to.

    This place was where Tani allowed himself to feel vulnerable. It held the truth of Tani’s true feelings.

    Later in the afternoon, Dante stood next to Tani looking at the dead branch Tani was pointing out.

    Dante held a hand pruner, poised to make a cut as soon as Tani showed him where.

    “We have to get rid of these dead branches,” Tani said, showing him the spot to cut. “I try to make sure there is enough light coming through. Don’t hesitate when you cut. We don’t want the branch to gain an unnecessary bruise.”

    Dante made the cut, holding the dead branch so that it would not fall on Tani’s head.

    Tani turned to him with a pleased smile, and Dante froze in place, his heartbeat speeding. Sunrays sifted through the leaves of the apple tree they were pruning, falling over Tani’s red-brown hair, turning it into a rich vibrant color. Tani’s amber eyes shone in the light making Dante’s heart squeeze tight.

    So beautiful, Dante was sure he would never tire of looking at Tani.

    Yes, these past two days had turned into an exercise in restraint.

    Dante waited every day for Tani to reach for him. To ask him for more than the kisses they shared, for more than holding hands as they sat watching the sunset. He wished and hoped for their kisses to turn into lovemaking, but Tani seemed content with the little they were doing.

    It was hell sleeping next to Tani and feeling so unsure—

    Of course, the sun would decide to push his limits. Painting this perfect creature with light, making him look so utterly stunning, it was hard not to want to kiss him until they were both naked on the grass under the apple trees.

    Damn. Did the sun forget he was a simple poor mortal soul?

    Dante dropped the branch he held in the wheelbarrow from the shed already half-filled with dead branches. He stole another glance at Tani and caught him frozen in place.

    “What are you thinking about?” Dante asked, closing the pruners he held.

    “I should ask you that question,” Tani said, turning away. He sauntered to the next apple tree.

    Dante watched Tani study the branches. Dropping the pruners into the discarded branches in the wheelbarrow, Dante followed Tani.

    “Your lips are pursed so tight, I want to kiss them into compliance. What are you holding yourself back from saying?”

    “I’m not holding back,” Tani said, touching a small bud on the tree. The white apple flower grew into a fuller bud before Tani let go of it and walked to the next tree.

    Tani’s magic seemed to work better in this place, Dante noted.

    “Yes, you are. Tani, you promised not to keep me at arms’ length,” Dante accused, following Tani. “I can barely restrain myself from pulling you down on the grass and making love to you. Yet, when I look at you, I think you don’t feel the same way.”

    “Who says I don’t? We’ve slept in the same bed for two nights. I must hold no appeal to you, as you have not attempted to reach for me at all. Dante Arturo, if you want me, you must tell me. How will I know if you don’t say it?” Tani asked.

    Tani abandoned his study of the apple trees and headed to the farmhouse.

    Dante gaped and then chuckled at Tani’s last question.

    “Then, I’ll just show you how much more I want with you,” he murmured and ran after Tani.

    ****

    <<Previous | Table of Contents | Next >>

  • Blades of Ashes Ch 3-2

    Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    Chapter 3-2

    Raithion sat on the balcony on the second floor at the Teba Inn. He had a great view of the busy port city below. The main street connected the town with the docks. The balcony at the Teba Inn was the best spot to see who was coming and going.

    Sipping mild grape wine, Raithion thought about Basileus Dio and his father’s instructions. According to the findings of their ongoing investigation, the forged silver coins had ore that was only found in the Sura mines.

    The simplest way to end the case was to arrest the Sura Clan and have them confess their counterfeiting crime.

    This was the easiest end.

    However, when Raithion’s legion arrived at the Endless Port, they discovered a rumor. Someone had robbed six Sura cargo carriages. The clan had lost twelve skilled drivers and was now concerned about their safety on the road. Everyone at the port worried because they all made money through the Sura clan’s enterprises.

    From inns in the port town to fruit stands in the market, everyone had a small connection to the Sura. If the clan suffered, they did too.

    Curious about this development, Raithion asked Haedor to follow up on the robbery rumors with the magistrate. He hoped the Sura clan had reported a case of theft. These disruptions in their supply would exonerate the Sura Clan from the counterfeiting case.

    Raithion did not want to see an entire clan pay for the sins of the few.

    Shaking his head, he returned his gaze to the main dining hall beyond the balcony when he heard a commotion. Two of his main officers sat eating at one of the tables.  They were waiting for Haedor with him. The rest of their legion brothers were downstairs in various stages of rest.

    The two officers in the dining hall stood to greet Haedor, who had returned from his errand.

    Raithion watched them salute Haedor, and then return to their meal.

    Haedor crossed the dining room and came out to the balcony to pull out the seat opposite Raithion.

    “The port magistrate is a piece of work,” Haedor said as he settled.  “He was asleep when I arrived and had not heard the rumors of theft. He acts as though a robbery would inconvenience him if he were asked to investigate it.”

    Raithion poured a glass of wine for Haedor and pushed it across the table.

    “Take a sip. Relax,” Raithion said. “The manager of this inn says no one in the town trusts the port magistrate to help. He is a lazy, corrupt fellow. There is a possibility the Sura did not bother to report to him.”

    “They should,” Haedor said, after taking two sips of the weak wine. “It protects them later when we have to bring this case before the Basileus at the Imperial Court.”

    “First, we have to find them in order to convince them to make the report,” Raithion said. “I’ve yet to spot someone of consequence in the crowd. I hope the Sura Clan has not given up or gone into hiding.”

    Haedor’s stomach growled, and Raithion grinned.

    It was almost midday. Of course, his lieutenant was hungry.

    “Order food,” Raithion said, nodding to the interior of the inn. “I’ll have what you’re having.”

    “Yes, General,” Haedor said, getting up fast. “We should change the wine to tea, especially if we need to chase after the clan later.”

    “Do that,” Raithion said, drinking the last of the wine in his goblet. He handed over the goblet and the bottle to Haedor.

    Once his lieutenant left, Raithion returned to staring at the street. He gave his attention to anyone he saw with strawberry-blonde hair. So far, he had seen an old woman with two young boys following her. A young woman too focused on her destination as she carried a large basket on her back. And a blacksmith hauling his tools to the docks. None of them had seemed attached to the Sura cargo carriages or the transportation of burnt ore.

    Raithion sighed and sat back in his chair. Maybe he should just knock on the Sura port station and see if any of them would answer his questions.

    He was pondering on the merits of this plan when he caught a shimmer of gold and white hair in the midday sun. The shimmer drifted between the crowds of people walking on the main street. Raithion sat up, focusing his gaze on the spot where he saw that distinctive color.

    The crowd parted to reveal a young Sura man standing by a fruit stand. Raithion could not help watching him with interest.

    The Sura man was on the short side, maybe five eight. He was lean, and his hair was in a messy top ponytail. His hair was long to his shoulders. He was dressed in dark trousers, a cream tunic, and a long leather coat. The sleeves of the leather coat were decorated with shiny metal. Raithion wished he could get a closer look at the designs.

    The young Sura man had a handsome profile. He smiled easily as he talked to his companion, a taller man with short curly hair, the same color. They browsed the fruit stand for a moment and then moved away from the stall.

    Raithion frowned as the young man tossed a silver coin into the air and caught it. He did it with ease, unworried that a passerby would steal it from him. He walked with ease, as though he had no reason to hurry.

    The young Sura man’s companion was the opposite. He looked nervous and kept glancing behind them. His glimpses back were discrete, but Raithion could tell an uneasy character from a distance. So, he too assessed the crowd behind the pair.

    “Interesting,” Raithion murmured when he saw two women who were following the pair without attempting to hide.

    They kept the same pace as the two Sura men, making sure to keep them in their line of sight.

    Haedor returned with a tray laden with food. He placed it on the table and got to work arranging a bowl of beef stew and bread for Raithion.

    “Look,” Raithion said, nodding to the youth who was getting closer to the inn. “The young man with messy Sura hair. He’s strolling in the inn’s direction.”

    Haedor found him and nodded.

    “Now, look fifteen paces behind him,” Raithion said. “What do you see?”

    Haedor watched the crowd in silence for a moment and then nodded.

    “He is being followed,” Haedor said.

    “Looks like we’ve found the start of our Sura case,” Raithion said with a grin.

    “Should our brothers get him?” Haedor asked, starting to turn to give the order.

    “No.” Raithion kept watching the young Sura man who was approaching the inn.  “Let’s watch for now. Sit, Haedor. Eat your food. Let’s not spook him.”

    Haedor frowned, but he nodded and sat in his chair. He picked up his spoon and ate, his gaze on the Sura pair walking toward them.

    Raithion watched the young Sura man approach the inn, ignoring his food. He frowned when the young man stopped at the entrance of the Teba Inn.  His companion followed suit and Raithion held his breath, hoping…hoping the young man would choose to enter the Teba Inn.

    “Why is he hesitating?” Haedor asked as he took a healthy bite of his beef stew.

