1839 Canton, China

Clouds were collecting in the sky. They blocked the sun, promising storm to a lone merchant ship. She was cutting the raising waves with swift ease but the shore was hardly a dot in the spyglass. 

The captain, a man in his middle forties, counted the distance against the knots they were making and cursed aloud. Young woman of twenty that sit next to him raised her head at the sound, “I was right, was I not?” 

He raised his head to look at the sky but it brought him no good news. Darkness was expanding and he could feel wind trying to steal his cap. He secured it tighter on his head and turned to his daughter. “Storm will ‘it right before enterin’ the port. It’ll be a close call.” 

“Well, I will not wait,” she said with a bright smile, jumping from her sitting position. The book snapped shut as she patted her skirts in place. “I’m going.” 

“No, yer not,” her father ordered, grabbing her hand. “Wind’s unpredictable, and you ’aven’t even proper test your contraption. Wot if it breaks midway?” 

His voice was harsh but she could see worry in his eyes. He didn’t want to lose her too. “I will be careful.” She smiled at him. “Besides what is the worst that could happen? I know how to swim.” 

Father opened his mouth to say something more but she covered his mouth with her hand. “I’m going.” There was no way she could wait another day to get on shore. “I’ll be fine, don’t worry,” she said with certainty, raising on her tiptoes to kiss him on the forehead. “See you on the ground!” she threw before dashing into the cabin and closing doors behind herself. 

Inside she fell beside her sea chest and opened it. Another change of clean clothes, box of tools and gears, extra clock hands and an unfinished project of hers. Neither what she was looking for. 

Right at the very bottom did it turn up. Golden cloth, metal shining with a bronze sheen in the candle light. She took out the parts with care and started to put the harness on herself. 

Both belts on her shoulders locked into place and another around her midriff. She tugged at them but they seemed to hold. Time to go. No, wait. For a moment longer she thrashed through her sea chest until the item she wanted came in view. It was right beneath a grey stone wrapped tightly in a handkerchief. She carefully put it away and grabbed her item. 

Aviator goggles! She had made them herself to match the whole design. The smile on her face widened as she thought of the surprise on his face. He wouldn’t be expecting this. 

She left the room on light feet and went straight for the main mast. Climbing with extra weight on her back was a challenge but she pushed herself on. Storm was coming and there was no time to delay. 

Wind tousled her hair, bringing wild bangs into her eyes. They blocked her vision so she let go with one hand and tried to push them off. Wrong decision. Her balance tipped, the weight threatening to bring her down. She grabbed onto the rigging with both hands and stayed still for a second. 

Or as still as one can be twenty feet in the air holding onto a piece of rope.

Shouts came from below but she ignored them and after an encouraging breath started climbing again. Crow’s nest couldn’t be that far away. One hand before the other. 

The cloth on her back extended, pushing her to the side. But the wood was right over her head. She waited for a little lull in the onslaught and got herself up. 

Gale was even stronger above and it took all her power just to stand up at full height. Rain had started and beat her skirt to her legs, cold water running down her body. 

She glanced down, everything seemed intact, and spread her most prized possession, strapping both wrists to metal. Cloth snapped in the wind and she was off, air current having caught her. 

Two somersaults and three almost dives later, she was flying. Gliding more like but she preferred to think of herself as a graceful bird than a squirrel. 

Wind tried to push her off-course, into the wide ocean, but she veered to the left and joined another current. This one was going towards the shore, in the best possible direction. 

Few minutes and she could see it with her eyes.

Right at that time she heard a tearing sound. It was soft in the background of an angered sea but to her it echoed like a violin’s string in a still room. This wasn’t part of the plan. 

She aimed herself at the ground, hoping against hope that she would make it. If she landed in the sea, the weight would drag her down in an instant. All that talk about swimming had been just boisterous nonsense to calm her father. 

Her breath hitched as she wavered in the air, one of the wings tearing up in full. Part of it’s cloth stayed making it even worse, unbalanced, and she had no time to get rid of it. Luck would have to be trusted this time. 

She positioned herself in the best possible way, afraid to move a muscle and get off course, and started to pray. “Please, let me live! Please!’ She’d never been much of a believer but some situations left no other choice. 

Ground came closing in on her and she flexed her muscles, preparing to roll. Someone had told her this would lower the damage to the body when falling from heights. She had doubts her advisor had thought of such situations when saying that but it was better than nothing. 

Air whooshed out of her lungs as she hit the earth. Shoulders croaked but as far as she knew didn’t break. Other parts ached also but didn’t complain as much. “I am alive,” she muttered in contentment, lying on her back with eyes closed. 

“Not for long if you will continue like this.” 

She jumped at the familiar voice, throwing herself at him. Her hands snaked around his neck and she breathed in his scent. Cinnamon, green tea and something she could never identify. 

It felt like home. 

He hugged her back with awkwardness, stepping back almost at the same time. “I thought I told you not to come this time. We are on the verge of war,” he told her in a reprimanding tone. 

She looked straight at him as she answered. “I missed you, Yiji.” Her voice started strong but by the end it was quivering, cheeks flaming. 

