----------------------------------------
Chapter 70: "Not at All Like Freckles."
----------------------------------------
Shae awoke the next morning when she rolled over and a patch of overly sensitive skin forced her attention to it. It was her forehead that stung; the only part they left without the full numbing treatment. It screamed that something was there, touching her.
It took longer than she would freely admit to calm her panic and identify that it was just her own hair brushing her forehead.
Reluctantly acknowledging that she wouldn't be sleeping more in the near future, she pulled herself upright and caught the silhouette of Guard Hon meditating in a nearby chair. She thought he was meditating because he hadn't slumped over, but it was just a guess.
She stretched her limbs and caught a glimpse of her left arm in the dim artificial light meant to mimic the morning sun. Lighter patches spread across most of her exposed skin. Her first thought was that someone had splashed bleach all over her dark tan.
She frowned and ran her right hand over the fresh and still tender skin. A light sheen of oil stuck to her hand where the greasy lotion hadn't soaked in completely. It seemed to have lost its numbing effect, and she couldn't feel it as anything more than just a light oil.
That understanding caused her to sigh in relief. Thank goodness I don't have another silly thing to deal with. Eugh, well, just the spots, those had better tan properly.
Concentrating on her forehead, she only noticed a brief impression of the qi in the room. Without even a sense of Guard Hon's. Hmmhm? So that's fading too. The skin is probably just fresh and raw, which is why it woke me up.
The bedside table had her folded robes on it, but not the book she borrowed from Cho's library. And a letter? She spotted the envelope sitting on top, slightly obscured by the dim light. She grabbed it and was surprised to find it bulky.
From the heft she knew it contained the few possessions she had in her robes during the battle. A knife, a few coins, and there should be my talismans. She cracked the seal to be sure.
Including what she expected, there is an extra hand written letter, the brushwork in a tight script only really seen in works by cultivators.
> ----------------------------------------
>
> Heavenly Shae,
>
> By agreement of at least two elders, you are formally invited to challenge the test of fate to enter the Honorable Dragon's Entreaty sect.
>
> This is the standard invitation given to recruits, yet is not contingent on a spirit root test or any other factors. The test itself is not unique to your specific case. The test of fate is taken by all entrants, even those from wealthy families.
>
> For most cultivators it is a formality. Yet, it has stood as a means to filter out those few incapable of harnessing the will required to be a cultivator. It also serves as an excellent pricing ground for any who would wish to challenge their fate and enter the sect without the normal path of spirit root testing. More information will be available to you in the near future.
>
> Master Long Mujing of House Long.
>
> Addendum: A late brunch has been arranged for us at the City Lord's Plateau-Court. Guard Hon can guide you there. Others wish to meet you, and I've something to discuss.
>
> ----------------------------------------
Shae stared at the post script for a full breath with only one thing on her mind. "Isn't a late brunch just lunch?"
"Hua!?" Guard Hon startled up onto his feet. He spotted Shae and smoothed his robes. "Uh, did you ask something, Heavenly Shae?"
"Hmmgh." She groaned quietly and closed her eyes. Not that title again. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm herself. "Not really. Just wondering about something in this letter. How far is this... Plateau-Court?"
"Ah, you've already read it, excellent." He quickly looked at the light fixture above then. It wasn't a proper window but did show an artificial directional light to estimate time from. "You have a couple hours before we need to set off. Less if you want to see the city. More if you are comfortable with the fast route."
"The fast route? Is that a height thing, or a jumping around like a cultivator thing?"
"Bit of both, but I do recommend seeing the city proper."
She flicked the letter. "If Master Long is back does that mean he has my pack?"
"Uhh, he didn't say? Ah, but I do have a few things for you." He searched his pockets.
"My lightning hairpin?" She jumped forward on the bed, nearly throwing herself off.
