Chapter 36

  Peaceful Breeze

  Numb muscles and fatigue washed over Michael’s body, making him lean back against the chair even more. His right shoulder throbbed, and his fingers tingled still. Even an hour afterwards, the Trial of Combat had taken almost too much out of him. He sat in a lounge, alone, wondering what would happen next.

  The door opened, and none other than the Chief of the Aeronemar clan Odai, Yan’s Father, strode in. “Resting well?” He asked, “You fought hard. You’ve earned it.” He stepped in from the adjoining room, where Yan was resting.

  “It was a hard fight.” Michael agreed, “But why did I have to fight Yan?” He glanced past Odai at the room behind him, but didn’t see her.

  “Straight to the point, eh?” Odai said, taking a seat. “Simple answer though, because she’s the best.”

  “Not you?” Michael asked. “Don’t you have, like, decades more experience?”

  “More time spent training,” Odai admitted, “But there can’t be any work for a Ninja if his clan is isolated. My people haven’t had the experience of battle except for the occasional Zori. Only a few are allowed to venture from the mountains, and only to buy goods for the village.”

  “Well, I can’t complain too much.” Michael said. “Though I don’t wanna fight her again.”

  “Don’t like fighting women?” Odai asked, narrowing his eyes.

  “Not sure what you mean, but no. I don’t like fighting my friends.” Michael said. “Sparring is one thing, but actually taking up arms against them?” Michael shook his head. “I’ll be glad to leave the village soon.”

  “It will be a couple days.” Sebastian said as he entered the room. He, Wolf, and Hyato stepped over to Michael’s side from the room where Yan was resting. Hyato handed Michael a sandwich.

  “Why is that?” Michael asked.

  “Maps.” Sebastian said, “The chief just finished telling us all before Yan fell asleep, but he has already sent scouts ahead to map us a way through the mountains.”

  “Even week old data can be too old.” Odai said. “Besides, you need to rest.” He stood up and began waving his arms, “Out, you three. Let the man rest.”

  “We’ll get everything ready for the journey,” Wolf said, “Rest easy, Michael.”

  Hyato looked like he wanted to say something, but was corralled out of the room with the others. Sebastian had made it out first, followed by a reluctant Hyato and grinning Wolf. Odai shut them out.

  “Rest up.” Odai said, “In this room. Don’t bother my daughter.” Odai shot Michael a glare, but Michael had already closed his eyes. Odai left the room while Michael drifted into a nap.

  “We need, a magic tent.” Wolf said with all the confidence in the world.

  “We don’t have anything like that.” The gruff quartermaster of Aeronemar palace said. “We have Hammocks and Blinds.”

  “I’m not trying to decorate a window here.” Wolf said, “We need an enchanted tent that has lots of space and blends into the surroundings, wicking away rain and withstanding the weather.”

  The quartermaster offered a sheet of canvas rolled tighter than a bedroll, “We have Blinds. And Hammocks.”

  Wolf placed his hands flat on the counter, “How do you sleep when you are on the road?” He asked, frowning.

  “In Hammocks.” The quartermaster replied, unmoved.

  “We’ll take six of the blinds, and eight of the hammocks.” Sebastian said, “And all of this.” The Evari tactician passed a list to the Quartermaster.

  “Okay. Coming right up.” The man said.

  “And are there any Weavers or Artificers in this village, ones that we might work with.” Sebastian asked.

  “Plenty of Weavers.” The quartermaster said, moving around in the shelves kept behind the counter and gathering up items to place in a box, “Artificer... There is one. Does not like to be bothered.”

  “We’ll give it a shot anyways.” Sebastian said. “Can you tell us where they are?”

  The Quartermaster nodded and got together a box of items per Sebastian’s list, placing it on the counter. “The clothing will be sent to Lady Yan’s house.” He said, “And here.” He wrote down a list of names and where to find them. “The Weavers and the Artificer.”

  “Where’s Yan’s house?” Wolf asked Sebastian.

  “Apparently, the house we have been staying in.” Sebastian said. “Let’s go back there for now.” Wolf picked up the box and followed Sebastian from the castle.