    “Where did we leave our horses?” Raithion asked, curious.

    “Out front,” Haedor said, and then groaned. “The brothers are sitting on the chairs arranged at the front. They might look too fierce and sprawled around with their weapons. I’ll go—”

    “No,” Raithion said, returning his gaze to the young Sura man at the entrance of the inn. “Let’s see what he does.”

    “General, no civilian is willing to get that close to the legion when they’re so clearly armed.”

    “Isn’t it more interesting if a civilian were to enter this inn with all the brothers guarding the entrance,” Raithion said with a soft chuckle.

    As though to prove his theory, the young Sura man entered the small compound outside the inn. His smile was wide as he greeted the fifteen soldiers who were enjoying their food at the front tables.

    “Good day, gentlemen,” the young Sura man said. His voice was cordial, an enticing medium tenor, with a playful note. “Welcome to Endless Port.”

    The legion brothers nodded, returning the greeting with various nods, waves, and cordial greetings.

    Raithion smiled and picked up his spoon as the young man entered the inn.  He picked up his spoon and took a bite of his beef stew, waiting.

    The main dining room downstairs was not usable.

    Raithion’s officers had packed their luggage on the tables there.

    So…the Sura pair would have no choice but to come upstairs.

    Raithion grinned wider as he waited.

    ****

    Azula worked on controlling the anxious energy growing inside him. He truly did not know whether it was good or bad luck that made him think of coming to the Teba Inn. Usually, the place would be filled with travelers from other states on their way to the port or returning from elsewhere.

    Today, however, it looked like they had run into strange luck. The inn was filled with legion brothers and possibly their leader. Their uniforms were peculiar. Not the red and black colors prevalent with the port magistrate’s garrison. This new batch was dressed in greens and black.

    Azula shuddered.

    There was a common tale often heard in the beer inns in the evening. A tale about Legion Brothers from Draeya County. Strong and ruthless, they maintained peace in the main Naga State town.

    The Naga State King was so impressed with their valor, that he presented them with the mandate to cleanse the lands of any wrong without question.

    A fierce young general who had gained his rank at a young age led these fierce brothers.

    They called him the Draeya General. He was reportedly cold and fierce, just like his soldiers, but his loyalty to his family was faultless. Women in Naga wished to have the Draeya General as their brother or husband.

    Azula hoped the legion brothers at the front of the inn did not belong to the Draeya General. Meeting the Draeya General would be equivalent to facing a man with ties to the highest authority in the empire.

    Azula shuddered again at the thought. He loved his small existence. He prayed the legion brothers belonged to a small lieutenant who would not mind taking a few coins to protect a carriage.

    The inn’s main dining hall was filled with large crates, the tables moved to the side. Azula paused as he wondered if they could get a meal here.

    The inn’s manager hurried to his side from the kitchen.

    “Vandra,” Azula said, smiling at the inn manager. “Are you getting booted out by the landlord? What is with all the crates on the tables?”

    “Ay! Master Doriel, you left the island! I’m honored you would come for a meal in our inn,” Vandra said in greeting. “Don’t worry about these tables; let’s take you to the second floor. There is space there for you and Sennin. Why didn’t you send word that you would be coming to town today? We would have planned a nice meal for everyone in your crew. Are you here with Lord Magnus?”

    “The trip was unplanned,” Azula said, shaking his head, his gaze still on the crates on the dining tables. “Lord Magnus is still at home today, too lazy to cross the seas.  Our people will bring the fruit delivery cart later. We brought two crates of the mangoes you like.”

    “That’s good news,” Vandra said, patting Azula’s left arm. “I know you crave sweet and sour roasted chicken. I’ll make sure the kitchen makes you a good one for your lunch today.”

    “I promised Sennin fried fish and a sweet bun,” Azula said, as the manager led them to the stairs.

    “Fried fish and a sweet bun for Sennin,” Vandra agreed with a nod, “and a nice pot of fresh tea. It will fill you up.”

    “Vandra knows how to treat guests,” Azula said with a quick grin, then lowered his voice. “Who leads the legion brothers at the front? Is there a new lieutenant joining the magistrate’s office?”

    “Heavens, no,” Vandra stopped at the staircase landing, glancing at the second floor with a wary gaze. He gripped Azula’s left arm tight. “No matter what you do, don’t go to the balcony. The legion brothers downstairs belong to someone very scary. He and his lieutenant are having a meal up here.”

    “Oh?” Azula frowned, and then lowered his voice in a whisper. “Who could be so scary as to make you worry, Vandra?”

    “The Draeya General,” Vandra said, matching Azula’s whisper.

    Azula felt his anxiety rise another notch.

    Damn it, he would need to go to another place in search of an easy pack of legion brothers. His shoulders slumped with distress. There was no way to buy off a decorated general.

    Sennin, sensing Azula’s disappointment, stepped around to talk to Vandra.

    “No wonder you don’t have other guests in the inn,” Sennin said, urging Azula to move when Vandra continued upstairs. “Don’t worry about us. We’ll have our meal in peace and then head out. We have a lot undone and the sun won’t stay still.”

    “Yes, yes,” Vandra agreed. “Our chef makes the best sweet and sour roast chicken. Young Master Doriel will not be disappointed.”

    They reached the second floor, and Vandra led them to a round table on the opposite side of the balcony. He chose a table near an open window. Azula looked out and saw the magistrate’s compound two streets away.

    “You have a good rest. I’ll get someone to bring you water to drink, and warm towels to wipe your hands.”

    Vandra hurried away, leaving them to settle.

    Azula slid into the chair closest to the window, while Sennin looked around the empty dining hall.

    “Only the Draeya General would empty out such a popular inn,” Sennin sighed. “On the plus side, those two women will not follow us in here. No one in their right mind will want to provoke this wild pack. You know this places you in the mad case category. Why did you want to come in here again?”

    “I hoped the legion brothers were under a lieutenant. Lieutenants are easier to talk to. They also don’t mind making a little money,” Azula said, resting his elbows on the table. He placed his chin on his left palm and studied the magistrate’s compound.

    “Generals are harder to handle. You never know what side they stand on. Maybe I should do as Papa says. Then, I’ll have an excuse to run into a few officers at the magistrate’s compound.”

    “Azula, the lot in the magistrate’s compound is likely to stab us in the back before we leave the port heading to the capital,” Sennin sighed. “Why don’t we find Tingyu? He has a nice group of mercenaries that are quite good at defending.”

    “No,” Azula shook his head. “We can’t afford to owe Tingyu’s mercenaries a favor. Not when we’re facing thefts from an unknown person. Who knows, maybe some of the mercenaries he runs are part of the robberies.”

    “True, I hadn’t thought of that,” Sennin sighed and stared out the window too. His gaze was on the magistrate’s compound too.

    “I suppose our only option is as you say,” Sennin said. “Heavens, I hope we don’t have to deal with the port magistrate. Let’s hope we meet a nice lieutenant at the entrance into that compound.”

    “Mm, may our luck hold,” Azula said with a nod, as he stared out the window.

    The sound of a chair scraping the wood floor on the balcony drew Azula’s attention away from the magistrate’s compound.

    Azula sat up and turned in the direction of the balcony. The terrace doors were all open. There were no curtains or screens to hide any diners who chose to sit on the balcony. Azula caught a glimpse of rich black fabric hanging on the back of a chair.

    Draeya General was a mythical beast.

    People talked about him in tales and whispers, but none described his face or knew him.

    Azula frowned.

    Now that he did not need to ask for help from the legion’s head, he could take a good look at the mythical Draeya General. See if he was truly human, or if a horn grew on top of his head that made him so fierce. In any case, it would be a great tale to tell Alva, Kalas, and Alise.

    Curiosity drove him out of his chair, much to Sennin’s surprise.

    “Azula?” Sennin started.

    Azula waved him off and walked across the large second dining hall to the open terrace door. He stopped on the edge of the exit, checking the balcony. He paused when he saw the striking man sitting alone at a square table near the balcony railing.

    Green, green eyes met his. Azula forced his feet to keep moving, keenly aware of that green gaze following him as he stepped onto the balcony. The man at the square table wore a fine white tunic, with an unbuttoned black legion jacket over it. The heavy embroidery on the cuffs of the jacket was gold, with five lines of intricate designs to mark the wearer as a decorated general. The general had mink black hair. It was so dark it surpassed the jacket he wore. Long and neat, the strands were caught in a high ponytail with a sturdy large round gold clip secured with a thick pin.

    Azula took in the general’s face and felt eternally disadvantaged. He had a penchant for harsh-faced men. Chiseled jaw dusted with a dark beard shadow, sharp keen eyes, lips in a hard line, all of it put together in this harsh, cold forbidding face that made the strongest men shudder, or bend to the general’s will.

    One look and Azula knew this one never failed in ordering men to do his will.

    Which meant anyone Draeya General bowed his head to would have to be stronger, and much more powerful.

    Azula’s heart skipped with violence.

    Vandra was right.

