Sui Writes

Tag: Fantasy

  • Blades of Ashes Ch 5-3

    Arc 1 – The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    Ch 5-3

    Night came down on Azula like a hammer. His family’s existence burned down to ashes, returning to nothing. No rain fell, and the night breeze was warm and almost comforting. The moonlight was bright.

    Thanks to Sennin, Azula had found Alise and Juya in a remote warehouse where Sura Clan members were boarding carriages and heading to the Naga State Port. When their mother boarded a carriage with Juya’s family, Alise insisted on finding their father.

    So, the four of them took horses, taking advantage of the night to head to the magistrate’s compound in their district. Juya had a contact he was paying who would show them a way into the prisons to visit Marius, Yemin, and all the other Sura Clan members who were under arrest.

    However, when they found the contact, the man led them to the district morgue and asked them to identify the Sura Clan bodies lying on countless mats in the open space inside.

    At first, it felt like a bad dream until Azula recognized his father’s distinctive hair clip. It held several braids crafted by his mother. Azula had crafted the silver clip and gifted it to Marius as a birthday gift two years ago. Their father had worn it every day since.

    “No.”

    Azula wasn’t aware of the words leaving his lips as he jumped over his fallen clans’ men to the pallet where his father lay. A white sheet covered his face. Azula pulled it down, half hoping he was wrong, but then he stared at his father’s face, and the world crashed.

    *****

    Raithion found Azula too late. It was right before dawn, the moonlight fading to give way to the sun. Raithion had raced through the Doriel Manor when he saw smoke rising in the backyard. He stopped at the open back door when he saw the large fire burning in the middle of the back courtyard.

    Azula knelt on the ground in their family’s back courtyard. He wore white robes. His hair was without braids and turned a strange black color. The messy strands fell down his back in disarray.

    Next to Azula was a young woman who had also dyed her hair black. She wore a white dress and seemed unresponsive. She knelt next to her brother, staring at the large funeral pyre that was burning away.

    Two men hovered next to the two siblings. Their gazes were wary when they caught sight of Raithion and Haedor, who stood behind him.

    ****

    “We should go, Azula,” Sennin said. “Let’s go back to the Sura Island. You and your sister will be enough to give our people a way forward and to rebuild. We’ll survive this.”

    “How?” Azula asked his gaze on the burning funeral pyre, his father’s remains burned to ash, reduced to nothing.

    “Step by step, breath by breath, Azula. We will gain back what our family has lost. Build a strong foundation so that we don’t fall this hard again. You are your parents’ son. I know you can help us rebuild. But we need to leave here,” Juya said. “Your sister needs you now.”

    Azula closed his eyes, trying to take in Juya’s words. They sounded like a dream. A dream he did not think he could bring to life. Opening his eyes, he stared at the funeral pyre where his father and Alise’s betrothed, Yemin, burned.

    Alise had fainted the moment she saw Yemin’s body. Her reaction was so strong that they needed a healer to help wake her up. So, Juya and Sennin were looking to Azula for decisions.

    He could barely believe his father’s death. Marius Doriel was dead.

    Azula let that truth sink in for the duration of his father’s cremation. He kept kneeling until the fires cooled, and only the ashes of twenty-eight Sura Clan members remained. Sennin was resourceful. He put Marius and Yemin’s ashes in different bags and brought them to Azula and Alise. Alise held the white cloth bag tight, hugging it to her chest. Juya and Sennin worked fast, packing away the other twenty-six ashes and labeling each one carefully for transport.

    Azula waited on his knees. He untied the white cloth bag and stared at his father’s ashes. He dipped his right thumb into the ashes and brought the pad to his forehead, making a large black dot.

    “I vow to protect our clan, Pa. They will never suffer injustice again,” Azula said. “I’ll find out who did this to you and Yemin. I, Azula, will see to it.”

    “We’re ready,” Sennin said, coming to help Azula up while Juya helped Alise to her feet.

    Azula tightened the tie on the bag he held and turned away from the spent fires. The manor was no use anymore. If it was up to him he would burn the place down, but there was much he did not understand yet. Maybe his father had left a clue here. He had no time to look at it now, but maybe later…much later, he would return to see.

