THE QUEST OF PRINCESS AZRA CHAPTER ONE FEAR What could possibly be beyond the Wall Mother and why does no one dare cross?
Princess Azra asked.
Her brown coloured eyes fixated warmly on her mother's gentle face.
Their porcelain skin appeared transparent against the sunlight peeking in through the windows of the magnificent palace in which they sat.
Azra was the highly beloved princess of Kolwe Kingdom.
Her lips constantly full of questions and her eyes beaming with curiosity.
Their silk dresses cuffed at the sleeves and covered in elegantly embellished embroidery lay snugly against their skin.
It's custom Azra,
The Wall is never to be crossed because the most dangerous of beasts and wild humans dwell across.
It is why the Wall was built to keep us safe.
I cannot believe you are about to trick me once again into telling the story.
Queen Adira laughed as she softly stroked Azra's face in her palm.
But how can we be sure mother of what dwells behind?
It's in the story.
Oh we cannot know for sure if it's true Azra said her brows raised and lips pursed.
Shhh you should never say that anywhere else Azra.
You're lucky it's just us both in here.
Your father would have given you a scolding.
Oh mother tell me do you believe the tale?
Surely you must be curious too.
Yes I was curious but as a child I'm not as curious anymore.
You can only speak like this because the Wall is in such proximity to us.
It's not the same for the people of the Eight Kingdoms who have never even laid eyes on the Wall.
Have you ever wondered why we're so near the Wall Azra?
Yes I have mother but please tell me why.
You are royalty.
We are royalty and with royalty comes a price.
We have a duty to protect the Eight Kingdoms of the World.
That's why we are here right behind the Wall.
Oh mother I long to go across the Big Ice Wall and see for myself what lies beyond.
I truly think it is unlike anything we have ever seen.
Fear mother,
Fear is the true reason the ancestors fabled the other side of the Wall to be dangerous.
Azra you will not break centuries of tradition and if you try to do anything unruly I will ensure to seize Joris and lock him up.
You always threaten to lock up my dragon mother but you never actually do it.
Azra smiled shyly at Adira clasping her palm in hers as she stood up.
Her dark coloured hair sat snugly on her shoulders and she was eye to eye with her mother.
Getting taller I see Queen Adira said smiling at Azra.
Let us visit the garden,
The weather is pleasant today.
She added as she walked past two husky guards stationed on both sides of the palace door.
Look mother my sunflowers are blooming.
Azra's eyes lit up at the entrance of the garden.
She leaped happily towards the sunflowers and daffodils followed closely behind by her mother whose face lit up in sync with hers.
Beautiful flowers just like you are Queen Adira said patting Azra lightly on the back.
From a distance the thick sound of dragons could be heard.
The scaly beasts of the Koa royal house were locked up in the dragon's den right next to the garden.
Why are the dragons so near the flowers mother?
Azra had asked innocently.
It's mysterious I know putting such a delicate thing as a garden in such proximity to the magnificent beasts.
Beasts that wield fire at the helm of their tongue.
It's inexplicable.
For the entirety of the morning the Queen and Princess patrolled the great residence of Koa visiting their most cherished spots until they were far spent.
My heels are tired but I'm not.
Also this dress has been weighing me down for hours.
Oh you're only recently fed up mother.
I practically plead with you every day to save me the hassle of putting on these ceremonious dresses.
I'd much rather wear leather trousers and corsets.
It's much less trouble compared to this.
Azra responded heartily to the Queen as they moved through the halls of the palace.
It's time for court.
We need to move quickly.
Queen Adira said quickening her steps and signalling Azra to follow suit.
I wonder who father punishes this time or whose lands get seized for flimsy reasons.
Azra remarked tilting her lips to the side and rolling her eyes.
Be quiet and watch your words Azra.
Queen Adira said in whispers as two guards flung open the door to the royal court.
Fortunately they were just in time.
King Max had been patiently waiting on them and heaved a sigh when he realised he didn't have to wait too long.
We will now proceed.
State your defence Sir Jarrod of Waverley Rock.
King Max said adjusting himself on the large and stony throne upon which you were seated.
His hawkish nose proudly lifted and his husky figure leaned snugly into the chair.
I plead not guilty your grace said Sir Jarrod,
His voice reverberating through the thick stone walls of the Koa royal court and his heart racing like that of a bush animal caught in a hunter's snare.
Every trial was held in the Koa royal court and although Sir Jarrod had only ever entered into the royal court as an onlooker watching others receive judgement for their crimes,
He was in the hall today as a defaulter,
The one to be watched.
He was here as someone who broke the law.
He stood in the presence of the king to be tried like a criminal.
Sir Jarrod lifted his head,
His worrying blue eyes fixated on the king said with authority Your grace,
Why should I be punished for using a gift bestowed on me by the old gods?
Why should I be thrown into exile for healing my own people out of suffering and hardship?
I caused no harm with my gift.
I did not use it to cause havoc like the ancient sorcerer Russo did.
Shut up you fool,
The king jumped off his throne and thundered at Sir Jarrod.
You know nothing,
Stop trying to use an ancient tale to justify your foolishness.
Foolishness your grace,
Foolishness?
Sir Jarrod asked,
Lifting a brow with an obstinate expression on his face.
Indeed,
You are a foolish young man to think I had always admired you and thought you wise,
Especially as you were one of my most esteemed knights.
Clearly I was utterly wrong.
You should have known better than to practice what is forbidden.
I cannot even bear to look at you Sir Jarrod.
King Max said as he spat in disgust.
He grew a grey goatee and stood tall and looked youthful.
Nothing made him more proud than his wife,
The queen and his only child,
The princess.
Princess Arza was next in line to the throne and it filled her father with joy the mere thought of it.
Your grace,
Princess Arza was seen during a hunt barely two weeks ago using magic to heal a wound she had sustained while hunting.
I know this because I accompanied her on the hunt.
Why should I be an exception?
Magic is restricted to the royal house and the common folk are forbidden to use their power.
Why?
Sir Jarrod asked.
Drops of sweat trickled down his face.
Princess Arza who had been sitting near her mother was visibly shaken at the mere mention of her name.
Her eyes opened widely in shock as she peered inquisitively into the faces of members of the royal court present in the room.
Her eyes darted about until they were fixated on her mother's and then back at Sir Jarrod.
It was a very dark night,
A night where the silence outside was incredibly loud and bubbling with the mysterious sounds of creatures stirring in the darkness.
Sir Jarrod desperately wished that the night would magically come to an end.
In this moment the loud words of the king tugged at his conscience and consumed him with despair.
He wished he hadn't mentioned the princess.
Even the gods are bored of this back and forth and we are certainly not better than them,
The king said dryly.
Sir Jarrod of Waverly Rock,
We greatly revere your achievements in this kingdom almost as much as we respect age.
You have turned out to be one of the finest knights in all of the Eight Kingdoms.
You also chose to use magic for a just cause.
I cannot pretend that I do not understand the motive behind your actions,
But a crime is a crime.
Magic had since been outlawed following the directives from the old gods.
You have defied me,
Your king,
And you have broken the law,
He added.
The king walked swiftly towards Sir Jarrod and continued to speak.
According to the law and custom of Koa,
You are condemned to exile.
A deafening silence fell on the hall.
Two knights approached and escorted Sir Jarrod out of the court.
Princess Aza looked at her mother in despair and softly said Do you see?
Father's fears of losing control merely increases tension and anxiety.
It prohibits peace and confidence in the common folk and in the life process.
Hush!
Your father cannot hear these words,
Said Queen Adira.
But mother,
The great enemy is fear.
Do you see?
Fear is the great locked door,
Not the wall.
The Quest of Princess Aza Chapter 2 Magic Magic,
That is what it was called in those days.
With it men killed and men healed,
It was used through centuries to build up and destroy empires.
But its use had been outlawed in Koa.
The king claimed that it was a divine directive from the gods.
However,
Princess Aza practiced her magic because only members of the royal court were authorized to.
She wished the gods did not give any such directives.
Magic was a beautiful gift and everyone who had it should be allowed to use it,
Or so she thought.
Mother,
Why,
Why can't the common folk practice magic?
Why can't anyone that isn't us use their magic?
It is utterly unfair and father condemned Sir Jarrah to exile on a whim.
Aza said as she walked quickly to catch up with her mother after the court proceeding.
The hallway was large and made of stone,
Black colored sigils of Koa hung elegantly on the walls and there were many turns,
Each leading to various rooms in the palace.
It's law Aza,
We cannot question the law,
Queen Adira said as she stopped and turned towards Aza,
Gently grabbing her hands.
Law,
Law mother,
Everything is law and why do you never question it?
Not going beyond the wall is law,
Not practicing magic is law,
Exiling those who practice it is law.
I highly doubt the gods gave these orders.
The gods are perhaps even appalled to give any more directives seeing how weak we are.
Too weak to use what we have so graciously been gifted.
The common folk suffer hardship and live in fear,
Too scared to live in their greatness.
Princess Aza said,
Her eyes fixated on her mother's.
They began to walk again.
You have a strong spirit my child,
It's been there since the day that you were conceived.
I could feel it in my bones.
But Aza,
Save your strength for better things.
The laws of Koa are sacred,
Never to be broken.
Laws are meant to be broken,
It is fear that birthed law.
There you are,
A voice said from behind them,
It was King Max.
Your grace,
The queen gasped in surprise.
Father,
Aza turned startled.
Oh I haven't been standing here long,
If that's what startles you.
You are both dressed beautifully,
The king said as he escorted them down the hallway.
That night,
Aza could not find sleep.
She tossed and turned and curled on her bed until nearly dawn.
Thoughts of what lay behind the great wall filled her mind until it consumed her.
As the sun emerged out of the clouds,
Aza leaped out of bed,
Slipped on a pair of leather trousers along with a leather corset.
She put her sword in its sheath,
Grabbed her shield and headed to the dragon's den.
Joris,
She whispered to her dragon and in a flash the great beast emerged from the den.
His ruby dotted scales covered his majestic body as he trotted lightly forward on his talons.
Mounting it with great strength,
Aza thundered,
Let's go!
Joris flew with great speed,
His mighty wings flapping in the cool morning air.
And in what seemed like hours,
They finally approached the great wall.
Higher!
Aza said,
Commanding Joris to fly over and across the great wall.
Darkness fell as they flew for many more hours.
They were lost in darkness and could not find the way back to the light.
Joris began to make loud noises as he stretched his wings steadily towards the horizon.
Oh Joris,
Do not be afraid,
I'm sorry that I dragged you into this,
But I must overcome any fear and see what lies beyond the wall.
As she spoke,
Her heart beat violently against her chest.
Sweat trickled down her skin and she could swear she just saw a shadowy figure fly past.
Go down Joris,
She said as a dragon descended gently onto the icy cold ground.
Mother says this is where every man who tried to cross the wall ever stopped.
Nobody went past the darkness.
But what if there's something there,
Joris?
You shouldn't be here,
A sharp female voice screamed from the void,
Jolting Aza off of Joris.
Who are you?
Reveal yourself,
For it's too dark to see you,
Aza said shakily.
Old child,
You made a grave mistake coming all this way.
The palace will miss you,
Another voice said in a low tone,
Just behind the princess.
Why,
Why are you here?
A third voice thundered at Aza,
Who held on tightly to Joris as she spun slowly around,
Squinting desperately to get a glimpse of the source of the voices.
You're stuck here forever,
Said a voice that sounded like that of a child.
I'm not stuck here,
I know there's more behind the wall,
Something beautiful,
Something much more,
I can feel it.
You really are brave,
A fourth voice emerged through the darkness.
This time the source of the voice could be seen.
It was a tall shadowy figure that seemed to be one with the darkness,
But brighter than it.
Aza was terrified,
But she stood still,
Listening ever so quietly as the tall shadowy figure spoke.
Joris was by her side and his tail swept the ground as he let out a snarl.
We are the voices of the darkness,
We lurk behind the wall to keep curious people like you away,
The tall shadowy figure continued.
Why?
Aza asked as she walked gently towards the shadow.
Stand still,
The shadow whispered loudly to Aza causing her to stand still.
You ask why?
It is because we are the guardians of the world separated by the darkness and the Great Wall.
Humans are governed by fear and are not trusted beings.
What they touch or see never remains the same.
It is why it has to be this way.
Aza listened in surprise as the shadow spoke to her in the darkness,
Until it said You may pass through,
However we are only making this exception because we have heard about you Princess Aza.
Your curiosity and courage precedes you,
And you are the only human who did not turn away because of the darkness.
Your eagerness to see beyond the fabric that cloaks the darkness is what sets you apart.
Now soar with your dragon through the darkness until you see the light.
Be kind to the other shadows that you may meet along the way,
For they are crucial to your journey.
Go,
The tall shadowy figure said moving out of the way.
The rest of the voices took the form of tiny clouds and dispersed into thin air.
Thank you,
Aza said.
Getting past the wall was all that she had ever imagined as a child.
Finally experiencing this moment,
Her heart felt overflowing with emotion.
It brought tears of joy to her eyes.
Fly and do not stop until you have seen the light,
Echoed the shadows.
We made it Joris,
We made it past the voices of the darkness.
Let's go!
Aza said excitedly as she mounted Joris's back and rode eagerly through the darkness.
Above forests and seas,
Fields and mountains,
Aza flew until she was consumed with thirst.
We should stop for some water.
Look,
There's a lake down there Joris.
Aza said pointing towards the lake,
They could just barely be seen.
Joris growled in agreement and flew quickly towards the lake,
Then landed on the ground inches away.
Aza jumped off Joris's back and headed for the lake.
Are you lost?
A short humanoid shadow with the voice of an older woman emerged out of a tree near the lake.
Oh,
Greetings,
I'm Aza.
I know who you are.
You are Koha's most treasured princess,
The shadow said commandingly.
She was the guardian of the lake from which Aza sought to drink.
You flatter me,
I think myself more a warrior than a princess,
Aza said smiling.
She had so quickly taught herself to speak to the shadows without fear.
You could be both,
A warrior princess perhaps.
I'm just Aza,
That is how I like to think of myself.
You are humble,
However the palace must be ablaze with the fury of your father,
The king,
For a day here is ten days on the other side of the wall.
Ten days?
Aza gasped.
A tiny knot began to pull at her insides and her eyes spoke of guilt.