  The long isolated village of the Aeronemar Clan was buzzing with activity more than ever. The few people who had not shown up to the Trial of Combat had already heard about the results. The outsiders won, and Chief Odai opened the gates of the town. People from outside would be allowed in, and the members of the village could now travel as they pleased. Several Ninjas with a bite of wanderlust had already started planning adventures into Myrrh and Cryston, the two Kingdoms that neighbored the Drakmor Mountains.

  Wolf and Sebastian were congratulated and praised by many people they passed by. The younger members of the clan in particular seemed pleased for the end of the isolationism. A vendor even handed Sebastian a small basket of fresh dumplings. They only had to endure a few icy stares and closed doors as they passed. “Not everyone wanted the change in policy.” Sebastian noted.

  “Can’t please everyone.” Wolf said, “Why bother trying?”

  Yan’s house was out of the way of the hubbub of the village, it's road was as quiet as ever. Sebastian entered the building, where Hyato was applying oil to his sword. “Welcome back.” Hyato said without looking up.

  “Hey Hyato.” Sebastian said. “Anyone else here?”

  “I don’t know.” Hyato said, “It’s a village of Ninjas.”

  “Fair point.” Sebastian took a seat and pulled out three dumplings from the basket. Wolf accepted one after setting down the box of provisions. Sebastian set one down near Hyato before digging into his own.

  “What next?” Wolf asked with a mouthful of dumpling.

  Sebastian took a moment to swallow his bite, “We’ll see if the weavers can make tents for us. We won’t be able to get them enchanted in town, Jess already told me they don’t have an Enchanter.”

  “I’ll get a magic tent someday.” Wolf said with a forlorn voice.

  After finishing up their snacks, the three left Yan’s house to follow up on the places the Quartermaster told them about. Sebastian navigated them to a building along the river that flowed through the village. A house with a large water wheel seemed to be the first location on the list. “Well, this is the first place.” Sebastian said.

  Michael’s head swam with dreams, brief ones about the room around him, long ones that seemed exhausting. After napping on and off for a while, Michael stirred awake, forgetting what his dreams were about. The lingering thought that dreaming meant he wasn’t an amnesiac popped into his head.

  He shook his head, and considered the day. He had done it, he’d completed the Trial of Combat. Yan was able to go free. A sense of relief washed over him, a comforting feeling that made him warm. Yan would be happy now.

  “I hope she’s okay...” Michael said to himself, glancing over at the door to Yan’s room.

  His eyes widened as he noticed that the door was ajar, and Yan was peering at him from around the corner. She was wearing some kind of fuzzy pajamas, and beckoned him before vanishing into her room. Michael looked around, then stood up and followed her.

  The room that Yan had been resting in smelled of flowers and fruit. Yan stood by a large vase of flowers near the window, looking outside. A gentle breeze flowed into the room and made Yan’s hair dance for a moment, carrying a pleasant scent to Michael’s nose. “Rest well, Michael?” Yan asked.

  “Well, I’m not tired.” Michael said, stepping further into the room. Yan was wearing yellow pajamas, cozy fluffy pajamas that looked cute. She smiled at Michael. “How about you?” Michael asked.

  “I feel wonderful.” Yan said. Michael approached the window and felt the gentle summer breeze wash over him. “Isn’t wind the best?”

  “It is.” Michael agreed.

  The two stood at the window for a minute or so, enjoying the breeze. After a long comfortable silence, Michael pursed his lips. “I don’t think your Dad wanted me to ‘bother you.’”

  “Oh who cares.” Yan said, stepping away from the window and behind a screen divider in the room. “I know that he has guards watching to make sure we don’t leave.”

  “He does?” Michael looked around, checking the tatami floor mats and screened wooden walls. “Where?”

  “Outside the room, in the halls, and on the balcony outside the window.” Yan said. “But they aren’t allowed to listen in, just watch.” Yan’s voice was muffled from behind the screen as she was doing something. Michael wanted to see what she was doing, but thought it might not be a good idea.