Surprise registered in his brilliant blue eyes and they lost their coldness, though he did not move closer. “Ann...” he said in a soft voice which sounded almost like a groan. 

She gave him a wide smile, ignoring that she was soaked to the bone by now and most likely looked horrendous. Yiji shook his head, wet hair splashing water as he turned away. “Come. You will catch a cold.” 

Ann skipped after him with lightness in her heart. Three long years had passed but everything was still the same. He was as closed off as ever, ordering her around like it was only days they’d not met. Nothing had changed. 

Though, she had to admit to herself he’d become more handsome. In the years they’d not met, he had entered manhood with a flourish. Lithe body, each move made with precision and grace. 

Governess had tried teaching her how to walk, act, talk with elegance to Ann’s everlasting shame but she was sure even that woman would not find anything to fault in Yiji. It was as if he was born with natural poise and finesse that only became more pronounced with years. 

If that wasn’t enough, he had a well built face borrowing what’s best from both his lineages; Mongolian and Chinese. Clear blue eyes hiding knowledge and secrets behind heavy lids and narrow shape, skin the colour of amber and lips that... 

Stone slipped from under her foot and she stumbled, barely caching herself. “I hate rain,” she muttered under her breath, hurrying up not to get behind. “And what is with this nonchalance? What if I had twisted my ankle?” 

“Then I would have had to carry you,” he said in a matter of fact tone. 

Ann almost stumbled again at hearing his words. Maybe she should have fallen. “You are a charmer,” she said instead, trying for dignified annoyance but failing. She was too happy to see him to be able to pretend anything else. 

Yiji seemed to sense her emotions for he slowed their pace. 

“Finally, home,” she whispered to the wind and from the corner of her eyes saw him smile. Just a mere indication, one corner slightly up but that was enough. 

Now she felt like it was really true. She was back. 

For a moment at least. 

*** 

Day and a half later Ann found herself being engulfed in a bear hug from her father. “Ye okay?” 

She spread her arms around his back without being able to connect them. “Of course, father! Did I not tell you?” 

“Wan I saw ye fall...” His whole body shuddered. “Worst moment of me life.” 

Ann knew this could last for hours so she decided to change the topic. Quick and simple way to get out of an uncomfortable conversation. She didn’t want to remember the fall either. “I met him!” she close to screeched out. “He was waiting on the hill and then we went to his house! I was wet like a drowned kitten so Yiji got me this dress!”   

She took a step back and twirled for him. “What do you think? They’re glorious, aren’t they?” The skirt bobbed around her legs, long, wide sleeves flying through the air. She was sure the dress wasn’t meant for such actions but it mattered little. It flashed in such myriad of colours when moving quick. 

“How much trouble did you cause ‘im?” her father asked with a laugh, watching her with mirth in his eyes. All troubles forgotten. 

“Clearly not enough,” Ann answered with hands on her hips. 

Father shook his head with a smile as horns sounded from the harbour. That wasn’t a good sign. They both listened as the signal was repeated four more times and then gone. 

“Tempest!” father shouted out the ship’s name and dashed off. Ann wanted to follow but the dress wasn’t made for running. The many skirts and long swaths of cloth got in her way, tripping, getting in her eyes, entangling limbs. 

She puffed in annoyance, understanding that there was nothing to do and made her way towards the docks where their cargo had been placed. Everyone would end up there at some point anyway. First priority was always the ship but money and profit came a close second. 

And there she could learn what had happened. 

Someone grabbed her from behind and dragged into an alley. She tried screaming but a hand over her mouth prevented it. Thrashing it was then. But right before she could start a familiar voice came at her ear. “It is me.” 

She stopped her struggle in a moment and turned to face him. Yiji looked as pristine as always but in a dark corner he didn’t seem the person she knew. Shadows played on his face, making the angles sharper and emotionless features turn into dangerousness. 

“Are you okay?” he asked and she felt herself relax. 

His voice was still the same. It was him. Next moment she understood having heard an edge of worry in his tone. This wasn’t normal. “What had happened?” 

“I told you this is a bad time to be here. Commissioner closed the channel and all foreigners within the grounds of the city are hostages in all but name.” 

“What? But why? We didn’t do anything!” she asked in horror. There were rumours of discontent in China but that was all they were. No one in homeland believed anything of them. 

“Not you. Opium traders. The Emperor has ordered it to be stopped,” Yiji answered with a look past her. “I told you not to come.” 

Ann shook her head. “My father never dealt in drugs. No one will harm us.” She smiled encouragingly at him but his eyes remained ice cold. It made a shiver run down her back. Could the situation be that bad? 

“Return to you father and stay with him. Do not,” and he stressed the letter looking her straight in the eyes. “under any circumstances do anything crazy. Understood?” 

She nodded and left the alley on shaky legs. This was worse. Far worse than she could have ever imagined. 

Yiji knew better than to warn her about doing stupid stunts. It was in her blood. But if he did, it meant he was desperate. And he never was. That was in his blood. Fire and Ice she had named their pair. 