Go home princess,
A tiny voice in her mind echoed.
Your journey is almost complete,
The light is near,
Another voice in her head said loudly.
She ignored the tiny voice and listened to the loud one.
What do you seek princess Aza?
The shadow asked.
Water from the lake,
We've been flying for a long time,
May we drink?
Aza asked.
Yes of course you may your highness,
Your dragon is magnificent,
A beautiful beast.
The shadow exclaimed excitedly,
Moving towards Joras who had been standing on guard.
Come Joras drink,
Aza said,
Stretching her arm towards the lake.
She knelt beside her dragon and drank from the lake.
Both drank until they were satisfied.
I'm beyond grateful,
Aza said as she turned towards where the shadow had been standing,
But the shadow was gone.
After a moment's rest by the lake,
Aza mounted Joras and continued to journey through the darkness.
Joras came to a startling stop when they arrived at a fiery white gate that extended a long way into the clouds.
A startled Joras began to breathe fire onto the gate as he thought it to be an enemy.
Stop Joras,
Be calm,
Aza said to Joras,
Her eyes fixated on the fiery white gate.
Descend,
Aza said to Joras tilting him downwards.
Although the fiery gate burned so brightly,
It did not light up the darkness.
This worried Aza as she had thought this was a sign that her journey may be at its peak.
By the gate stood identical twin dwarves with full heads of ash colored hair.
Aza's heartbeat accelerated and Joras watched protectively as Aza approached both dwarves.
What is this place?
Princess Aza asked the dwarves.
Welcome your highness,
We have eagerly anticipated your arrival they said in unison.
Anticipated?
Aza asked in surprise.
You have arrived at the entrance to our world,
The world beyond the great wall.
The world beyond the great wall?
Aza repeated the words as if to come to terms with the reality of it all.
It felt surreal to be standing before the gate leading to the world beyond the wall.
Her eyes flew wide open in excitement and her heart leaped joyously.
Slowly Joras moved towards her to share in her joy.
They had arrived and to think their presence was anticipated.
Please follow us Princess Aza.
The dwarves chorused as the gate opened up slowly.
A flood of light welcomed Aza as she walked through the gate with Joras.
The streets looked like gold,
The air crisp,
Clean and covering this world with a sense of ease,
Calm and comfort.
Darkness could not dwell in a place like this for the people smiled warmly and chatted sweetly.
To her left were dozens of colourfully adorned shops made of the finest wood,
Selling beautiful wares.
The people looked happy,
Content,
Going about their lives in fulfilment,
Abundance,
The bliss and pleasure supreme in a liberated life.
Welcome my lady,
My mama made this for you.
A little girl said to Aza excitedly,
Offering a colourful silk scarf to her.
She looked vaguely familiar,
Like a girl she had met on one of her adventures through the kingdom of Koa.
It's so beautiful,
Thank you,
Aza said bending her knees to receive the scarf.
Your dragon,
What's his name?
The little girl asked.
Joras.
Aza responded with a smile.
Can I pet him?
Of course,
Princess Aza said amidst giggles.
Joras tilted himself towards the little girl and let her pat a tiny area around his eye.
Aza let out soft giggles as she watched.
King Marx would like a word.
The dwarves chorused to Princess Aza.
The Quest of Princess Aza Chapter 3 Multiverse The palace was a beauty to behold so incredibly similar to Koa Palace that Princess Aza paused briefly to assess the grand residents.
Joras was led to the dragon den of the palace and fed bountifully.
This is the royal court.
Here you shall wait for the king's arrival.
Do feel at home.
We shall leave now.
The dwarves chorused as they walked out of the royal court.
The two guards stationed on both sides of the door looked strikingly familiar and Princess Aza quickly shifted her gaze.
She wondered if she was seeing things and then she resolved that it may have been tiredness.
She had been walking around the court surprised at the similarities between the sigils here and those at the Koa Palace.
As she admired the grandeur the king arrived in the company of four royal guards.
Welcome,
The king said and when she turned to look,
Utter shock came over her as the man that walked briskly into the hall was her father.
Aza's knees weakened and her words failed her.
She took a step back as the king climbed the stairs that led to his throne and when he was seated she looked upon his face again.
To her astonishment,
This king was her father.
What is this?
She screamed in confusion,
Her hands shaking visibly and her eyes darting around the room.
Do not be afraid Princess Aza,
For I'm not your father.
This world you have so eagerly wanted to see all your life is a parallel of yours,
A multiverse,
And we're glad to have you here.
Please sit.
The queen and princess have been waiting on your arrival.
A parallel world?
A multiverse?
I'm so utterly confused.
Might I ask what you mean your grace?
Every face here exists in your world.
While he spoke,
The queen and princess entered the court,
Followed closely by two guards.
Mother!
Aza gasped and when she looked away from the queen and at the princess,
Her mouth flung open.
She moved several steps backwards and involuntarily her hands found her sword sheath and stayed there.
The princess was a spitting image of her,
Dressed in warrior's garments and clothed in her domino.
It was like looking in the mirror but being terrified of one's own image.
What is this?
What's going on?
Aza asked looking towards the queen who watched smilingly.
It's great to finally meet you princess Aza.
I've read many prophecies about you and finally you are here.
I'm princess Ana,
The look alike said excitedly as she stood beside her mother the queen.
Kindly sit,
We know this is a lot but we will tell you all that you need to know princess.
I'm queen Adriana and it's an absolute pleasure to finally meet you.
Welcome to Korra,
The parallel world.
It's great to meet you princess Ana.
Queen Adriana,
Your graces?
Princess Aza said with a slight bow as she approached her seat,
Positioned just in front of her lookalikes.
On the day that I birthed Ana the great prophet of Korra said that a princess with the face of Ana had also been born and would come looking for our world 16 years later.
A thing that has never been done before.
Every soul in Korra has been expecting you since the day of your birth.
Our prophets say that your world is not aware of ours,
However we are aware of yours and today you stand as proof.
Queen Adriana said.
We have only read about your world in the history books and how we exist in twos but today confirms this for us.
Nothing of this nature has never before been seen.
Ana said.
The palace confused me.
It's an exact replica of the Korra palace.
Aza said looking up and around the inside of the court.
Here we have dragons and magic just like your world King Mark said smiling at Aza.
I have read of your unique magic but you seldom use it.
Why is that?
Asked princess Ana.
Her eyes filled with curiosity.
I simply would rather not except in secret.
My people are not allowed to use magic.
I think it's unfair to use mine when they can't use theirs.
You are truly humble just like the books say princess Ana said.
Tell us more about your journey princess.
The queen of Korra said to Aza.
Our worlds are separated by a huge ice wall and plenty of darkness however I was determined to see what's across the other side.
Not once did my mind prepare me for what I had seen princess Aza said.
She sounded more at ease for as long as she looked at the king,
The queen and the princess the more glaring the resemblance.
The king had her father's hawkish nose and husky physique.
The queen her mother's porcelain skin and gentle smile.
The princess her curious spirit.
Truly it was a parallel world filling Aza with intrigue.
Tell me there isn't a garden here princess Aza said smiling shyly.
I wish not to disappoint you but there is I'll take you there princess Aza said excitedly to princess Aza.
The quest of princess Aza chapter 4 Zoka The garden was almost identical from the garden in Koa.
It housed the most beautiful sunflowers and daffodils and it felt of her mother's warmth.
Guilt moved quickly through her and she immediately missed her mother.
I cannot wait to show you my dragon.
Her name is Jarix and she looks just like yours.
Ana said as her eyes lit up.
I'd be delighted to meet her.
Take me to her.
Princess Aza responded joyfully and when Ana took her to the dragon's den and Jarix was almost a spitting image of Joris except her scales were a deep garnet instead of his royal ruby red.
In that moment her heart leaped for joy and she could not wait to see the other wonders of Korra.
I thought it just crossed my mind princess Ana said turning to look at princess Aza who had just been admiring Jarix.
What is your thought princess?
Aza replied let us fly together.
Ana said within minutes both princesses were in the air with their dragons giggling and chuckling.
From below one could neither tell the difference between the princesses nor their dragons.
It was a sight to behold.
One after the other the people of Korra emerged from their beautiful homes to watch the magnificence of the spectacle in the air.
Traders in their shops suspended selling.
Buyers suspended buying.
They all gazed in astonishment at the phenomenal sight in the air.
As Joris and Jarix flew their rumbling growls of excitement vibrated in the sky because it was as much an overwhelming moment for them as it was for the princesses.
Higher Ana said to Jarix as she tilted her upwards causing Joris to follow suit.
The princesses flew around the land of Korra until princess Ana said let us fly to my shrine Jarix.
With immediate obedience to the princesses order Jarix led Joris and princess Aza to the shrine of princess Ana which was a long way from the palace.
When they arrived at the shrine it was a large space decorated with the finest of perfumed flowers and built with precious stones.
Birds of beautiful colours flew atop and around the shrine singing ever so sweetly.
The ground was covered in red earth and littered with golden coins.
On one of the walls of the shrine there was a beautiful carving of Lady Sky,
A great magician who once lived in Korra.
Please kneel facing the carvings princess Ana said warmly to princess Aza as she knelt in unison.
This is where I perfected my magic I come here to connect to the earth and to strengthen my magic said princess Ana.
Princess Aza had been feeding her eyes and listening in amazement.
You built this yourself?
Princess Aza asked.
I did answered princess Ana it's absolutely breathtaking I cannot describe the peace and the power that I felt the moment I walked in.
That is to be expected princess Ana said with a smile and then she continued I call my shrine Zoka the place of magic power and peace.
I'm honoured to be in Zoka princess Ana said princess Aza her eyes full of gratitude.
I've been thinking about something for a while princess Ana said and what might that be asked princess Aza eyes narrowed and questioning.
I've been thinking about your magic and how you need not suppress it as princesses magic is our power in which we can influence others with and when our people see us use it for good they will happily follow suit magic is not banned in Korra as it is in Koa this is because we do not allow fear to rule princess Ana said amidst a flurry of emotions.
Princess Aza looked straight at princess Ana as she spoke and she could see in her eyes the sincerity and care I wish my father would realize this truth by giving up the need to control out of fear it will finally release one into a new freedom into something positive and desirable so there is no longer any need to fearfully hold on princess Aza said I'm delighted to know that you can see this you were princess Aza the great treasure of Koa and you were prophesized to bring great change and joy to Koa therefore you must not be suppressed princess Ana said reaching out for princess Aza's hand now place your hands on the ground and speak to the earth she will hear your heart your lips do not have to move I understand said princess Aza as she placed both of her palms on the red earth soil requesting for strength and boldness for courage and confidence in her heart she asked for the power to bring great change to Koa and mother earth heard her as she communed with the earth a bright light descended on her head and began to twirl around her body forming thin bright circles dancing an expression of loving kindness and just as quickly as the light appeared the dancing circles vanished leaving an imprinted symbol of insight and enlightenment on princess Aza's aura with her eyes closed princess Aza had not noticed the light as her head was bowed and eyes closed only princess Ana had noticed the light it is done princess Ana said smiling as she looked proudly at princess Aza lift your palms off the ground and look at them princess Ana said and when princess Aza lifted her palms and gazed down at them they glowed of a bright yellow like an illuminating fire she was too stunned to speak that is the power of Zoka never again will you be afraid to use the magic inside of you for your greatness knows no bounds and cannot be hidden princess Ana said leaning in for a hug it all seems surreal like a dream visit of divine presence from a compassionate being I feel completely fulfilled I cannot wait to take this to Koa father and mother will be delighted to know magic is a concoction of positive beliefs that elevates you above any fears princess Aza said as she embraced Ana's hug you may not know this but with your magic you have the power to create wealth in many forms for all the common folk of Koa my magic is responsible for all the gold you see in Korra this gold represents wealth of abundance be it good health overflowing finances harmonious relationships meaningful work living your purpose and so much more one desires princess Ana said smiling shyly she continued as you step out from your confinement of fear the world becomes your own paradise this has indeed been a profound journey for me I'm greatly inspired by you therefore I will ensure to create great wealth in Koa however I must leave now princess Ana I've been gone for much too long I thank the gods for making our paths cross princess Aza said holding on tightly to princess Ana's hand we will surely meet again it was an honor princess Aza said princess Ana as she escorted her out of Zoka shrine and watched her fly away with Joris when princess Aza arrived back at home to Koa she shared her adventurous journey visiting the parallel world of Korra with her father and her mother when you open your whole inner most self to positive experience without a trace of fear of the negative then the unknown must become more and more known life becomes more and more fulfilling on all levels father in reality the enemy sits within a product of false fears misconceptions and unnecessary limitations the king looked proudly at his daughter and said lovingly it is only with such insight you have given me that I see it possible to stop the destructive process of ruling out of fear why did I plague myself and my people with all the unnecessary hardship queen Adira reached out to touch the king's hand perhaps this is the liberation of your spirit has been waiting for your grace abundance is a life lived without fear days later the king announced magic unbanned in all the eight kingdoms there was cheers and gratitude father the common folk will make great wealth using magic striving for their birthright of fulfillment becoming part of the great cosmic powers and truly be the master of their inner and outer lives a new dawn has come to Koa and all the eight kingdoms may these words lift your spirit and bring you nearer to the light of your truth to the reality of unconditional love to the unending bliss of your spiritual existence welcome to the story of roses by moonlight light and the ruckus noise of a heavy metal band spilled from the long open windows onto the patio outside overwhelming the pale reflected gleam of the full moon and drowning the hum of the cicadas even from halfway down the long drive where she leaned against the hood of her mother's Lexus Adrien could feel the bass beat thumping in her bones Samantha's music,
Samantha's friends Samantha's party it was a good thing they had no near neighbors to complain not that anyone would have no one but Adrien ever complained about the outrageous things her younger sister did I don't mind dad throwing her a party Adrien told herself for the hundredth time really I don't but the way she swept in like the prodigal daughter coming home yes I mind that and oh I don't know why can't things be simple she looked down at the half inch worm of ash on the end of her cigarette and grimaced my only vice and I don't even enjoy it,
Still it was a good excuse to avoid the party most of Sam's friends were into clean air and health food,
She dropped the cigarette and ground the tip into the cement then tilted her head back to stare at the sky the moon hung overhead like an old dime worn smooth and shiny almost midnight I wonder how much longer they'll go on,
Dawn probably can I spend another five hours smoking I don't think I have that many cigarettes the music trailed off in a series of erratic crashes after a moment's blessed silence it began again loud and indecipherable even at this distance Adrien sighed and pushed away from Alexis maybe if she walked farther down the drive the noise wouldn't bother her so much Adrien,
Startled she turned,
Hello mother,
Did dad send you to get me to put in a token appearance at his favourite daughter's home from prep school bash to talk to me no,
Her mother's voice was quiet and level as always,
Adrien almost lost the reply in a rattle of drumbeats I came out to smoke,
The words sounded sullen even to her own ears defiantly she fumbled for a cigarette she almost dropped it twice before she got it lit of course dear Adrien looked sharply across the hood of the car,
Her mother's expression or at least as much of it as Adrien could distinguish in the dim light was as polite and non-judgmental as her voice had been but she was always polite and non-judgmental the drums erupted again with the wail of a highly augmented electric guitar as counterpoint when the sound subsided to a more normal level Adrien's mother said mildly it's a bit noisy isn't it Adrien she's going to ask me to go back in and pretend I'm as glad to see Sam as everyone else is,
I'd rather stay here and pretend to chain smoke what?