  “Well, nothing we can do about that, I guess.” Michael said.

  “There’s something we can do.” Yan said. A moment later she stepped from behind the screen, having changed clothes. She wore a loose indigo shirt and brown canvas shorts that fell just past her knees. She wore sandals today, and a mischievous smile as well, “We’re going to sneak out.”

  “Really? Okay.” Michael said, mimicking her smirk, “I’m game.”

  “I thought you would be. They are watching lots of places, but I know a few ways they won’t be expecting. Follow me.” Yan went back to the room Michael had been staying in. From there, she had Michael give her a boost. Michael held her lower legs and lifted her with little effort, she was pretty light. Yan moved a panel in the ceiling and pulled herself up. Then she offered her hand to Michael.

  “Awesome.” Michael accepted her hand and climbed up into the space above the room. The space was all wood with several support pillars and a low ceiling of it's own that forced Michael and Yan both to crouch. Yan affixed the panel back in place. Yan pressed a finger to her lips, indicating silence.

  Sharing a grin, they started moving along the crawlspace. Yan led the way, slipping over and under pillars with practiced grace. Michael was a little bigger and had trouble with stray nails catching on his clothing here and there, but Yan helped him keep pace.

  Yan led Michael to another hidden panel, opening it above her to reveal another room. They stepped up from beneath a tatami mat into a small bedroom with sparse furnishings. “I am pretty sure my Dad’s guards don’t know about those panels.” Yan said as she replaced the flooring.

  “How did you learn about them?” Michael wiped some dust from his clothes.

  “Years of exploring.” Yan said. “I wasn’t always allowed to go where I pleased, so I snuck around and found secret passageways in the castle. Once you figure out the trick, it’s not hard to find them.”

  “I wonder who built them.” Michael said, checking the room and glancing at a door that led to a balcony outside. From the looks of it, they were about halfway up the castle itself.

  “That, I don’t know.” Yan said. “Never really questioned it.”

  “You didn’t question it?” Michael asked, smirking, “I thought your curiosity had no limits.”

  Yan shook her head, chuckling a bit, “Sometimes I am too amazed to be curious.” She smiled at Michael. Her eyes were glittering emeralds, and they locked gazes for a few moments. Yan looked away after a few long moments.

  “So.” Michael said, glancing at the door. “What’s the next step of the escape plan?”

  “Hehe..” Yan giggled, “I was thinking we head out onto the roofs and try to glide out.”

  “Glide? How am I supposed to do that?” Michael asked.

  “We’ll figure it out.” Yan opened the door to the balcony and stepped out into the sunlight. Michael followed her, his white hair waving about in the breeze.

  Yan hopped over the railing of the balcony and onto the bronze green ceramic tiling. “This way,” She said, moving along the tiles in total silence. Michael hopped over and followed, diminishing some of the noise, but not as well as Yan.

  They moved along the roof, heading around a corner and then along the roof over a hall that led to a tower. Yan stopped at the far side of the pagoda tiles, peering out over the castle grounds and village below. Michael got a good look at the village, but followed Yan’s gaze to a bamboo grove near the canyon where the Trial of Agility took place. “We’ll glide over there.” Yan said.

  “That’s quite a gap,” Michael said, looking at the open courtyard below, which stretched farther than an average village house before reaching the outer walls of the castle.

  “You can make it.” Yan said, “Just do what you did in your Agility test.”

  Michael looked past the wall to the bamboo grove. “Well, I can try that, sure.”

  “Alright. Go first, I will head along with you.” Yan said. Michael nodded and focused his energy with a breath. He crouched, locked eyes on the bamboo thicket, then leapt! Michael soared through the air at great speed, zipping along over the courtyard and clearing the castle walls. He grabbed some bamboo as he reached it, using a firm grip to slow his momentum. The tall stalk swayed forth and back, jostling Michael about and making his head spin. Michael steadied himself with another stalk, then lowered down to the ground.

  He turned to watch for Yan, and saw her falling in a slow graceful motion. Emerald energy wings glowed behind her, making her descent a controlled endeavor. “Woah, that’s awesome.” Michael said as Yan landed.