But that was long ago. Maybe he’d changed. Three years had passed, after all. Many things could have happened to change him into a different person than she had known. 

It was a faulty belief. She knew it herself but couldn’t find a better explanation and before she could her eyes landed on the warehouse. Father was already there with grimness radiating off him in waves. 

Ann came up to him without saying anything and just listened. He was talking with another ship’s captain and the words were discouraging to say the least. Chinese had fully blocked the channel and were now confiscating the ships. 

Soldiers and officials went into each one, looking for Opium but taking out anything inside. It was said to be for making sure no drugs were hidden within. Her father worried that no cargo was going to be returned or that it might be damaged. 

This wasn’t good for business. 

As they talked, more officials showed up to enter the warehouse. They blocked the entrance so no one could enter and proclaimed that this was now China’s property. Everyone should scatter and return to their resting places. 

Not many sailors accepted those news with graciousness. Few drunker ones jumped for a fight but they were dealt with swift efficiency and taken into custody. No one else resisted after, following the closing doors with rage and angry whispers among themselves. 

Some tried shouting that this was illegal, Britain would not tolerate such actions, that they were waging war. Chinese simply ignored them. It would have seemed they didn’t understand if not for the few that asked with respect and were sent to the commissioner’s office. 

Her father didn’t go. When asked why, he just shook his head. No point. China was making a statement. She was taking the Opium problem into her own hands since Britain was pretending ignorance. The cargo was gone with little chance of retrieval. 

Guilt gnawed at Ann’s insides. She had asked father to come, saying she missed the place. Three years was a long time. 

But she couldn’t regret it. Seeing Yiji again, knowing he was alive and well. It was a thing worth risking her life. Not that it said much. She had risked her life to gain much less. Death’s clutches were like a mother’s embrace to her. 

For hours more people stood around, showing their disagreement, anger or indignation for being treated this way but nothing worked. It was done. 

When sun thought about setting, Ann’s father took her hand to lead her away. In silence they made their way to the inn they were staying in. Or a place they called that for its similarity to the establishment in homeland. 

They sat in a corner table but before conversation could start, her father was called to another table by familiar faces. She nodded in their direction but didn’t stand up to join. The day had exhausted her supply of energy and some peace and quiet was just the thing to remedy the situation. 

She was almost asleep on her hands when a grinding of wood woke her up. A man in his mid-twenties brought a chair over and sat down wit its back between his legs. He rested his head on the back, watching her with serious green eyes. 

“Who are you?” Ann asked with little patience. 

The man stayed quiet until she was doubting he was going to reply. “You’re attracting lots of attention wearing that.” 

She glanced at her robe, mind alighting with understanding. Chinese clothes weren’t going to make her popular in this place. “What concern is that of yours?”

“I’m interested why you’re not with your native lover. Did he abandon you now that your nation isn’t welcome?” 

Ann stood up in outrage, eyes blazing fires as her cheeks turned bright red. Who did he think he was? “You will not talk to me this way,” she hissed the phrase her governess had taught so well and stormed off. It wasn’t the most lady like of actions but this was as far as she ever managed. 

In her room she leaned against the wall trying to calm her breath. Lovers? She and Yiji? That was impossible. Still her cheeks were growing hotter by the moment. Idiot foreigner putting ideas in her head. 

Then another thought came into her mind. How did he know? No one was supposed to have seen them together. 

She felt the need to rush back down and pummel the man until he told his secrets but even she knew that was a bad idea. As her father loves to say, nothing good could ever come out of it. Still, he would have to be interrogated. Tomorrow? 

Yes. She had to know how he’d learned of their meeting. It was vital information. But now she would rest and sleep. 

She took off the dress and silk flowed through her fingers. It was a mesmerising work of art. Cloud and sea motives showcasing the beauty of little birds. They danced in the folds, peeked with jewelled eyes. 

Ann folded the dress and put it in her sea chest. Without wings it was much emptier, enough free space for ten more dresses if she had had them. That wasn’t the case so she was closing the chest when her eye caught on a bronze shell. 

Candlelight cast it in a warm glow, tempting Ann. She was never good at resisting temptation and in seconds was on the ground with all her tools spread out. Her newest creation had been nothing but a model for weeks but she thought she finally had the inspiration to finalise its design. 

It should have been obvious from the start. 

Morning sun found her still at it, fixing a pair of gears that had gotten out of shape in the travel. Small hammer was the best for this kind of work but hers was too large. It was either use a deformed gear or risk breaking it. Neither of the options was tempting and she looked over her chances to change the design one more time. 

This was becoming a bad habit with her lack of tools and available materials. If only she was at home in her workroom... But wishing helped none. She had to find a way to solve another problem without destroying an already fragile mechanism. One held most by luck. 

Doors opened on well oiled hinges but she didn’t raise her head from work. Father’s footsteps were as familiar as her own. “Wy yer not asleep?” 

“I wanted to finish,” she gave him her age old excuse. It was the same as telling a thousand words. 