    Azula paused when he saw Raithion standing by the back door, staring at him in the fading moonlight. Anger rose up so hot it threatened to drown him. Sennin’s grip on his left arm tightened to restrain his reaction.

    “We can’t touch him,” Sennin reminded him.

    Azula nodded and kept walking, aware of his sister, who was still listless. Juya was guiding her into the manor. They would not stop. The carriage Azula had brought with him would carry them back to the port. No one knew whose it was, so they would not be stopped.

    Azula walked up the short steps to the back door and froze when Raithion blocked his way.

    “Azula.”

    “Get lost,” Azula said, his voice barely above a whisper.

    “I’m sorry,” Raithion said. “I’m really sorry that I was late. I—”

    “Get lost!” Azula shouted now, his voice gaining strength. “You broke your promises. I thought you were going to protect us, but instead…instead—”

    Azula gripped his father’s ashes and shook his head, tears spilling down his cheeks. He looked up and met Raithion’s distressed green eyes.

    “Those blades I gave you, consider them blades of doom,” Azula said, barely able to hide his hatred of all that Raithion stood for. “Draeya General, you wield nothing but blades of ashes. I never want to see you again. Get lost!”

    Azula pushed Raithion away with his right hand and continued into the house, walking fast. Sennin followed behind him, and Azula’s tears fell faster as they stepped out the front door. Sennin led him out of the manor’s compound and into the carriage. A carriage that was meant to bring hope to his people was now packed with ashes and his unresponsive sister.

    Azula broke into hard sobs as he hugged his father’s ashes and wondered what the Sura Clan had done to deserve so much tragedy.

    ****

    Later in the afternoon, Gesi Ajai stood beside his wife in their great room, watching Thanir and Silveren Maenaer lead their eldest son, Raithion, into the room. They came to a stop before him and his wife and exchanged pleasantries.

    Basileus Dio and Soriel Maenaer followed behind the trio. Their hands were clasped tight, and a happy glow wrapped around the couple. The new imperial couple was engaged to be married in a week’s time.

    Their union was to be blessed by the Grand Dowager herself.

    Gesi had never thought there would be another making plans to wed the Basileus to a powerful house. Had he known the Grand Dowager had more power than Dio’s mother, he would have approached her instead.

    It’s too bad he missed out on the Basileus.

    However, he did not suffer any losses this time.

    The finance minister was no longer a threat thanks to his careful plans. Gesi Ajai anticipated the Basileus would appoint him to the Finance Ministry in the coming weeks, as for the Sura Clan. The Counterfeit Inspectors Unit had done its job. Scaring everyone in the capital into giving up business with the prosperous clan. The Sura were suspected of forging silver, thanks to the ore samples, coin molds, and the Sura transport carriages discovered in their busiest workshop. The evidence was not enough to convict Marius Doriel and his clan members, but the torture they received in the interrogation had led to death. Leaving the case closed and the Sura Clan exiled from the capital.

    Gesi was satisfied for now.

    Plus, his daughter marrying the Basileus’s brother-in-law was an added bonus.

    After all, thanks to Basileus Dio’s marriage to Soriel Maenaer, Raithion had risen in the ranks of nobility. He was a Commandery Prince, a title Gesi Ajai could not hope to understand how it had been crafted. He could only assume the Grand Dowager was getting on in years.

    Either way, it meant Raithion Maenaer had access to the kingdom’s armies and weapons. He could command an army to defend the kingdom, which meant his wife would have some power in his domain.

    Gesi smiled with glee.

    Perhaps fate was helping his ambitions.

    Gesi squeezed his wife’s arm, urging her to accept the engagement letter Silveren Maenaer held out to them. Benira stepped forward and took the letter with a graceful curtsy.

    “I accept the engagement of our children,” Benira Ajai said with a cordial smile as she rose up and met Silveren’s kind gaze. “May my daughter find happiness by your son’s side.”

    “I’m glad,” Silveren said, then held her right hand to Naeri Ajai.

