One Bottle of Ice Wine - Ice Fantasy fanfiction - Chapter 8

At the moment Ying Kong Shi returned to the Palace, Liu Shu immediately became aware of it. He did not want to leave anything to chance, so he had a guard station near Mirage Hall. Not too obvious, but an even more effective solution... And anyways, that was the Prince's order. By the time he turned up around the corner of the corridor leading to the Hall, the Counsellor have been already waiting for him in a bow at the entrance. However, Shi did not even mind the guards or the Counsellor. He pushed the door in with a big smile up to his ears and slammed it immediately. Liu Shu stared at the carved ornaments of the door in front of his nose, but he only made a silent comment to himself, then took a deep breath and waited on.

Shi walked to the table and dug into the fruit basket. He tossed the grapes in his mouth one after another, and laughed loudly. He took another one in his fingers and looked at it more closely. Finally he sighed and closed his eyes. He raised his other hand slowly. A hardly visible, pale glow swirled between his fingers, and lazily turned toward the balcony. Shi was chewing the fruit as slowly as the magic melted the ice wall into nothing. He didn’t hurry, there was no trace of the anger that he used to hide the doors to the balcony a few days before. He lifted his head only when he felt the fresh air coming from outside on his face.

A memory has awaken. He deliberately let it go. The snowflakes sneaking in the Hall first hid, then unveiled the scene that he was able to recall for the first time without pain.

- Why are you here? - he asked the girl just like back then.

- The entire Snow Blade City is in our hands. I can came to your Mirage Hall whenever I like. – the memory answered, then faded away.

Shi swallowed the last grape and walked out to the balcony. The sun was high in the sky, and the fine mist rising from the valleys eased the twinkling of snow shimmering on the. Snowbirds were chasing around one of the peaks, their shrieks made Shi smile faintly, but then he became troubled. Yan Da, the Princess of the Fire Clan was drinking wine on his balcony with the tranquility of winners. She was proud and sassy. Still, how could she expect the Prince to chat with her like before? Shi now regretted his behavior. His keeping a cold distance was only enough for a fight, again. Yan Da tried to get the reasons and whys out of him, again, while he was still trying to get the grip of himself. She pulled out her whip, again, and he did nothing. So many things were at stake. He was incapable of considering the possibility that they would not look at each other as enemies. He held it back, did not defend himself, and endured that Yan Da wounded him... How many similar moments followed that day, how many encounters and how many quarrels, still the same song for centuries and millennia. Perhaps, as an exception, he could play his own song for once...

He sighed. At least he had that bamboo leaf... But it was left back on Earth with so many other memories. Snow Bird said Yan Da would remember if she wanted to. What could be the thing to make her want to remember?

To his greatest regret, the Counsellor decided not to wait any longer and had himself announced aloud by the guard. Shi had to turn his back on the flow of thoughts and come back into the present:

- Come in, Liu Shu.

The Counsellor entered the opening door, and bowed with ceremony, having no emotion on his face.

- Your Highness... I'm glad you came back. Just in time.

Shi tried to put some interest on his face.

- Really?

He waved towards the table, but Liu Shu did not want to sit down. He had to nod once more, but the Counsellor was still trying to resist.

- Your Highness, I would prefer to stand. As the etiquette demands.

Shi impatiently howled him down.

- The etiquette is not really important now. Spit out already, what you want to say. I don’t have time for it.

The Counsellor's eyes widened for a moment, but then he quickly pulled himself together and cleared his throat. So the Prince has something to do...

- Your Highness, we have strengthened the protection of the City and the Palace according to your orders. After the last meeting the clan leaders were housed in the Palace. However, I have to inform you, Your Highness, that Hui Heise left in a hurry just a few hours thereafter.

- The others?

- For the time being, they enjoy hospitality of the Ice Clan.

- I do not understand. - said the Prince. - They've been given a week, and two days already have passed. Still, they sit here in the Palace and do nothing? Maybe they think the news about the sword will fall from the sky?

He shook his head. He looked at the Counsellor.

- And you? Did you find something?

- Unfortunately no, Your Highness. - he lowered his head. - The patrol that we sent to the Sacred Snow Mountain to find the others has not yet arrived. The Commander's last report says they need two more days to reach the mountain. Then we'll know more.

- It takes too long... - said the Prince. He glanced out of the window toward the mountains, and before he could change his mind, he said what he thought: - I'm going there.

- Your Highness... - the Counsellor murmured, forgetting respect, but came to himself in a moment. - Yes, Your Highness. I'm waiting for your orders.

- Not a word to anyone! - Shi pointed his finger, and by the time the Counsellor straightened up, the Prince was gone.

- Where are we going? - asked Snow Bird, completely unnecessarily. When he appeared near Shi flying high, they were already near the Sacred Snow Mountain. The Prince first planned to follow the path on which the Guard's patrol was heading toward its goal, but he should have travel slower and lower, and he was too impatient. Instead, he skipped the idea and chose the shorter path. He would then find the patrol on his way back. At the end of the path heading to the Mountain, from where you could already see the Fortress, they descended to the ground.

- Did not you want to stop nearer? - Snow Bird tried again. – It’s still one more hour on foot.

- My mother died here, did you know? - Shi said softly. The other nodded. So that was the reason for the great speechlessness. Shi soon after remarked: - What happened to the Hidden Lotus?

- What was I thinking? - Snow Bird laughed. - I thought your sudden romantic desire urged you here to face your memories. You came in vein, you know that? It is not the time for the Lotus to bloom. Not yet…

- I did not come to make a wish. - the Prince said impatiently. - I need to know what happened to the patrol. Something is really wrong. There are five clan leaders jumped on each other in the Palace and everyone is nervous because of a sword. Because of my father's sword.

Xian Xue nodded.

- Well, off we go. Maybe the two of us will find out easier.

They could only take a few steps, when a warm breeze came in and melted the snow around them in an instant.