“Did you?” he asked noting all the scattered parts in the room. “’’ave ye any clothes in that chest?” 

She raised her eyes to show him just how silly she thought him being. What was more important? 

“Yer friend’s goin’ to visit?” 

Her head dropped at those words. “I do not know. He always comes and goes as he pleases.” Being in China increased her chance of meeting Yiji just by a little margin. Usually, it took weeks for him to show up and then he was free for half a day at best.  

It was a wonder she had met him on arrival, and even seen him for a second time. If she was truthful, she would have had to admit she was kind of glad for their forced prolonged stay in the city. There was chance she could see him one more time before leaving. 

“How is negotiations going?” she asked and her father’s eyes darkened. It didn’t seem good news was coming. 

“Get some sleep,” he suggested. “And prepare a dress for the evenin’. We’re meetin’ with Commissioner.” 

This was an inconvenience. “Cant I not stay here?” It would be much better to just stay and finish up. There were few pieces left till the finished product, though they didn’t seem to be easy to fill up. For some reason even when the gears were pushed, nothing happened. 

It made her feel seven again when she’d forgotten to tighten the screws and one escaped, turning the whole project worthless. For days she’d been unable to figure why it had failed. The clock was still at her table at home. A reminder that if she persevered the answer would reveal itself. 

“Ann!” her father burst out, entering the room. With his huge frame he took up half of the space. “Did ye ‘ear me?” 

She let out a breath of air. “I did, I did. Let me just clean up.” 

There was no way she was going to let the innkeeper’s daughters touch her precious metals and tools. Ten minutes and she was done putting everything away. While doing that she found her second dress in the chest. 

It was pastel pink with many underskirts and long sleeves. There were same coloured shoes and white gloves to match near. She had packed all of them hoping to never be forced to put it on. 

But she wasn’t going to have a choice in the evening. Her only other dress was somewhere in Yiji’s house and it had been torn and dirtied in her fall. Nothing good would come out even if she retrieved it. 

There was the beautiful blue bird dress but this wasn’t going to be the occasion. Showing that she supported Chinese culture wasn’t going to help neither her, not father. He had always told her that the smartest tradesman keeps his cards close, reserving his choice making until he knows which side brings the coin. 

Today she’ll be able to see how that works out. As thoughts swirled about the topic, she felt herself growing more tired by the moment. Sleepless night was catching up. After no success in trying to push it away, Ann went to her bed and dropped dead till the evening. 

*** 

The room swam in darkness and silence. Through the windows cheerful sun shone but it failed to warm the atmosphere inside. Over a hundred people sat in various groups with frozen demeanour, eyes strained on the entrance. 

Their target was a group of men dressed in Chinese official uniforms. Different coloured feathers quivered on their hats, the only movement in the room. None dared to whisper and break the silence. 

Steps came from outside and a man strode in. He had a generous grey beard that reached his chest and small narrow eyes that looked to take in everyone in the room. No one said a thing at his arrival, letting the quietness speak for them. 

He watched them, the whole huge hall filled to the brim with unsatisfied merchants. There was little place to breathe. The man nodded as if satisfied with his conclusion and then went into a tirade of Chinese. Few knew the language so a translator was brought and explained every few sentences. 

“I am Imperial Commissioner Lin Zexu,” he presented himself and then went straight to the heart of the problem. “China is overrun with Opium. It has found its way into most homes and the land is suffering. The Emperor has seen it and he fears for us so I have been appointed to solve it.

“You have been bringing the poison to our land as if it was salvation, selling to everyone that buys. This will end now! I will not let my country fall into ruin because of barbarians like you! You will release the drug you have in your possession and it will be destroyed. 

He shifted in his place, meeting eyes with many in the crowd. “Until then you will be confided to your quarters while we try to establish negotiations with your land’s diplomats.” 

The room rumbled with discontent. People whispered to each other in angry voices, moved in their seats to gauge others’ reactions. But before any could make a move, Ann was on her feet and moving through the throngs of people with a purposeful stride. 

Her skirts got in the way so she bunched them up and continued on her track. The governess would have taken her head for such display of flesh but this was no time to joke. She hadn’t worked, begged, pleaded and manipulated her way into China only for some bureaucrat to confine her in a room. 

“We are already allowed only in one city in the whole of China. Do you really think it’s necessary to limit us even more? What could we possibly do?” she asked, dropping her skirts and looking up at him with hands on her hips. 

The translator hesitated to interpret her words so she turned her glare on him. “Have you turned deaf or what? Tell him what I said!” she ordered him with disdain permeating her voice. Haughtiness was always a risky choice but it was her best card at the moment.

And it worked. The man shuffled in place, eyes cast down and in soft voice said something to the Commissioner. She hoped it was her translated words but there was no way to know.

The old man turned to her at the translator’s words. Up close he was a formidable individual. Deep set sharp eyes, distinct nose and white moustache mixing into his beard. It should have made him look like a senile grandfather but somehow he felt more intelligent. As if he had centuries of information and knowledge to rely on. 