    It was best not to engage. He could not walk into a pit with his eyes wide open.  He turned toward the terrace doors determined to run away.

    “Wait.”

    Draeya General’s voice was a booming bass. Unrelenting, and hard to ignore, the sound traveled to the core. So dangerous.

    Azula closed his eyes as he stopped. He took in a deep breath to calm his speeding heart and turned to face the general.

    “Yes?”

    “Are you leaving after having a good look?”

    Azula imagined Draeya General did not get people looking at him without a purpose. Pasting on a smile, Azula clasped his hands behind his back and shrugged.

    “They said Draeya General was having a meal on the balcony,” Azula said. “I heard Draeya General has a horn growing on his forehead that makes him fierce. I came out to have a good look.”

    Draeya General stared at him, green eyes wide with shock.

    “Now that I’ve seen there’s nothing to talk about, I’m leaving,” Azula said, and started to turn away again.

    “Wait. Stop right there.”

    Azula stopped and turned to face the striking general.

    “Are you always this bold?” Draeya General asked. “Walking up to a general and joking around like this, aren’t you worried I’ll arrest you?”

    “For what?” Azula asked, his right brow rising in question.

    “Being so outrageous?”

    “Then Draeya General would seem very petty.”

    “Insolent.”

    Azula grinned, gave Draeya General a wink, and started to turn away again.

    “Stop.”

    “What? What now?” Azula asked, looking at Draeya General. “I’ve already answered your questions. What?”

    Draeya General closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath as though to keep his calm.

    “You’re from the Sura Clan,” Draeya General said. “What’s your name?”

    Azula debated lying about his name for a full minute. Then he thought of Vandra who was hoping to run a quiet business selling meals and good wine. He sighed. If trouble was to come from this meeting anyway, then it was better with him, than with Vandra.

    “Azula Doriel.”

    “You’re the Sura Chieftain’s son.”

    “Draeya General knows much,” Azula said, all sense of playfulness escaping at the mention of his father’s station. The general was well-informed.

    “I should know this much,” Draeya General said. “I have important business to discuss with your clan.”

    “What kind of business would we have to discuss the Draeya General?” Azula asked. “Our meeting is a coincidence. I might have decided to eat down the street for all you know. Then, you’d have met one of our people—”

    “Perhaps,” Draeya General cut him off with a nod. “I would still have found you for this talk, Chieftain’s son. I suggest you join me at this table.”

    “Or else?” Azula asked, frowning now, he unclasped his hands as anxiety grew.

    A strong hand gripped his left arm and Azula jumped as he turned to find a hulk of a man standing behind him. The new face was not as striking as the Draeya General. The new man held a sweet bun in his left hand. He ate it as though he had not had food for years. The enthusiasm with which the sweet bun was ending made Azula’s stomach growl in protest.

    “Excuse me, Master Doriel, I’ll help you have a seat at the table,” the newcomer said. “Or else, I’ll break your arm for being so insolent to the general.”

    “Oh,” Azula said, his gaze on the strong hand holding his upper left arm.

    After wielding a hammer for ages in his workshop, Azula could not say he was a weak man.  However, the hand holding his arm felt like it might break iron with a single twist. It was warrior-forged strength grown from a place of pure violence.

    Azula had no doubt the newcomer would follow through on his threat.

    “Okay, okay,” Azula said, smiling at the new face. “Let’s not get so serious. I’ll have a seat if you let go of my arm. You two already caught me. I’m caught between you. Where can I go?”

    “Indeed,” Draeya General said, with a small shake of his head. “Let him go. Chieftain’s son will have a seat.”

    “My name is Azula. Chieftain’s son sounds like a mouthful. Stop calling me that,” Azula said, shaking his head. “You who threatens to ruin my arm, you should at the least tell me your name.”

    “Why?” the hulk of a man asked.

    “So I know who to curse as I get through the pain,” Azula said with a glare at the new face.

    Draeya General chuckled drawing Azula’s gaze.

    “Are you going to watch him bully me?” Azula asked. “I thought you were a decorated general? Where is your care for the small citizens?”

    “The small citizen is a handful,” Draeya General said. “I need my lieutenant, Haedor, to help manage you.”

    Azula scoffed as Haedor pushed him to the empty chair at the square table. He cursed his curiosity when Haedor let go of his arm. Azula spent a few minutes adjusting his long jacket as he settled.

    “I don’t know about managing. I call this abusing the small citizens,” Azula said. “If I knew where they complain about you, I’d sent in my two cents on the matter.”

    “Thank goodness I have not heard of a magistrate’s office that will take a complaint against me,” Draeya General said. “Tell me something, Azula Doriel.”

    “What is it that you must know that you are pushing me around like this?” Azula asked, scowling at Haedor who stayed standing behind him.

    “The rumor is that the Sura is getting their cargo carriages robbed. Why hasn’t anyone from the clan reported the thefts to the port magistrate?” Draeya General asked, folding his arms against his chest.

    Azula stared at the Draeya General for a full minute and then broke out into a loud amused laugh. He laughed long and hard until there were tears in his eyes. Azula used the corner of his sleeve to wipe his eyes and shook his head at Draeya General’s joke.

    Azula looked at the Draeya General when he was calmer and blinked when he found the general frowning at him.

    “What?” Azula asked. “Do you know you frown often? It’s not good for your complexion. The lines on your forehead could turn permanent. Draeya General, you might not have a horn on your forehead, but frown lines will not serve you. No matter how striking you look.”

    “Insolent,” Haedor hammered the table with his right fist, and Azula jumped in his seat with a sigh.

    “That must be a favorite word,” Azula said, shaking his head with a sigh. “Listen, I don’t understand your question, Draeya General. What does the theft of our carriages have to do with the port magistrate? It’s not like he will help us find them.”

    “And how do you intend to find your stolen carriages?” Draeya General asked.

    “That’s my problem to solve, isn’t it?” Azula asked. “What does it have to do with Draeya General?”

    Haedor started to slam on the table again, but Azula grabbed the lieutenant’s thick right wrist.

    “Stop,” Azula said, mimicking Draeya General’s booming tone from earlier. He grinned when he nailed it right, and Haedor paused.  “Vandra spent a great deal of effort to construct these tables. You breaking them will only add to his expenses. Lieutenant Haedor, why don’t you reserve this effort for the legion’s arenas?”

    “Inso—” Haedor started

    “Insolent,” Azula completed for him, looking up at the great big giant of a man with a wide grin.

    Haedor’s physique was all thick arms, bulky chest, trim waist, and firm thighs. He was the perfect Legion soldier.

    Azula worried about his own sanity as he teased the seasoned warrior that could break his arms.

    “You might need to find a new word,” Azula said. “My parents have exhausted themselves with it since I was ten. It’s been a decade and I have only gotten worse. I’m afraid I thrive on insolence.”

    “I might really break him,” Haedor said, shaking his head. “I leave him to you, General.”

    Haedor walked away from the square table and Azula was left staring at the Draeya General. Haedor headed into the main dining hall and Azula hoped Sennin was not too nervous facing Draeya General’s lieutenant.

    Azula sighed and met Draeya General’s cold green gaze.

    “What now?” he asked when Draeya General stayed silent.

    “I’m trying to calculate how much trouble you get into in a day,” Draeya General said. “It surprises me that you’re alive.”

    Azula chuckled and shook his head.

    “You and my parents would get along.”

    Azula’s stomach growled and he brought his right hand to rub the ache of hunger with a frown.

    “Listen, Draeya General, no one in this Endless Port trusts the magistrate. He is more likely to help the thieves robbing us, than help my people find the missing cargo carriages.”

    “Then why did you walk into this inn?” Draeya General asked.

    “Huh?”

    “You saw my officers taking up the seats at the front of the inn. Most citizens walked on and went to find their meal elsewhere. Why did you not walk away? Why did you enter this inn despite the legion brothers downstairs?”

    “I’ll be honest,” Azula said, holding Draeya General’s gaze.

    “I’d like that,” Draeya General said, with an expectant nod.

    “It was an attack of insanity,” Azula said, keeping his tone very solemn. “Insanity took over and I led my best friend into a lair of alphas. I should have ignored the urge. Don’t worry, the insanity can be cured. I promise to mend my ways from now on. Can I leave?”

    “Inso—,” Draeya General started, and then cut himself off as Azula grinned at the reaction.

    “I could have you arrested,” Draeya General said, glaring at Azula.

    “On what grounds? Being hungry? How ridiculous of a legion general to bully a small citizen. I might live on Sura Island, but I know my rights. I have done no wrong—”

    “You’ve insulted me multiple times.”

    “Insulted? What insulted?” Azula widened his eyes. “Draeya General, the most I’ve done is called out your incurable need to bully people. My stomach is clearly growling with hunger as I sit here. Do you even care that I might need a meal the next minute? What if I collapse with hunger?  My people will blame you for letting me starve in front of your eyes. What noble career is this you’re—mm—?”