"Hmgh. Afraid not." He frowned. "Everyone I talked to said no unusual arrows were recovered from the area. None at all with blood on them were even spotted at the kill site. I would assume it is with the body." He reached deep into his robes and pulled out a small pouch. As he handed it to her it clicked with metal. "Your payment from Mistress Ping. She found me surprisingly quickly and insisted I take this for you. I was a little sur... Err well, my apologies. I shouldn't judge."
Shae hefted it then glanced inside. The two-point sect coin was in there, and the edge of at least one gold crown poked up from under quite a few silver. Her eyes bulged slightly as she tried to do a rough count. "Uh, did she say anything about it?"
"Hmm. Something like 'thank you for urging her onward.' Though it was rather brash language."
"Hmmm. Like: thanks for the kick in the pants?"
He lightly coughed to the side, then cleared his throat and smoothed his robes. "Well- uh-"
"Either say it properly or admit you can't, Guard Hon." She interrupted his stuttering. "A messenger that can't repeat verbatim isn't worth feeding."
"Erh. I'm not a messenger."
"A Guardsman that can't report clearly, then." She raised an eyebrow.
He cleared his throat to the side again. "Fair point. You were close, she said 'kick in the ass.'" He covered his mouth with his sleeve for the last few words.
Shae snorted. "Heh, I should have guessed." She moved her own few coins into the larger purse. Then tied the knife to it with the drawstrings. "I understand why she paid me what she did. I'd like to thank her, if you know where she is?"
"Hmm, not really. We can ask around but that will eat into sightseeing."
"Heh. You're really interested in leaving early for that, aren't you?"
He shrugged. "I suspect we'll be on the road in the afternoon. Master Long is rumored to keep a tight schedule."
"Rumors already?"
He shrugged again. "Mistress Ping was complaining about him. Respectfully, of course."
"Of course," Shae stated flatly. "Well, let's get to it then. I suppose there can be breakfast on the way?" She swung her legs off the bed and jumped down.
"If you know where to look there are always food stands in a town. Not always ones you want to eat from, though. I believe we can start with- er- uh-" he stammered as she tried shooing him away.
"I'd like some privacy, please." She dragged the curtain around the bed, and pushed him out into the common area.
"Ack. Right, my apologies." He said and turned away abruptly.
----------------------------------------
On their way out, a nurse caught up to them. "Miss Shae? Doctor Cho has asked for you to wait at reception for him."
"Alright, thank you." Shae dipped her head and watched the nurse leave. "I wonder what about."
"Uhm. Would it be rude to guess it's about your spots?" Hon asked without looking at her.
She frowned at him. "If you ask it like that, yes." She then huffed and looked away. "You might be correct, though."
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
"I'm kind of surprised you're not freaking out about it. Have you seen a mirror?"
"Okay, no. I was wrong. The first time was fine, that was rude." She glared.
"Ah, my apologies, Heavenly Shae." He stopped to perform a bow.
She rolled her eyes when he looked back up. "No mirrors. How bad is it, anyway?"
"Uhm. It's fine... Kind of like freckles?"
"Why is that a question?"
"It's not!" He raised his palms. "You look fine. I've seen worse, and it doesn't look like scars or anything. You're still young, so you've plenty of time to fix it."
She raised an eyebrow.
"-if that's what you want. Though, a-hem, it does look like failed cleansing, so you might get lectured for that." His palms went up again and he looked away. "Just saying it before someone else surprises you with it; don't cripple the messenger."
She tilted her head, Haven't heard that one yet. She hid her reaction before Hon looked back. Then thought twice about it and decided to ask anyway, "Cripple the messenger? Do you know why that's the saying?"
He shrugged. "Not really... If I had to guess... it would be an act that is a message to the other party. Send back a reply slowly, without breaking custom, and deprive them of a useful messenger."
"Hmmm. So a more political bend to it? Makes sense, in a brutal way." She grimaced.
"I'm sure there's more to it, these political things always have layers and layers."
"Mhm." She hummed and continued the line of thought internally, but couldn't sort anything more out.