He said something in a pleasant voice but there was steel in it. “Your people have been warned. You were asked to forfeit opium for tea but it was not to your liking. Not enough profit.” 

The words lost some of their strength in the translator’s weak voice but she got the gist of it. Old man was furious. Just like her. “I came here yesterday and my father had never traded in drugs. Why do we have to be subjugated to this despicable treatment like those that did? Or do you not care for what is right any longer?”

Translator’s eyes widened at her words and a hush of awe went past the crowd. She was digging her own grave. It took a lot of willpower not to glance back and see what was reflected in her father’s eyes. Horror most like but it was better not to know or she knew she’d waver and lose her moment. 

When the words were out and changed, all officials focused on her. Their gazes crawled over her skin and for once she was glad of long sleeves and gloves. No one could see how put off she was. 

“Your country should have taken care of the problem from the start. If it cannot control its own people, we’ll have to do it for them. And to make a point drastic decisions have to be made,” the Commissioner replied and turned to leave. 

Oh, no. He wasn’t going to leave like this. The conversation wasn’t over yet. She pushed through the officials and made her way to stand blocking his path. “So you’re going to let innocents suffer to make some silly point? You know this could be constituted as Casus Beli.” 

The hole was getting deeper and deeper. Ann was starting to wonder whether she was going to climb back up when the Commissioner’s expression changed. It wasn’t annoyance per say but a mix of it with grudging respect. 

Her point was silly, even she had to agree to it, but the threat a real one. “If you let us go, it can still be avoided. Take the drugs but leave people alone. You do not want for your own having to fight to death just because you thought some point needed making?” 

He opened his mouth to reply when a loud boom echoed through the whole room. The impact had been far, there was no real danger, but the sound was tremendous, shaking the whole place. Ann hadn’t heard it before but in an instant knew what was happening. 

City was under siege. Other Britain ships under Charles Elliot, Superintendent of Trade in China, had returned to attack, save the opium ships and their cargo. Ann had no doubt that was the reason and not them. Silver was what ruled the world of merchants in this part of the world. 

As she raised her head to see how the Commissioner was reacting, he came towards her. No. Fell. She tried to catch him but he slipped through her fingers and they came out crimson. Blood. 

Her eyes widened and she dropped in a pool of skirts, turning the old man over. He was choking, crimson seeping out of his open neck. She tore a piece from her dress trying to stem the flow but it was no use. 

Another blink and he was gone. 

Ann stared in horror, unable to believe what had happened. Just a moment ago she was talking with this man, admiring how age brought wisdom instead of weakness to him and now he was dead, staring at her with lifeless eyes. 

Someone came up from behind and pulled her up. “Are you okay, flying girl?” she remembered the voice but it had been long ago. She couldn’t get the look of horror on the old man’s face when he understood he was dying from her mind. “Hey, let’s go. You don’t wanna be here when the authorities come.’ 

He half-carried, half-dragged her through the cluster of people and then passed her a handkerchief. She stared at him uncomprehending when he pointed at her hands. They were red. 

Dry cloth did little to wipe it off but the colour was no longer as prominent. As she finished father found them and led her to their lodgings. Bath was drawn and she fell asleep in its warmth. 

Next morning found her lying in bed curled into a small ball. The shock had passed but terror lingered. Killer, he had been right beside her. And she had helped him, unknowingly but so none the less. She had taken the old man’s attention, distracted him with the bombing being the icing on the cake. 

It was her fault he had died. 

The thought didn’t want to leave. Logic dictated that she couldn’t have known but heart didn’t agree. She should have known. If she had only been more aware of her surroundings, thinking of the world and not just meeting Yiji. 

What a silly girl she was. Maybe she deserved to be punished. Her stupidity might lead to war. 

This was all too much. She got out of bed and made her way towards the chest. Sky blue birds met her there, tempting her to take them out. She touched the fabric with a loving caress but turned her attention towards metal. This was something simple she could understand, problems that could be solved by mulling over them for long enough. 

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Time passed and the knot in her chest untangled. Quiet and familiar objects worked wonders to return her peace of mind. The project was coming to an end when she heard doors open. “I am not hungry,” she said expecting father but when silence stretched she raised her head. 

Yiji stood in the doorway, outlined by the evening sun coming through the thin curtains. He looked like a mirage and she wondered whether her tired mind had conjured him to ease her worries. 

“Why are you on the ground in your night clothes?” he asked in a stony voice, eyes shifted to a corner of the room. 

Ann glanced at her robes and was horrified to find out he was right. She dashed towards her bed and wrapped a bed sheet around herself. “I was not expecting visitors,” she said in a small voice, cheeks flaming like fires. 

He entered the room then, closing the doors behind himself and coming to sit next to her on the bed. For a moment he seemed to hesitate then took her left hand in both of his and asked, “Are you all right?” 

There was so much emotion in those four words her mind blanked out. It was so surreal. “Yes, yes, I am fine,” she whispered back, averting her gaze from him else he knew it was a lie. 

It didn’t seem to have helped. “You should not be,” he said without any judgement, knowing she had lied. “A man was killed before your eyes today.” 