- Did they miss me? - the wind laughed. - Did you miss me?

In their hands the magic of defence sparkled, but they searched for the woods and the snowy rocks of the distance in vain, they saw nothing. The wind laughed without stopping.

- Show yourself, you coward worm, or piss off! - Shi shouted, finally losing his patience and throwing ice daggers in all directions, but an unknown force simply pushed him back. As he was trying to get up, something red rushed past him, and the laughter was now coming from the very near.

- I missed you... Xian Xue, you did not change at all.

Shi was staring down at the figure appearing between them. The snow disappeared in a large circle, emerald green grass dried up steaming under the feet of apparition. Orange and golden ornaments glittered among the swirling veils of her red dress following her every single movement.

- Yan Zhu... – they both muttered at once, and the woman dropped a quick look on the Prince for the first time. She no longer smiled. Then she turned back to Snow Bird, who was visibly nervous, and tried to stay in the snow with his short steps.

- That's reassuring... I thought I’d have to face the fact you forgot me, when I meet you again. I'm glad it did not happen this way.

- But how? - Shi found his voice earlier.

Yan Zhu snapped at him angrily.

- Ying Kong Shi! You surely did not you think, that a single blow of a miserable mortal would destroy me forever?  That’s an insult. And a very bad idea.

- What happened to the patrol? – Snow Bird asked the much more important question.

- Hm? What? Oh, do you mean those good-for-nothing, insignificant, malicious mortals who dared to wake me up in my afternoon sleeping? - Yan Zhu waved behind her. - In the Fortress? Or are you looking for those who came later? I needed none of them.

Snow Bird spoke again in a low voice with a dark face, and Ying Kong Shi suddenly felt that he must stay on the ground.

- What did you do to them, Yan Zhu?

She laughed again, turned her back on them and raised her arms. The Mountain was shaking under their feet. Behind the peak where the Fortress was supposed to be, fire columns hit the sky, one after another, and spit out liquid fire without stopping. A few moments passed only, but in the end there was no doubt what had happened to the Fortress and the people on the Mountain. When the first fire brook swept through the narrow passage between the nearby mountains, Snow Bird jumped beside the prince and grabbed his arm:

- Get out of here, at once.

The creepy laughter followed them far.

On the balcony of Mirage Hall Shi came to himself gasping for air. The spell released them from their threatening position at such an astonishing speed that it was too much even for him. He glanced at the other, but Xian Xue looked away and walked silently to the head of the stone statue. Thus the Prince only sat there, though he was in trouble keeping his many questions for himself. Still, he thought it was right. He only coughed as a warning when he saw the first star.

Snow Bird shook himself.

- You did not ask this either.

- I need a drink. - Ying Kong Shi mumbled, then stood up and after sweeping the snowflakes off his clothes, he walked back to the Hall. He never drank more than a glass, and he tasted wine only for the sake of taste. But now he sent it down in one.

- You said there are other spirits and other gods. Was Yan Zhu the one who gave Yan Da a new life? That's right, is it not? - he turned back to the balcony.

- I confess I was somewhat insecure. - said Snow Bird silently. - But as I thought of everything, I was no more surprised. The Ancient Spirit of the Fire Clan is too strong to be defeated by mortals. And Luo was nothing more than a simple mortal. Even Li Luo's power hidden in her was able to chase away Yan Zhu only temporarily. With her remaining powers she probably went through the open gate, maybe even ahead of you. We all underestimated her.

- She seemingly was glad to see you. Unlike you.

- It was a long time ago. Too long.

- What? What happened?

Snow Bird turned and looked at the Prince. His face was sad and confused, but Shi was most shocked by what he had just said before disappearing in the evening fog:

- You're not the one to make mistakes.

Kai Jian Ming slapped her brother.

She gave him the necessary respect because she listened to all his swearing and shouting, and did not cut it off. But when Xi Wang fell into a chair for the tenth time, he held his head and began to chant what to do now, her patience came to an end. At least that silenced Xi Wang.

- Captain. - she called his brother as strictly as possible. - Captain ... you're done?

Xi Wang taped his face and stood up slowly, staring darkly at her sister. Referring to the Guard proved to be a very good idea. He pulled himself out, breathed deeply, and within seconds he regained his cold blood.

- I am listening to you. - he noted in a disciplined tone.

Jian Ming smiled and put a cloth soaked in cold water in his hand.

- Press on your face. Then it won’t leave a mark.

The Captain was still looking at her and waiting, so she finally sighed.

- If I remember the rules correctly, it cannot be undone, is it? - Xi Wang nodded. - Then you're totally wasting your time, brother. Bai He is the forger of her own destiny. As we all are. You must steel the sword in fire, you know it.

Xi Wang bowed his head, but he did not want to tell her what he thought. However he could not hide it from her sister.

- I am worried about her too. But you're in charge of training the Applicants. Take care of her.

- It's so simple? - said the Captain softly.

 Jian Ming smiled and put her hands on his shoulders.

- Yes. That simple.

 Bai He was still a little dizzy. As if it was a dream, it seemed so inconceivable that she actually did what she did. She stared at Lu Shan's boots walking in front of her and tried to ignore the other Guardians pointing and commenting at her. As they moved on among the buildings, Lu Shan began to explain over his shoulders.

- The Rules of the Guard now apply to you. You must obey those with a higher rank above you.

She nodded, but as the other man could not see it, she finally mumbled:

- Yes… Sir.

- The Applicants live in barracks, just like the sworn Guards. Everyone is responsible for the order, for the equipment and cleanliness as well. All tasks must be done in addition to the training tasks, which the officers give you.

- I see ... Sir.

Bai He almost hit the officer's back when he suddenly stopped. She pulled herself up terrified.

- Given that you are the only woman among the Applicants, you have been honored to receive your own barrack. - Lu Shan gestured to the building he had stopped in front of. - You get an hour. Then it’s Supervision.