    A sweaty palm covered his mouth and Azula turned to glare at the person who would dare. He stopped struggling when he saw a petrified Sennin standing next to him.

    “Draeya General, I apologize for my best friend,” Sennin said, his voice shaky as he bowed his head low in the direction of the general. “He’s just worried about our clan. He doesn’t know how to filter his words. I’m sorry if he has insulted you. Please, let him off.”

    Azula tried to shake Sennin’s hand off his mouth to protest the apology, but Sennin would not have it.

    “I can let him off if you tell me what is going on with your stolen cargo carriages,” Draeya General said, after making Sennin stand with his head bowed for close to five minutes.

    Azula glared at the annoying general, and almost bit Sennin’s finger when Draeya General smirked at him.

    “Answering Draeya General, our clan has recently suffered six losses,” Sennin said, his voice shaky. “We are hoping to save our current orders by replacing the stolen cargo. Young Master Doriel is looking to hire legion officers who can help protect our convoy on our journey to the capital.”

    “You’re hoping to buy protection,” Draeya General said, his gaze knowing as he studied Azula.

    “Yes,” Sennin said, with a quick nod. “Master Doriel thought a lieutenant was the head of the legion downstairs. We are sorry. He did not mean to bother you.”

    Azula managed to fight Sennin’s palm off his mouth.

    “Draeya General need not bother with this information,” Azula said, pushing his chair back as he stood.

    “I can offer help,” Draeya General said, shocking Azula and Sennin.

    “Why?” Azula asked after a moment.

    “Why not?” Draeya General asked, a charming smile curving his lips.

    Azula could not help but stare at the enticing curve. How amazing. A simple smile transformed the Draeya General into a painfully handsome man. So handsome that Azula wanted to shift closer and touch the general’s smiling lips.

    Argh, why could he never find the will to ignore such striking, dangerous men?

    “Draeya General is very busy,” Sennin said. “Our Sura Clan cannot ask you to help us with this trivial matter.”

    “Trivial?” Draeya General asked, his smile disappearing, the expression on his face turning cold again.

    Azula sighed.

    “Theft is never trivial,” Draeya General said. “Theft of a cargo carriage carrying burnt ore is certainly not a small matter. You must report this kind of theft to the magistrate to protect yourselves. To hear that your clan has lost six carriages of burnt ore is very worrying. This is the ore that is then used for sinister means…like counterfeiting silver.”

    “No,” Azula shook his head.  “Our ore does not make silver coins.”

    “Your people might not but others can,” Draeya General said, his green eyes glaring. “Chieftain’s son, don’t you know the consequences of counterfeiting silver? Do you know what happens to a clan found interfering with the economy this way?”

    Sennin shook his head no, but Azula did not need instruction on what counterfeiting cases dealt to the perpetrators.

    Draeya General did not wait for them to give him an answer.

    “Entire clans have been wiped out by the imperial court on suspected counterfeiting. What makes you think your Sura would be different?”

    Azula shuddered and wished he had not stepped out to the balcony to catch a glimpse of the Draeya General. This man was no fun at all.

    “No one in my clan would ever betray us that way,” Azula said, speaking from a place of truth. He trusted his family, his clan. They lived for each other. If one of them made a misstep, they all suffered.

    “You’re a very exhausting individual,” Draeya General stated. “I’ve warned you. I’ve asked you to report to the magistrate, and wasted words for your own good. Now, ask me for help.”

    “We can’t afford your help,” Azula said.

    “I won’t charge you anything,” Draeya General said.

    Azula narrowed his gaze, wary of gifts from a powerful general.

    “Why?”

    “Why can’t I help? Isn’t it looking after a small citizen as you put it?” Draeya General asked.

    Azula scoffed, studying Draeya General for a full minute, and then because he truly could not keep having words with this man, he sighed.

    “Draeya General. Do what you want,” Azula said. “I have no power to stop you. What I do have the power to do is leave this inn. I have not committed a crime. Your legion brothers cannot detain us. Do you agree?”

    “Yes.”

    “Good,” Azula said and took Sennin’s right arm. “We’re leaving. Please, excuse us.”

    Azula led Sennin back into the main dining hall. They found their table was laden with food. Knowing he could not leave Vardan with the expense, Azula led them to eat first. After all, they had come in for a meal.

    Sennin hesitated when they got to their table.

    Azula started to ask why but then Draeya General pulled a chair next to their table and he sighed.

    “What?” Draeya General asked, smiling at Azula, as he sat down. “You told me to do what I want. I want to follow you. In fact, I must follow you to learn more about these thieves.”

    “Then, it’s your choice,” Azula said with a nod as he watched Draeya General sit back and fold his arms against his chest.

    Azula sank into his own chair and reached for the platter with sweet and sour roasted chicken. He cut off a large drumstick and took a bite. Ignoring Draeya General, he smiled at Sennin who was watching the general with a wary gaze.

    “Sennin, eat your fish or you’ll be starving later,” Azula said, chewing on his drumstick with enthusiasm.  “Vandra’s chef does make the best sweet and sour roast chicken. This is very good.”

    Sennin opened his mouth to tease him, but then stopped conscious of the general sitting with them.

    Azula scowled at the general as he chewed.

    “Do you have to sit here with us?” Azula asked when he swallowed.

    “I’m afraid you’ll run out of here if I don’t keep you in my sight,” Draeya General said.

    Azula scoffed and glanced behind him to see Lieutenant Haedor return to the main dining room with three legion brothers.

    “I wonder how we would manage that with your lieutenant so enthusiastic.”

    Azula shook his head and concentrated on eating. He glanced out the window and caught a glimpse of the magistrate’s compound. At least with a general in tow, or following him, he would not have to worry about getting a lieutenant from the magistrate.

    A goblet filled with water was pushed to his right elbow.

    “Here, you should drink between such rapid bites,” Draeya General said. “It would be a disappointment to have you choke after we just met.”

    Azula started to curse at him, but then Sennin kicked his left foot under the table and he bit back the words with a grumble. He glared at Sennin and then reached for the goblet. He gave Draeya General a faux smile.

    “How gracious of you,” Azula said, as he sipped the water. “Don’t strain yourself.”

    “I wouldn’t,” Draeya General said.

    “Then don’t sit here, and let us keep you from your busy life,” Azula answered.

    “You’re the reason for my busy life,” Draeya General said.

    “We don’t even know each other,” Azula said.

    “I’m Draeya General. What else can I do but protect the small citizen in need?”

    “I’m not in need.”

    “Aren’t you? Or do you want to pay me a fee? How much do you offer the lieutenants you hire?”

    Azula frowned, wondering if it was legal to pay legion officers for security. Everyone at the port did it, but it was considered bribery in the capital. What would a decorated general think of the price he paid? Would it get him in trouble? Azula sighed and once again regretted approaching the stupid balcony.

    “I’m not telling you,” Azula said. “Since you’re following us of your own accord, why do I need to pay?”

    “Shrew.”

    “Tyrant.”

    “Insolent shrew.”

    “Can’t-come-up-with-another-word-idiot general,” Azula said and gained a kick from Sennin under the table.

    Azula groaned and glared at Sennin.

    “He started it. Why don’t you kick him too?”

    Sennin sighed and turned to Draeya General.

    “I apologize on his behalf,” Sennin said.

    Azula took a healthy bite of his chicken and ignored them both, wondering how it had come to this. He swallowed too fast and triggered a choking cough. The goblet of water was pressed into his right hand and he met amused green eyes with a put-upon sigh.

    What was he going to do about gaining the attention of a glorified Draeya General?

    ****

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  • Blades of Ashes Ch 3-1

    Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    Chapter 3-1

    Magnus rode his horse like a man possessed when he received news of Azula’s plan to counter the robberies plaguing the clan. He rode fast on busy cobbled paths, his assistant shouting out warnings along the way to save anyone who did not notice his haste.

    Yaitan’s workshop was where Azula managed his devious plans. The young man was probably stirring up a large force of trouble. The thought of the consequences had Magnus urging his horse into a faster pace.

    Yaitan’s workshop was hidden in a cave surrounded by tall evergreen trees. Azula discovered the workshop when he was twelve. He gifted the discovery to his master, Yaitan, and they bonded over the large deposits of ilmenite the two unearthed in the depths of the cave.

    Azula was twenty this year. These two, master and student, had built up Yaitan’s Workshop into an experimental, risk-taking, genius center. Magnus felt sweat slide down his back every time he thought of Azula and Yaitan making plans.

    Magnus jumped off his horse when he reached the cave entrance. The heavy wooden doors at the cave entrance were carved with intricate designs. A combination of Azula and Yaitan’s work. The doors were open and warm light indicated ongoing work. A strained shout reached him, and answering calls responded.

    Magnus cursed under his breath and hurried into the warm workshop. It was almost dinnertime, and he would have preferred spending the next few hours listening to beautiful Rara sing. He walked through a team of five men standing between two long workbenches. Their attention was on a huge passenger carriage in the middle of the open space deeper in the cave.