I'm afraid I haven't done as well for you as I ought speechless Adrien stared darkness and moon shadows combined with her mother's habitual reserve to make her expression unreadable after a moment the calm voice continued it's late to be thinking of this I know but when you go off to college next fall I'd like to think she paused looking up at the house not knowing what to say Adrien took a long pull on a cigarette as she blew a long stream of smoke that frayed quickly into nothingness her mother began to speak again I grew up poor Adrien,
Dirt poor,
My father ran off when I was four and never came back,
Sometimes I think I can just remember him mama had nothing but three babies to raise this,
She made a sweeping gesture that took in the manicured grounds,
The graceful curve of the driveway,
The Lexus,
The house and somehow even the heavy metal band and the party inside this was my dream then,
Money,
Lots of money and a man who wouldn't leave me and his children no matter what Adrien shifted uneasily,
She'd heard the story many times her mother had never made a secret of her background but this time there was a hard edge to the tale that she'd never noticed before mother what are you trying to,
Tonight is a sort of anniversary for me her mother went on without seeming to hear on this night 21 years ago I started on my way to all this I thought you met dad in September,
Oh that yes I did,
September 1st,
21 years ago this fall she smiled in the moonlight then the smile faded,
But tonight is the real anniversary,
Though I've never told anyone,
This was my dream and when I had the opportunity to make it happen I snatched it I never looked beyond it,
Never thought there might be other dreams mother are you and dad,
I mean aren't you happy,
Happy enough dear and it is the life I chose she looked at Adrien and no your father and I aren't contemplating a divorce if that's what you're frowning about good,
The strength of her reaction surprised her her mother turned toward the house once more Adrien I'd like you to do a favour for me what favour,
Stay out here for another hour or so there's someone I'd like you to meet and I'm sure she'll come tonight almost sure,
It's the seventh year and if you were given a choice,
Be careful,
Be wise don't rush to pick one dream before you've even looked at others I don't understand,
You will her mother looked at her watch,
It's five minutes to midnight I must go in,
You will stay,
Yes good,
Goodnight dear,
I'll see you in the morning Adrien watched her mother walk up to the drive to the house,
I wish I knew what that was all about well at least now I have a good excuse to avoid the party she flicked her cigarette and watched the live sparks scatter on the summer breeze,
The band stopped a moment later a breathless over amplified voice said something about the end of the set in another few seconds Sam and her friends would be piling out onto the patio,
Adrien flicked her cigarette again for the pleasure of watching the sparks then dropped it,
Stepped on the tip to put it out and walked toward the back of Alexis no sense in making it easy for them to spot her suddenly she stopped behind the car stood a woman,
She looked very little older than Adrien and she was tall and slim as a model her hair was dark,
Chestnut probably,
Though in the moonlight it looked black unfashionably long and straight with a silver sheen of moonlight across it like a veil her face and features were almost classic,
Saved from a boring perfection by a chin that was a trifle too pointed and dark eyes,
Her hair too widely set she wore a silk dress whose flowing and deceptively simple lines proclaimed it the work of an expensive designer you are Adrien,
The eldest daughter of this house the woman's voice was quiet and full of music and Adrien was instantly certain that she was not one of Sam's crowd,
In thirty years one or two of them might learn such self-possession but none of them had it now Adrien felt a stab of envy,
Quashing it firmly she answered,
Yes,
You must be mother's friend,
Your mother spoke of me she only said that she'd hoped you'd come tonight and that she wanted me to meet you,
Adrien hesitated but something made her add,
And that I should be careful ah,
The woman smiled good advice in many circumstances she studied Adrien briefly,
Then nodded her blood runs true in you most people say I look like my father,
I was not speaking of your looks,
Come,
Walk with me I would learn more of you,
Laughter drifted down from the house as they started down the drive Adrien glanced back and grimaced in spite of herself your sister's guests give you no pleasure the woman said,
Do you dislike them,
Or is it her involvement that disturbs you no,
It's not like that at all,
Adrien said Samantha is,
Sam that's all,
She doesn't think how things are for other people,
She just does what she wants,
And it always works she's like the youngest child in a fairy tale,
The one who goes off a quest riding a goat and carrying ten copper pennies,
And comes back with the steed of the north wind,
The apples of the sun and the keys to six kingdoms,
And you oh,
I'm the envious older sister who gets pushed down a well at the end of the story she had meant for it to sound light hearted,
It came out harsh,
Almost bitter hastily she added,
Sam's my sister I'm glad things go well for her,
I really am,
I just wish sometimes,
She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence,
And why am I telling her all of this anyway I see,
But you are too wise to take her walking on the cold sea strand Sam's hair is too short to string a harp,
Anyway the way her life goes,
The harper would pull her out long before she drowned,
Adrien shrugged,
I've always known that Sam got the looks and the luck in this family,
I just have to make do with the brains,
The woman turned to look at Adrien and after a moment said you do yourself injustice as to beauty,
As for fortune,
That may change if it has not already,
You sound like my mother not that I don't appreciate the kind words the woman laughed,
A silvery musical sound you are courteous indeed,
It has been long and long since any name to be kind she studied Adrien again then half nodded to herself,
Such courtesy deserves reward,
Come walk with me among the roses and let what may be,
Be roses?
Adrien stopped,
I'm afraid there aren't any mother says they're too much trouble,
Does she well,
They all have to be sprayed all the time or they get black spot or mildew or something and they need a lot of pruning and it's a nuisance so mother won't have any in the gardens,
Your mother has more humor in her than I thought,
Yet follow me and you shall see my meaning without waiting to see whether Adrien would comply,
The woman moved on ahead,
Automatically Adrien started after her then stopped,
If she wants to go on a wild goose chase over half the grounds the distant thump of drums began again the set break is over already,
Sam must have really charmed the band Adrien looked at the rapidly moving figure ahead then plunged after her strange companion anything was better than another two hours of sitting on the Lexus and listening to Sam's friends enjoying Sam's kind of music the woman moved rapidly but with deceptive smoothness Adrien found herself moving in an awkward compromise between running and walking,
Always a stumbling step or two behind,
She acts as if she knows where she's going but how can she,
She hasn't been here before or she'd know that there aren't any roses,
At a clumping birch on the south side of the house the woman turned with a sigh Adrien followed her into the overgrown tangle of honeysuckle behind the tree the drums were almost inaudible here,
The bushes must be dense enough to absorb most of the sound,
They were tall enough to cut off most of the moonlight too,
Adrien could barely see fortunately her companion had slowed down a little even she must have some trouble with the branches the bushes seemed to go on for much too long the clump in the back of the birch was only about 10 feet across surely they should have come out onto the lawn by now and then the woman stopped and held the last honeysuckle branch aside so Adrien could step clear,
As the branch swung back behind her,
Adrien halted staring in front of her was a rose garden,
Washed with moonlight and heavy with the mingled perfume of many flowers hedge roses laden with blossoms formed a thick wall around the garden at the single gap in the wall just in front of Adrien,
Two climbing roses wove their way up the sides of an arched white support to meet in a tangled spray of flower heavy branches at the top through the arch,
Curving pebble paths gleamed between drifts of rose bushes,
Tree roses floribunda roses miniature roses,
Tea roses wild roses,
Every kind of rose she had ever seen or heard of all blooming madly,
Impossibly in the impossible garden Adrien turned,
How where did this come from,
Who are you ask rather of my roses the woman said,
But know that I am not required to answer,
This is impossible so have others said before you and you were wrong,
My garden contains all possibilities however strange,
I don't understand I think that soon you will if you look closely the woman's smile made Adrien uncomfortable she turned away back to the roses the flowers drew her Adrien took a step forward toward the arching entrance of the garden,
Overhead the full moon shone clear and bright,
Drenching the scene with enough light to make the colours of the roses dimly visible,
Adrien reached out to touch one of the blossoms on the archway a full blown white rose,
Nodding just beside her head,
The woman's voice stopped her you may take one rose from my garden and one only take care that you do not break a stem by accident and find your choice made for you some flowers are more fragile than they first appear Adrien swallowed an irritated response,
I'll be careful,
She said and put both hands ostentatiously behind her back leaning forward,
She breathed the rose's scent she sat in a small cluttered room in an apartment high above a noisy city street,
Cluttered because Samantha kept her house bare and spartan in the city because Samantha preferred open country she combed the grey hair she refused to colour because Samantha kept hers a rich brown and listened to the classical music Samantha hated and wondered bitterly whether she had ever done anything in all her long life simply because she wanted to and not because Samantha would have done something else Adrien stiffened and pulled back as she stared at the rose,
The woman behind her said,
I did not think you would want that one unable to think of a response Adrien turned to the other side of the archway the roses there were dark under the moonlight,
In the day they would be a rich deep crimson,
Assuming day ever came to this strange place Adrien eyed a rose doubtly for a moment then bent forward and sniffed she stood on a porch smiling as she watched her grandchildren play in the small front yard,
The littlest one reminded her of her sister Samantha with her dark hair and eyes and her quick silver grace it was a pity Sam had died so young Adrien recoiled why was her mind playing such nasty tricks on her did these unexpected and astonishing flowers induce hallucinations or was she just imagining it all,
The woman,
The garden and everything she reached among the leaves to touch the thick thorn encrusted stem then jerked her hand back with an exclamation of pain ruefully she looked at the bead of blood forming on her fingertip,
Not imagination then,
Higher up you will find fewer thorns,
The woman said slowly Adrien nodded reaching up she found another of the crimson flowers and tugged the stem gently,
To be certain not to break it free unintentionally on tiptoe she breathed a whiff of thick sweet scent with a spray of snow crystals she swung around the last pole and shot through the finishing gate,
As she coasted to a stop,
Breathing hard,
She heard the announcer giving her time not bad,
She thought not bad at all,
I might win the whole seniors division and not just the over 70 her family was coming forward to congratulate her in a small happy mob she blinked suddenly and wondered why after all these years she should suddenly think of her dead sister in a moment of triumph as carefully as she pulled it toward her Adrien released the flower she settled back on her heels and realized she was holding her breath,
It took an effort of will to begin breathing again hallucinations she told herself,
But she did not believe it,
Whatever they were,
False memories mental pictures,
They had too sharp an edge to be hallucinations after a moment she looked over at the dark haired woman what is the point of all this she demanded in a voice that started out fierce with anger and ended on an uncertain note are you trying to tell me that the only way I'll be happy is if my sister dies what have you got against Sam I care little if she lives or dies the woman replied calmly and hardly more than that for you,
If the truth be told yet I have not spoken of her but the roses the possibilities my roses show you are yours to see and yours alone,
What I know of them is what you tell me,
No more,
If they show you your sister it is because she is in your thoughts tonight another time they might show you other things oh,
It sounded as impossible as everything else in this garden,
Which meant it was probably true if any of it was I'm sorry I didn't understand,
I still don't,
Not really but I bet you won't explain even if I ask,
And damn if I'm going to give you the satisfaction of asking the woman inclined her head in acceptance of the apology and smiled slightly as if she knew the thought that had followed it will you choose your flower possibilities I think I'd like to look at some of the ones farther in Adrian said,
Before I make up my mind the woman smiled you were wise for one so young look all you wish but remember one rose and one only,
May you take with you when you leave some find the choice a hard one no key,
Adrian muttered as she turned away she stepped under the arching roses and stopped at a waist high bush covered with knots of pale flowers not white,
She thought glancing back at the archway to compare really pale pink maybe or yellow I wish the moon were just a little brighter she eyed the bush a moment longer then bent and inhaled her footsteps echoed down the marble hall as she headed for courtroom five,
This one was an open and shut case she had two eyewitnesses to the assault and there was no questions of admissibility of evidence Samantha wasn't going to get her client off on a technicality this time Adrian smiled as she pushed open the courtroom door stepping back,
Adrian stared at the rose,
She could still feel the echo of the bitter rivalry between herself and Sam I don't hate Sam,
She told herself I don't,
And her own treacherous mind whispered but you could abruptly she swung toward the next bush without pausing to look at the flower,
She buried her nose in its petals the hospital room was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of the machinery and her mother's soft weeping she floated in a drugged haze,
At least the pain had receded though breathing was no easier,
Her hands were numb and cold and she couldn't feel her father's grip anymore not much longer somewhere in the fading distance she heard Sam's tearful voice,
Oh mum why didn't you quit smoking she leaped back as if a bee had stung her nose and stood shaking on the gravel path between the roses,
When her shivering stopped at last she raised her eyes and surveyed the silver shadowed garden,
Surely among so many roses there was one that held neither death nor bitterness with grim purpose she lowered her head and began methodically working her way along the path doctor,
Actress mother,
Executive,
Carpenter psychologist,
Housewife,
Concert cellist author,
Lawyer,
Social worker the roses offered a hundred different lives for her consideration,
Some were happy some not,
Some pictured heady success others miserable failures as she moved farther from the garden's entrance the visions focused more on her work,
Her friends her lovers and husbands and children and less on her sister,
But even in the happiest lives Adrienne could feel an undercurrent of tension a sense of some important thing left unresolved several times she hesitated and once she started to reach for a rose stem before she caught herself and moved on as she searched Adrienne felt the amused gaze of the black haired woman on her back though she did not turn to look,
This is ridiculous she thought,
Stepping over a cluster of miniature roses with pale centers and dark edges they're flowers that's all,
Just really weird flowers she wondered suddenly why she had not in all the visions the roses had shown her seen Sam even once she had seen herself talking with her mother and father,
With friends she had known for years and with those she had not yet met with lovers,
Husbands,
Children and grandchildren but not with her sister,
That awful moment in the cancer ward was as close as she had come shaking off a sudden chill she bent toward a small bush at the rear of the rose bed it took her a moment to find a blossom the leaves were thick and the flowers were hidden among them she pricked her fingers twice trying to push the other stems far enough aside to get a good sniff of the rose this had better be a good one she thought,
Finally she cleared a space and breathed the rose's scent Samantha stood looking out the window and as the last of the funeral guests pulled away she turned all right Adrienne,
It's just us now and I've got something to say to you go ahead for a moment Sam hesitated as if she could not remember the words or had suddenly changed her mind then her shoulder stiffened and she said you've built a wall between us Adrienne and I'm tired of knocking myself against it,
I don't know why you have to disapprove of everything I do but I don't have to live with it anymore now that mum and dad are both gone so I won't,
I'm leaving in a few hours and I won't be back unless you ask I might have known you'd pulled something dramatic at a time like this,
Adrienne said while the back of her mind whispered leaving?