- And where...

- I'll send somebody who brings you cloths and a roll with the Rules. Learn them.

Then he left.

Bai He took a deep breath and stepped to the barrack’s door. She raised her hand and, disgusted, tried to sweep away the cobwebs. She pressed the door handle, so it creaked painfully. But she could only open the door to a gap. Then something stuck. She started to twitch. No results.

- This is not good. - she muttered and angrily kicked into the door. There was a loud thud, and the door finally opened.

It was dark in the barrack. As if there were no windows. Bai He stepped in and almost fell because she hit something solid.

Probably the door did not open because this chair, she thought. She regained her balance, but with that few steps she crept up so much dust from the floor that she started to cough and almost choked. She fled back blindly in front of the building to get fresh air.

- You wanted this. - she moaned for herself.

Fortunately, she found a rainwater bucket by the wall. She looked sadly at her clothes, and with a penitent face she tore off a piece of her skirt. She watered the cloth and tied it to her face.

Without the risk of choking she finally found the windows and opened them wide up. One was nailed for some reason, and when she ripped off the pieces of wood, a thread went into her hand. She painfully screamed. But at least enough light came in to take a good look around in the barrack, that would be her home from now on. There were tables and chairs, shelves and crates, and a bed. But it was all bare and empty. And immensely dusty.

- One hour? - she mumbled desperately. - Impossible.

Someone called her name out there. A young man wearing dark brown pants and a bright shirt stood in front of the door.

- Supervision in half an hour. - he said grinning as he handed over the stuff he carried to the girl.

Bai He tried to put a good face on the matter and thanked him with a bow. He ran away.

The Applicants uniform was made of surprisingly soft material and its size was just right. She was wondering who could have been the small-sized Applicant who had it earlier. She tightly pinned up her hair behind her head. She laid the ornaments she had received from Jian Ming upon her folded old dress.

She rummaged everything in the barrack, but she found nothing. Finally she found an old blanket. She was staring at it in her hand, and the emerging memories of the Ice Clan's Palace appeared so vivid, so brilliant in colors that tears ran into her eyes.

- He'll come... - she whispered. - He will come...

He watered the floor and began to get rid of the multi-year dust. She did not reach the quarter when the trumpets sounded.

- The Supervision... – she took her head, dropped everything out of her hand, and began to rush to where she suspected the practice yard.

Everyone lined up by the time she got there. And of course everyone saw that she was late. The Applicants stood up tight, hands clasped behind their backs in front of the officers' queue. The General was not present, but the six Corporals looked at the rookies as strictly as if he was there. Bai He tried to breathe calmly, but by the time she succeeded in coying the posture of the others, Kai Xi Wang stood right in front of her. She could not read his eyes as if she were staring at the immensely deep water of the Endless Sea. The Captain looked at her from head to toe, then spoke in a toneless voice:

- Where are your boots?

Bai He peeked on the feet of the other standing next to her white as a sheet, and she saw desperately that he was wearing boots. Like all the other Applicants. But she did not get boots. Why did she not get any boots?

She looked back at the Captain, but as she took the breath to speak, Xi Wang overtook:

- Take off your shoes.

There was a small giggle from the far end of the line, but to the little move of the Captain's head all was silent again. She lowered her eyes and slipped out of the shoes she had received from Jian Ming. The ground under her feet was surprisingly warm, at other times she might have been even happy for it. But now she did dare look up. The Captain walked on and began to speak aloud to the Applicants:

- It's only four weeks until the final test, when you will find out who can be the members of the Royal Guard and who are to leave. Use this time well because the Selection is not a game. Get stronger and learn. Everyone will continue his training today with the team leaders. Off you go.

The officers began to talk among each other as the line of the Applicants dispersed. Bai He stared at her toes with a long face and wondered where to find the right footwear.

- Missy, I will happily take you on my back until you find more help. - somebody laughed near to her. The good joke was received with a laugh and an applause by the others. By the time she came to her senses she was surrounded by the Applicants. She turned around, but she did not see any chance to flee.

- Wait, I'm signing up too. - another man shouted. - If you finished, then I'll carry her on.

Everyone now laughed aloud. Bai He's heart was beating in her throat. The man who first addressed her stepped closer and lifted his arm. She screamed:

- Do not touch me. - and she slapped his face.

- You little wildcat. – the Applicant exclaimed offended. - What do you think? Did they teach you that in the Palace? – and he hit the girl in the face. He did not even feel the gentle waving of the fine hand, he was only hurt in pride. But Bai He immediately fell to the ground.

It was suddenly dead silence. The circle was broken as He Bian and Lu Shan pushed away the onlookers and made room for the Captain. Kai Xi Wang's face was unrestrained, just like his voice:

- The Guard serves the King, but we serve each other. Keep this well in mind that you can always count on one another. Anyone who puts their hands on the other outside the practice area will be punished. Get water, until dusk.

- What are you waiting for, greenies? Line up next to your Corporals! - Lu Shan shouted, and the rookies set off to their places.

- Captain! - cried the Applicant, whom Bai He slapped. - I'm not a peasant anymore. I did not apply to the Guard to do the dirty job, especially not because of a chick.

Kai Xi Wang stopped, then turned slowly.

- The Guard is washing with the water you bring. It cooks with the water you bring. And it drinks the water you bring. Do not consider this a dirty work.

- But that's enough for me. Look for your servants elsewhere.

He lifted his hand and ripped off the medallion that every Applicant was wearing in the neck. He tossed it to the ground and then left the company. No one kept him back, after all he was not the first.

The metal disk resembling a bird’s head fell just before Bai He's nose, swirling a little dust cloud. She had just raised her hand to rub her sore face, but eventually she picked up the medal. She waited for somebody to mention it, but there was still silence. Even then, when she got up and put the leather string around her neck. Even then, when a Guardian walked beside her, holding a wooden stick with water jugs on both ends. Even then, when she lowered her head and took the water carrier on her shoulder, and started slowly toward the river.