    The men moved when they noted Magnus, allowing him to walk closer to the massive passenger carriage taking up space in the middle of the large cave. The passenger carriage was built with a handsome mix of hardwood and iron. The iron twisted into intricate designs, weaving through the wood, making it look luxurious and sturdy at the same time. The four wheels on the carriage were doubled and wide. Strong enough to carry heavy weight.

    Magnus frowned when he saw his nephew holding on to the handle of a massive wrench. Kalas stood next to him, providing support as they tightened a bolt on the shaft and hitching parts.

    “That should hold it,” Azula said when they tagged once more and the bolt did not move. “I’ll make sure Sennin checks on it when we get to the Everlasting Port.”

    “Are you sure you don’t need me to come with you?” Kalas asked, taking the wrench from Azula and placing it on a holder on the table.

    “They are coming along,” Azula said, waving to the five men Magnus had passed. “They helped put this carriage together. Each one knows how each of the parts work. Plus, they are the ones who will know how to stock the undercarriage with the ore we need. Kalas, don’t worry. This will work out. We’ll get to the capital in no time.”

    “The in-between is what I’m worried about,” Kalas said, shaking his head as he reached for a cloth on the table to wipe the sweat off his forehead. “You’re not a warrior, Azula. None of us are.”

    “We’ll worry about that when the time comes,” Azula said, his focus on the shaft.

    “No wonder your Papa thinks I’ll spoil you to death,” Magnus said, drawing Azula’s immediate attention.  He turned around fast, his gaze widening when he saw Magnus standing a few feet away. “When were you going to fill me in on this plan?”

    “When the carriage was onboard the ship,” Azula said with a wide grin. “Magnus, don’t worry so much—”

    “What is the plan?” Magnus demanded, cutting him off.

    “Magnus.”

    “Tell me now, or I will lock you up in the main house for a month,” Magnus said.

    Azula studied him for a minute. No doubt trying to decide how much he could leave out. Magnus glared at him and fought a grin when Azula gave a resigned sigh.

    “You’re not going to like it,” Azula said. “It has to be done even though you don’t like it.”

    “Tell me,” Magnus insisted. “Then I’ll decide what has to be done.”

    Azula glanced at Kalas hoping for support, but Kalas shrugged and moved away from the carriage to join the five blacksmiths behind Magnus.

    “Really,” Azula said, shaking his head at Kalas’ obvious abandonment. He pulled off a white cloth tucked into the belt at his waist and used it to wipe off sweat from the back of his neck.

    “Fine,” Azula said, shaking his head. “Uncle Magnus, you come closer. I have to show you the inside of the carriage for you to understand the plan.”

    Magnus removed his heavy jacket and handed it to his assistant. He walked around an open toolbox on the floor and joined his nephew at the elegant open door into the carriage.

    Azula stood on the side, holding the door open with his left hand, and held out his right hand to Magnus.

    “Welcome aboard, Uncle,” Azula said, giving him a formal nod.

    Magnus bit back a laugh, his gaze on Azula’s callused hands, the palms covered with streaks of black and dirt. The more than capable hand so dear, he might murder anyone who dared harm this child’s hand. Magnus clasped Azula’s dirty hand with his, holding it tight as he climbed up the steps into the carriage.

    The interior was spacious. The walls of the carriage were covered with a deep blue velvet. The benches were upholstered with deep blue velvet and were button-tufted. It looked like a rich man’s lair. The cushions laid out on the benches were designed for comfort.

    Magnus sat on the bench facing the driver and watched Azula who chose to sit facing the door.

    The carriage provided them with privacy to have a talk away from the men outside.

    “What’s the plan?” Magnus asked, his gaze serious as he met Azula’s determined gaze.

    “This carriage hides secret storage within the walls and the undercarriage. The black ore Papa needs is hidden there. The five men in there are the only people who know what this carriage hides. I’m going to ride it to Genad,” Azula said.

    “Not alone,” Magnus said.

    “Of course, I won’t be alone,” Azula said, shaking his head as he sat back, stretching his legs out. He let out a soft sigh. “I’ll take Sennin, six horses, the five men out there, a driver, and his helper. It’s enough of a spectacle. The journey to Genad will take too long as it is.”

    Magnus studied Azula for a full minute, then looked at the luxurious carriage that now hid valuable ore. He could have never thought to do this to save the clan from thieves.

    “How long have you worked on this carriage?” Magnus asked, curious as to how such a large project had gone unnoticed.

    “This carriage is meant for Alise’s wedding,” Azula said, starting to touch the bench with his palm, only to stop when he noticed the dirt on his hands. “You know she’s going to bring Yemin to greet our parents. He’s her chosen mate and the next second to the chieftain. I wanted them to celebrate their day with style. I have been designing this carriage bit by bit. Too bad it’s now being used to save our ore.”

    Magnus smiled.

    “It’s good luck it will be used to save the clan’s ore,” Magnus said. “When you succeed, it will bring good luck to Alise and Yemin.”

    Azula grinned at the mention of his sister and her chosen partner. Magnus loved the easy support between siblings. Alise loved her younger brother even more. This was why Magnus worried about Azula’s safety. Nothing could happen to this youngest chieftain’s son.

    “You need protection,” Magnus said.

    “I will have our five blacksmith’s with me,” Azula said. “Sennin is there too.”

    “Not blacksmiths,” Magnus said, shaking his head. “You need warriors. Warmongers. People who are not squeamish about drawing blood. Our people are too soft. We have families and value peaceful existences. You need soldiers.”

    “We don’t have those,” Azula said.

    “Buy them at the port,” Magnus said, holding Azula’s gaze. “I mean it, Azula. Use the money I get from the mango selling if you don’t have spare silver.”

    “Uncle Magnus, it’s not about the money,” Azula said. “You know good lieutenants are not easy to find. The port magistrate is corrupt. We can’t trust them to get us to the capital. Let alone fight off determined armed robbers.”

    “They will fight them off for the right price,” Magnus said. “I’ll find you the gold to make sure it works out. Do this for me, and I’ll not oppose your plan.”

    Azula stared at his dusty boots for a full minute before he let out a sigh.

    “Finding a lieutenant will cost us time at the port,” Azula said.

    “It should,” Magnus agreed. “It will also give you time to understand what else we don’t know about the people coming after us.”

    “Okay,” Azula said, with a sigh. “I’ll do as you say.”

    “Can you pull this trip off?” Magnus asked Azula.

    Azula looked up then and met Magnus’s worried gaze. He smiled wide and nodded.

    “Yes,” he said. His confidence made Magnus almost believe it too.

    Magnus nodded and scratched his head.

    “I can’t wait to hear what your father will have to say about this when he sees you. He’ll blame me for indulging you again. I’m warning you early. I’ll make you drink two barrels of wine at your wedding to pay me back for all this trouble.”

    Azula laughed then, and Magnus grinned at the youthful sound filling the carriage.

    ****

    Two days later, two hours before noon, Azula’s ship docked at the Endless Port and the crew started offloading the easier packages.  Azula stepped out of the ship with a lazy yawn, stretching his arms above his head as he walked. He dropped his hands when a short boy blocked his path and handed him a folded scroll.

    Thanking the boy, Azula stepped to the side and unrolled the scroll to read the contents. It was a message from his father, asking him to visit the magistrate’s compound at the port.

    The Naga State port was an entry point into the empire. Traders, visitors, immigrants, and travelers from other continents filled the port. Its fame won it the unofficial name of Endless Port.

    The Naga State King tasked the port magistrate with the work of overseeing law and order in this vibrant port. He even handed over a military garrison and placed it under the magistrate’s direct command.

    The magistrate used the officers in the port garrison to maintain peace and punish anyone who tried to cause trouble at the port. However, his dedication to the job left much to be desired.

    Everyone making a living at the Endless Port knew not to trust the magistrate.

    Which was why Azula stood frozen as he read his father’s second message.

    “He wants me to report the theft to the magistrate here at Endless Port,” Azula said, turning to Sennin who joined him from the ship. “Has Papa lost his mind? What does he think the magistrate will do? It’s like asking me to confront the thieves in person.”

    Sennin took the note and read it fast.

    Azula looked around the busy dock. His frown depended as he wondered what had gotten into his father. A man with short strawberry-blonde hair carried a crate filled with mangoes into a large warehouse a few feet away.

    The Sura Clan ran this docking station at the Endless Port. It was where their ships offloaded and received the cargo. The men and women who operated the port were all from Sura Island. They packed the cargo into transport carriages and seasoned drivers took it to the capital city of Genad. They also arranged cargo from the capital into the ships for transport to Sura Island.

    This routine was ageless. Every member of the clan old enough to contribute had worked the system here at the Endless Port.

    Suddenly, Azula was sure their age-old traditions had somehow opened them up to a new threat.

    Sennin handed the note back, and Azula stuffed it into his pocket.

    Azula adjusted the leather belt holding his trousers in place. He took a good look at their ship. Inside, in the cargo hold, hid their first attempt at a new transport carriage.