“How do you..?” Ann asked in surprise, snapping her attention to his face. 

This time it was his turn to look away. “I was around,” he said in a way of explanation. “Is this how your room looks in London also?” 

It was clear he didn’t want to discuss his presence and she let it go, not wanting to pressure. “As if,” she answered with a small smile playing on her lips. “It’s three times the size with tables, chests and bookcases filled with past experiments, broken machinery and works-in-progress. One wall is reserved for tools and other components I might ever need in my work.” 

In there a little locked chest with all her most prized possessions. But she did not say that. Not even father knew about it. Especially the dozens of letters she had secretly exchanged with Yiji throughout the years. No one needed to know how worn they were, how many times read and re-read. 

“Sounds like a lovely place. Wish I could see it at least once,” he said in a voice devoid of emotion. 

“Maybe one day..?” she asked without any real hope. His circumstances were ones that didn’t allow for pleasure trips to the other side of the world. He was a gear in this country’s clock and could never leave. 

A shadow settled on his face. “No. Never. And that is why I am here.” He turned to her, catching her eyes with his blue gaze. It was warm and welcome but something hid within. “You need to leave. Now.” 

“What? Why?” she asked, leaning back in surprise. This freed her hand from his and she mourned the loss. Why had she been so inattentive? 

“It is not safe,” he said looking around as if fearing they were listened in. “You must take your father and I will show you a way. By tomorrow you must have left the city.” 

Ann took his hand herself. “You are not making a good argument. The Commissioner is dead but there is no proof we did anything. It- What is wrong?” she asked, finally noting the slump in his shoulders. 

This wasn’t just about the Commissioner. Something else had happened that he didn’t want to share. “Tell me,” she ordered, squeezing his hand. “You know you can trust me.” 

A shiver ran through his body at those words. He took a deep breath and in one go pushed out, “The emperor is dead with his empress and heir. Many other officials, concubines and children are gone. All by a skilled group of white skinned men.” 

Her hands went to cover her mouth as tears slipped from her eyes. “I am so sorry!” she blurted out, abandoning her covers and hugging him. He resisted her touch at first but soon wound his arms tight around her and rested his head on her shoulder. 

“Why did this happen?” he asked in a whisper but she had no answer. Maybe there wasn’t one. So she just held him and wished there was something more she could do. 

He was so strong and solid under her touch. If not the look on his face, she could have never believed he was just like her. Terrified, stricken. Unable to comprehend where the world was going. 

She heard the sound of doors opening again. Father entered and both of them jumped apart as if set on fire. “It is not what you think it is!” Ann said in an instant, bringing the covers once more over her shoulders. 

Father gave her an incredulous look. “No,” she whispered with a sniffle and he noticed tear streaks on her cheeks. Next moment he stood at her side, unsure of how to proceed. He was always horrible with crying woman and often admitted the fact. 

So it was no wonder his attention fell on her companion. “Wo’re ye?” 

“I am Yiji,” he answered in a strong voice. You couldn’t tell he had just revealed that his whole world was broken into a myriad of pieces just minutes ago. Or how long had they stayed together? Time lost its meaning in such situations. 

Her father took a step back as if struck. “The Yiji? Yer ‘possed to be imaginary!” 

Yiji glanced at her and Ann gave him a shadow of a smile. “No one else saw you so they thought I imagined everything. In time they just played along with my stories since I raised hell every time someone told you were not real.” 

“I am real,” he said in a voice as if someone had insulted him by trying to say otherwise. 

“Now I see,” her father murmured, now wholly lost. Women tears, imaginary friends turning real, he was out of his element. “Ye cou-” he started but Yiji cut him off. “There is no time to waste. You have to take Ann and leave the city. I can show you a secret path where a boat can pick you up and take to your people.” 

Her father stood straighter at the words. “Why?” he asked in a gruff voice. 

Yiji hesitated so Ann took his place. “Some more officials were killed at the same time as the Commissioner and there it was seen that our people did this.” “How-?” 

“He came to warn me right after learning of it,” she said with a nod towards Yiji. “And I trust him.” 

Her father didn’t look as convinced but seeing the determination in her eyes, nodded. “I will gather the crew and a few others. Be ready in half an hour.” She thanked him and then he was gone. 

She was alone with Yiji once more. “Can you really get us out?” 

“I will,” he said with steel in his eyes. “There is a ship prepared and if we are lucky, the city guards are still in chaos. Everyone is vying for power as if this was the time,” he said with disgust evident in the curl of his lip, though his voice betrayed nothing. 

She nodded and for a moment closed her eyes. This was supposed to be her best trip ever. It was funded by her life’s work and the many inventions she sold or helped to create. No effort was wasted to achieve what she wanted. 

But now that she was here, everything had went wrong. It was as if the universe was laughing at her wishes. She had met up with Yiji and spent more time together than ever before but all else... There were no words to describe how bad it had went. 

First the loss of cargo, then threat of confinement and Commissioner’s death. Now news of loss of the empire’s dragon. The world had went mad. 