It was only then, when she surely could not hear, the acknowledging remarks sounded. And when everyone went to work, Kai Xi Wang finally allowed himself a sigh of worry.

Reports, commands, reports again... The Captain was only realized it’s dinner time when Jian Ming appeared with a steaming bowl of rice in her hand.

- How's Bai He? - she asked as she pressed the chopsticks into his brother's hand.

- She is bringing water- Xi Wang murmured, still checking some bamboo rolls instead of eating.

- What is she doing? – his sister snapped, and the report fell out of his hands.

- She had a fight.

- What? You not say that seriously?

- She actually defended herself... But still, she raised a hand to another Applicant. - he tried to explain, but his sister was not interested at all.

- How long has she been carrying water, Honorable Captain? - Jian Ming pounced on the table. - The sun went down. And she did not eat or drink anything at lunch, maybe you forgot it?

Xi Wang raised his head nervously, and his sister just nodded.

- Well, finally…

The Captain jumped out of his chair, but as he turned to the door, a figure appeared with a water jug in her hand. Slowly she stumbled to the table, her face pale, her naked feet dusty and wounded by the rocks of the riverbank.

- The sun is set, Sir. And here's your water... - she whispered, then fainted.

- This is all yours now, brother. - said Jian Ming, leaving the barrack.

Kai Xi Wang felt nothing but immeasurable anger. He had to watch how this tiny little girl was torturing herself, how she was trying to show off her courage, and all this for an immortal who did not even look at her. Oh, how much he hated Prince Ying Kong Shi now. He would have taken him with his bare hand if he was here and he would not have cared that he had no chance. And he was angry with the girl as well. There was no reason for her to choose this path. Why did she do it?

And how could he help her now? He himself was bound by the Rules of the Guard too, he did what he had to do. No exceptions. After all this how could he take her in his arms, how to take her to that far barrack, across the camp, so that everyone could see it well?

He leaned over to her. She was hardly breathing. Her face was burned by the sun, her lips dry, her hair was dusty, but she was as beautiful as that night in the Palace.

We serve each other... he heard his own words. He stood up and shouted at the Guardian.

- Call an orderly. Fast.

The young Guardian on the evening duty was shocked to see the fainted girl on the floor of the Captain's barrack, but obeyed the command. He ran away after Jian Ming and asked for a bowl of rice. He got some blankets and pillows in the warehouse and then jumped in at the Healer Ci Bei for bandages and balms. The Captain was already between the barrack, carrying her on his back when he caught up with him with a big basket in his hands. In the dark barrack door, Xi Wang stopped.

- Bring a candle. - he sent the Guardian off again and then walked into the room. He laid the girl gently on the bed, adjusted the roll pillow under her head, and placed the blankets by the end of the bed. As much as he wanted to do something else, he turned his back on the bed and waited for the orderly at the door.

- Light the candles. Make fire. Bring the bandage here. - he ordered the boy around.

Then they washed her legs and bandaged her wounds. They put balm on her hands and face. When she sighed and her eyelids moved, the Captain sent the Guardian for a pair of boots. After all, tomorrow is training.

He poured some water into a glass and took her shoulders to help her sit up. But Bai He screamed painfully, unable to hold back her tears. She tried to get up alone and pushed away his hand from herself. But she accepted the glass of water.

- You must eat. - he said softly, but she shook her head.

- I'm not hungry.

- You won’t be able to get up tomorrow morning if you do not eat. And do you know what happens to the Applicants who do not appear at the Supervision?

Bai He looked nervously at him. The Captain did not know if he would be pleased with the determination shining in fever in her eyes, that had just dried up her tears.

- Give me the bowl. - she muttered, and moved a little. This time she only hissed.

- I need to look at your shoulder.

Bai He's mouth was full of rice, but she shook her head.

- Do you know what happens to the Applicants who cannot hold the practice sword? - the captain said, and she nodded wryly. Xi Wang shook his head. - I wish I knew what makes sense to you in risking your life?

- I decide for whom to risk my life... Sir. - she snapped back, silencing the man.

By the time Bai finished the rice and rinsed it with another glass of water, the orderly returned with the boots. The Captain did not let the boy go, he had watch as well as the girl unbuttoned her shirt and freed her shoulders. Xi Wang cleared his throat before he said something he should not, when he saw the contusions and bruises.

- Apply Ci Bei's balm on your wounds twice a day. You cannot neglect your obligations. Orderly, what time is the assembly for breakfast?

- At sunrise, Sir. - said the Guardian.

- At sunrise. - the Captain nodded and waved at the boy. He chose not to look back when they left the barrack.

But as the boy closed the door, he turned to him:

- What's your name, Guardian...? Pei?

- Yes, Sir, Pei Pei.

- Well, Pei Pei, I trust on you, that by tomorrow this Applicant will appear in the appropriate equipment on the training field. Understood?

- Yes, Sir.

Jian Ming was already holding her blanket when his brother appeared. She did not intend to argue, there was no need. The Captain knew exactly what thoughts were circulating behind those lightning looks. He leaned against the wall beside the door.

- What are your intentions? - his sister asked when she was tired of waiting.

- I will help her. - Xi Wang noted, as if it were so obvious. - If she wants to be a Guardian, let her be.

- You cannot make any exceptions.

- You do not have to recite the Rules, my sister. But what I can do, I will do it.

- Even if you know why Bai He wants to be a Guardian?

- Yes.

Jian Ming sighed. His brother was a grown-up man, but she would have given anything to protect him from the pain he had been facing.

- I stay here. - she finally said.

- No need. - the Captain protested.

- Do not think it’s because of you, brother. Only because of Bai He. You will need someone who still has a bit of common sense.