  “Thanks,” Yan said, smiling. “You did great, that was so fast. I didn’t realize.”

  “Well, that’s why I can go so far with it.” Michael said, rubbing the back of his hair.

  “It worked!” Yan said, patting Michael’s arm. “We escaped the castle.”

  “Yeah, we did!” Michael grinned. Then he looked around. “So, now what?”

  “Now.” Yan said. “I want to show you all of my favorite places.” She started walking towards the village, a pep in her step and humming a tune. Michael chuckled and caught up with her.

  “That’s our work orders done with.” Sebastian said, stepping up alongside Wolf. “How about we go get some lunch. Where’s Hyato?”

  “Lunch sounds good.” Wolf said, rising from the log he was loitering on outside of the Artificer’s house. “Hyato wandered off. Should we track him down?”

  “No, leave him be.” Sebastian said, “He can take care of himself. Instead, I want to go meet up with Lin and Jess.”

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  Wolf shook his head. “I’ll never understand that.” He said with a chuckle. They started walking towards the center of the village.

  “Don’t like spending time with the ladies?” Sebastian asked, nudging Wolf in the side.

  “Wipe that smirk off your face.” Wolf said, “And, not me. I’m Ace, actually.”

  “Oh, well.” Sebastian said, “To each their own. What do you like to do then?”

  “Fight.” Wolf said, pumping his fists together. “Like all Phanokai.”

  “Don’t generalize your own people, man.” Sebastian said, “I’m Evari, but I don’t like sailing. I’ve met plenty of Phanokai who were bookworms or artists. Not everyone is a warrior.”

  “They’re just missing out. Nothing gets my blood boiling like a good fight.” Wolf said.

  “I could say the same about you and women.” Sebastian said, “That’s a whole other kind of adrenaline.”

  “I think I’ll stick to fighting.” Wolf said, “But since there’s none to be had around here, food will do.”

  Sebastian laughed, and they made their way to the village center. It was still bustling with activity, though fewer villagers were out and about. One man walked past, exclaiming aloud at how pleased he was to be going on an adventure.

  The pleasant aroma of sizzling meat drew Wolf to a nearby plaza. A few of the vendors had set up fires to grill meat and boil stews. “Meat!” Wolf said. Sebastian chuckled and joined him.

  Wolf took a seat at a large circular table, on the other side a man came over to serve him. As Wolf ordered, Sebastian peered at the menu. He rubbed his chin as he thought of what to eat.

  “You should get the Stuffed Quail.” A familiar voice said.

  “Not a bad idea, Lin.” Sebastian said, offering the Ninja girl a wide smile. “Care to have a seat?”

  “Sure, I wanted to find you guys to ask you some stuff anyways.” Lin said, sitting next to the hungry tactician.

  “What’s on your mind, my dear?”

  Lin giggled, “Adventure! Now that the village is open, I am planning my adventure. I want to be a Delver.”

  “That can be a dangerous profession.” Sebastian said, “You’ll want to take caution, and find allies.”

  “That’s why I wanted to talk, what kind of precautions should I take?” Lin asked.

  “People you can trust are important. Food, comforts, something to relieve stress as well.” Sebastian said, “Though you could always come travelling with us, if you wanted.”

  “I’d love to travel with you guys.” Lin said, “But you aren’t going to delve dungeons, are you?”

  “Nope.” Sebastian said. “In that case, are you looking to delve only unexplored dungeons?” Sebastian asked.

  “Not really. If they’ve been explored before, I still want to go myself.”

  “In that case, you should head to western Myrrh. There are several dungeons there and a delver’s guild. There is a branch in each of the cities near the Ramione mountain borders and the Mystic wall.” Sebastian explained.

  “How do you know all this stuff?” Wolf asked while stuffing another sauce coated quail into his mouth.

  Sebastian dabbed some sauce off his own lips as he turned to face Wolf, “Years of study. I’ve been travelling and learning and reading at libraries all over for most of my adult life.”

  “Oh, so you’re like Chief Maximillian.” Lin said, smiling.