She can't leave,
She doesn't mean it,
She's my sister I'm not making a dramatic gesture however you choose to interpret it I just thought I'd explain,
Try to explain,
If you won't hear it at least it won't be because I didn't say it she started toward the door then paused with one hand on the knob it's your wall Adrienne,
You're the one who has to do something about it if anyone does the door swung open then shut and she was gone while Adrienne's mind stuttered over things to say before settling at last into the familiar pattern of criticism and anger no Adrienne said pulling back so rapidly that one of the thorns scratched her cheek it's not like that you not need be upset,
The soft voice of the dark haired woman made Adrienne jump the roses show possibilities nothing more then why are they all the same?
The woman's eyebrows lifted,
The same?
I do not think so but there are always things in each one's life that are too late to change,
You can but live with them as you enjoy your height of the colour of your eyes I like the colour of my eyes and anyway it's not like that,
Adrienne kept her voice under control only with considerable effort I'm not like that and I don't believe it's too late no matter what your damn roses show the woman shrugged then search,
Adrienne stared angry enough to strike her but a little too afraid to actually do it,
Then she turned and plunged into the roses heedless of the scratches,
Images blurred together,
An empty stage a marble lined hallway full of elegant strangers Sam lying in the sun beside a swimming pool their mother shaking her head sadly the black haired woman watching impassively in the moonlit garden none of them offered what she wanted she was beginning to despair over ever finding it when she saw a rose bush half hidden behind an arbor even from a distance it looked different from other plants where they lifted their branches in graceful sprays or twined over arbors or stood neat and compact this one sprawled untidily in a waist high mass of leaves unlike the other rose bushes it was not covered with flowers indeed when she first saw it Adrienne thought it bore no blossoms at all drawing nearer she saw tight pointed buds here and there among the leaves how am I supposed to smell a flower that isn't open yet tentatively she sniffed at one of the buds nothing happened Adrienne pressed her lips together and began hunting through the thick prickly branches at last she found a flower,
Still a bud really with the tips of the petals barely beginning to unfurl she stared at it for a moment then leaned forward do you think it's been easy for me being your sister?
Samantha asked quietly always coming second,
Being expected to be as brilliant and talented don't try to flatter me,
Adrienne said but somehow the words lacked the bitterness they would have held even half an hour before.
It had never occurred to her before that their relationship might have made things difficult for Sam Sam was the one who was difficult I'm not,
Don't you know that's how they all think of you?
I have to be twice as much of anything just to get noticed is that why?
Adrienne stopped and swallowed,
Look Sam I,
Well I'm sorry,
She felt as if the words had been wrenched out of her with pliers and then she felt almost lightheaded do you suppose we can do better from now on?
Samantha smiled suddenly,
Maybe if we both try Adrienne rocked back staring at the bud,
Was it that simple?
But it hadn't seemed simple,
Even in the brief image it had seemed hard letting go of anger should be easy now that she knew how much trouble it would make and how much of it was due to willful blindness it should be easy but she could tell that it wasn't going to be there was a whisper of movement behind her have you at last unearthed a flower that suits you?
The blackhead woman asked I think,
Yes,
Yes I have but Adrienne's hands seemed paralysed frozen to the branches they were holding back she could not move to pick the rose,
She could only look if you are sure then take it the momentary paralysis left Adrienne and she reached for the rose and paused if you were given a choice,
Be careful be wise,
I never thought there might be other dreams she sat in a garden of dreams surrounded by possibilities but to choose one,
No matter how much she desired precluded all the others there had been wonderful things in some of those roses slowly,
Adrienne drew her hand back I think not,
She said,
It's only just opened it ought to have a chance to bloom the woman's eyebrows rose one visit to my garden is more than many mortals gain,
You will not have a second chance to pick a rose then I'll make my life up as I go along,
The way everybody else does gently,
Adrienne withdrew her hands letting the leaves close over the flower she stood and turned to look directly at the strange woman thank you very much for the offer though,
It's been a real education the woman winced then the ghost of a smile touched her lips you are wiser than most of those who come to see my roses that depends on how it turns out,
Doesn't it Adrienne looked at the hundreds of flowers shining in the moonlight and shivered slightly it does,
Yet I think that all may yet be very well for you the woman's smile grew broader it will interest me to watch and see I think I'd better get home Sam's having a party and I really shouldn't miss all of it you may return the way we came down the path and between the rose arch,
The woman said I shall not come with you,
Though we may meet again in after years if you are willing Adrienne was surprised to find herself nodding,
Good night fare you well turning,
Adrienne walked toward the garden's entrance as she ducked into the thicket outside,
She felt the packet of cigarettes in her pocket shift the first thing I'd do is get rid of those cigarettes,
She thought,
Remembering the hospital and then I'll talk to Sam she came out of the honeysuckle and smiled at the familiar birches,
The band was thumping loudly building to some sort of climax it all but drowned out the crackle of the cellophane cigarette wrapper in her pocket there's half a pack left it'd be a shame to waste them,
And I still don't want to go to the party Adrienne looked at the house once more then headed back the way she had come toward the parked cars tomorrow I'll throw the rest of them away,
If there are any left tomorrow I'll talk to Sam tomorrow Momotaro,
The story of the son of a peach,
Long long ago there lived an old man and an old woman,
They were peasants and had to work hard to earn their daily rice,
The old man used to go and cut grass for the farmers around and while he was gone,
The old woman,
His wife did the work of the house and worked in their own little rice field,
One day the old man went to the hills as usual to cut grass and the old woman took some clothes to the river to wash it was nearly summer and the country was very beautiful to see in its fresh greenness as the two old people went on their way to work the grass on the banks of the river looked like emerald velvet and the pussy willows along the edge of the water were shaking out their soft tassels,
The breezes blew and ruffled the smooth surface of the water into wavelets and passing on touched the cheeks of the old couple who for some reason they could not explain felt very happy that morning the old woman at last found a nice spot by the river bank and put her basket down,
Then she set to work to wash the clothes,
She took them one by one out of the basket and washed them in the river and rubbed them on the stones,
The water was clear as crystal and she could see the tiny fish swimming to and fro and the pebbles at the bottom,
As she was busy washing her clothes a great peach came bumping down the stream the old woman looked up from her work and saw this large peach,
She was 60 years of age yet in all her life she had never seen such a big peach as this,
How delicious that peach must be she said to herself,
I must certainly get it and take it home to my old man she stretched out her arm to try and get it but it was quite out of her reach,
She looked about for a stick but there was not one to be seen and if she went to look for one she would lose the peach stopping a moment to think what she would do,
She remembered an old charm verse now she began to clap her hands to keep time to the rolling of the peach downstream and while she clapped she sang this song distant water is bitter the near water is sweet,
Pass by the distant water and come into the sweet strange to say as soon as she began to repeat this little song the peach began to come nearer and nearer the bank where the old woman was standing till at last it stopped just in front of her so that she was able to take it up in her hands the old woman was delighted she could not go on with her work so happy and excited was she so she put all the clothes back in her bamboo basket and with the basket on her back and the peach in her hand she hurried homewards it seemed a very long time to her to wait till her husband returned the old man at last came back as the sun was setting with a big bundle of grass on his back so big that he was almost hidden and she could hardly see him he seemed very tired and used the scythe for a walking stick leaning on it as he walked along as soon as the old woman saw him she called out old ji san,
Old man i have been waiting for you to come home for such a long time today what is the matter,
Why are you so impatient asked the old man wondering at her unusual eagerness has anything happened while i have been away oh no,
Answered the old woman,
Nothing has happened only i have found a nice present for you that is good,
Said the old man he then washed his feet in a basin of water and stepped up to the veranda the old woman now ran into the little room and brought out from the cupboard the big peach,
It felt even heavier than before,
She held it up to him saying just look at this,
Did you ever see such a large peach in all your life when the old man looked at the peach,
He was greatly astonished and said,
This is indeed the largest peach i have ever seen,
Where ever did you buy it i did not buy it,
Answered the old woman,
I found it in the river where i was washing and she told him the whole story i am very glad that you have found it let us eat now,
For i am hungry,
Said the Ojaisan,
He brought out the kitchen knife and placing the peach on a board was about to cut it when,
Wonderful to tell,
The peach split in two of itself and a clear voice said wait a bit old man,
And out stepped a beautiful little child the old man and his wife were both so astonished at what they saw that they fell to the ground,
The child spoke again don't be afraid,
I am no demon or fairy i will tell you the truth,
Heaven has had compassion on you,
Every day and every night you have lamented that you had no child your cry has been heard and i am sent to be the son of your old age on hearing this,
The old man and his wife were very happy,
They had cried night and day for sorrow at having no child to help them in their lonely old age and now that their prayer was answered they were so lost with joy that they did not know where to put their hands or their feet first the old man took the child up in his arms and then the old woman did the same and they named him Momotaro or son of a peach,
Because he had come out of a peach the years passed quickly by and the child grew to be 15 years of age he was taller and far stronger than any other boys of his own age he had a handsome face and a heart full of courage and he was very wise for his years the old couple's pleasure was very great when they looked at him for he was just what they thought a hero ought to be like one day Momotaro came to his foster father and said solemnly father by a strange chance we have become father and son your goodness to me has been higher than the mountain grasses which it was your daily work to cut and deeper than the river where my mother washes the clothes I do not know how to thank you enough why?
Answered the old man it is a matter of course that a father should bring up his son when you are older it will be your turn to take care of us so after all there will be no profit or loss between us all will be equal indeed I am rather surprised that you should thank me in this way and the old man looked bothered I hope you will be patient with me said Momotaro but before I begin to pay back your goodness to me I have a request to make which I hope you will grant me above everything else I will let you do whatever you wish for you are quite different to all other boys then let me go away at once what do you say?
Do you wish to leave your old father and mother and go away from your old home I will surely come back again if you let me go now where are you going?