One Bottle of Ice Wine - Ice Fantasy fanfiction - Chapter 7

Some confusion and surprise was caused in the Camp by Ying Kong Shi's unexpected and unexplained disappearance. While some of the Guard did not even realize that the Prince had arrived at the first place. The General saw no sense in the unnecessary parade, and he immediately sent the guards off to their jobs at the moment Shi disappeared.

Jian Ming did not visit the Royal Guard Camp for the first time. She was honoured with a free way by the permission of the General, and she never took advantage of Liang Dao's goodwill. Winning this permission was partly done by her own personality, partly by the merits of his father and brother. She rarely showed up here before, and never without a good reason. She did not feel guilty now either. Her eyes met her brother’s, as Xi Wang looked at them before he knelt down. She noticed the nervousness in his brother's eyes immediately. From this she understood that the guest is probably more important than anyone of the Ice Clan, who has recently visited the Guard. But she was much more pleased to see his father again. She was reluctant to leave the old man alone in the village, for she was never sure that he eats and rests enough. For this reason, she has been more and more ready to get rid of the old house by the river. She has already been living there all alone too long since Xi Wang moved to the Camp, and their father worked in the village workshop. She often felt herself lucky she managed to avoid trouble with the Chou Lou types.

She was pleased to see her father, as he rushed towards them, belying his age, with the mysterious smile of the old ones hiding in the corner of his mouth. When the old man saw his children, he turned back for a moment to look at the Prince. Jian Ming followed his father's gaze. It was not the first time that Immortals of the Ice Clan marched into the Camp, not the first white-haired noblemen wearing ice-silver clothes she saw there. But looking at the young man behind his father's back, she had to come to the conclusion that the Prince was all but ordinary. Suddenly there was so much emotion in those blue eyes, that she did not know which to be the strongest: surprise, fear or joy. The next moment magic sparkled and Jian Ming was left alone with her doubts. Only a few small ice-crystals were blinking in the grass after the snow-white whirling, but they all melted away by the time they came to themselves. The girl stood there blinking without understanding, just like the others, but as the General quickly disbanded the gathering, she shook down the astonishment and finally managed to welcome her father without any ceremony.

 - Did something happen worth mentioning on the way? - Chou Yan noted, glimpsing her daughter's dress, after they hugged each other for a short moment.

- Really nothing, Father.

Chou Yan sighed. This game between them was slowly becoming old. As a small girl Jian Ming already tried to pretend, as if a scratched knee or a palm wasn't supposed to mean anything. By now her father was forced to accept, that her daughter would never admit when she was hurt or in trouble. True, it always seemed that these injuries did not really bother her, she endured and ignored them, and never complained. That of course didn't mean that Chou Yan was not worried crazily, but he owned his daughter not to reveal it.

- Father, I want to introduce someone. I would like your approval for her to stay with us for some time. Her name is Bai He.

The old blacksmith surveyed the young girl hiding behind the back of Jian Ming. He already found out a thing or two from her glance thrown to the ground, from her slim waist, and from the fact that she held the sword like it had never been in her hand. But as he had no reason to deny her daughter's request, he nodded agreeably. Jian Ming bowed with a happy smile, then turned sideways:

- Come, my little sister. Let’s make ourselves useful. Let's check what’s there to eat.

Bai He followed her example and bowed to the old blacksmith. She walked up the stairs to the barrack's entrance, but she did not look around in her confusion. She didn’t even realize that no-one was beside her. She stopped only when they shouted at her.

- Little sister, where are you going? - Jian Ming laughed, and she paused, blushed in confusion, and looked around asking for help.

There was only one person standing close to them. The Captain, in his heart, regretted even those few moments when the Prince's snowstorm had distracted him from the girl. Now he could stare at Bai He as he pleased. But she wouldn’t look up, not even for all the treasures of the world. She was standing there confused, counting the grass leaves under her shoes.

- My sword, little sister ... just drop it here.

Bai He was pleased to obey and swung the sword to Jian Ming. She passed it then to her brother.

- Take care of it, Xi Wang. We're leaving now. Everyone’s hungry.

The Captain frowned in worry, but didn't say a word. Gripping his sister’s sword he looked after the two girls.

Bai He's behaviour had already appeared to him in the Palace. She was the first woman he had met in his life, who was interested more in his weapons than in his personality. She seemed to be as delicate and fragile as a flower. The beautiful dresses and jewels of the Palace would have been more suited to her than her sister's simple dress and that sword. Suddenly he had a bad feeling. He could hardly wait to ask his sister about what had happened. But he was first and foremost a Guardian. He glanced at the General, who tilted his head toward his barracks.

- Go on, son, and fetch your father. If I am correct, we're having lunch today there.

Xi Wang nodded in confusion.

- Yes sir. I already looked after it, but ... the Prince ...

- His Highness will be here when he feels so. Do not worry.

- Sir, I'm sorry about my sister ...

- Enough, Captain. - Liang Dao interrupted him. - We'll talk about this later.

The old Chou Yan stepped beside them, bowed to the General, and poked his son in the side, who finally followed the two girls with his father beside him.

Liang Dao looked around. Everyone in the Camp has returned to their usual duties. The Patrol left to check the eastern end of the Snow Fog Forest, the Candidates began with their training in the fields beyond the stables, and the Guardian to whom the old blacksmith had entrusted the weapons in the village was trying to grab the pack from the back of his horse.

- Take them to my barracks. - said the General, and the Guardian stood attention.

- Yes sir.

The General waved there two of his men to guard the building, then followed the others.

The barrack of the General had two parts, being well parted from each other by the furniture. The private area, where only a single bed and some small wardrobes were placed, was separated by curtains and painted screens from the exterior, more spacious room. Here already was so much space enough for the fireplace decorated with metal dragons, for the shelves filled with bamboo scrolls, a huge map set up by one of the walls, the General's armour and weapon stand, and a huge table in the middle large enough for a dozen people to have a seat.