  “Who?” Sebastian asked.

  “The grandfather of the current Chief.” Lin said, “Was a man named Maximillian... errr...”

  “Maximilian Delaniyae Aeronemar.” The chef provided. He set down a plate that Lin had ordered and moved away.

  “Thanks.” Lin said, “Yeah, so that was his name, and he left the village to travel and be a scholar. He sent back a ton of books and stuff to the village for a while.”

  “I think... I’ve read some of his works.” Sebastian said, “In Durenistrans. Quite a ways away from here. Where did he go after that?”

  “Well, he died. The village stopped receiving books and gifts, no more letters. And it was the Broken Times. It’s amazing that he was able to travel at all, really.” Lin said.

  “Well, I’ve learned something today.” Sebastian said, taking a bite out of his food.

  “What’s that?”

  “All the men in Yan’s family have audacious names.” Sebastian said, chuckling.

  Lin giggled and dug into her own food. Wolf had finished and cleaned his plate, then stood up. “We need anything else for the journey, Sebastian?”

  “I wanted to speak with Jess before we go.” Sebastian said.

  “I’ll go find her.” Wolf said, heading off.

  Yan took Michael to a garden of raised flower beds, where dozens of colorful flowers were blooming. Bees buzzed around the place, and Michael took in the pleasant aroma of the petals. “This is nicer than I expected.”

  “How do you mean?” Yan asked, sniffing at a blue petalled flower.

  “Just the smell of flowers. I’ve been so focused, I forgot how comfortable simple things like this are.” Michael said. He sat at a circular bench built into the tree at the center of the garden. “I can see why you like this place.”

  Michael relaxed, enjoying the scent of flowers as Yan moved to the ones she liked most. After several long relaxing minutes Michael started tapping his fingers on the bench without realizing it. Yan turned to him, “Wanna see the next place?” She asked.

  “Sure, if you want.” Michael said, sitting up straight.

  “There’s an archive of books sent back to the village by my Great Grandfather, it’s really cool.” Yan said, moving to take Michael’s hand. He stood up and followed as she led the way from the flower gardens.

  The two quarter feral ventured along narrow streets and through back alleys, cutting through yards and hopping fences to avoid walking on the main roads of the village. They had escaped the palace without much trouble, but her Father might have sent someone to collect her, and Yan was not about to go through all of that again. Michael seemed to enjoy sneaking about. Yan saw him grinning as they sidled between two houses.

  Up a small slope off the road adjacent to the central plaza was a building made of stone and glass, as opposed to the wood and bamboo construction of most buildings in the village. Decorations and fencing made the plot blend in, but up close Michael felt that this was an odd building to have around. Yan opened the double door and strode inside.

  The interior of the building made Michael pause for a moment. Smooth dark wood floors and matching polished tables and chairs made up the entrance of the building. The smooth stone walls had ornate metal shelving with neat rows of books and hooks holding scroll cases. A man with a thin mustache looked up from a desk in the center of the small room, and past him Michael saw a metal grate on a divider that led to a much larger room full of tomes and the like.

  “Miss Yan. It has been a long time.” The man said, inclining his head. “Welcome back.” The man turned his sharp gaze to Michael. “And greetings to you. I don’t believe we’ve met.”

  A look from Yan told Michael that he needed to speak for himself. “We haven’t. I’m Michael. Good to meet you.”

  “Greetings Michael. I am the keeper of this house of knowledge. Call me Klein.” The man said.

  “Klein, can we look at some of the backroom books?” Yan asked.

  The librarian inclined his head, “As long as you promise to let no harm come to the collection.” Klein said. He stood and walked to the metal grate, withdrawing a golden key. After a moment of hiding the grate with his body, the path was unlocked. Klein stepped aside and nodded.

  “Thank you.” Michael said. He and Yan moved ahead into the archives. A large warehouse of space stretched out ahead, filled with raised shelving. The shelves went from Michael’s knees to around his eye level. Only four shelves high, but each one was full of books, tomes, scrolls, or other items of intrigue.