    A transport carriage Azula hoped would fool the people doing their best to ruin them.

    Now, all they had to was fulfill his promise to Magnus. He needed to find a stronger force to deal with an aggressive attack.

    Magnus was always right. Their people were blacksmiths. They could beat iron, silver, gold, and any other metal into shape. However, they were no warriors.  Half of them were very softhearted. Their family life in the Sura village made it impossible to become cold warriors able to fight off a killing horde.

    “What do we do now?” Sennin asked.

    “Follow Magnus’s wishes,” Azula said, his gaze shifting away from their ship to the rest of the busy dock.

    Azula nodded his greetings to familiar faces, which was everyone here. He had grown up knowing everyone who worked or ran a business at the Endless Port. This was why he paused when he noticed a pair of women sitting at the end of the boardwalk.

    They looked too new, unfamiliar, and out of place. They sat on old wooden crates eating fried potatoes out of brown paper. A misshapen wooden stand was arranged before them, facing the main street. It looked like they were selling something, but their attention was on the Sura ship.

    “We should find somewhere quiet,” Azula said. “There are too many eyes.”

    Azula met Sennin’s gaze and nodded in the direction of the two women.

    Sennin waited for a beat then with grace and tact. He glanced at the end of the boardwalk.

    Azula noticed the two women had gained an interested customer.  The customer browsed their wares, but the two women made no effort to sell.

    “Maybe your father has the right idea,” Sennin said, shaking his head.

    His gaze shifted back to their ship.

    “I asked everyone to hold on moving the carriage. They are going to take out crates filled with the mangoes Magnus sells to the inns around here.”

    “Agreed,” Azula said. “Uncle Magnus was right. We need updated information. Let’s go to the nice inn in the middle of town where outsiders like to go. We’ll get something to eat. I’m hungry and they have the best sweet and sour roasted chicken.”

    “Azula,” Sennin started to add more.

    “It’s not like we can leave the port right now,” Azula said, using his thumb to point behind them. “They are probably going to follow us. There is a possibility they are with the people robbing us blind.”

    “You know Alva packed your food,” Sennin said, as Azula turned and headed along the boardwalk to the main road.

    “I will eat later when I’m locked up in the carriage we brought,” Azula said with a mischievous grin. “Come on, let’s head to Teba Inn.”

    Sennin let out a sigh and followed Azula, hurrying after him with a deep frown.

    “Our drivers have experienced twelve losses which have left their families devastated. Aren’t you worried we’ll endure a robbery?” Sennin asked as he caught up with Azula.

    “I’m worried. I am scared of riding that carriage all the way to Genad. But, we don’t have a choice. We need to stop the robberies from happening. I think my plan will help us discover who is doing this. In any case, I also agree with Magnus’s suggestion. We need to find someone strong enough to help us fight back.”

    “Someone like whom?”

    Azula reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver piece. It was a pure silver coin. The first silver coin Azula ever made from a blade he forged at sixteen years old. He kept it with him for inspiration and good luck.

    “Magnus suggested finding a lieutenant we can buy,” Azula said as he kept walking.

    The trick was to find the right person. A lieutenant who was loyal to the empire. One who would help them fight thieves without demanding more than their agreed price.

    Otherwise, Azula’s plan to catch the thieves would be for naught.

    They walked by the two women who were now actively selling the cheap beaded jewelry laid out on their wooden stands. Azula ignored the pair and joined the foot traffic on the main road leading to the center of the port town.

    “Sennin, don’t sulk,” Azula said when he glanced at his best friend and saw a visible frown and a pout on his lips. “I’ll buy you fried fish and sweet buns. Let’s fill our stomachs.”

    Sennin clapped in excitement at the mention of fried fish and hurried to keep up with Azula’s easy stride.

    ****

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  • A Thousand Years of Hope Ch 15

    Dante checked the approval forms he held again, smiling at the sight of his faculty dean’s signature and the stamp of approval. He was very grateful his boss liked him. There was also Thomas to thank for his firm support. Otherwise, it would have taken weeks to get his sabbatical approved.

    “Thank you for your support,” Dante said, folding the forms neatly as they walked. “I didn’t think Dean Travis would agree so easily.”

     “Dean Travis values your contribution to our research branch,” Thomas said. They were walking along the corridor leading to Dante’s office. Thomas glanced at Dante. “You’re the most dedicated professor he has. Your willingness to dedicate tireless hours to the various excavations has left you working nonstop. Not to mention your willingness to work with other professors on tailoring lectures around topics of interest. I don’t remember you taking time off. Unless it was taking a few days to visit with your family at the Aretias Island. You are overdue for time away from this place.”

     “I’m looking forward to it,” Dante said, thinking of Tani who was waiting for him in his office. They had teleported to Dante’s apartment, and then Tani had insisted on walking with him into the university. Dante had loved strolling along the many paths and walkways at the university with Tani at his side. It had turned his usual route to his office into a pleasant adventure.

    “What will you do first?” Thomas asked.

    “Don’t know yet,” Dante said, with another smile. “I’ll go with the flow.”

    “Hm,” Thomas said, studying Dante for a moment, and then grinned. “You have spent most of your life lost in this place. We all worried your parents will never see you in a relationship. Are you happy together?”

    “Who says I have to be in a relationship to take time off?” Dante asked, with a soft scowl for Thomas.

    “Just a guess,” Thomas said with a short shrug. They reached a junction. One path heading to Dante’s office, the other to the History Faculty building. Thomas stopped. “For the first time since I’ve known you, you brought someone to your office. I’m surprised it is the extraordinary gentleman who gave us a tour of his hidden fortress. I imagine you’re the only reason we got the opportunity. He must like you a lot.”

    Dante could not help smiling at the mention of Tani.

    “You like him too,” Thomas said, tilting his head to the side as he studied him.

    “I do,” Dante said.

    “Good for you,” Thomas said with an approving nod. “It’s good to have more than work in life. I hope your sabbatical is full of enlightening adventures. You deserve it, Dante.”

    “Thank you, Thomas,” Dante said, taking Thomas right hand when he held it out.

    “I have notes to look over before my next class,” Thomas said, shaking Dante’s hand, then letting go. “I hope you discover another fortress and share it with us.”

    Dante laughed.

    “I always do,” Dante said, as he let go of Thomas’s hand and watched the older man walk away.

    Dante headed to his office with an excited sigh. He opened the door and stopped. His gaze riveted on Tani who stood by the picture board Justina liked to pin up.

    For a moment, all he could remember were the dreams about Tani that filled his nights. Tani’s face remained the same, but his red brown hair came in various lengths through each period. Sometimes it was long down his back, others short around his shoulders, braided, and flowing, each style changing Tani’s look, but his face remained the same.

    Dante felt like he dreamed up a new video of Tani each time he slept.

    The past aside, his most favorite remained the Tani he met during his waking hours.

    While Dante had gone to talk to the Dean, Tani was left here in his office. It was nice to return and find Tani exploring his workspace, reading papers on his desk, and now grinning at pictures taken at digs. Dante entered the office and closed the door, drawing Tani’s gaze.

    “I like this one,” Tani said, holding up a picture of Dante wearing a dusty hat, as he helped excavate ships in a metropolitan dig that started a few years ago. Dante was grinning wide, holding out his hands at the frame of a ship found in the ground.

    “You look happy.”

    “I was,” Dante said, crossing the room to where Tani stood leaning on his desk. He stole a kiss and sighed when Tani returned it with a small smile.

    “Can I keep the picture?” Tani asked, touching Dante’s smile in the picture.

    “If you want,” Dante said, wrapping his right arm around Tani’s shoulders. He pulled him closer and whispered in his ear. “You can also keep me and you won’t have to look at the picture.”

    Tani chuckled, but he put away the picture in his pocket.

    “Did you finish with your sabbatical application?” Tani asked.

    “It’s approved. I’m all yours for a year, and more, if you want.”

    Tani glanced at him then, and the strange shadow that filled Tani’s eyes at the mention of time lingered.

    “What is it? Why this look?” Dante asked, hoping Tani would tell him what made him look so wary.

    Tani’s gaze slid away from him and he shrugged Dante’s arm away from his shoulders.

    “I’m still getting used to it,” Tani said, his voice soft. “This, you with me, so willing and…hopeful.”

    Dante let the sad words sink into him.

    “I’m here,” Dante said after a moment. “I’m here, Tani.”

    “Mm,” Tani nodded and pushed off the desk. “Your office is as I imagined. Full of adventure and stories of the past. Your students are lucky to have you as their professor.”

    “Not for a while from today,” Dante said, straightening up. He picked up the book bag he used to carry his books and papers. “Let’s leave before Thomas discovers something he would like help with and I’ll end up doing research for him instead of having fun with you.”

    Tani grinned and took Dante’s hand.

    They left Dante’s office and returned to Dante’s apartment.

    “Your spoiling me,” Dante said, when Tani let go of him and they were standing in his living room. He placed the book bag he held on the coffee table. “I’ll forget how to drive around after this.”