Xi Wang had to acknowledge that the well-planned special feast had gone with the wind. He was desperate to stop his sister, who considered necessary to take the lead into her hands. As the General did not protest at all, Jian Ming took the other girl's hand and joined the cook, who had already begun preparing the feast following the earlier instructions of the Captain. The two girls brought in some pots for handwashing from a small building next to the barracks, while the men occupied the table under the leadership of the General. The weapons were laid down, but left in their hands on the table. Bai He was embarrassed when she appeared with the rice bowl in her hand. The old blacksmith, however, motioned favourably toward the centre of the table:

- Put it there, daughter. - and in the very next moment he turned back to the General to continue their usual small talk about weapons and youth. Bai He obediently placed the steaming bowl on the table and tried to ignore the look dropped towards her.

Kai Xi Wang was grateful for not having to attend the conversation. As he wiped his hand, he was unaware of his unstopping staring at Bai He. Jian Ming, of course, noticed it immediately, when she appeared with the eating bowls in one hand and with a jar of wine in the other. She cleared her throat and he kicked his brother just to be sure, when turning back. Xi Wang groaned, but then he tried to listen to what his father and the General talked about. Liang Dao was worried about the applicants:

- We must see, that the candidates are weaker than before year after year. Most of them have never seen a sword, they do not know anything, but how to make rabbit traps and pub fights. Unfortunately, I cannot reject them and I am very sorry for the time wasted on them. At the Selection I get rid of them at least.

Bai He's thin fingers, that were just about to place the chopsticks next to Xi Wang's bowl, froze in the air. Once, a long time ago, in the Palace, she heard that only the finest could join the Royal Guard after the rigorous and dangerous selection. But not this stopped her hand. She did not understand why, but the General's comment about being unable to reject anybody put a bug in her ears. Then she glanced down at the rice bowl and the chopsticks, and shook her head. What thoughts... and how unnecessary...

- I think all is here. - Jian Ming said loudly, when she and the cook placed the meat stalls in the men's reach. Those chopsticks came down to the table louder than they should. Bai He turned and walked to one empty space without a word, but the other girl's voice stopped her. - I wish to sit next to my father, little sister. I hope you do not mind.

The head seat was left empty for the Prince intentionally. The General, the blacksmith, and Jian Ming sat on one side, thus Bai He was forced to occupy the one by the Captain, otherwise she would have disturbed the balance. As she sat down carefully in the chair, she glanced at him and was unable not to see the joy in his eyes. She dug in her short hair embarrassed, as she still did not get used to it. She looked around from the right to the left, then finally lowered her eyes again. Xi Wang cleared his throat:

- I'm grateful, Sir, for allowing my family to rest. I promise my sister will leave the Camp immediately as soon as possible.

Liang Dao nodded politely toward the girls, apparently ignoring the fact that Kai Xi Wang did not even mention the other girl with a word.

- Captain, considering the circumstances I think our young ladies will need more time. Be sure to have them a room where they can take care of themselves and relax the excitements. But ... I would also like to know what happened on the road. I admit it is a bit annoying that something like this happened so close to the Camp and just right now. My instinct tells me it was not a coincidence. By the way, the commander of the Patrol spoke of three riders.

- Nothing special happened, General. - Jian Ming smiled at him a little faster than necessary, which was apparent to his father as well.

- Kai Jian Ming ... Do not spare the words. Do not forget that you can be here thanks to the General's benevolence.

The girl sighed deeply and started again:

- Father, nothing happened, really. Only that stupid one tried his luck again.

- Chou Lou? Again? – Xi Wang questioned wide-eyed her sister, and became angrier with every new breath. - When did you want to talk about this? Look at yourself. Do you call this nothing? And Bai He? - he pointed to the other girl with a broad grip, but when their eyes met he became mumbled.

Bai He went pale as every pair of eyes hung at her by the table. Jian Ming smiled to encourage her, so she began to speak slowly, but so quietly that the others bent forward to hear her words.

- Three horsemen attacked us not far from the Camp ... After Jian Ming threw them out of the house before...

- What are you talking about? - now it was Jian Ming’s turn to start complaining, but her father silenced her by touching her shoulder and then he nodded to the other girl to continue.

- Two of them behaved similarly, they wanted to take us with them for good, and if there was no Patrol ... - she shuddered and sighed with a leaned head.

- You were very brave, my little sister. - Jian Ming said with pride in her voice, then added: - Father, I'm serious, you have no reason to worry. So far I've been dealing with the fool villagers like Chou Lou, so it will be afterwards. Now let the General eat. He certainly is not interested in my problems.

- Maybe still. - Liang Dao said. – If it's really interesting what you tell me about the third guy.

She turned to the General, but could not avoid her brother's stern look. She had to spit out what she wanted to hide all along. Whatever she said before, she was a little annoyed too about it herself:

- He was a stranger, General. He wore a dress I had never seen before, and he did not say a word. Not the last time, not now. Strange and not understandable what he’s doing with those two bastards.

- Are you sure you have not seen him yet? – Xi Wang asked, and his sister shook her head.

- I have not seen him or his strange sword, brother, and I do not want to see him again.

Jian Ming considered the conversation as closed with this, and reached for one of the jars to pour wine for them. But in the middle of the movement, she sensed on her face the ice-cold flow coming from outside and straightened up turning toward the entrance. The General and the Captain jumped up from the table immediately, went by the two girls, and their swords appeared in their hands.

The particles of air seemed to have changed into millions of tiny glittering diamonds. Still, as if it were some kind of sign, the General waved down the Guardians appearing in the door and the Captain also. The guards were obediently swung their swords back into the scabbard, but Xi Wang held it up in front of him, despite his father's disapproving look. They waited motionless, blinking to find out what or who was hidden in the shine by the door of the barrack.

Ying Kong Shi was already cooled down a little after the conversation with Snow Bird and the short flight that followed. He has already overcome the shock he had felt about his own reaction. He was willing to accept the fact that he was pleased to see the Princess. He just did not realize what that really meant. Maybe he would have been so happy to see his old friends as well. Then he changed his mind. Probably not.