Hon led them to the reception area because Shae hadn't found it during her own wanderings. Though, when they did make it there, she frowned as she could have sworn that she must have walked by the doorway several times.
The waiting area was empty and they let the receptionist know why they were waiting. He nodded, fiddled with something on the desk, asked them to take a seat, and went back to shuffling paperwork.
The pair sat somewhat awkwardly for a few breaths before Hon broke the silence. "So, excited to be starting at the sect? Any plans or goals? Professional or otherwise?"
"Hmm, professional goals?" Shae considered. "I guess I was thinking about formations or talismans. I seem to have a head start there. Not really sure what else. I'll probably try to read half the library before classes start."
"Hah ha! Good luck with that. Even the public section is quite large. If you like books that much, you should just work at the library."
She shrugged and flashed a frown. "Eh, it doesn't have the same appeal it once did. And I'll probably just be frustrated that they don't have a search engine."
"Heh. A what?" He tried to laugh off the strange words.
"Hmm? Ah, sorry. Uhhm, like a card catalog? What do they use for organization?"
"The librarians have a method. Card catalog sounds about right. Though, they've probably named it something else, I don't know if I've actually heard what they call it. Most of the higher stage librarians seem to just have everything memorized. At least the stuff that us newbies need." He smirked.
Shae scowled. "That sounds awf-" she stopped herself, then sighed. "Well. I shouldn't cast judgement so soon."
Hon smirked wider. "Some of the librarians have strange methods, like letting fate decide."
She scowled again and shook her head. "That's bait," she mumbled. "What about you? What do you do when you're not on guard duty?"
"Hmm, well duty is a strong word, it's just a bounty mission, but I know what you mean. I'm a smith." He flexed an arm then mimed striking the air with a hammer. "Still training, of course, but it keeps me busy."
"Oh right, you said that earlier. Weapons or armor? Did you make that sword you have?"
"Hah hah. Not quite. Lots to learn before the good stuff. We got to make knives for the kitchens before this trip. More grinding and sharpening than hammering metal."
"Ah, right." Shae pouted slightly.
"Heh, why are you so disappointed by that?"
She shrugged. "Hmm, I guess it was just a bit of a reality check. All this cultivation and learning is really going to be a lot of work and not just a fun ride."
Hon smiled. "Glad you figured it out so soon. Many people don't."
They sat in silence for another breath.
The doors leading deeper into the clinic drew their attention as they opened and Shae smiled when Doctor Cho stepped through. He stopped at the receptionists briefly before making his way to them.
"Wise Shae, Guard Hon. I'm glad I caught you before you left."
"Doctor." Hon was already standing and bowed with a military salute.
Shae scrambled to catch up, mirroring his actions. "Doctor Cho. I'm also glad to give you a last farewell."
"Oh? Have you forgotten what I promised you then? Heh heh heh." He reached into a sleeve to remove a small package. "A few small things for you, as we discussed. And a few new ones since your recent... Cleansing incident. Including more book recommendations and a note that should help you access them. You might have to go through the medical pavilion, but don't let them dig out your secrets too easily, yes?" He finished with a smirk.
"Hah, yes. I suppose I should be more careful with a few things like that." She bowed again while accepting the package.
"Ah, last thing based on a suggestion of Nurse Joi's. Those acupuncture needles: you still intend to wear them like jewelry?"
She nodded. "I've grown to like the style."
"She thought so. I was going to find you a box for them, spiritual tools should be protected. Yet, Joi said you wouldn't use it. It seems she was correct." He smirked. "Instead, if you need additional acupuncture pins with similar properties, seek out taurusaur spines. It's a spirit beast that generally has a lightning-metal affinity. They won't last as long as yours do, since they are not proper spiritual tools. Yet, I predict they will be within your price range before a full set of spiritual needles are." He shrugged with his arms wide.
"Ah! Thank you, that's very helpful! My current cleansing plan doesn't require more than three, but I'm sure the situation will come up." She gave him another thankful bow which he waved off.