And she with it. 

She stood up and made her way to the chest. The beautiful dress was the only thing inside. Why had she thought two dresses were ever going to be enough for her? They were getting destroyed on daily basis. 

Silk brushed against her fingers and she took it out, feeling horrible for knowing what she had to do. This dress was never going to work as escape clothes. It had to be modified. 

Some skirts could be removed with ease and she found out that unlike her own British ones, this one separated with ease into many parts. Maybe she won’t have to cut it! This was the only good news she’d gotten in some time now. 

When she thought she found the right piece, she took her night clothes off and changed. The dress fell around her ankles but without underskirts didn’t get as much in the way. Lack of -. 

“You know I am still in the room, right?” came a voice from behind but she didn’t dare to look back. 

“You know better than to look at a girl changing. I heard that ceiling corners are a fascinating study.” 

The grumble from him warmed her insides. He was so predictable. She adjusted the dress and put on a belt to better keep it in place. “I am done,” she announced turning back. “What do you think? Will it suffice?” 

His eyes roamed from her feet to her face, lingering on some parts longer than others. “Blue suits you,” was all he said before standing up. “We should go.” 

“Right,” she agreed but first retrieved her work from the folds of bed covers and put in inside a satchel hastily made of leftover cloth. After a second’s hesitation she also added a small grey stone. “I am ready.” 

Yiji opened the doors and they made their way towards the inn’s first floor. It was filled with people. Angry, shouting people. They all fell into silence as she walked down with Yiji on her side. 

It almost felt like she was a duchess going down the stairs with all eyes on her and her husband. But the dream didn’t last long.

“So your prince didn’t abandon you, huh, flying girl?” asked a now somewhat familiar voice. The young man was sitting at the table with others of his age and mugs of ale at the table. 

She ignored him but Yiji didn’t. “Who are you?” 

“So defensive,” the man laughed. “I am Michael, captain of Angelica.” 

“Opium ship,” Yiji whispered under his breath but didn’t say anything more. It was as if the man had suddenly stopped existing to him. Got erased from existence. 

The man, however, did not feel the same. “So what is it I hear you saying we’re in danger? Some kind of officials having gone down?” 

Yiji didn’t even blink. He led her to the very bottom, where her father stood. “I will lead you out. Whoever wants to follow can but I won’t play hero,” he said in a normal tone but the quiet at his arrival allowed for all to hear. 

Most didn’t look convinced. She wanted to make them see sense but Yiji pushed her to father. “Follow me,” he ordered their group and made his way outside. 

“Do you really trust ‘im?” father asked in her ear and Ann nodded. More than anyone else in the world. “Let’s go!” he said to his men and they all left. 

Air outside was warm and stale. Summer was in full blast, sun not letting up even in the evening. The streets were empty but they walked in quiet, hands on weapons, listening for any sign of danger. 

Yiji was quite far up, scouting as much as leading. He had taken a conical straw hat from somewhere and was walking with his head down. It made him look like another peasant.

Suddenly he turned and rushed to them. “Need to back up. Soldiers ahead.” He then led a street back and to the side. Ann tried to remember where they were going but soon she was lost in the maze of twists and turns. 

It was almost as if Yiji was making them confused on purpose. She shook her head to remove the thought but at the same time wondered how many others had it. Those who had no trust in him. 

It wasn’t looking good. 

But no, she could see the red roofed houses thinning out. They were on the outer edges of the city. Close to escape. 

“Ambush!” a voice cried out and she saw Yiji stopping right before a row of Chinese soldiers. They stood in a line with muskets aimed and ready. Fear shot up her stomach as she saw what was going to happen. 

Yiji was in the way. He tried shouting something but his words didn’t make it. As if time froze, she saw the triggers release, heard an animal like scream and saw him fall. Without a thought in her mind she was running. 

By luck, nothing had hit her and she was on the ground by Yiji, tears streaming down her face in torrents. He didn’t deserve to die. All he had done was try and save her. Please, don’t let him be dead. 

His hand closed over hers. “I am fine,” he wheezed out, face pale but unbloodied. 

“Are you..?” she whispered, unable to voice the whole thought. It was too scary to contemplate. 

He shook his head, “No.” Father came to them and gave him a hand to stand up. Yiji nodded in thanks and went to where the fighting had started. 

Once the muskets were shot, they were abandoned because of time needed to reload and swords taken out. Bloody melee begun, neither side wanting to back off. Yiji didn’t have to join, it were his people on the other side but as she watched he was in the middle, weaponless in the place where short swords and dao’s clashed

“Stay here,” father said squeezing her shoulder and left to aid Yiji. He looked to know barehanded fighting but his opponents were armed and didn’t care that he just wanted to knock them out. 

Fear warred inside Ann against the wish to help. But what could she do? A silly girl with knowledge of proper dances and etiquette. Neither of those were of use in this situation. 

Of use? She opened her satchel and took out the grey stone. It was small and blank, like any other on the ground. But it wasn’t one. She could feel energy pulsing into her body from where it touched skin. 