Although Xian Xue was not there to comment on his bragging spells, he held back. He let the ice crystals swirling around him disappear into nothing as quickly as possible. He spent the rest of his power with fists clenched to hold back his feelings, that wanted to burst out all along, and to force a cool, distant expression on his face furthermore. He stopped at the door. As he approached, he greeted those by the table with a light nod. He did not miss of course that Xi Wang's fingers were still over his sword's grip even when taking a bow, and that Bai He dropped her head at the last moment when the Prince looked at her. But all that did not matter. He took a deep breath as he looked at the other girl. Yan Da, or Jian Ming, he corrected himself, watched him with no interest, as he walked to the table. And as the General tried to greet the Prince loudly and politely enough, the girl simply stepped away after the a few moments of respect, and then poured the remaining wine for his father from her jug in her hand .

Shi swallowed. He had to remind himself that she did not remember him. Not at all. Not of who she was, or what had happened before, and not of that ... He shook his head. There were a few things in the past that he did not want to remember either. He just wanted to enjoy the moment. From the corner of his eye he saw the courteous movement of the General offering him a seat, and sat down beside the table, watching the girl all along. And he did not care not for a moment that Xi Wang groaned disapprovingly.

Jian Ming always had some sort of strong determination towards men, whether being family members, a good acquaintance, or the last rogue. She was soon left without a mother, and as a blacksmith's daughter she was forced to find her place in the world of men by her own strength. She did not have a weak heart, and already saw and experienced a few things before. However she was glad now to have something in her hand to cling to without being noticed. When the glow eased, and her eyes, painfully dazzling, finally saw something, she was embarrassed by the behaviour of the young man in front of her. It was only a short time since they had looked into each other's eyes, and she remembered the Prince's look. She tried not to show, but she was almost itching because of the overwhelming, impossible feeling that the Prince had something that was hers. Something that was once lost or perhaps taken away from her. She was unsure about this intuition, but she urgently had to get her thoughts in order, and she was grateful when Shi finally turned away from her to take the head seat.

- I'm fetching some wine. - she said, not waiting for a reply, and started out with the jug in her hand.

- There’s still a bottle of icewine. The Prince must be thirsty. - the General noted fussily as he nodded toward Ying Kong Shi, hoping that their special guest would appreciate this gesture.

Shi only responded with a nod.

Suddenly there was a strange voice coming from the far end of the table. Bai He raised her head and looked awkwardly at the Prince when she realized that it was the old Chou Yan. Shi, however, did not seem to be hurt. He did not make a comment and did not change his expression either. The blacksmith first laughed at the General’s expression in his hoarse voice, and then he started to mumble not too silently:

- Icewine ... ice fruits ... ice flowers ... - He chuckled again. Xi Wang poked him in the side, and Jian Ming deeply sighed. The old man stopped, but he kept on smiling at the Prince as if he knew something.

Ying Kong Shi glanced at them with wide eyes. The General quickly tried to save the situation and began to explain.

- Your Highness, Master Chou Yan may be thinking about the icewine that I received from his daughter as a gift last year. Despite her young age Jian Ming learned very well how to make excellent icewine.

The girl did not expect the praise, or the enthusiastic and inquisitive expression from the Prince, that he dropped towards her again. She bowed quickly and left with the jug in her hand. 

- Everyone in the Kai family seems to be the master of something. - Shi commented on her. - I'd love to see that vintage…

The blacksmith responded, now in a serious tone:

- Icewine can be made of only such wine that’s filled with enough fire.

Shi cleared his throat. His eyes must have been dazzling a moment ago. He had seen a young girl dressed in everyday clothes, who ignored him. But as soon as he noticed the whip tied to her belt, the memories of the distant past floundered. He suddenly needed twice as much effort to concentrate on the present.

- It seems that everything in the camp is alright. - he turned to Liang Dao and tried to speak in a bored voice.

- It is my great pleasure your being satisfied, Your Highness. - the General answered politely. - Today's Patrol has already left, but if you wish, I'll send an owl after them for the report.

- That's really not necessary. - Shi shook his head. - Today I didn’t intend to stay too long. But tomorrow morning I will come again and we’ll have plenty of time to deal with all the important things.

- Your Majesty, if you wish, I will present the applicants tomorrow. The Selection is only a few weeks away, and luckily there are some really promising candidates. Special people will join the Guard also this year.

- Excellent, General. I wish to dedicate more and more important tasks to the Guard.

- Does that mean that you will honour us with your visit more often, Your Highness?

Ying Kong Shi couldn’t have wished for a better chance. He just have to say yes and his wish has already been fulfilled. He nodded smilingly.

Kai Xi Wang, however, wasn’t overjoyed. His pride was still hurt by the defeat he had suffered from the Prince's hand. He couldn’t even forget that the girl next to her suffered because of the Prince too, and now he had to see that Bai He, with a radiant smile, had followed all the moves of Shi. He took a sip from his wine but didn’t dare to speak. But her sister did.

- My little sister, are you okay? - she asked when she returned with a filled jug. She did not wait for anybody but filled their cups, while watching the mortal girl still. Bai He's rosy face turned red when she was caught, and wished she could disappear by some spell.

For the first time while they were sitting at the table, the Prince looked at the girl more thoroughly, and uneasiness nestled in his heart from what he had seen.

- Is something wrong? - Shi looked at the General, but did not get a reply. However, Xi Wang jumped from the table, and before anyone could intervene, he started to shout.

- Yes, something is wrong ... Your Highness ... And it wasn’t because of the Ice Clan, that Bai He is here with us today.

He still held his sword in his hand. As he walked toward the Prince, Liang Dao shivered, but felt the old blacksmith's palm on his arm.

- Leave him be, General, let the boy make a fool of himself alone.