  The numerous shelves were broken up in spots with small nooks where a few chairs and tables sat. These places were lit the best. “There are so many books.” Michael said.

  “Right? My great grandfather collected a ton. I’ve read lots of them. They are mostly stories, but some of them are about skills and history and stuff.”

  “So, you want to read some books?” Michael asked, looking around. “I don’t even know where I would start.”

  “I just wanted to show you this place.” Yan said. “Cause I think it’s really cool.” Yan smiled as they walked through the shelves.

  There were other people in the archives. A few people here and there, in groups and alone, sitting at those open nooks or browsing the books. The aisles were wide enough to walk around one another. As they passed the fourth group, Michael wondered, “Wait, were all these people locked in here?”

  “There is a one way exit.” Yan said, “Only the way in is locked.”

  “Oh, that’s good to know.” Michael said.

  They browsed the books for a brief time, taking a short tour of the archives. Among the shelves were hanging scrolls depicting art of various scenes. Michael took an interest in some of the odd landscapes that were depicted. “Do you think there are any interesting books about skills here?” Michael asked.

  “I don’t know.” Yan said, setting down a scroll she had been looking at. “We can go ask Klein.”

  “Okay, sure.”

  Having spent only a short time browsing, they started to make their way back to the entrance. “We should have thought to ask before coming in.” Yan mused.

  “You just wanted to show me the place, it makes sense.” Michael said. They moved around a shelf and to a door that would let them out on the other side of the entrance room from where they entered.

  “Just through here.” Yan said, placing a hand on the door. She started to open it, then went still.

  “Yan?” Michael said, looking at her, then past her into the first room.

  The front door of the archive had opened and three people walked inside. “I wish you’d have told me about this place a few days ago.” Sebastian said, looking at the shelves lining the walls.

  “It didn’t occur to me,” Jess said, entering afterwards. “Klein, these are friends of mine. Can they be let into the archive?”

  “Oh, it’s Sebastian.” Michael said, taking a step forward.

  “Wait!” Yan pressed her hand to Michael’s chest, stopping him from opening the door. She had to move herself in the way to stop him.

  Michael blinked down at Yan, tilting his head. “Why?”

  “I just... don’t want them to see us.” Yan said, looking back towards the others. Hyato was the third person who entered with the others.

  “But...” Michael said, “I don’t understand.” Sebastian was speaking with Klein on the other side of the wall, not far from where Yan was stopping Michael.

  “I don’t want them to get the wrong idea.” Yan said. She turned her face, but Michael saw that her cheeks were flushed pink.

  “If you say so, Yan.” Michael said, shrugging.

  The sound of the other door unlocking made Yan flinch. There were bookshelves in the way, but Sebastian would be able to see over them as well. Yan crouched down, pulling Michael down with her. A few moments passed, and Sebastian could be heard gushing over the books inside the archive room. “Okay, let’s go.” Yan opened the door and slipped back to the entrance.

  Klein nodded as Michael and Yan left the Archive, “Was there anything in particular you were after?” He asked.

  “Not this time, Klein. I just wanted to show the place to him. Thank you.” Yan said, heading for the exit. Michael gave the man a smile.

  “Very well. Have a pleasant evening.” Klein said, turning his eyes back towards the book at his desk. Yan and Michael exited the archive.

  The sky outside was getting darker, twilight hours were drawing near already. A nice breeze moved over the valley, ruffling their hair around. “That was a close one.” Yan said.

  “I don’t get why we’re hiding from our friends.” Michael said as they descended the hill back towards the roads. Yan opened her mouth to say something, and closed it again. She frowned. Michael sighed.

  A few moments later Yan spoke, “Can I show you one of my favorite spots Michael?”

  “Yeah, of course.” Michael said, glancing back at the archive. He saw Hyato exit the archive, and wondered if the man had seen them.

  “It’s at the south end of town,” Yan said, turning right and moving towards one of the back alleys. “This way.” Michael followed her.

  “You know, one of the village elders set out today.” Jess said. She picked up a book from the shelf.

  “Really? The village only just opened its gates.” Sebastian said. He was browsing the books in the archive, picking a few off the shelf to skim the first few pages before putting them back.