"Joi wanted to see you off as well, but she's off duty now. Personal business trumps work I'm afraid. Though, she insisted I give you this, from her." He handed her one of the pencils she had seen Joi using to take notes and a small notepad.
"Ah! Awesome! I needed a pencil, and the past will help a lot." She flicked through the top few sheets, and her eyebrows jumped at seeing wood grain across the sheets. The notepad wasn't paper, but onion-sheets: thin sheets of wood planed from one piece. "Ah! I've seen these before but they were never durable enough for the asking price."
"Heh. Another marvel of higher stage materials. Stronger, thinner, and more opaque. She thought you would like it."
"I do! Can never have too many office supplies. Please thank her for me." She bowed again.
"Heh. I will." Cho turned to the young man. "Guard Hon."
"Yes-Doctor!?" He rushed out.
"You're taking Wise Shae directly to Master Long?"
"Uh, not quite. We had planned to see the city for a few hours first."
"Aha! Well. That's an excellent plan. I'm sure you know to stay out of the deep levels, and that the highest levels don't take kindly to wanderers?"
"Yes, Doctor. I've taken some leave here before." Hon inclined his head.
"Good. Then do stop by Merchant Xio's shop on level D. Give him this and tell him I sent you both." He presented Hon a sealed letter.
The Guardsman hesitantly took it. "Sir, but that is one of the upper levels."
"But I think you will be heading in that direction, yes? Do it last, if you are passing through. It should be quick, but best to give Xio at least half an hour. He may need to work his craft." Cho smirked and winked at Shae.
She had kept an eyebrow raised since Cho handed the letter over. Finally she closed her eyes and shrugged.
"O-kay." Hon said slowly, then remembered his manners. "As you say, Doctor Cho," he said firmly and gave a military salute.
"Now, very lastly. Wise Shae, do be sure to try the fried canyon herring, it's quite good this time of year."
"Oh! I can second that suggestion!" Hon perked up and nodded vigorously.
"Fried fish? Who would turn down fried fish?" She smiled wide. "Thank you for your hospitality, Doctor Cho." She blushed at her own wording and the other two couldn't resist a hearty chuckle.
----------------------------------------
Gatewash was spectacular. The atmosphere and sightseeing were comparable to stacking the canal streets of Venice on top of each other. There were a substantial number of tourist traps, and a wide variety of unique architecture examples. All that backed by the continuous, though mild, adrenaline high that was caused just by being next to sheer drops.
Shae had never felt she was afraid of heights, but the lack of railings along every edge was a significant distraction. A few times she had to stop and gasp as someone took a shortcut off one level and down to another. Some from right beside her, but most she witnessed from across the open canyon.
Guard Hon acted like the place was the same as any other, completely unbothered by proximity to life threatening drops, and even taking shortcuts over corners when he saw something interesting.
Shae followed at a slower pace, being sure to give the threatening edges their due caution. This meant she was often catching up and being rushed out of stores when she'd rather stay to peruse.
"Hon, really, can you slow down? I'm barely enjoying the experience."
"Haha, barely means you are still enjoying it. There's so much to see, Wise Shae, and we are quite short on time."
She controlled her breath, nearly panting from having to catch him again. "How much time do we have?"
"Ah, Hmm." He looked up at the narrow gap of sky, then to a nearby sundial lit by an artificial spotlight. He grimaced, "We should probably get going soon, actually."
She dipped her head around the sundial's base and spotted the thin line that allowed it to rotate. "Are we likely to be fed lunch at the meeting? I could go for another stick of herring." She pivoted to listen for possible hidden clockwork mechanisms, but heard nothing louder than the busy street. "Oh, and we have to deliver Doctor Cho's letter."
"Ah! Almost forgot that, no time for more food then. Let's go!" He said as he rushed off.
"Hon I just caught my breath." She whined to herself as she chased him.
----------------------------------------