Xi Wang saw the nervousness of the others, but did not care. He was shaking, for it was hard to keep at least the faint appearance of the respect that a Guardian could address to an immortal.

- She was wrongly accused, embarrassed then left to her fate!

Ying Kong Shi stood up. His face remained unresponsive, and there was no threat in his posture. He watched as the Captain stepped closer with each word and almost reached the end of the table.

- Bai He almost died in Snow Fog Forest. She is alive thanks only to my sister and to the Healer.

- Enough, brother. The Prince has nothing to do with that. - Jian Ming interrupted him and grabbed his free hand, but he shook himself and made another move.

- Do not talk to me, Jian Ming. Today's attack would have never happened if Bai He was safe in the Palace. I'm right, yes?

With pain in his eyes he looked at the mortal girl, who wanted to hide under the table, but as she could not make it, she went pale or red here and there. She didn’t bother before, she had long forgotten, that her clothes were dirty, but now that she knew the Prince was watching her, she became embarrassed. She moved to reach out to her hair, but her hand stopped in the air. Suddenly, she felt something strange. It wasn’t unknown, she felt this way when she picked up a cherry tree branch a few days ago. The short time that passed by since seemed to be an eternity... She wanted to be free, to be the master of her own destiny. She lowered her hand and looked at the pattern of the planks of the table. The silence in the room became so thick and she almost began to choke. She sighed and looked surprised because the air she breathed in was cold.

Ying Kong Shi laid one hand on the table. Ice flowers ran out of his fingers, and the Captain tightened his sword as he sensed the power of the spell. His father whispered his name, but it did not hold back Xi Wang's hand. Under the Prince's palm now the other sword appeared, which he had taken away from Xi Wang in the palace during the duel.

- You'll still need this. - said Ying Kong Shi softly with a squeaky, but also threatening smile in the corner of his mouth. Kai Xi Wang reached for the sword, but Shi leaned on the weapon. - It's a nice thing to protect the honour of those who need it.

The Captain's eyes blinked. He grabbed the sword at the very moment Shi straightened up. The Prince folded his arms with satisfaction and nodded. There will be plenty of time for that too. There will be an opportunity to teach the Captain a lesson, who thought he could stand against him.

- We should really eat now. - said the old blacksmith not too softly, so that everyone could hear it. Jian Ming reached for his father's rice bowl to serve him. Xi Wang and Shi looked at each other for a few moments, then the Prince nodded again.

- Tomorrow, Captain.

- Tomorrow, Your Highness. - he nodded back, then sat back with a dark look. He glanced at the girl next to him who did not dare to move. The Captain desperately searched for the right words, and finally said quietly:

- I'm sorry ...

Bai He was surprised about herself. Instead of giving a small sign of gratitude to the unrequested goodwill, she became angry. That one word of the Captain was the last drop. It was enough of regret. It was enough of pity. She no longer wanted to be a poor mortal whom everyone thinks she needs help from others. The words of the General and the Prince were chasing each other in her heart until she was almost dizzy and had to hold her head in her two hands.

- Are you all right, little sister? - Jian Ming asked worried, when Bai He jumped from the table.

- I'm fine! I'm fine now. - the other girl tried to grab her hand across the table, but Bai He pulled away from her. - Leave me now, my sister.

She walked around the table and didn’t care about everyone watching her. From the corner of her eye, she saw Jian Ming turn after her frightened. For a moment her fists had clasped, so that she could not unknowingly raise them when she came behind the Prince's back. Finally she stopped in front of the General.

- No! - cried Xi Wang and his sister at the same time, but it was too late.

Bai He fell on her knees with the grace of a court maid before Liang Dao, but her words were quite different:

- General Liang Dao. Now I am here to participate in the Selection and to become a member of the Royal Guard.

Xi Wang jumped up and knelt beside her. He tried to hold on to her shoulders and turn her toward him:

- Are you crazy? You wouldn’t endure a day. You will die before the Selection ...

Bai He, however, pulled away from him, ignoring the pain she saw in his eyes. She wasn’t sure she should have said these words, since she had never heard of how the future Guards would apply to the Selection. The Captain took hold of her arm again and wanted to lift her from the ground. She torn herself out of his grip and knelt back, gazing at the General.

Liang Dao frowned. He agreed with the Captain, but the girl stepped on the road from where she had no return. He nodded and Xi Wang bowed his head desperately. He knew he couldn’t do anything. He stood up and straightened himself up. He didn’t look at her any more, but stepped to the door and exclaimed:

- Lu Shan! Here is another applicant.

Then with his two swords in his hand he bowed to the Prince, to the General, and finally to his father, and walked quietly out of the barrack.

- My daughter, I'm afraid you do not know what you did. - Liang Dao commented and looked at her with some concern as she straightened. - You made the decision, and I cannot do anything else, but to support you.

Bai He stared at the floor and smiled. She didn’t really know what she was doing. But she knew that the one who could give her strength would cross her path very often. And that was enough.

Shi could not deny that he was surprised, but the feeling soon disappeared. Now it was just one thing and it had nothing to do with the mortal girl. Bai He glanced at him when the guards escorted her out, but the Prince had not paid attention to her by that time. The nearby Jian Ming attracted his thoughts and gaze, and he already planned the next day for himself. He wondered what to say to the girl, who was apparently very nervous. But before he could speak, Jian Ming rushed after the others.

Shi smiled.

- You're right, General. This year's Selection is going to be very interesting indeed.

The old blacksmith had enough of waiting, and began to eat kicking off etiquette. The General waved politely toward the table, but Shi who wasn’t there for fried meat, thanked him for the hospitality and said goodbye, stating that hey could expect him to arrive the next morning. When he disappeared crossing the threshold, the General shook his head and sat down beside Chou Yan, so that the food at least wasn’t wasted. Otherwise he could have heard the cook for a week complaining for having worked so much for the festive lunch in vain.