  Jess and Sebastian selected a few tomes and went to one of the reading nooks. As he sat down, Sebastian looked over Jess one more time. “So, you’re set on staying in the village?”

  “I have to stay, to be with my sister.” Jess said. “I might go traveling sometime, after she grows up.”

  Sebastian let out a dramatic sigh, “And here I was hoping to add another cute ninja girl to the team.” He said with a smirk.

  Jess shook her head, laughing, “You’ll have to look elsewhere. It was fun having you around though. What are you guys going to do next?”

  “Well, it looks like we are heading to Cryston. A direct route will be most ideal.” Sebastian said, “You should look me up if you ever start adventuring.”

  “Maybe I will.” Jess said. She checked the time, and opened a book. Sebastian flipped through the pages of the book he held, muttering to himself. After a few minutes of silent reading Jess looked around. “Where did Hyato go?”

  “Hmm?” Sebastian looked around, “Must have slipped off somewhere.”

  Jess sat up straighter, “Should we go look for him?”

  “Why?” Sebastian asked.

  “He might get hurt or something.” Jess said, standing up and looking down the nearby aisles.

  “He’s a big boy, he’ll be fine.” Sebastian said.

  Jess frowned, her eyes darkening, while Sebastian continued to pour through his books. “We should go find him.” Jess said.

  Sebastian looked up at her, eyebrows lifted and a frown twisting his face into annoyance. “I Just started reading this.” He complained.

  “You’re going to let him wander on his own?” Jess asked.

  “It’s not my problem what he does.” Sebastian said, looking back at his pile of books. “I don’t have much time left in this village, I’m going to read.”

  Jess ground her teeth in frustration and checked the time again. Then she slipped out of the library and left Sebastian to his own devices. The Evari Tactician only gave her a cursory glance as she departed, rubbing his chin in thought.

  From the southernmost ridges of the valley of Aeronemar sprang the river that flowed through it. The river flowed north, into a deep canyon carved out by age. Yan led Michael to the cliffs at the origin of the river, where an old road led to a shrine.

  The babbling sound of water filled their ears as they came to the bridge over the river. On one side of the bridge was a pond fed by a tall waterfall, a dancing spray of mists keeping the myriad of wildflowers here in bloom. To the other side of the bridge the water fell away again, leading down to the river in the valley proper. Yan leaned against the red wooden railing of the bridge and looked out at the view. The entire valley of Aeronemar stretched out ahead of them. The village and farms below, the groves of indigo blossoms and the Castle. Michael looked out at the canyon and peach orchards, and could see as far as the distant bamboo grove where the dungeon had lain. “This is a great spot.” He said.

  “It’s my favorite place in the valley.” Yan said. “You can see everything. The wind and the waterfall are so soothing, and all my troubles seem to melt away when I’m here.”

  Michael nodded, looking at the nearby trees, they had pink blossoms. The winds shook their branches, playing a soft melody of nature. “I can see why you like it.”

  Yan looked out over the valley with a contented sigh. Michael stood next to her, and hummed. “So, why did you not want the others to see us?”

  “Right to the point, huh?” Yan said, her cheeks flushing pink, “Can’t you be subtle?”

  “Not really.” Michael said, looking out over the valley instead of at Yan, “I mean, I’m not even a month old, am I? Everything is new to me. I know some things, I can read, I can do math.” Michael pursed his lips, “For some reason I knew that stopping water would build up pressure.” Yan listened to Michael, watching him talk, “But at the same time, there is so much I don’t know. Not just about myself, but about the world!”

  Michael stood tall and looked up at the twilit sky. “I’ve learned that we are in the Kingdom of Myrrh, in the Alymbai region, on the Continent of Sera, within the Plane of Iagorothi.” Michael said, raising his arms skyward. “But.... I don’t really know what all that means.”

  “Okay?” Yan said, “But what does that have to do with anything?” She looked up at him and he turned to face her.

  “I’m never going to get answers if I am subtle.” Michael said. “I just want to know more.”

