Chapter 24
Sheiji had much time to think while he lay recovering in bed. Mostly he thought about Suyo. He turned it over and over in his mind until his head ached. He found himself wondering what she was doing at that moment. As he ate his supper, he worried about her getting enough to eat. He tried to recall every moment he had spent with Suyo. Every conversation they had had. Every lesson she had taught him. But he had taken it for granted. Now she was gone.
As the pain in his body subsided, the pain in his heart grew. He was lonely for Suyo’s company. He longed to hear her voice, even a scolding voice. He wanted to be free to flee from pursuers with her by his side. He wanted to climb the highest buildings with her. He even found himself wanting to help her climb those buildings, though she was ten times better than he. Sheiji did not know why he felt this way until he talked it over with King Naro who had immediately diagnosed him as being in love, though Sheiji had scoffed at the idea and laughed at the utter ridiculousness of it all.
King Naro had become fond of Sheiji over the weeks. He told Sheiji about his mother and about their childhood. Sheiji soaked up every story. He had never known his mother and his father was either too busy or too sad to tell Sheiji about her.
King Naro’s physician declared Sheiji well enough to get out of bed nearly two months after he first arrived at his uncle’s palace. Sheiji had felt well long before this, but the physician refused to let him out of bed a day earlier than necessary. But there was still more to do before Sheiji could reclaim his throne. His illness had left him weak and he began rigorous training to improve his strength.
If it had not been for Suyo’s teaching and Sheiji’s life on the streets, it might have taken him longer to brush up on his skills. As it was however, he was ready after only two weeks. During this time, and the time wasted while Sheiji was sick, King Naro had been gathering his soldiers and forming an army. It would be ready whenever Sheiji was, King Naro declared.
The day finally arrived when the army marched out of Taukama. King Naro’s son, Ariuk, and Sheiji rode side by side at the front of the company. King Naro, as old as he was, had stayed home to rule and sent his son to aid Sheiji. After the two would-be kings came King Naro’s three generals. The rest of the column was divided into regiments, each with their own colonel. In all, there were about 3,000 troops.
The plan was for Sheiji, Ariuk and a hundred skilled fighting men to attack the palace, working their way inside and locating Sui-Tsai and Tamé. The remaining troops were back-ups in case the plan failed. Sheiji sincerely hoped they would not be needed.
“What will you do with Sui-Tsai and Tamé once you catch them?” Ariuk asked.
“I haven’t decided yet,” Sheiji answered softly.
“You have the right to kill them, you know. They’ve committed treason and the punishment for that is death,” Ariuk answered.
“But they are princes and they are my brothers,” Sheiji said. He shook his head, “I hate to kill them…”
They rode in silence for a while. Then Ariuk said, “I’ve only known you for a few weeks, but I think you’ll make a good ruler. Do you know why?”
“Why?”
“I don’t think any king has ever lived among the common people like you have. You know what they think and what their struggles are. You aren’t just a pampered prince,” Ariuk said.
“I suppose.”
“But my father once told me, that being a king is not only about being kind and merciful. You must also be just. Sometimes that involves killing traitors and punishing law breakers,” Ariuk said wisely. “It is hard for me. I will one day be king, but I do not like to punish people. That is why my father told me that.”
Sheiji nodded, “Your father is wise. I was never very close to my father because I was the youngest. I never got much of a chance to learn from him.”
Again they were silent, each lost in his own thoughts.
“My lord, there is a messenger to see you,” Mura-Tada, one of the three generals bowed to Sheiji. They had made camp for the night on the outskirts of a small village.
“From whom?” Sheiji asked.
“Your spies in Taiyunyi.” General Mura-Tada lowered his voice.
“Ah. Send him in,” Sheiji commanded. He was dressed in a loose tunic and trousers. He found them more comfortable than the traditional long, robe-like tunics of the rich. Though he had given up his turban, he insisted on wearing his peasant dress. It was simply logical. No one could run or climb or jump in a robe!
The messenger walked in and fell to his knees before Sheiji, kissing the ground in reverence.
“What is your name, soldier?” Sheiji asked, motioning for the messenger to rise.
“Bourtai, if it please you, Your Majesty,” replied the messenger.
“Bourtai? That means ‘cygnet,’ doesn’t it? Of course, the cygnet is now a swan,” Sheiji replied. He had decided to continue using this as a means of recognizing friends.
Bourtai stared at Sheiji blankly, then his face cleared and he mumbled, “And the falcon will not hunt forever.” He showed Sheiji the lotus charm.
“How are things coming in Taiyunyi?” Sheiji questioned.
“All is ready, Vua,” Bourtai replied. “Your humble servants have made arrangements for you and your soldiers to enter the palace. The guards on duty for that night are loyal to you. You will arrive on schedule?”
“One week from today,” Sheiji replied. “What are Sui-Tsai’s forces? Does he have an army? Has it reached him that we’re on the move?”
“He does not yet know who you are, only that there is a large army from Jiwu that appears to be invading Imatsuro. He has gathered an army of 5,000 and they hope to cut you off at the crossing of the Genji and Charanaro Rivers.”
“Hmm. That’s sooner than I thought. We’ll be there late tomorrow or the day after. I wonder, is it possible to slip past? Bourtai, do they know our numbers?”
“No, Vua. Only that there is an army. Their spies are not well informed,” Bourtai replied.
“Good. I shall perhaps speak with you more about that, but now, is there a message from the soldier, Inon?”
“Yes. He said to tell you that Fa-Ying is still alive, but not well. He said to remember your duty and the prophecy. He said you’d know what he meant,” Bourtai said.
“Yes,” Sheiji smiled. “I won’t forget. Anything else?”
“He has a plan to trap the two princes, but he wouldn’t tell me what it was. He said he would see you when you arrived in Taiyunyi and he would tell you then. He said not to let anything stop you from your journey. That’s all.”
“Thank you, Bourtai,” Sheiji said gratefully. “You may take your rest. I will call you again later.”
“Of course, Vua,” Bourtai answered. “My life is yours.”