You must think it strange that I want to go away said Momotaro because I have not yet told you my reason far away from here to the north east of Japan there is an island in the sea this island is the stronghold of a band of devils I have often heard how they invade this land,
Kill and rob the people and carry off all they can find they are not only very wicked but they are also disloyal to our emperor and disobey his laws they are also cannibals for they kill and eat some of the poor people who are so unfortunate as to fall into their hands these devils are very hateful beings I must go and conquer them and bring back all the plunder of which they have robbed this land it is for this reason that I want to go away for a short time the old man was much surprised at hearing all this from a mere boy of 15 he thought it best to let the boy go he was strong and fearless and besides all this the old man knew he was no common child for he had been sent to them as a gift from heaven and he felt quite sure that the devils would be powerless to harm him all you say is very interesting Momotaro said the old man I will not hinder you in your determination you may go if you wish go to the island as soon as ever you like and destroy the demons and bring peace to the land thank you for all your kindness said Momotaro who began to get ready to go that very day he was full of courage and did not know what fear was the old man and woman at once set to work to pound rice in the kitchen mortar to make cakes for Momotaro to take with him on his journey at last the cakes were made and Momotaro ready to start on his long journey parting is always sad so it was now the eyes of the two old people were filled with tears and their voices trembled as they said go with all care and speed we expect you back victorious Momotaro was very sorry to leave his old parents though he knew he was coming back as soon as he could for he thought of how lonely they would be while he was away but he said goodbye quite bravely I'm going now take good care of yourselves while I'm away goodbye and he stepped quickly out of the house in silence the eyes of Momotaro and his parents met in farewell Momotaro now hurried on his way till it was midday he began to feel hungry so he opened his bag and took out one of the rice cakes and sat down under a tree by the side of the road to eat it while he was thus having his lunch a dog almost as large as a colt came running out from the high grass he made straight for Momotaro and showing his teeth said in a fierce way you are a rude man to pass my field without asking permission first if you leave me all the cakes you have in your bag you may go otherwise I will bite you till I kill you Momotaro only laughed scornfully what is it that you are saying do you know who I am I am Momotaro and I'm on my way to subdue the devils in their island stronghold in the northeast of Japan if you try to stop me on my way there I will cut you in two from the head downwards the dog's manner at once changed his tail dropped between his legs and coming near he bowed so low that his forehead touched the ground what do I hear the name of Momotaro are you indeed Momotaro I have often heard of your great strength not knowing who you were I have behaved in a very stupid way will you please pardon my rudeness are you indeed on your way to invade the island of devils if you would take such a rude fellow with you as one of your followers I shall be very grateful to you I think I can take you with me if you wish to go said Momotaro thank you said the dog by the way I'm very very hungry will you give me one of the cakes you were carrying this is the best kind of cake there is in Japan said Momotaro I cannot spare you a whole one I will give you half of one thank you very much said the dog taking the piece thrown to him then Momotaro got up and the dog followed him for a long time they walked over the hills and through the valleys as they were going along an animal came down from a tree a little ahead of them the creature soon came up to Momotaro and said good morning Momotaro you are welcome in this part of the country will you allow me to go with you the dog answered jealously Momotaro already has a dog to accompany him of course of what use is a monkey like you in battle we are on our way to fight the devils get away the dog and the monkey began to quarrel and bite for these two animals always hate each other now don't quarrel said Momotaro putting himself between them wait a moment dog it is not at all dignified for you to have such a creature as that following you said the dog what do you know about it asked Momotaro and pushing aside the dog he spoke to the monkey who are you I am a monkey living in these hills replied the monkey I heard of your expedition to the island of devils and I've come to go with you nothing will please me more than to follow you do you really wish to go to the island of devils and fight with me yes sir replied the monkey I admire your courage said Momotaro here is a piece of one of my fine rice cakes come along so the monkey joined Momotaro the dog and the monkey did not get on well together they were always snapping at each other as they went along and always wanting to have a fight this made Momotaro very cross and at last he sent the dog on ahead with a flag and put the monkey behind with a sword and he placed himself between them with the war fan which is made of iron by and by they came to a large field here a bird flew down and alighted on the ground just in front of the little party it was the most beautiful bird Momotaro had ever seen on its body were five different robes of feathers and its head was covered with a scarlet cap the dog at once ran at the bird and tried to seize and kill it but the bird struck out its spurs and flew at the dog's tail and the fight went hard with both Momotaro as he looked on could not help admiring the bird it showed so much spirit in the fight it would certainly make a good fighter Momotaro went up to the two combatants and holding the dog back said to the bird you rascal you are hindering my journey surrender at once and I will take you with me if you don't I will set this dog to bite your head off then the bird surrendered at once and begged to be taken into Momotaro's company I do not know what excuse to offer for quarreling with the dog your servant but I did not see you I am a miserable bird caught a pheasant it was very generous of you to pardon my rudeness and to take me with you please allow me to follow you behind the dog and the monkey I congratulate you on surrendering so soon said Momotaro smiling come and join us in our raid on the devils are you going to take this bird with you also asked the dog interrupting why do you ask such an unnecessary question didn't you hear what I said I take the bird with me because I wish to said the dog then Momotaro stood and gave this order now all of you must listen to me the first thing necessary in any army is harmony it is a wise saying which says that advantage on earth is better than advantage in heaven union amongst ourselves is better than any earthly gain when we are not at peace amongst ourselves it is no easy thing to subdue an enemy from now you three the dog the monkey and the pheasant must be friends with one mind the one who first begins a quarrel will be discharged on the spot all the three promised not to quarrel the pheasant was now made a member of Momotaro's suite and received half a cake Momotaro's influence was so great that the three became good friends and hurried onwards with him as their leader day after day they at last came out upon the shore of the north eastern sea there was nothing to be seen as far as the horizon not a sign of any island all that broke the stillness was the rolling of the waves upon the shore now the dog and the monkey and the pheasant had come very bravely all the way through the long valleys and over the hills but they had never seen the sea before and for the first time since they set out they were bewildered and gazed at each other in silence how were they to cross the water and get to the island of devils Momotaro soon saw that they were daunted by the sight of the sea and to try them he spoke loudly and roughly why do you hesitate are you afraid of the sea oh what cowards you are it is impossible to take such weak creatures as you with me to fight the demons it will be far better for me to go alone I discharge you all at once the three animals were taken aback at this sharp reproof and clung to Momotaro's sleeve begging him not to send them away please Momotaro said the dog we have come thus far said the monkey it is inhuman to leave us here said the pheasant we are not at all afraid of the sea said the monkey again please do take us with you said the pheasant do please said the dog they had now gained a little courage so Momotaro said well then I will take you with me but be careful Momotaro now got a small ship and they all got on board the wind and the weather were fair and the ship went like an arrow over the sea it was the first time they had ever been on the water and so at first the dog the monkey and the pheasant were frightened at the waves and the rolling of the vessel but by degrees they grew accustomed to the water and were quite happy again every day they paced the deck of their little ship eagerly looking out for the demon's island when they grew tired of this they told each other stories of all the exploits of which they were proud and then played games together and Momotaro found much to amuse him in listening to the three animals and watching their antics and in this way he forgot that the way was long and that he was tired of the voyage and of doing nothing he longed to be at work killing the monsters who had done so much harm in his country as the wind blew in their favour and they met no storms their ship made a quick voyage and one day when the sun was shining brightly a sight of land rewarded the four watchers at the bow Momotaro knew at once that what he saw was the devil's stronghold on the top of the precipitous shore looking out to sea was a large castle now that his enterprise was close at hand he was deep in thought with his head leaning on his hands wondering how he should begin the attack his three followers watched him waiting for orders at last he called to the pheasant it is a great advantage for us to have you with us said Momotaro to the bird for you have good wings fly at once to the castle engage the demons to fight we will follow you the pheasant at once obeyed he flew off from the ship beating the air gladly with his wings the bird soon reached the island and took up his position on the roof in the middle of the castle calling out loudly all you devils listen to me the great Japanese general Momotaro has come to fight you and to take your stronghold from you if you wish to save your lives surrender at once and in token of your submission you must break off the horns that grow on your forehead if you do not surrender at once but make up your mind to fight we the pheasant the dog and the monkey will kill you all by biting and tearing you to death the horned demons looking up and only seeing a pheasant laughed and said a wild pheasant indeed it is ridiculous to hear such words from a mean thing like you wait till you get a blow from one of our iron bars very angry indeed with the devils they shook their horns and their shocks of red hair fiercely and rushed to put on their tiger skin trousers to make themselves look more terrible they then brought out great iron bars and ran to where the pheasant perched over their heads and tried to knock him down the pheasant flew to one side to escape the blow and then attacked the head of the first one and then another demon he flew round and round them beating the air with his wings so fiercely and ceaselessly that the devils began to wonder whether they had to fight one or many more birds in the meantime Momantara had brought his ship to land as they had approached he saw that the shore was like a precipice and that the large castle was surrounded by high walls and large iron gates and was strongly fortified Momantara landed and with the hope of finding some way of entrance walked up the path towards the top followed by the monkey and the dog they soon came upon two beautiful damsels washing clothes in a stream Momantara saw that the clothes were bloodstained and that as the two maidens washed the tears were falling fast down their cheeks he stopped and spoke to them who are you and why do you weep we are captives of the demon king we were carried away from our homes to this island and though we are the daughters of Demios we are obliged to be his servants and one day he will kill us and the maidens held up the bloodstained clothes and eat us and there is no one to help us and their tears burned out afresh at this horrible thought I will rescue you said Momantara do not weep anymore only show me how I may get into the castle then the two ladies led the way and showed Momantara a little back door in the lowest part of the castle wall so small that Momantara could hardly crawl in the pheasant who was all this time fighting hard saw Momantara and his little band rush in at the back Momantara's onslaught was so furious that the devils could not stand against him at first their foe had been a single bird the pheasant but now that Momantara and the dog and the monkey had arrived they were bewildered for the four enemies fought like a hundred so strong were they some of the devils fell off the parapet of the castle and were dashed to pieces on the rocks beneath others fell into the sea and were drowned many were beaten to death by the three animals the chief of the devils at last was the only one left he made up his mind to surrender for he knew that his enemy was stronger than mortal man he came up humbly to Momantara and threw down his iron bar and kneeling down at the victor's feet he broke off the horns on his head in token of submission for they were the sign of his strength and power I am afraid of you he said meekly I could not stand against you I will give you all the treasure hidden in this castle if you will spare my life Momantara laughed it is not like you big devil to beg for mercy is it I cannot spare your wicked life however much you beg for you have killed and tortured many people and robbed our country for many years then Momantara tied the devil chief up and gave him into the monkey's charge having done this he went into all the rooms of the castle and set the prisoners free and gathered together all the treasure he found the dog and the pheasant carried home the plunder and thus Momantara returned triumphantly to his home taking with him the devil chief as captive the two poor damsels daughters of Damios and others whom the wicked demon had carried off to be his slaves were taken safely to their own homes and delivered to their parents the whole country made a hero of Momantara on his triumphant return and rejoiced that the country was now freed from the robber devils who had been a terror of the land for a long time the old couple's joy was greater than ever and the treasure Momantara had brought home with him enabled them to live in peace and plenty to the end of their days The Ogre of Rashomon Long long ago in Kyoto the people of the city were terrified by counts of a dreadful ogre who it was said haunted the gate of Rashomon at twilight and seized whoever passed by the missing victims were never seen again so it was whispered that the ogre was a horrible cannibal who not only killed the unhappy victims but ate them also.
Now everybody in the town and neighborhood was in great fear and no one durst venture out after sunset near the gate of Rashomon Now at this time there lived in Kyoto a general named Reiko who had made himself famous for his brave deeds sometime before this he made the country ring with his name for he had attacked Oyama where a band of ogres lived with their chief who instead of wine drank the blood of human beings he had routed them all and cut off the head of the chief monster This brave warrior was always followed by a band of faithful knights.
In this band there were five knights of great valor One evening as the five knights sat at a feast quaffing sake in their rice bowls and eating all kinds of fish,
Raw and stewed and broiled and toasting each other's health and exploits,
The first knight Hojo said to the others,
Have you all heard the rumor that every evening after sunset there comes an ogre to the gate of Rashomon and that he seizes all who passes by?
The second knight Watanabe answered him saying Do not talk such nonsense.
All the ogres were killed by our chief Reiko at Oyama.
It cannot be true because even if any ogres did escape from that great killing they would not dare to show themselves in the city for they know that our brave master would at once attack them if he knew that any of them were still alive Then do you disbelieve what I say and think I am telling you a falsehood?
No I do not think that you are telling a lie,
Said Watanabe but you have heard some old woman's story which is not worth believing Then the best man is to prove what I say by going there yourself and finding out yourself whether it is true or not said Hojo Watanabe the second knight could not bear the thought that his companion should believe he was afraid so he answered quickly Of course I'll go at once and find out for myself So Watanabe at once got ready to go he buckled on his long sword and put on a coat of armor and tied it on his large helmet When he was ready to start he said to the others Give me something so that I can prove I have been there Then on one of the men got a roll of writing paper and his box of Indian ink and brushes and the four comrades wrote their names on a piece of paper I will take this,
Said Watanabe and put it on the gate of Rashomon so tomorrow morning we all go look at it.
I may be able to catch an ogre or two by then and he mounted his horse and rode off gallantly It was a very dark night and there was neither moon nor star to light Watanabe on his way.
To make the darkness worse a storm came on The rain fell heavily and the wind howled like wolves in the mountains Any ordinary man would have trembled at the thought of going out of doors But Watanabe was a brave warrior and dauntless and his honor and word were at stake so he sped on into the night while his companions listened to the sound of his horse's hooves dying away in the distance and then shut the sliding shutters close and gathered round the charcoal fire and wondered what would happen and whether their comrade would encounter one of those horrible Oni At last Watanabe reached the gate of Rashomon but pure as he might,
Through the darkness he could see no sign of an ogre It is just as I thought,
Said Watanabe to himself.
There are certainly no ogres here,
It is only an old woman's story.
I will stick this paper on the gate so that the others can see I have been here when they come tomorrow and then I will take my way home and laugh at them all.
He fastened the piece of paper signed by all his four companions on the gate and then turned his horse's head towards home As he did so,
He became aware that someone was behind him and at the same time a voice called out to him to wait.
Then his helmet was seized from the back Who are you?
Said Watanabe fearlessly He then put out his hand and groped around to find out who or what it was that held him by the helmet.
As he did so he touched something that felt like an arm It was covered with hair and as big and round as the trunk of a tree.
Watanabe knew at once that this was the arm of an ogre so he drew his sword and cut it fiercely.
There was a loud yell of pain and then the ogre dashed in front of the warrior Watanabe's eyes grew large with wonder for he saw that the ogre was taller than the great gate.
His eyes were flashing like mirrors in the sunlight and his huge mouth was wide open and as the monster breathed flames of fire shot out of his mouth the ogre thought to terrify his foe.
But Watanabe never flinched he attacked the ogre with all his strength and thus they fought face to face for a long time At last the ogre finding that he could not neither frighten nor beat Watanabe and that he might himself be beaten took to flight but Watanabe determined not to let the monster escape,
Put spurs to his horse and gave chase but though the knight rode very fast the ogre ran faster and to his disappointment he found himself unable to overtake the monster who was gradually lost to sight Watanabe returned to the gate where the fierce fight had taken place and got down from his horse as he did so he stumbled upon something lying on the ground,
Stooping to pick it up he found that it was one of the ogre's huge arms which he must have slashed off in the fight his joy was great at having secured such a prize for this was the best of all proofs of his adventure with the ogre so he took it up carefully and carried it home as a trophy of his victory when he got back he showed the arm to his comrades who one and all called him the hero of their band and gave him a great feast his wonderful deed was soon noised abroad in Kyoto and people from far and near came to see the ogre's arm Watanabe now began to grow uneasy as to how he should keep the arm in safety for he knew that the ogre to whom it belonged was still alive he felt sure that one day or other as soon as the ogre got over his scare he would come to try to get his arm back again Watanabe therefore had a box made of the strongest wood and banded with iron in this he placed the arm and then he sealed down the heavy lid refusing to open it for anyone he kept the box in his own room and took charge of it himself never allowing it out of his sight now one night he heard someone knocking at the porch asking for admittance when the servant went to the door to see who it was there was only an old woman very respectable in appearance on being asked who she was and what was her business the old woman replied with a smile that she had been nursed to the master of the house when he was a little baby if the lord of the house were at home she begged to be allowed to see him the servant left the old woman at the door and went to tell his master that his old nurse had come to see him Watanabe thought it was strange that she should come at that time of night but at the thought of his old nurse who had been like a foster mother to him and whom he had not seen for a long time a very tender feeling sprang up for her in his heart he ordered the servant to show her in the old woman was ushered into the room and after the customary bows and greetings were over she said Master,
The report of your brave fight with the ogre at the grace of Rashomon is so widely known that even your poor old nurse has heard of it.
Is it really true what everyone says that you cut off one of the ogre's arms?
If you did your deed is highly to be praised I was very disappointed said Watanabe that I was not able to take the monster captive which was what I wished to do instead of only cutting off an arm I'm very proud to think,
Answered the old woman,
That my master was so brave as to dare cut off an ogre's arm.
There is nothing that can be compared to your courage.