    ****

    Naeri was apprehensive as she took Silveren’s hand. Her gaze was wary when she stole a look at a quiet Raithion.

    “Welcome to the Maenaer House, daughter,” Silveren said as she pulled Naeri into a tight motherly hug.

    Naeri loved Silveren’s warmth and hoped they would be good friends as the years came. Silveren held her right hand as she introduced her to Thanir Maenaer and Raithion.

    Raithion was so handsome that her heart fluttered with excitement at the sight of him. He was so tall, too, with green eyes and dark hair. She blushed at the thought of him kissing her. He stood tall, untouched by the events happening around him.

    Naeri frowned when it was time to toast their engagement.

    Raithion was cold through the short ceremony of their engagement. She tried to smile at him more than once, but his gaze remained indifferent, even as he hooked his right arm with hers to sip from his goblet for their toast.

    Naeri worried she was marrying an iceberg.

    What fate was this her father had bought her?

    ****

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  • Blades of Ashes Ch 5-1

    Arc 1- The Case of the Forged Silver Coins

    Chapter 5-1

    The sun was already fading on the sea’s horizon. The Sura Clan’s ship was well-tended and busy. The crew was loading cargo into the hold. Azula mentioned that the ship would go back to Sura Island once they were ready.

    Raithion stood at the top of the gangplank, watching the sun dip down on the horizon. The calm seas in the distance were enticing. He suddenly wanted to join Azula’s crew and discover what Sura Island looked like. Perhaps sail beyond the island and discover what lay beyond.

    The sound of a rolling carriage on the deck brought him back to the present. Five men pulled a handsome carriage, shouting orders to each other as they rolled it to the gangplank. There was a scramble as they tried their best to ensure the carriage did not tip over. It was heavy. Raithion suspected the carriage held the burnt ore he was looking for.

    “People say the Sura Clan’s hair is that color because their ancestors were born in the depths of the fiery Sura Mountain,” Haedor said, coming to stand on Raithion’s left side. “Do you think it’s true? I mean, it has to be, considering that everyone has the same hair color.”

    Raithion frowned at the myth, but before he could speak, Azula stopped on his right, wearing dark gloves.

    “The myth is true,” Azula said, tilting his head to the side and winking at Haedor. “We even return to the mountain’s depths every year to commune with the molten fire that springs from the depths of the earth. It’s quite a sight. My godfather holds the molten fire with his bare hands and lifts it up for all of us to pay homage.”

    Haedor stared at Azula in total disbelief for a full minute before he scowled.

    “Idiot,” Haedor said, making a face at Azula.

    Raithion tried to bite back his laugh, but it was impossible. He laughed at Haedor long and hard, gaining a punch on his left upper arm from Haedor. Shaking his head, Raithion looked at Azula and smiled when he found Azula watching him.

    “Your godfather must be quite the character,” Raithion said when he could speak without chuckling.

    “He is,” Azula said with a small smile. “Now, we plan to get to the capital city by morning. Our supply runs are usually during the day. I hope doing one at night will allow us to escape the thieves plaguing us.”

    “I have an experienced driver and his assistant from our Sura Island. I promised their families I would bring them home when we finished this run.”

    “What if you can’t keep the promise?” Raithion asked.

    “I will keep my promises,” Azula said with determination. He folded his arms against his chest as he watched the carriage below. Five men were busy hooking up black horses to the carriage and checking the *livery to ensure no mistakes happened during their journey.

    “The Sura men coming with us are craftsmen. The carriage is too heavy to carry them, so they will ride horses to the capital. Please include them among your legion officers.”

    “Where is the ore?” Raithion asked, curious about the ore storage on such a magnificent carriage.

    “Hidden,” Azula said. “The carriage is a distraction. We’ll pretend I’m a young master returning from a journey beyond the horizon. Spoiled rotten by my father, who has sent a legion of officers and a fancy carriage to take me to the capital.”

    “You are a chieftain’s son,” Raithion said. “Aren’t you just playing yourself?”

    “I’m not a spoiled brat,” Azula said. Are you in agreement with my plan?”

