Page 27 of Forest of a Thousand Lanterns

The creature suddenly shifted within her, and then the words on her tongue slipped out before she could stop them. “Would you turn your back on greatness?”

The young man stopped and slowly turned to face her as the other officers stared, shocked into silence by her rudeness. Xifeng pressed her lips together, beads of perspiration forming on her brow. She almost wished the creature would tell her what to say next, but the movement beneath her breastbone had stopped as abruptly as it had begun.

“I beg your pardon, sir,” she stammered, her face burning, “but my friend’s talent is such that he deserves a chance, and I didn’t see you choosing anyone, as the other commanders did. You wear the same armor they do, and I think you ought to have a say in the matter, even if they are superior to you.” As soon as she said it, she realized her mistake: the Second Commander had referred to him assir, indicating that he rankedbelowthe younger man.

But however she expected the officer to react, it was not by laughing. She kept her head down and felt him studying her as he chuckled. “You think that, do you? Your friend is lucky indeed to have you fighting his battles for him.”

“He fights his own battles, sir,” she said quickly. “I am merely his messenger.”

“Well, then, little messenger, where is he?”

Xifeng turned to Wei, who looked mortified as he and Hideki came forward.

The young man looked them both over. “Enjoying the demonstrations, are you?”

The crease between Wei’s brows deepened. “I hope you take no offense at this woman’s forward manners. I did not ask her to speak for me.” Xifeng hid her annoyance, knowing he would see—sooneror later—that she had been brave enough to steer his life on the right course.

“I’m not offended. I’m glad she spoke on your behalf.” The young man’s keen eyes moved to Hideki. “You’re a soldier. I can tell by your stance. Kamatsu, I suppose, on a mission to our court,” he added, without a trace of judgment, and Hideki gave a startled nod. The officer turned back to Wei. “You, on the other hand, are a son of the Great Forest. But if you keep such company, you must indeed be a swordsman as this woman proclaims.”

Wei puffed up his chest, though he spoke modestly. “I’m a novice, sir. I was employed by a craftsman and often fenced with customers.” He hesitated. “Your men’s swords must be of fine quality. But I can hear from the sound that they aren’t as sharp as they could be. There’s a lower pitch when two blades meet.”

The young officer listened with interest as Wei described the best types of animal hide to buff and hone the blade. “Well, as I told your little messenger, our ranks are full. But I admit I’m curious to know whether you fence as well as you craft.”

“Better. He has won contests,” Xifeng blurted. It was a small lie, as Wei had only ever entered one unofficial competition. Truthfully, it had been more of a drunken display of bravado when young townsmen combined cheap wine with swords, but still, Wei had emerged the victor.

“Wei, why don’t you join us on the field and show us what you know?”

Wei’s nostrils flared, his hunger palpable. “I have no formal training...”

“What’s formal training without natural talent?” The man surveyed him once more. “The Emperor’s soldiers you see on the field fight under the Red Banner. It is their responsibility to train new recruits for the Green Banner.”

Xifeng struggled to recall what Wei had told her about the banners, the divisions of the Emperor’s army. Warriors belonging to the upper hereditary banners enlisted based on family name and status; the Red Banner might be one of these prestigious groups. If so, each of the soldiers here belonged to families of the highest rank.

“Sir,” the Second Commander interrupted, “it is your decision, of course, but do you think it wise when we have already selected all the swordsmen we need?” Xifeng darted a glance at him, noting how his mouth twisted with displeasure, and wondered again what rank the young man held. It didn’t seem possible for him to claim such high status over experienced soldiers.

But the young officer answered him in a calm, decisive tone. “I do.” He led Wei onto the field without a second glance. The fencers halted their activity and faced him with respect, then one stepped forward and handed Wei a sword. Within moments, Wei became one of them—running, lunging, and parrying, though he did so with less finesse than they did.

Xifeng couldn’t help smiling, knowing how much he longed for this. She felt Hideki’s eyes on her and waited for his disapproving comment. But it didn’t come.

“That was bold of you,” he said. “If Wei impresses him enough, I wouldn’t be surprised if he kept him for the army.”

She didn’t need Hideki’s confirmation; she knew in her bones the young officerwouldbe impressed. How could he not? Wei would join the Emperor’s army, and then she would use his connections to gain entry to court herself. If that somehow failed, she might be able to leverage Shiro’s position as ambassador. But then again, he came from Kamatsu, a nation that had only just stopped warring with the Great Forest and had entered into a tentative peace.

Akira,a voice whispered.

Yes, if somehow her plan for Wei failed, she might exploit Akira as a link to the palace. Surely a friend of the Imperial physician would rise high in the royal circles.

There were so many paths, so many open doors—Xifeng had only to be bold, to be alert. And then she and Wei would both be on the inside, their fates intertwined as the cards predicted.

There are no coincidences,Guma always said.Everything that happens is meant to.

Xifeng listened for the voice again, but it said no more—nor did the creature move within. It had awoken during her conversation with the officer, when she thought all hope had been lost for Wei. She had roused it... or perhaps—thinking of the bold words she’d spoken—ithad rousedher. For once, her horror was tempered with curiosity.

Could it be possible that the creature had her interests at heart? If she dared embrace it, would it come and go—would it help her at her will? The idea both intrigued and terrified her.

A warm rain began to fall, lightly at first and then in sheets, and Hideki held the umbrella over their heads. The soldiers didn’t seem to notice it at all as they continued training, though the senior officers had also opened umbrellas of their own.

“We should go,” Hideki said. “It might be dark by the time they’ve finished training, and I’m suffering for a drink.”

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