Before I die it is a great wish of my life to see this arm,
She added pleadingly No,
Said Watanabe,
I'm sorry but I cannot grant your request.
But why?
Asked the old woman Because,
Replied Watanabe,
Ogres are very revengeful creatures and if I open the box there is no telling that the ogre may suddenly appear and carry off his arm.
I have had a box made on purpose with a very strong lid and in this box I keep the ogre's arm secure and I never show it to anyone,
Whatever happens Your precaution is very reasonable,
Said the old woman,
But I am your old nurse so surely you will not refuse to show me the arm.
I have only just heard of your brave act and not being able to wait till the morning I came at once to ask you to show it to me.
Watanabe was very troubled at this old woman's pleading but he still persisted in refusing.
Then the old woman said Do you suspect me of being a spy sent by the ogre?
No,
Of course I do not suspect you of being the ogre spy for you are my old nurse,
Answered Watanabe.
Then you cannot surely refuse to show me the arm any longer,
Entreated the old woman,
For it is the great wish of my heart to see for once in my life the arm of an ogre.
Watanabe could not hold out in his refusal any longer so he gave in at last,
Saying Then I will show you the ogre's arm since you so earnestly wish to see it.
Come,
Follow me.
And he led the way to his own room the old woman following.
When they were both in the room Watanabe shut the door carefully and then going towards a big box which stood in a corner of the room.
He took off the heavy lid.
He then called to the old woman to come near and look in for he never took the arm out of the box.
What is it like?
Let me have a good look at it,
Said the old nurse with a joyful face.
She came nearer and nearer as if she were afraid till she stood right against the box.
Suddenly she plunged her hand into the box and seized the arm crying with a fearful voice which made the room shake.
Oh joy,
I got my arm back again.
And from an old woman she was suddenly transformed into the towering figure of the frightful ogre.
Watanabe sprang back and was unable to move for a moment.
So great was his astonishment but recognizing the ogre who had attacked him at the gate of Rashomon,
He determined with his usual courage to put an end to him this time.
He seized his sword,
Drew it out of a sheath in a flash and tried to cut the ogre down.
So quick was Watanabe that the creature had a narrow escape but the ogre sprang up to the ceiling and bursting through the roof,
Disappeared in the midst and clouds.
In this way the ogre escaped with his arm.
The knight gashed his teeth with disappointment but that was all he could do.
He waited in patience for another opportunity to dispatch the ogre.
But the latter was afraid of Watanabe's great strength and daring and never troubled Kyoto again.
So once more the people of the city were able to go out without fear even at night time and the brave deeds of Watanabe had never been forgotten.
The Story of Princess Hase Many,
Many years ago there lived in Nara,
The ancient capital of Japan,
A wise state minister by the name Prince Toyonari Fujiwara.
His wife was a noble,
Good and beautiful woman called Princess Murasaki.
They had been married by their respective families according to Japanese custom when very young and had lived together happily ever since.
They had however one cause for great sorrow for as years went by no child was born to them.
This made them very unhappy for they both longed to see a child of their own who would grow up to gladden their old age,
Carry on the family name and keep up the ancestral rites when they were dead.
The prince and his lovely wife after long consultation and much thought determined to make a pilgrimage to the temple of Hase no Kwanon,
Goddess mercy at Hase for they believed according to the beautiful tradition of their religion that the mother of mercy Kwanon comes to answer the prayers of mortals in the form that they need the most.
Surely after all these years of prayer she would come to them in the form of a beloved child in answer to their special pilgrimage for that was the greatest need of their two lives.
Everything else they had this life could give them but it was all as nothing because the cry of their hearts was unsatisfied.
So the prince Toyonara and his wife went to the temple of Kwanon at Hase and stayed there for a long time both daily offering incense and praying to Kwanon the heavenly mother to grant them the desire of their whole lives and their prayer was answered.
Our daughter was born at last to the princess Murasaki and great was the joy of her heart.
On presenting the child to her husband they both decided to call her Hase Himi or the princess of Hase because she was the gift of the Kwanon at that place.
They both reared her with great care and tenderness and the child grew in strength and beauty.
When the little girl was five years old her mother fell dangerously ill and all the doctors and their medicines could not save her.
A little before she breathed her last she called her daughter to her and gently stroking her head said,
Hase Himi do you know that your mother cannot live any longer?
Though I die you must grow up a good girl.
Do your best not to give trouble to your nurse or any other of your family.
Perhaps your father will marry again and someone will fill my place as your mother.
If so do not grieve for me but look upon your father's second wife as your true mother and be obedient to both her and your father.
Remember when you are grown up to be submissive to those who are your superiors and to be kind to all those who are under you.
Don't forget this.
I die with the hope that you will grow up a model woman.
Hase Himi listened in an attitude of respect while her mother spoke and promised to do all that she was told.
There is a proverb which says as the soul is at three so it is at one hundred and so Hase Himi grew up as her mother had wished a good and obedient little princess though she was now too young to understand how great was the loss of her mother.
Not long after the death of his first wife Prince Toyinari married again a lady of noble birth named Princess Turut.
Very different in character alas to the good and wise Princess Murasaki.
This woman had a cruel bad heart.
She did not love her stepdaughter at all and was very often unkind to the little motherless girl saying to herself this is not my child,
This is not my child but Hase Himi bore every unkindness with patience and even waited upon her stepmother kindly and obeyed her in every way and never gave any trouble just as she had been trained by her own good mother so that the lady Turut had no cause for complaint against her.
The little princess was very diligent and her favorite studies were music and poetry.
She would spend several hours practicing every day and her father had the most proficient of masters he could find to teach her the koto,
Japanese harp the art of writing letters and verse.
When she was 12 years of age she could play so beautifully that she and her stepmother were summoned to the palace to perform before the emperor.
It was the festival of cherry flowers and there were great festivities at the court.
The emperor threw himself into the enjoyment of the season and commanded that princess Hase should perform before him on the koto and that her mother princess Turut should accompany her on the flute.
The emperor sat on a raised die before which was hung a curtain of finely sliced bamboo and purple tassels so that his majesty might see all and not be seen for no ordinary subject was allowed to look upon his sacred face.
Hase Himi was a skilled musician though so young and often astonished her masters by her wonderful memory and talent.
On this momentous occasion she played very well but princess Turut her stepmother who was a lazy woman and never took the trouble to practice daily broke down in her accompaniment and had to request one of the court ladies to take her place.
This was a great disgrace and she was furiously jealous to think that she had failed where her stepdaughter succeeded and to make matters worse the emperor sent many beautiful gifts to the little princess to reward her for playing so well at the palace.
There was also now another reason why princess Turut hated her stepdaughter for she had had the good fortune to have a son born to her and in her most inmost heart she kept saying if only Hase Himi were not here my son would have all the love of his father and never having learned to control herself she allowed this wicked thought to grow into the awful desire of taking her stepdaughter's life.
So one day she secretly ordered some poison and poisoned some sweet wine.
This poisoned wine she put into another similar bottle she poured some good wine.
It was the occasion of the boys festival on the 5th of May and Hase Himi was playing with her little brother.
All his toys of warriors and heroes were spread out and she was telling him wonderful stories about each of them.
They were both enjoying themselves and laughing merrily with their attendants when his mother entered with the two bottles of wine and some delicious cakes.
You were both so good and happy said the wicked princess Turut with a smile that I have brought you some sweet wine as a reward and here are some nice cakes for my good children and she filled the two cups from the different bottles.
Hase Himi never dreaming of the painful part her stepmother was acting took one of the cups of wine and gave to her little stepbrother the other that had been poured out for him.
The wicked woman had carefully marked the poison bottle but on coming into the room she had grown nervous and pouring out the wine hurriedly had unconsciously given the poison cup to her own child.
All this time she was anxiously watching the little princess but to her amazement no change whatever took place in the young girl's face.
Suddenly the little boy screamed and threw himself on the floor doubled up with pain.
His mother flew to him taking the precaution to upset the two tiny jars of wine she had brought into the room and lifted him up.
The attendants rushed for the doctor but nothing could save the child.
He died within the hour in his mother's arms.
Doctors did not know much in those ancient times and it was thought that the wine had disagreed with the boy causing convulsions of which he died.
Thus was the wicked woman punished in losing her own child when she had tried to do away with her stepdaughter but instead of blaming herself she began to hate Hasehime more than ever in the bitterness and wretchedness of her own heart and she eagerly watched for an opportunity to do her harm which was however long in coming.
When Hasehime was thirteen years of age she had already become mentioned as a poetess of some merit.
This was an accomplishment very much cultivated by the women of old Japan and one held in high esteem.
It was the rainy season at Nara.
The floods were reported every day as doing damage in the neighborhood.
The river Tatsuta which flowed through the imperial palace grounds was swollen to the top of its banks and the roaring of the torrents of water rushing along a narrow bed so disturbed the emperor's rest day and night that a serious nervous disorder was the result.
An imperial edict was sent forth to all the Buddhist temples commanding the priests to offer up continuous prayers to heaven to stop the noise of the flood but this was of no avail.
Then it was whispered in court circles that Princess Hase,
The daughter of Prince Toyonara Fujiwara,
Second minister at court was the most gifted poetess of the day.
Though still so young her masters confirmed the report.
Long ago a beautiful and gifted maiden poetess had moved heaven by praying in verse,
Had brought down rain upon a land famished with drought,
So said the ancient biographers of the poetess Ononokamachi.
If the Princess Hase were to write a poem and offer it in prayer might it not stop the noise of the rushing river and remove the cause of the imperial illness.
What the court said at last reached the ears of the emperor himself and he sent an order to the minister Prince Toyonara to this effect.
Great indeed was Hasehime's fear and astonishment when her father sent for her and told her what was required of her.
Heavy indeed was the duty that was laid on her young shoulders,
That of saving the emperor's life by the merit of her verse.
At last the day came and her poem was finished.
It was written on a leaflet of paper heavily flaked with gold dust.
With her father and attendants and some of the court officials she proceeded to the bank of the roaring torrent and raising up her heart to heaven,
She read the poem she had composed aloud,
Lifting it heavenwards in her two hands.
Strange indeed it seemed to all those standing around.
The waters ceased their roaring and the river was quiet in direct answer to her prayer.
After this the emperor soon recovered his health.
His majesty was highly pleased and sent for her to the palace and rewarded her with the rank of Shinjo,
That of lieutenant general to distinguish her.
From that time she was called Shinjo-himi or the lieutenant general princess and respected and loved by all.
There was only one person who was not pleased and haste him his success,
That one was her stepmother.
Forever brooding over the death of her own child whom she had killed when trying to poison her stepdaughter,
She had the mortification of seeing her rise to power and honor,
Marked by imperial favor and the admiration of the whole court.
Her envy and jealousy burned in her heart like fire.
Many were the lies she carried to her husband about Hasehimi but all to no purpose.
He would listen to none of her tales,
Telling her sharply that she was quite mistaken.
At last the stepmother seizing the opportunity of her husband's absence,
Ordered one of her old servants to take the innocent girl to the Hibari mountains,
The wildest part of the country and to kill her there.
She invented a dreadful story about the little princess saying that this was the only way to prevent disgrace falling upon the family,
By killing her.
Katoda,
Her vassal,
Was bound to obey his mistress.
Anyhow he saw that it would be the wisest plan to pretend obedience in the absence of the girl's father.
So he placed Hasehimi in a palanquin and accompanied her to the most solitary place he could find in the wild district.
The poor child knew there was no good in protesting to her unkind stepmother at being sent away in this strange manner.
So she went as she was told.
But the old servant knew that the young princess was quite innocent of all the things her stepmother had invented to him as reasons for her outrageous orders and he determined to save her life.
Unless he killed her however he could not return to his cruel task of mistress,
So he decided to stay out in the wilderness.
With the help of some peasants he soon built a little cottage and having sent secretly for his wife to come,
These two good old people did all in their power to take care of the now unfortunate princess.
She all the time trusted in her father knowing that as soon as he returned home and found her absent he would search for her.
Prince Torinari after some weeks came home and was told by his wife that his daughter Hasehimi had done something wrong and had run away for fear of being punished.
He was nearly ill with anxiety.
Everyone in the house told the same story,
That Hasehimi had suddenly disappeared.
None of them knew why or whither.
For fear of a scandal he kept the matter quiet and searched everywhere he could think of but all to no purpose.
One day trying to forget his terrible worry he called all his men together and told them to make ready for a several days hunt in the mountains.
They were soon ready and mounted waiting at the gate for their lord.
He rode hard and fast to the district of the Hibari mountains,
A great company following him.
He was soon far ahead of everyone and at last found himself in a narrow picturesque valley.
Looking round and admiring the scenery he noticed a tiny house on one of the hills quite near and then he distinctly heard a beautiful clear voice reading aloud.
Seized with curiosity as to who could be studying so diligently in such a lonely spot he dismounted and leaving his horse to his groom he walked up the hillside and approached the cottage.
As he drew nearer his surprise increased for he could see that the reader was a beautiful girl.
The cottage was wide open and she was sitting facing the view.
Listening attentively he heard her reading the Buddhist scriptures with great devotion.
More and more curious he hurried on to the tiny gate and entered the little garden and looking up beheld his lost daughter Hase Himi.
She was so intent on what she was saying that she neither heard nor saw her father till he spoke.
Hase Himi he cried it is you my Hase Himi.
Taken by surprise she could hardly realize that it was her own dear father who was calling her and for a moment she was utterly bereft of the power to speak or move.
My father,
My father it is indeed you oh my father was all she could say and running to him she caught hold of his thick sleeve and burying her face burst into a passion of tears.
Her father stroked her dark hair asking her gently to tell him all that had happened but she only wept on and he wondered if he were not really dreaming.
Then the faithful old servant Katoda came out and bowing himself to the ground before his master poured out the long tale of wrong telling him all that had happened and how it was that he found his daughter in such a wild and desolate spot with only two old servants to take care of her.
The prince's astonishment and indignation knew no bounds.
He gave up the hunt at once and hurried home with his daughter.
One of the company galloped ahead to inform the household of the glad news and the stepmother hearing what had happened and fearful of meeting her husband now that her wickedness was discovered fled from the house and returned in disgrace to her father's roof and nothing more was heard of her.