    “Are the doors on the carriage locked?” Haedor asked.

    “Yes, they are lockable from the inside,” Azula said.  “I have the only key.”

    “The thieves we are facing have been taking over your cargo carriages. Aren’t you afraid you will be kidnapped if you stay inside the carriage?” Haedor asked. “It would be better to ride a horse. It gives you more freedom.”

    “I’m hoping a legion led by General Raithion is strong enough to keep me from being kidnapped.” Azula smiled, dropping his arms to his sides. He turned to meet Raithion’s gaze. “The assets in the carriage are too important to leave alone. I will stay inside the carriage. You can have one of the legion officers join me. In case I do get kidnapped and need help.”

    Indeed, Raithion thought the ore assets in the carriage were of great interest.

    They were the key ingredient in forging silver coins in the capital. Any thief caught trying to steal the ore was a suspect.

    Raithion hoped thieves would approach the carriage. Otherwise, the general inspector would focus on the Sura Clan for this crime. He did not want to see Azula arrested.

    Raithion studied the younger man, who watched him intently and wondered if Azula ever sat still.

    Azula seemed to be on the verge of intense activity at every moment. He vibrated with energy; it was in his gaze, the way he stood, and the way he spoke. It looked like he took nothing seriously, a carefree spirit walking into an inn filled with legion brothers.

    However, the care with which the carriage was being handled by Azula’s fellow clan members was enough to let Raithion know there had been considerable planning behind it. Planning that looked centered around Azula.

    Raithion hid a smile.

    Perhaps there was more to Azula than the eye could see.

    “Azula,” Sennin called out from where he stood near the carriage. “We’re done. It’s ready to go.”

    Azula lifted his hand as he turned to face his Sennin and nodded in thanks. He dropped his hand and looked at Raithion.

    “What do you think about our plan, General Raith?” Azula asked.

    “Haedor,” Raithion said.

    “Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said.

    “Pair the Sura Clan members with our legion officers. Make sure they are well protected,” Raithion said.

    “Yes, Lord General,” Haedor said in agreement.

    “I will ride in the carriage with Azula,” Raithion said, startling both Azula and Haedor.

    “You?” Azula’s eyes widened in surprise.

    “Why not me?” Raithion asked, taking in Azula’s wide eyes. He looked so comical. It made Raithion want to laugh.

    “I don’t know,” Azula said, then looked away from him, clasping his hands behind his back as though to contain his energy. “I thought you would assign Lieutenant Haedor or one of your legion officers. Even though I should say I’m glad it is not your lieutenant.”

    “Why?” Raithion asked.

    “Look at him,” Azula said, peeking at a scowling Haedor. “He always looks on the verge of slaughtering me.”

    Haedor scoffed.

    “At least you are self-aware,” Haedor said, starting down the gangplank and heading to the road and the waiting carriage.

    Azula shuddered, his shoulders trembling as he watched Haedor leave.

    “That one will take some getting used to,” Azula said, making Raithion grin and shake his head.

    “We should leave,” Raithion said, giving the horizon one last glance. The sunset at the port was beautiful. The seas gave it an extra shade of beauty that could not be found in the capital.

    “I hope we get to the capital in time,” Azula murmured next to him.

    “We will,” Raithion said, then led the way down the gangplank.

    ****

    Twenty minutes later, a handsome carriage pulled by six black horses stopped at the port exit, heading to the Naga Main Road. A legion of officers surrounded the carriage. The entourage was led by Lieutenant Haedor. Then, they started a fast ride down the major road, hoping to get to the capital in record time.

    Inside the carriage, Azula sat on a comfortable bench, assessing the container of food Alva had packed for him. It looked like she had opted for dry-treated meats and fruits, the best type of food when one was on the move. There was no time to heat food on hurried fires this time.

    Azula knew the faster they got to the capital, the better it would be for his clan’s workshops. He had made all the plans needed, so now all that was left was the journey. Picking a slice of cured meat, he popped it into his mouth with a happy smile.

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  • 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.”

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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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  • 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.

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