Chapter 38
“How is Ariuk?” Sheiji asked General Ammar as they, along with Fa-Ying and Inon, sat around a table discussing the outcome of the battle.
“Doing well,” Ammar said. “The doctor said he’d live. He’s getting stronger by the day. We sent him back to Taukama where he’ll recover much quicker.”
“I’m glad. I was worried for him,” Sheiji replied. “What would have happened to Jiwu if he died?”
Ammar frowned grimly, “The husband of Ariuk’s younger sister would have become king, seeing that King Naro has no other sons. That would not be good for Jiwu to have a foreigner on the throne.”
“Fa-Ying,” Sheiji began curiously. “Why was I betrothed to the heir of Nakuchi?”
“Whatever do you mean, Sheiji?” Fa-Ying asked.
“Why not Sui-Tsai or Tamé. Surely Emperor Vishou would have wanted to marry her to the one most likely to become king after my father’s death. Then Imatsuro and Nakuchi would be united.”
Fa-Ying replied, “They were both too old and already married.”
“But it is not unheard of for a man to have more than one wife, even one many years younger. Why, my father had three wives. Don’t you think Vishou would have still tried to betroth Sahima to one of my brothers, just to unite our two countries?”
“It is an interesting question, Sheiji. I have never thought of it,” Fa-Ying replied. “But perhaps Vishou did not want Imatsuro and Nakuchi united. Or perhaps he thought you would be a better choice for his daughter. It is said he mourned for years after his daughter was kidnapped, so he must have loved her dearly and wanted a good match for her.”
“Why was Sahima kidnapped?” Sheiji asked.
“There were those who wanted to overthrow the Alamaj dynasty, to which Vishou and Sahima belong,” Fa-Ying explained. “They kidnapped Sahima and…” Fa-Ying glanced at Ammar and Inon before continuing, “…and it is supposed that they killed her.”
“Did Vishou search for her?” Sheiji asked.
“Yes. A thorough search was made in Nakuchi.” Fa-Ying replied.
“But did they search Imatsuro?”
“No, why would they?” Fa-Ying answered.
“If you were going to steal a royal princess, you wouldn’t leave her in her country; you would take her somewhere else. I’m sure Vishou could have figured that out, so why didn’t he search Imatsuro?” Sheiji wondered.
“What are you getting at, Sheiji?” Fa-Ying asked.
“I’ve heard a rumor that Vishou now has a son and he intends to make him emperor—.”
“Vishou has no son. His wife is dead and he never remarried. Even if he did have a son, it would be logical to make him emperor because he believes his heir is dead,” Fa-Ying raised his voice slightly in exasperation.
“I have heard the rumor myself in Jiwu, honored Fa-Ying,” Ammar replied. “It is widespread.”
“Sheiji, you are trying to keep her here,” Fa-Ying said harshly. “You want to keep her from her father after all this time? It’s selfish, Sheiji. And even worse that you would make Vishou into a villain. Close your ears to rumors.”
“But if it’s true, Fa-Ying, then we’ve made a terrible mistake. What if Sahima was not kidnapped, but was purposefully removed from the palace so that she could not become Empress?” Sheiji questioned. “You now told Vishou that Sahima is alive!”
“The princess is alive?” Ammar asked.
“Yes!” Sheiji explained in desperation. “At least she is not here now,” he answered with wistful relief.
“What—,” Inon started to say, but he was interrupted a loud thud as the door burst open. Inon and Ammar sprang to their feet, each drawing their swords against the man who stood panic-stricken in the doorway.
“On your knees before the king,” Inon commanded. The soldier at once fell to his knees and touched his forehead to the ground. “What do you mean by entering the king’s chambers without his summons?” Inon asked.
“Forgive me, merciful Vua,” the soldier begged in an accent. “But I bear grave news.”
“What is that?” Sheiji asked slowly, annoyed at being interrupted in the midst of an important conversation.
“Please, Vua, do not condemn me, for I was called upon to bring these unhappy tidings,” the soldier trembled.
Sheiji sighed, but found his annoyance fading, “You are pardoned for your interruption. Now, what news?”
“Sui-Tsai is dead, honorable Vua,” the soldier said, speaking in a whisper.
“Dead? By whose hand?” Sheiji demanded.
“His own, Vua.”
“How? He had no weapon,” Sheiji asked.
“We know not, Vua. He fell upon a sword,” the soldier replied. “We suppose he bribed a guard to get it.”
“He had no money. My men searched him thoroughly,” Sheiji spoke to the soldier. “When did he do it? Was the sword still with him? And sit up, I can’t hear you when you mumble into the floor.”
“It must have been some time last night. The sword is there, but it has no markings,” the soldier answered, sitting up timidly.
“What is your name, soldier?” Sheiji asked him.
“I am called Jihaad Habib,” the soldier replied.
“Jihaad Habib?” Sheiji asked. “You were a part of Sui-Tsai’s army?”
“Yes, Vua,” Jihaad wept. “I deserve to die for it. Death would be better than life anyway.”
“Did you join the army by choice? Are you loyal to Sui-Tsai?”
“I despise Sui-Tsai,” Jihaad said. “He murdered my wife and children and threatened to kill me if I didn’t side with him. What else could I do?”
Sheiji’s face softened as he imagined how he would feel if Sui-Tsai killed Sahima, “He killed your family?”
“Yes,” tears ran down Jihaad’s cheeks as he sobbed silently. “I had five little children. He killed my two oldest, a daughter and a son. You may as well kill me for treason. I have no reason to live anymore.”
“I will not kill you,” Sheiji replied. “I do not kill for fun or without a good reason. You have suffered enough sorrow to last you a lifetime and you have three other children who need you.”
Sheiji turned to Inon, “Inon, please find out which guards were on duty last night. Search them for bribe money and see if any are missing their swords. Report back to me as soon as you have done this.” Next, he turned to Fa-Ying who was watching Jihaad curiously, “Fa-Ying, would you make the funeral preparations. He will be cremated and placed alongside our relatives in the crypt. Prepare a proclamation of his death and send it out through Imatsuro. It will hopefully cause all those who had remained loyal to Sui-Tsai to switch their loyalties to me…” Sheiji trailed off as he saw Fa-Ying trying to hide a smile. “What?” he demanded.
“Forgive me, Vua,” Fa-Ying answered. “You sound just like your father—like a man. I’m proud of you, Sheiji.”
Sheiji smiled slightly. His smile faded into puzzlement as he saw the look on Jihaad’s face, “What is it, Jihaad?”
“Your name is Fa-Ying?” Jihaad asked, addressing Fa-Ying.
“Yes,” Fa-Ying replied slowly, looking suddenly very old.
“Fa-Ying, son of Yaasmeen?” Jihaad asked again, eyes wide.
Fa-Ying nodded wordlessly. Sheiji stared in confusion.
“Then you…” Jihaad’s voice cracked. “You are my father!”