The old servant Katoda was rewarded with the highest promotion in his master's service and lived happily to the end of his days devoted to the little princess who never forgot that she owed her life to this faithful retainer.
She was no longer troubled by an unkind stepmother and her days passed happily and quietly with her father.
As Prince Toyanari had no son he adopted a younger son of one of the court nobles to be his heir and to marry his daughter Hasehime and in a few years the marriage took place.
Hasehime lived to a good old age and all said that she was the wisest most devout and most beautiful mistress that had ever reigned in Prince Toyanari's ancient house.
She had the joy of presenting her son the future lord of the family to her father just before he retired from active life.
To this day there is preserved a piece of needlework in one of the Buddhist temples of Kyoto.
It is a beautiful piece of tapestry with the figure of Buddha embroidered in the silky threads drawn from the stem of the lotus.
This is said to have been the work of the hands of the good princess Hase.
Settle yourself in to listen to a story of the Earth Witch from the Book of Enchantments by Patricia C Read.
This is a romantic story about a king who risks a terrible sacrifice to save his people from a ruthless enemy.
Only both the destruction of the enemy and the resulting sacrifice take alarmingly unexpected forms.
The cave was dark,
Damp and smelled faintly of sulfur.
After nearly seven years,
Mariel knew every small unevenness in the floor,
And she walked surely despite the darkness.
Empty-handed,
As was fitting,
She crossed to the inner cavern,
Where only she was allowed to go.
She paused at the threshold,
Checked by the weight of the power and magic within,
Then slowly she entered.
The water of the vision pool hissed and bubbled,
Heated by the lava flows deep within the mountain.
Mariel stopped short of the edge and knelt on the warm stone.
Closing her eyes,
She stilled her thoughts and emptied her mind.
When she was ready at last,
She opened her eyes and bent forward,
Peering into the steamy darkness to see what the earth magic would choose to show her.
Noon sunlight was a clear sky.
Armies clashed on one's fertile fields,
Grinding the sprouting grain into dust and watering it with blood.
In the distance,
A village burned,
And the wailing of women and children made a faint counterpoint to the desperate clash of arms.
Mariel took a slow deep breath,
Holding fast to her stillness as the scene played itself out.
For six months now,
This was all the earth magic had shown her.
War,
Destruction,
Slave caravans hauling men,
Women and children away from the ruins of their homes.
The king's armies in retreat were struggling to hold back the tide of the invaders long enough for the civilians to escape.
The previous earth witch had as assured her behind each vision the earth magic showed,
There was a purpose.
But sometimes,
Mariel thought that if she did not find out soon what she was expected to learn from the death and destruction,
She would go mad.
The vision changed.
She saw the interior of a tent and a lean brown-haired man in a chain vest seated on the edge of a cot with his head buried in his hands.
The tent flap opened.
My lord said a voice from outside.
The man on the cot looked up.
Mariel choked and the vision wavered.
Barely in time,
She suppressed her unruly emotions.
When her sight cleared again,
The brown-haired man and a tired-looking man in a torn red cloak were in mid-argument.
My lord,
It's madness,
The man in the red cloak said.
Have you some other proposal then?
The brown-haired man asked with implacable scepticism.
The red-cloaked man shook his head but the ambassadors we sent to Werner have not yet returned.
Surely when they do.
.
.
We cannot wait for them the first man said.
Not if we hope to have a people or an army left by the time they get here.
We're running out of places to retreat to.
We need a solution now.
With all due respect,
My lord,
Asking the Earth Witch for help is no reasonable solution.
She is In the cavern,
Mariel's hands clenched into fists.
Breathe in,
Breathe out.
Watch and listen now.
Study the meaning later.
When her attention returned to the vision she found that she had missed some of the red-cloaked man's argument.
Nonsense,
The brown-haired man snapped.
She's an old woman,
As human as you or I,
But she wields great power.
If she can't stop the Danon with it,
No one can.
And in case it hasn't occurred to you,
Let me point out that if the Earth Witch puts an end to this invasion,
We won't be indebted to Werner,
Which will make it a good deal easier to strike a favorable trade bargain next year or the year after.
The Earth Witch does not care about such things.
What if she refuses to help?
She won't refuse me.
The red-cloaked man looks startled.
My lord,
If you're not thinking of going yourself,
In person,
I'm not thinking of it,
No.
I'm planning on it.
I'm going alone.
My lord,
You can't.
I can.
I'll deal better with her alone.
And anyway,
We can't spare the men for an escort.
There was a moment's silence.
Then the man in the red cloak bowed.
As you wish,
My lord,
He said with disapproving reluctance.
When do you leave?
In the morning.
I've left instructions with Remen.
You're in charge until I get back.
If I don't come back,
He shrugged,
You're still in charge.
Aye,
My lord.
The image faded to blackness,
And the steamy sulfur smell of the Vision Cave rose strongly around her.
Mario drew a ragged breath,
Then another,
And forced her cramped fingers open.
So this is where the visions had been leading her.
But was it to her test,
Or his?
As she calmed,
She turned the vision over in her mind.
He had looked older.
It had been fourteen years.
It was only to be expected.
But he was still the Evan Ridingsworth she remembered.
Right down to the arrogant uncertainty in his tone,
And bearing when he said she won't refuse me.
Anger swept Mario at memory.
Let him come and beg for her help.
She would refuse.
She would send him away empty-handed,
And it would be only what he deserved.
The visions of war and cruelty and death rose in her mind,
And she stopped considering.
If the Earth magic had intended her to refuse her help,
Would she have been shown all those other scenes?
To help or not was not her choice in any case.
She could invoke the Earth magic,
She was the channel through which it flowed,
But she did not weld it,
Or control it.
The Earth did as it would.
It was the first and the hardest lesson her mentor had taught her.
Feeling calmer,
She rose and started slowly back through the darkness.
At least she knew he was coming.
He would not take her by surprise.
Suddenly her eyes went wide.
Could he have discovered somehow that she was the Earth witch now?
Was that the reason for his arrogant confidence?
She caught her breath.
Did he think to use her?
Or perhaps even to take her back with him?
And what would she do if that was his intention?
Pulling free of him had been the hardest thing she had ever done,
Harder even than learning to submit to the power of the Earth.
If he had asked her to return,
Could she look him in the eyes and refuse?
Her seven years of service here were almost over.
Soon a new man or woman would arrive,
Hoping to serve the Earth magic or perhaps only hoping,
As she had,
To escape from the past.
After six months of training,
She would hand over her office and leave Firewell Mountain.
Most of the former Earth witches went on to other kinds of service to the land and the people.
As healers or wise women,
Maril had thought to teach in the great school for healers in Foreland.
But if she were to go back with Evan instead,
Could she go back?
Shaken and confused,
She brushed past the two apprentices waiting outside the deep caverns and made her way to her apartments.
Evan would not arrive for a few days yet.
She had time to think,
But not much of it.
With the weary determination of one who has no choice but to continue,
Evan Ridingsworth climbed the narrow trail on the side of Firewell Mountain.
The wind sang around him,
Pulling at his cloak and chilling him to the bone.
For a moment he wondered whether he should have taken Corbin's advice and brought an escort.
Then when he shook his head,
Without companions,
He did not have the double burden of being exhausted and having to hide it.
How long had it been since he had slept more than a few hours at a stretch?
He could not recall.
As he pulled himself around a sharp bend in the trail,
A figure moved out of the shadows.
Automatically,
His hand went to his sword hilt.
Then he saw that it was a girl,
Hardly more than fourteen,
Dressed in a flowing brown robe.
You have come to see the Earth Witch,
She said with a calm certainty that seemed unnatural in one so young.
Evan blinked.
You are not the Earth Witch,
He stated after a moment.
I am her student.
When I finish my training next year,
I will be teacher and healer for my village.
Now I am to take you to the Earth Witch.
Come.
Without waiting to see whether he would follow,
The girl turned and went lightly up the pathway.
Taking a deep breath,
Evan followed.
A few moments later,
The trail ended three quarters of the way up the mountain.
On the right,
The rocks dropped to a dangerously sheer cliff.
On the left,
A dark opening gaped in the mountainside.
The swordsman eyed it uncertainly,
But the girl motioned him to enter.
Taking a deep breath,
He did as she bade him.
Three paces inside,
He stopped to allow his eyes to adjust.
The cave was cool,
And he could feel a dampness in the air that must mean water somewhere further in.
The girl plucked a small lamp from a niche beside the door and continued on with barely a pause.
He had to hurry to catch up with her.
The lamplight flickered and bobbed with her movements,
Making it hard to see and he stumbled frequently on the uneven stone.
The girl did not seem to notice or care and Evan began to grow angry.
Sternly,
He reminded himself that he was here to ask for help and forced his irritation down.
Finally,
The girl paused before an iron door.
The Earth Witch awaits you,
She said.
Enter and do what you have come for.
Evan nodded in thanks or farewell.
He was not sure which and opened the door.
The cavern on the other side was better lit than the passageways and he could make out more of his surroundings.
In the center of the cavern four columns like frozen rivers of stone framed a raised die.
On the other side of the die stood a brazier of black iron filled with glowing coals.
Behind them,
Half in shadow sat a slender figure in a hooded robe who could only be the ancient Earth Witch.
Stepping into the glow of light from the braziers,
Evan made a formal bow.
Lady,
I thank you for your kindness in seeing me.
The hooded figure rose surprising Evan with the grace of the movement.
You may thank me at the end of your visit if you still feel you have risen said a low musical voice.
Evan went cold.
That was not the voice of a crone.
He stood frozen in place as the woman stepped forward and put a small hand up to her hood.
Welcome to Firewell Mountain Evan Riding Sword said the Earth Witch and put back the hood of her robe.
Her hair was still the color of sunlit grain her eyes the same clear cold gray her face was more mature but no less beautiful.
He stared unbelieving and reached out blindly in her direction.
Mario,
Mario he whispered and the room spun about him and went dark.
Mario stared down at the unconscious man in dismay.
Whatever she had expected from this confrontation,
It was not this.
She shook herself and clapped her hands for her students.
He has exhausted himself.
She said when they appeared and exclaimed in astonishment.
We will take him to the visitor's chamber.
Then Veril you must make a broth while Nisa prepares the resting herbs.
The students nodded jerkily,
Eyes wide.
Working together they got Evan onto the bed.
Then the two girls vanished to follow Mario's instructions leaving her to watch over him.
In the clear bright lamplight Mario could see that her words were truer than she had realized.
Evan's face had a grayish cast beneath its tan and the skin below his eyes was dark and bruised looking.
Close up she could see that his mail hung more loosely than it should have and in several places the rings were broken or missing.
He had not come to such a state in a five day journey to Firewall Mountain.
How had she missed seeing it before?
Almost without her willing it,
Her hand reached out to stroke his hair.
She pulled it back before she touched him and shook her head.
Still you are a danger to me Evan,
She whispered folding her hands tightly in her lap.
It seemed a very long time before Veril and Nisa returned.
Evan Ridingsworth awoke lying on a hard narrow bed.
He tried to sit up and a firm hand pushed him back.
Drink a young female voice said and he swallowed something warm.
He shook his head and blinked at the figure above him.
Mario,
He said doubtfully I am here said a voice from the shadows.
She moved forward and nodded at the girl standing by Evan's bedside.
That is enough Veril you may go and the girl nodded and left.
Evan barely noticed.
He was staring at Mario.
She returned his gaze steadily.
Where did you go?
He said at last.
Why did you leave?
Because I could not stay and live.
His hand groped for his sword hilt.
Who threatened you?
By the gods if he still lives.
For a moment Mario stared at him.
Then she gave a brittle laugh.
No one threatened me Evan.
No one except you.
I never threatened you.
She shook her head.
You were swallowing me whole.
You and your desire to be king.
I tried to explain then but you would not listen.
Then you became king and it was worse.
I don't understand.
I don't expect you to.
I looked for you he said bitterly.
I searched for months.
He reached for her hands.
Mario.
She drew away her face remote.
I am the Earth Witch now.
And I am king without a throne Evan said.
Can we never be simply Evan and Mario?
What brings you here?
Mario asked avoiding his eyes.
Evan closed his own for a moment.
Then he looked up at her again.
The Daenon.
She folded her hands in her lap.
Tell me they came two years ago from the southwest raiding and burning but they only returned in greater numbers.
They have taken Saraset and burned Cur Holloran to the ground.
I have fought them and lost and fought again and lost again until I have nothing left to fight with.
And they still come.
You are the only hope I have left.
The Daenon?
If we fight them they seem to multiply until they overwhelm us with sheer numbers.
Evan said wearingly.
If we do not fight they burn and slaughter anyway.
Mario sucked in her breath.
When he looked up she was staring into the air above the bed as if she saw the same scenes of death and blood and burning that haunted his own dreams.
Perhaps.
She said at last reluctantly.
Perhaps something can be done.
But there will be a price.
There is always a price.
Even for you.
She looked at him and her eyes were shadowed especially for you.
Once I could have given you any treasure in the kingdom as your price.
He looked at her.
Once I would have.
Gold is no price for the earth.
She replied.
Birth and death.
Blood and healing.
The slow changing of seasons.
These are the coin for the earth magic.
Whose life will you spend to buy a desire this time?
King without a throne.
A daughter.
A son.
Who will pay the price of the earth magic for you so that you may have the victory in the kingdom when your war is over?
Evan stiffened,
Stung by the bitterness of the accusation.
I have no sons,
Nor daughters,
Nor wife.
All I can offer for the price of your magic is myself and I am offering.
As the words left his mouth he found to his surprise that he meant them.
She stared at him in silence for a long time.
Finally she asked.
Why?
Because I am king.
Throne or no?
He said.
The people looked to me to save them from the Daenen and while they wait they die.
His hands,
Fists clenched in sudden anger.
They will die until the Daenen leave and I cannot make the Daenen go.
And that is all.
Isn't it enough?
I have seen too much death.
I want an end to this,
Mariel.
She studied his face warily,
As if she were not certain she believed him.
Anger washed over him again,
Followed by great weariness.
Do not toy with me.
He said.
Will you help or no?
Whatever I must do for it,
I will.
I too do what I must.
She said.
And he thought she sounded shaken.
I can promise you nothing.
Tomorrow I will consult the fire and water.
Then you shall have your answer.
Her raised hand cut off his protest.
Sleep now.