    “I like spoiling you,” Tani said, starting a slow exploration of his living room. “If you finish what you’re doing here, I’ll spoil you with lunch in an exotic beautiful place.”

    “Sounds intriguing. Let me check the fridge and then I’m all yours,” Dante said.

    “Okay,” Tani said.

    Dante grabbed a crate from one of the cupboards and filled it with two packs of milk, a pack of eggs, an assortment of cheeses and meat. Thankfully, he had not bought vegetables, too busy with Artri House. He would take the crate to his next-door neighbor. She was a cheerful mother of two and always gave him delicious homemade portions of Greek baklava. He was sure she would use the crate of groceries.

    Grabbing a bottle of water from the fridge, he closed the fridge satisfied nothing would go bad, and took a healthy sip of water. Dante moved a few steps so that he could see into the living room through the kitchen door. He paused when he saw Tani standing by a small desk in the corner. The desk had pictures of April and Zachary, and two framed drawings the kids sent him.

    Tani picked up the pictures and studied them.

    Dante finished his water and placed the bottle into the recycling bin. Picking up the crate of groceries, he left the kitchen and entered the living room.

    “I’ll hand this over to my neighbor, and then my time is all yours,” Dante said, when Tani glanced at him.

    “Do they visit you here?” Tani asked, returning the picture frames to the table.

    “No,” Dante said. “I’ve been the one to visit the children for a while. We thought it was best for them to have a steady home life. I’m hoping they will agree to visit when they turn eighteen. They can visit Artri House and play in the vineyard.”

    Tani studied him for a moment, and then nodded.

    “I’m sure they will love it,” Tani said, moving to sit on the couch. “Go, give away the crate. I’ll be here.”

    Dante grinned and hurried out to the corridor.

    Zoe’s door was the only door on his floor. She lived opposite him and her door was always slightly open. Her children were always in a constant in and out. He knocked and a moment of excitement rose when Zoe saw him at her door. Dante handed her the crate, and had to talk fast to escape her serious offer for tea.

    “I have someone waiting for me,” Dante said, when Zoe held on to his right wrist. “I promise to stop by when I’m home next. We can have tea and you can tell me about the kids.”

    “I will hold you to it,” Zoe said. “By the way, a few days ago, someone knocked on your door looking for you. He asked me if we had seen you and I told him you must be away because of work. He hurried away before I could ask his name. Could he be from your workplace?”

    Dante frowned. Anyone looking for him for work would go through his office. Anyone with his work address would have his number. How strange that he had not received any calls.

    “I’m sure,” Dante said to Zoe.

    It was better if she was not troubled by news of a stranger lurking in their shared corridor. Her children lived here.

    “Don’t worry. I’m sure I’ll meet him through my office. If he shows up again, call me. I will talk to him.”

    “Okay,” Zoe smiled, and patted the crate. “Thank you for the groceries. Be sure to come for tea. I’ll feed you a good hearty meal.”

    “I look forward to it,” Dante said and waved goodbye.

    Dante hurried back to his apartment. A moment of panic struck him when he did not see Tani on the couch where he left him. He closed the door fast and hurried into the living room. He stopped when he saw Tani sitting on the floor by his books and his stash of vinyl records.

    Tani held up a universal standard encyclopedia printed in the nineteen thirties.

    “This is really old,” Tani said. “Why do you have it?”

    Dante chuckled and moved to sit next on the floor next to Tani. He took the book from Tani, and opened it.

    “They are a series of encyclopedias. This one starts with an explanation of the word Idaho and ends with the word jewel. The first page has three-page description of Idaho. The last page has a description of the Jewel Cave Monument. Between these two words, are insane word definitions, as if someone was trying to compile all the knowledge one could have between the words Idaho and Jewel. I wonder how they decided what to choose.”

    Tani studied him as he flipped through the book.

    “Look at this, an entire five pages explaining Indonesia,” Dante said, pointing it out for Tani to see. “They must have gotten someone who had just visited Indonesia to write an entire essay.”

    “They must have,” Tani said, leaning in to kiss Dante’s right cheek. “I think they did well, so that I can sit here watching you be amazed about their lengthy essays in the encyclopedia.”

    “We don’t make such books anymore,” Dante said, closing the book. “At least, the effort is not as Herculean as it was those days.”

    “True,” Tani said with a nod.

    “Not for you though,” Dante said, placing the encyclopedia on the bookshelf. He shifted closer to Tani. “Moving from one place to anther with a thought. Tell me, what is the most exciting place you have seen?”

    “Places are not as memorable as experiences,” Tani said.

    “Well said,” Dante said, agreeing with a nod. “So, I should ask which experiences are most memorable to you. Can you remember them all?”

    “I do,” Tani said, his voice wistful. “Sometimes, I wish I could recreate them, but it’s impossible to get it right twice.”

    “What kind of experiences do you want to recreate?” Dante asked, wanting to know, studying Tani’s thoughtful expression.

    Tani bit his bottom lip, and then shrugged.

    “Are you done with your neighbor?” Tani asked.

    “Mm,” Dante nodded.

    “Then,” Tani said, getting up. He held out his right hand to Dante with a small smile. His amber eyes filled with a mix of challenge and excitement. He was incredible to look at.

    “Why don’t I show you these places?” Tani asked.

    Dante scrambled to his feet sure he would follow Tani even if they were just going to walk through a supermarket. He took Tani’s hand and stepped closer, only to shiver when Tani transported them out of his apartment.

    Dante blinked when he was standing at their destination.

    Tani wrapped an arm around him, to keep him steady on a rough path surrounded by tall trees. They stood in the middle of a rain forest. It had recently rained, and Dante’s shoes were not fit for the muddy path.

    “Oh no, it’s muddy,” Tani said holding to Dante as though to lift him up from the mess.

    “I don’t mind. I live on a vineyard, remember?” Dante wrapped his arm around Tani’s waist as he looked around. “Where are we?”

    “A hidden sanctuary,” Tani said, bringing his right hand to cover Dante’s mouth as he looked around, his gaze searching. “Shh…”

    Dante smiled at the gentle hand over his lips, unsure why he needed to hush. He looked into Tani’s eyes when those amber eyes finally looked at him. Tani grinned, and Dante wanted to lean in to kiss him. Before he could, Tani shifted, moving his hand away from Dante’s lips to point into the trees.

    Dante’s gaze followed his finger, looking between two trees to a lush green walkway carved between the tall trees. Dante stilled when a moment later a herd of elephants came into the scene. They were huge, majestic, and wild. Crossing the forest in a large herd, a mix of sizes, mothers and babies, huge ones with enormous tusks and medium-sized ones, leaving their mark on the grounds they passed.

    They were beautiful.

    Dane glanced at Tani and blushed when he found Tani watching him. He leaned in closer so that could ask.

    “Will they mind us here?”

    “No,” Tani shook his head, returning his gaze to the wild elephants. “They don’t care about us, if we don’t mind them either. This is their home, heir territory. This huge forest is their freedom. No interaction with humans.”

    “They are beautiful,” Dante said, watching a little elephant doing its best to keep up with its mom. Quite a few of the elephants had young ones. The herd was thriving. Dante wished he could get closer to touch one.

    “Why don’t you interact with them?” Dante asked, whispering into Tani’s ear.

    Tani shifted so that he was leaning on Dante’s front. Dante wrapped an arm around Tani’s waist.

    “We are standing in the deepest part of the Sumatra jungle. These herd has survived here for centuries,” Tani said. “Wild elephants can take care of themselves just fine as long as they have resources. As long as their habitat stays intact, they don’t need to meet humans. Once elephants are domesticated, they rely on humans, and can no longer return to wild. We’ve tried to keep their home safe.”

    Dante rested his chin on Tani’s shoulder and whispered into his right ear. “Tani is passionate about wildlife.”

    “It’s no different from people fighting for their rights to live as they wish,” Tani said.

    “Well said,” Dante said, kissing Tani’s temple, holding him tight. “Thank you for this spectacular view.”

    Tani chuckled and shook his head, his hair tickling Dante’s cheek.

    “I’m glad you love it,” Tani said.

    Dante watched the last of the elephant herd cross the path beyond the two trees where they stood.

    “What else lives here?” Dante asked, looking up at the tall trees around them. The forest floor was thick with wild bushes, the tree branches heavy with vines. A branch moved, shaking the leaves wildly and a stroke of anxiety swept down his spine. They were in a wild jungle. A wild jungle with elephants and…slithering animals.

    “Orangutans,” Tani answered his question. “Want to see them?”

    “Can I think about it?” Dante asked, nervous at the thought of snakes slithering along the heavy tree branches and the thick bushes around them.

    “Worried about snakes?” Tani asked, shifting in Dante’s arms so that he could look at Dante’s face.

    “How did you know?” Dante asked, meeting Tani’s amused gaze.

    “There are many snakes in this jungle,” Tani said, his gaze solemn as he held Dante’s gaze.