  Yan giggled, catching Michael’s gaze, “Alright.” She said. “Then I’ll tell you. I just wanted to share my village, what I liked about it, with you.” Yan said, looking up at Michael’s eyes, “Just you.”

  “Just me?” Michael asked. Yan’s emerald eyes were piercing. Her hands fidgeted a bit, but her gaze never wavered. “Why me?”

  “I don’t know.” Yan said, “I just... wanted to.”

  “Me.” Michael said. He took Yan’s hands in his, and she gripped them back. Their locked gaze remained for a long moment, then as Michael began to say “Yan...” she began to say his name.

  “Sorry, you go ahead.” Michael said.

  “No, you first.” Yan said.

  “Okay, Yan.” Michael said, nodding. “About that day before, in the pond...”

  Yan’s eyes widened, “Oh Gods...”

  “Do you... What do you... I mean, I...” Michael said, “Do you... like me?”

  “What, Yes. Of course.” Yan said without hesitation. “Do you like...” Yan’s question was cut off as Michael leaned in close, pressing his lips to hers. Yan leaned into the kiss, closing her eyes.

  Their noses bumped and they wobbled, but they tried again. Michael and Yan shared a kiss. The world around them faded from their awareness. The bridge, the waterfall, not even the darkening blue sky drew their attention away from one another.

  In a nearby tree, surrounded by pink blossoms, Hyato watched Michael and Yan, then let out a long sigh. He said something to himself, then his focus seemed to change. With as much stealth as he could muster, he dropped from the tree and began to descend towards town. He didn’t need to be so sneaky, they were distracted.

  Hyato moved towards town, intending to give his friends some privacy. “Don’t worry about it.” He said to himself, frowning.

  Further down the path, after a few minutes of walking, Hyato saw one of the people that Sebastian had hooked up with while in Yan’s hometown. She was heading up the path towards him, but why? Hyato narrowed his eyes and headed for her, “Hey Jess. What brings you this way?”

  “Woah, what’s with the attitude?” Jess asked, lifting her arms in a placating motion.

  Lots of words came to Hyato’s minds, but he liked to pick his words with care. “You like following me?”

  “I wasn’t following you.” Jess said, folding her arms. “It’s... really nice up this way.”

  The red swordsman had heard enough lies to detect another. Hyato took a moment to notice some nearby reeds with bulbous growths atop tall stalks. They would do, “I know you’ve been keeping tabs on us, asking questions.” Hyato said, “Why so interested?”

  Jess was flustered, and fumbled for words for a few seconds. “Well, I... You know.” She muttered, “I thought, you might... like me?” She looked away, blushing.

  “You’re not my type.” Hyato said, “And I know you Ninja like to think you’re the fastest or the best around, but you’re not.” Jess gave him a sharp look and reached for kunai. “Don’t bother.” Hyato said, twisting his right hand. He had already drawn his sword, “Look.” Hyato pointed and Jess looked.

  The reeds were nearby, about ten feet to the side between them. The growths at the top fell off of all ten or so reeds, and Hyato sheathed his sword. “Stop spying on us.” Hyato said, “I won’t warn you again.”

  Jess was able to maintain a solid face, but not the trembling in her knees as Hyato walked past her and down to the village. She bit her lip, exhaled, and pulled out a small notebook. She flipped past the page on Michael, Wolf, and then past Sebastian, to a page labeled Hyato. She wrote down a few words, then returned to the village. “Better be worth the money...” She said to herself.

  Night took over the Aeronemar Valley, in the Drakmor Mountains between the Kingdoms of Myrrh and Cryston. For most, it was a night of revelry. A long isolation had ended, allowing an entire generation to seek the adventure their hearts demanded. Many were making plans to begin journeys, travel beyond the mountains, or start their adventures. For Michael and his group, as they sat with one another in Yan’s house, it meant a return to adventure. Michael and Yan sat together, not speaking of their date. Hyato sat with a smile near his friends, while Wolf laughed and enjoyed his meal. Sebastian explained to the other four about some interesting things he had found in the archive, and to prepare for the journey ahead.