You cannot hurry the times of the earth.
And whether you have my help or no,
You are in need of rest and food.
She rose and vanished into the gloom of the cave.
Evan pushed himself up on one elbow and peered after her.
If she had been only Mariel,
His Mariel,
He would have risen and followed her.
But she was the Earth Witch now,
And he did not quite dare.
He dropped back to the bed and grimaced.
Not dare.
He had barely strength to hold himself up.
To try to chase an unwilling woman through a dark maze of caves.
He would not get through paces before he collapsed.
He had kept moving out of necessity and will for so long that he had not realized how tired he had become.
Mariel was right.
He should sleep.
But he could not sleep.
If Mariel,
If the Earth Witch agreed to help him,
He would pay for that help with his life.
He had said it and meant it,
And he could not fool himself into thinking that the offer alone would be enough.
Well,
Corbyn would be upset,
But he would make a good king,
And he had sons to follow him.
A clear succession was important,
Or the substance of the kingdom was wasted on the sort of civil wars that had raged before he had taken the throne for himself.
Evan frowned.
He had done what he could to assure that Corbyn would have the throne if he did not return.
But a king who'd vanished left doubts behind,
No matter how good the preparations.
Perhaps Mariel would let him send a message before he died.
Mariel.
He closed his eyes at last,
And he slept.
He was the same,
And he was not.
The arrogance was still there,
But tempered in some way she did not understand.
The old Evan would have demanded help and thought to haggle over the price.
The old Evan would scarcely have noticed the pain of the people who died in his war.
He had changed,
But not enough.
If she went back to him,
Back to her old life,
He would swallow her alive without even intending to.
She could see it,
Feel it,
In every look he gave her.
She would fade to a shadow of his shadow,
Mouthing whatever words pleased him,
And he would not even notice.
Or perhaps this new Evan would notice,
And be saddened,
But he would never see how or why it happened.
She could not go back.
She did not dare.
All she wanted it,
Wanted him,
More than she would have believed,
Even after all this time.
But returning would mean losing all she had gained in the long,
Painful years.
Not her powers as Earth Witch,
For that was soon to end in any case,
But her love of books and her knowledge of herbs,
Her fondness for sunrise and birdsong,
Her occasional pleasure in being alone,
All the things,
Large and small,
That made herself and not a reflection of Evan Ridingsworth and his ambition.
She would lose them,
Because she knew she did not possess the strength to leave him twice.
I am the Earth Witch,
She said aloud,
And the words echoed in the darkened cave,
Bringing her back to the present and the knowledge of her duties.
She took a deep breath and set her fears and longings aside,
As she had learned to set aside all her emotions when she invoked the Earth magic.
It was foolish to be concerned with such choices now.
Evan had asked the Earth for help.
If that help were to be given,
Some price must be paid.
Afterward,
There would be time for other considerations if the Earth's demands had not made them impossible.
She set that thought aside too,
And rose from her chair.
It was time to begin.
Her tools were laid ready on the table before her,
A small brazier of unlit charcoal,
A cup of warm water from the pool of visions,
Flint and tinder,
And a clean cloth.
Making a request of the Earth magic was a more complex undertaking than accepting the visions it chose to show.
Clearing her mind of everything,
Save Evan and the Danon,
Mario raised her arms and began the invocation.
Her hands moved almost without conscious thought,
Lighting the fire,
Sprinkling the water,
Catching the flying ashes in the cloth.
She sprinkled the fire again,
Sending more flecks of ash whirling upward with the steam,
And breathed in the smoky scent and knew before she opened the cloth what answer she would find there.
When Evan woke,
Mario was sitting beside his bed.
Half dreaming still,
He put out a hand and she drew away.
His hand dropped.
She looked at him gravely.
Are you determined?
She asked.
What other choice do I have?
The Earth magic will aid you,
She said in a cool voice.
Evan sat up.
Thank you,
Mario.
It is no doing of mine,
She said sharply.
And the price is yet to be paid.
You may still fail if you have lied about your motives.
Evan did not reply,
And after a moment,
She shook her head.
Come then,
If you are sure.
She led him through a dark and twisting passage,
Back to the pool where he had first seen her.
At the iron brazier,
She stopped and pointed.
Stand beside the pool,
She said,
And do not move or look behind you until I tell you.
Watch the water and think of your purpose.
Evan stepped to the place she had indicated.
A flicker of orange light glittered suddenly on the surface of the water,
And Mario's voice began a harsh sounding chant,
But he did not turn.
He sensed power slowly growing around him until it surged in invisible waves,
And he felt the very rocks were watching him.
He stared at the water and thought of his dying men,
His burning villages and war-torn land and his own powerlessness.
The water became darker,
Reflecting nothing.
Slowly it drew away from the center of the pool,
And Evan saw something lying there,
Or growing,
A shape,
Blacker than darkness,
Darker than night.
A sword.
He did not move.
He hardly dared to breathe.
Mario's voice,
The voice of the Earth Witch,
Rose behind him in a rasping command,
Then stopped.
The water of the pool surged forward,
Then back,
Then forward again,
And dull orange lit from the brazier glittered on the surface once more.
Outlined against the reflected light,
The sword stood upright in the water,
Visible only as an interruption in the sparkling ripples.
Hands reached past Evan,
Holding a cloth.
A moment later,
The sword had been pulled from the water and a voice said,
You may turn.
Feeling as stiff and tired as if he had just fought a long battle,
Evan looked away from the pool.
His eyes met Mario's blankly.
Then he saw the sword she held.
It was made of black stone,
Dead black,
The black of the center of the world where no light had ever fallen.
He reached for it,
And Mario drew back.
Not yet.
That sword is the means the Earth has given you.
The time for its use has not yet come.
Veril and Nisa will see you to you now.
I have more preparations to make.
I will see you again before whatever is to happen next.
She hesitated,
Half turning.
Perhaps go now.
With that,
She vanished into the depths of the cave,
Carrying the stone sword carefully,
So that her cloth-wrapped hands would not touch its surface.
Two girls appeared in the doorway and escorted him back to the chamber where he had awakened.
They brought him water and food,
And he ate,
Trying to contain his impatience.
He asked for and received writing materials,
And passed some time composing his letter to Corbin.
He had nearly finished when Mario returned.
What is that?
She asked when she saw what he was doing.
A letter to my chief commander.
He signed it and stamped the bottom with his seal ring,
Then rolled the letter up and slipped the ring over the top.
Finally,
He tied them securely to the hilt of his sword and looked up.
Will you see that he gets this afterward?
I will arrange it.
Thank you.
They sat for a few moments in silence.
Then Evan said,
I thought I had a great deal still to say to you,
But I find that words cover most of it.
I'm sorry.
I too.
How much longer have you more preparations to make?
We can begin as soon as you are ready.
Evan swallowed hard and stood up.
I'm as ready as I can be,
I think,
But can you at least tell me what to expect?
No.
I mean,
I do not know myself.
The earth does what it does,
Never twice the same.
Any more than two roses are identical,
Leaf for leaf.
Whatever happens will rid your land of the Danian.
But how,
I do not know.
Then let us go.
Muriel nodded and put up the hood of her robe.
Silently,
She gestured for him to follow and led him out into the maze of passageways.
How long and how far they walked,
Evan could not guess.
At last they came to a flight of stairs,
Carved in a rock,
And Muriel led him upward.
They emerged abruptly into the pale golden sunlight of late afternoon.
Evan blinked and looked around him.
He stood on a narrow strip of barren earth.
On one side,
The mountain rose to its peak,
Shining in the sun.
On the other,
A lake of molten rock boiled and smoked between him and the edge of a cliff.
Directly in front of him was a grey boulder with a flat top,
And on it lay the black stone sword.
Seeing it,
Evan took a swift step forward,
And then stopped in sudden doubt and glanced towards Muriel.
The dark green hood inclined in Evan's direction.
Muriel's voice echoed strangely as she spoke,
As if her words came from a greater distance or through a long tunnel.
Evan writingsworth,
You have asked the aid of the earth magic to rid your country of the Daenon.
For this you came to Firewell Mountain.
For this you have offered whatever the magic demands as the price of power.
State now without fear,
Is this true?
All the cruel tales of the Earth Witch and her magic rose in Evan's mind,
And he hesitated.
Other memories crowded in to match the tales,
Pictures of battle and burning.
It is true,
Evan said,
Firmly putting his last doubts aside.
Then step forward and take the sword of the Earth and let what will be,
Be so.
Evan walked slowly forward and reached for the hilt of the black sword.
As he touched it,
He saw Muriel.
No,
The Earth Witch threw something toward the orange lake of fire.
A cloud of smoke grew swiftly behind him,
And in a moment he was surrounded by a swirling featureless grey.
He lifted the sword.
Cold struck through his arm,
And his eyes began to burn.
The grey smoke cleared or became transparent in front of him.
Looking through it,
He saw not the mountains but a field,
Black with the Daenon army.
He shouted and held the sword aloft.
Power ran down his arm in a wave of cold fire that continued on through him until it melted into the ground beneath his feet.
A ripple of motion went through the Daenon army,
And then with a terrible slowness they began to sink.
Evan could not move,
Could not shout,
Could not even blink.
With the fantasy clarity,
He saw their faces twist in terror as the ground softened and the grassy earth rose around them.
They sank with the slow inevitability of a pebble in a jar of honey.
And when the surface of the plain closed at last above their heads,
There was no sign that they had ever existed.
Evan drew a single shuddering breath.
I wanted the Daenon gone,
But no worry deserved such a death.
And the scene changed.
This time he saw a smaller group of Daenon strolling through the streets of a small town.
Leemark,
That was the place.
He had lost it to the Daenon barely two weeks before.
Again he felt power run through him.
Again the earth softened beneath the feet of the men he saw,
And they sank screaming into the cobbled street.
The scene shifted again and again,
Until Evan hardly knew or cared what it was he watched.
He tried to tell himself that the visions were unreal symbols,
Not images of actual events happening elsewhere.
But with the earth's power surging through him,
He could not make himself believe it.
Once the earth sucked down a group of Daenon Raenans in the midst of a battle,
Leaving their opponents staring in fear and horror,
And he recognized some of his rear guard.
At last the visions ended,
And Evan felt the power fade.
Slowly he lowered the sword and the grey smoke swirled tiredly,
Thinned and dissolved.
His people were safe,
But he felt no triumph.
There was no honor or glory in killing helpless victims,
And the destruction of an entire people in such a way left him sick at heart.
As no battle had ever done,
He turned and saw Mariel standing at the edge of the cliff.
Her hood pushed back and her hair blowing in wisps around her face.
And the sword moved in his hand.
Evan looked down,
Stunned,
And saw the stone sword rise,
Pulling his hand upward and forward,
Pulling him toward Mariel.
He cried out and tried to drop the sword,
But his fingers would not obey him.
He looked up and saw Mariel with the same unnatural clarity as he had seen the Daenon.
She watched for a moment,
Her face calm and grave,
While the sword pulled him inexorably closer.
Then smiling slightly,
She stepped forward to meet him.
Horror swept him.
Whatever price he had expected to pay,
This was not it.
He fought the pull of the black stone sword,
But it was too strong.
Left-handed,
He groped for his sword,
But it was still in the sleeping chamber with his letter.
His dagger then,
He drew it with difficulty.
I will not kill her,
He said between clenched teeth,
And slashed at his right wrist.
The steel cut cleanly through in spite of the awkward angle of the blow.
Too late,
Mariel cried out in protest,
Echoing Evan's scream of pain.
The black stone sword hung in the air for another instant.
Then it fell and shattered on the ground at his feet.
As the stone broke,
He felt the power that had filled him break apart,
And the vision of Mariel shattered like a picture in a breaking mirror.
The shards of power and vision stabbed at his eyes,
And he fell forward,
The stump of his right arm gushing redness across the broken bits of black stone.
He woke in darkness,
With a throbbing pain in his right arm.
He was lying on a rough,
Uncomfortable surface,
And he could hear movement beside him.
Mariel,
He said weakly,
I'm here,
I have bound your arm,
And you will not bleed to death,
But you need more tending than I can give you here.
Can you walk back to the caves?
I'm afraid you are too much for me to carry.
If you light the lamp so I can find the stairs,
I think I can manage,
Evan said.
Light the lamp,
But,
Mariel stopped,
And Evan felt suddenly cold.
Mariel,
How long was I,
How long has it been?
Not long.
Not long,
Evan repeated,
Peering vainly into the darkness.
Then,
But he could not finish,
He felt more than heard.
Mariel moved beside him,
And knew she was nodding.
Yes,
I should have seen before,
You were blind,
Evan.
Her voice shook.
Ah,
He closed his eyes.
Well,
Take my life then,
It is the price I agreed to,
And it is no longer much hardship to pay.
No,
Evan,
The earth magic does not want your death,
But your life.
Her voice sang almost to a whisper.
I tried to warn you that there would be a price.
The price was you,
Evan shouted.
Why else do you think I did this?
He tried to raise the stump of his arm and nearly fainted again from the pain.
You crippled yourself because you were already blind,
She answered,
And he could hear the ring of power in her voice,
And he knew that she spoke as the earth witch and not only Mariel.
You would not see what the earth tried to show you,
So now you do not see at all.
The price of the magic is your life and service.
Like this,
Blind and crippled,
He spat.
How can I live like this?
You must,
The voice was implacable.
I will help you if I can,
But live you must,
You are earth's now.
You cannot help me rule,
Evan said,
Even if I could persuade the people to accept a cripple as king.
You still do not understand,
Mariel said sharply.
You are a king no longer,
Your life belongs to the earth.
When you are recovered and have sufficient training,
You will become the next earth witch.
You would have me be a blind Marge,
He snorted.
No!
What the earth has taken the earth can restore if you accept what it shows you,
Mariel said,
In any case you have no choice in this.
She hesitated and the echo of the earth magic faded from her voice.
When she continued,
He heard only Mariel.
It is not forever.
You will serve seven years as I have.
When you have trained your successor,
You will be free.
And then,
He felt a wisp of hope.
And then perhaps we will both be strong enough to be simply Evan and Mariel,
She said slowly,
As if the thought was so new to her that she must test each word as she spoke it.
Evan felt a hand on his good arm.
Reluctantly,
He let Mariel help him up and lead him carefully to the stairs.