    “Hm,” Dante said at the confirmation of his hidden fears.

    Damn it. This was supposed to be their first date. There was no way he was going to show his fear of snakes when Tani looked so happy in this wild place. Not when he was hoping to look strong enough to manage a clearly extraordinary date in a jungle.

    Dante took in a deep breath, tightening his hold on Tani as he looked around. Hoping to all the powers that be that none of the snakes would venture close. The thought of one falling on them had him extremely nervous.

    “Baby, thank you for showing me elephants. It was extremely awesome. Can we go back home or somewhere less wild?” Dante asked.

    Tani chuckled and Dante met his gaze, suspicious of Tani’s amused gaze.

    “What?”

    “It’s fascinating,” Tani said. “How consistent your fear of snakes remains.”

    “Tani.”

    Tani brushed his lips on Dante’s left cheek.

    “Okay, I’ll stop teasing you.”

    Dante’s stomach growled.

    “Hungry?”

    “Mm,” Dante said, stealing a glance at his watch. “You’ve kept us moving around all morning. It’s almost one o’clock.”

    “Then I’ll get you fed,” Tani said, wrapping his arms around Dante’s shoulders, moving even closer so there was no space between them.

    Dante’s heart skidded in his chest. Tani’s face was so close he could feel Tani’s breath on his skin. Dante ran his hands over Tani’s back and closed his eyes, letting out a shaky sigh.

    “Why are you so nervous?” Tani asked.

    “I’m half-afraid you’ll disappear if I don’t keep holding you,” Dante said.

    He opened his eyes and stared into amused amber eyes.

    “Actually, I’m worried I dreamed you up.”

    “We’re standing in a jungle with snakes moving on the branches above us,” Tani said, making Dante gasp and look up sure he was about to see a python dangling above them. His heartbeat was so fast and loud that Tani could hear it.

    “Do you still think you’re dreaming?” Tani asked.

    Dante stepped closer to Tani, clutching Tani’s arms, his gaze returning to Tani’s, and he groaned.

    “You scared me on purpose,” Dante said, his tone accusing.

    Tani grinned and leaned in, covering Dante’s lips with his in a sweet, demanding kiss.

    Dante forgot his growling stomach, the jungle and its frightening occupants. All he could focus on was Tani’s lips on his; their kiss was delicious and full of promise.

    ****

    “We’re here,” Tani said a moment later, ending their kiss.

    He could spend hours sipping on Dante’s lips. Their kisses were intoxicating. He breathed in Dante’s scent and rested his forehead on Dante’s shoulder. His heart trembled with the joy of slipping straight into the rhythm of want. Every time he got the chance to hold Dante, he forgot how to be careful. How to not ask for everything, and only settle for the moments they would share. It was difficult. So difficult, that he had gone ahead and brought Dante to a place he kept to himself.

    “Where is here?” Dante asked, looking around their destination. “There are so many apple trees. What is this place?”

    “An orchard,” Tani said, moving out of Dante’s arms, taking in the strangest of his obsessions, and he had many.

    This four-acre orchard was flat and shadowed by a large hill in the north. It was on a Greek Island. One of the pieces of land Tani found when he was finding his footing in the mortal realm. He had built the farmhouse in the middle of the orchard with his own hands, hoping to occupy his thoughts.

    The farmhouse was not as sophisticated as the Elderwood property. No, this place was rural, and rough. It was comfortable. The rooms included a master bedroom, a kitchen that flowed into the living room, and one bathroom tucked in the corridor leading to the master bedroom. The store on the side housed farming tools and crates used for harvesting apples. A borehole in at the back of the house supplied water for the orchard and the house. Electricity lines were the only sign of a connection with the outside world.

    Tani’s gaze shifted to the gates in the distance. His amber eyes glowing gold for a moment. He was relieved to see his invisible shield still covered the property. It was hard to discover it unless one was ekho-blessed, or an ekho. Otherwise, mortals saw a field of green

    “This place is beautiful,” Dante said. “Reminds me of the farmhouses I see when I visit the kids in Kirtland. Are we visiting someone here?”

    “No.” Tani cleared his throat and started walking to the house behind them.

    “Tani? Where are we?” Dante asked following him.

    “An apple orchard in Greece,” Tani said. “I used to plant trees here and tend the place myself, but I do get help from a nosy neighbor when I’m not around.”

    “Interesting to know,” Dante said, as Tani walked up to the front door.

    Tani placed his hand on the doorknob and the lock clicked open without a key.

    The picture window in the living area opened. The kitchen window too. A kettle filled with water started whistling on the stove. The scent of fresh laundered sheets filled the house, soon accompanied by the scent of baking potatoes.

    “And who lives here?” Dante asked once they were inside.

    “No one,” Tani said, removing his jacket. He dumped it on an armchair and looked at Dante. “The house has a domestic spell to manage necessities. Cale helped me cast it when he thought I was going to go crazy and not take care of myself.”

    “Why did he think that?” Dante asked, a frown creasing his forehead as he stared at Tani.

    Tani looked around the comfortable living room. The comfortable couches around the living room, the fireplace in the corner, the shelves filled with books on the opposite end. He had once spent a whole month chopping wood for the fireplace like a mad man. Shaking his head, he returned to his gaze and opted for truth. He had nothing more to lose anyway.

    “I built this house when you left me in this world and went to a place I could not reach you,” Tani said. “I have loved you too long, too hard and at times, it has come close to breaking me. When I reach that point, I find peace in this place. The peace finding is not always a healthy process. Cale is my warden. He has done his best to protect me when…”

    “Finish it, Tani,” Dante said, taking a step closer. His gaze intent as he studied Tani. “I want to hear it. When what?”

    Tani started to turn away afraid of voicing his obsessive tendencies. Through the living room picture window, he caught a glimpse of the apple trees growing there and frowned.

    Dante closed the distance between them and turned him around so that he could look into Tani’s eyes.

    “When what, Tani?” Dante asked, cajoling.

    Tani held Dante’s gaze and answered the truth.

    “Cale fought me back to reason when I felt that I should follow you to the world beyond.”

    Dante took in a harsh breath, and closed his eyes, his hands gripping Tani’s upper arms tight. He pulled Tani closer and pressed a kiss on Tani’s forehead. He breathed in and let out a soft sigh.

    “Tani,” Dante said. “I wish I could take in the hurt lingering inside you. I want to drag it out and fill you with happy memories of us, and I wish there was a way to do that.”

    Tani smiled and buried his face into Dante’s left shoulder.

    “There is no way to take away the memories,” Tani murmured, and bit his bottom lip when Dante wrapped tight arms around him. “I don’t mind the weight of our past. It makes these moments I’m in your arms priceless. I would go through it again for this moment.”

    Dante held him tighter, then he pulled back, bending his head, and Tani gasped when Dante brushed his lips with a soft kiss. Dante brought his hands to frame Tani’s face, and their kiss then turned heated, urgent. Tani slid his hands around Dante’s waist, sliding them up his back until he was holding on as he lost himself in their blissful kiss. Tilting his head back, eyes closing in the joy of the moment, he let Dante lead their hungry kiss until they were both breathless.

    Dante broke their connection and Tani opened his eyes breathing in deep, every nerve in his body primed with passion and need. He wanted more, wanted to feel Dante’s hands on his skin.

    “Donmuş kalbimi ateşle dolduruyorsun,” Dante murmured as though reciting a spell. (You fill my frozen heart with fire)

    “Perhaps I’ve always known I’m yours. And, my heart has remained locked away waiting for you. Now, it opens wide for you. I want to give you all that I am, Tani. Will you accept me even though I’ve come this late?”

    Yes. Always, yes. Tani thought, fighting the sting of tears. Even when you leave me alone, I wait and love only you. Even when you choose another, I wait for you.

    Tani did not voice these words. Wanting to keep their moment pure and free of their bitter past. Tani bit his bottom lip afraid his words of accusation would burst out.

    “Tani.” Dante murmured, leaning in again to brush his lips on Tani’s, the soft touch turning into a blaze of electric energy that ran through every nerve in Tani’s body.

    Tani bunched Dante’s shirt, as he bit back a soft moan, his cock throbbing in response. Then Dante kissed him again and rewarded him with a second sliver of his fire soul. Its white-hot aura burning bright as it forged a path through their kiss to the depths of the empty pool that had waited hundreds of years. It sunk into Tani’s heart, joining the first, filling him with warmth and the tears he had been fighting slid down his cheeks.

    Dante used his thumb to wipe the tears away when he noticed them. Breaking their kiss to brush his lips along the tear tracks, pressing a soft kiss on Tani’s closed eyes, one by one.

    “I’ll wait. You don’t have to answer me now,” Dante murmured, placing Tani’s head on his shoulder, and wrapping his arms around Tani tight. “I’ll wait for you this time, Tani. I’ll wait for you to accept me.”

    Tani closed his eyes and they held each other in the middle of a living room he had built to remember his beloved six centuries ago.

    ****

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