Philosopher’s stone. Legendary item the world had searched for centuries. She had made it as a child, without even knowing how to. Never did she manage to repeat the success and that’s why treasured it even more. 

It was her last resort. If her father got ill, their family lost all it’s fortunes. She had kept it for the blackest of days. 

Yiji received a cut over his eyebrow, blood trickling into his right eye. Others weren’t faring much better. Many of the sailors had been wounded by the first salve and became easy prey for well-trained soldiers. 

This battle was anyone’s to take. There were more of her people, but they were wounded, not wearing any kind of defensive clothing. 

Today was that day. Ann took out her creation. Dragon, no longer than her hand, stared back at her with sapphire eyes. She kissed its black nose and touched the stone where its clockwork heart was. “Come to life, my dear, and help me,” she pleaded in a broken whisper. 

Nothing happened. Despair tugged at her strings when a tick sounded. It was soft and overshadowed by steels clashing but there. She had heard. Gears clicked into place and the dragon’s heart started beating with a clock’s ticking. 

The creature tilted its head at her and she pointed behind herself. “Please,” she begged. “Help them.” 

It uncoiled and claws twitched. They were made of sharp steel since she wanted it to be as realistic as possible. Yiji could have gotten any simple design himself so hers had to be superior. The best there was. 

The dragon lifted from her hand and as she stared in wonder mixed with horror flew towards the fight. Ann didn’t have time to ask herself what she had done when the metal creature was amidst the fighters. 

It tore into the first soldier, slicing at his open neck, blood sprouting to cover most of the dragon. The creature did not care and found another target, stabbing him with its steel tail. 

One after another he visited soldiers like a god of death. He was small enough to pass through the fighters with ease and slash or stab as he wished. Few saw him coming and those didn’t know how to fight back. Shock or surprise was the death of many. 

Soon the battle was over and her people victorious. At what cost she wondered? What did I create? 

Yiji came to her. “Are you okay?” he asked with worry. 

“Yeah,” she answered, noting the numerous cuts and scratches on his body. He wasn’t meant for this. His life was meant to be high in the society, living surrounded by servants and having a happy future. What was he doing risking his life for her? 

She allowed him to help her up, a plan forming in her mind. There was only one thing she could do. No other choice. 

“We must be going,” Yiji told everyone. “There is still some way to go and the ship is risking a lot already, waiting there for you.”

The men grumbled but picked themselves up, gathered the wounded and started on the track. Yiji left her once more to go ahead. Be the first to see the danger if it struck. 

He was risking too much. 

Her father touched her lightly on the shoulder and went past to aid a sailor of his crew. The man was limping badly, his trousers soaked in blood. 

“Where did you find him, flying girl?” Michael asked, coming to walk beside her. “I’ve never seen a man fight with such determination and against his own people none the less.”

She didn’t want to think of that. It would have been so much easier had she never met Yiji. Would it? They had met so few times yet most of her life was spent thinking of him. She planned what she would tell him and what they would do. It always flew to the wind when they met but the time spent planning was a precious memory. 

Whenever she felt sad or lonely, she remembered him and knew there was one friend that would always be there for her. It made her strive to better herself, become worthy of his friendship. She wanted to be able to respect herself and what she was so he could do that too. 

What would have she become if not for him? 

The thought unsettled her. How would she had dealt with her mother’s passing, constant lectures from the governess and her absent father, always on another ship? 

“Why do you call me that?” she asked instead, trying to change the train of her thoughts. There was enough darkness already, no need to conjure up more herself. 

Michael gave her a wide smile. “Because you flew to the damn city! I was taking a walk and look and behold, a girl is flying like a bird,” he shook his head with mirth. “I rushed to catch you but your hero was already there, waiting. It was as if he had known you would show up there and then. Weird, if you ask me.” 

She shrugged. “We were always good friends.” 

“Friends?” the man asked with a raised eyebrow. “By the way he’s acting I’d have guessed you’ve already decided on your children’s names.” 

Ann felt a lump form in her throat. She pushed the thought and pain that came with it as far as she possibly could. Not nearly as deep as she would have liked. “He’s promised to another,” she said in a way of explanation. 

It was only part true but the whole hurt too much. They were meant to be apart no matter how much either could wish it to be otherwise. 

“I suppose that doesn’t mean I can get a chance?” One look was more than enough for him as an answer. “One unlucky bastard,” Michael said with a booming laugher. “Have such a girl like you fall for him and not be able to have her. That’s what you call true misery.” 

She flinched at the words and tried to get away from him but he followed. “Hey, sorry. I didn’t meant to offend. It’s just really...” He laughed again. 

“Why are you so bloody cheerful?” she asked through gritted teeth. 

“Ah, a curse from a lady’s mouth?” he asked but his smile vanished. “What else should I do? Curl into a ball and cry? In my kind of business, you either laugh at everything or you jump off the plank.” 

She wondered what he meant but didn’t question. It seemed he had also lost the wish to converse, seeing things from the past. 

Guilt tugged at Ann’s conscience but she ignored it. Sharing misery was supposed to be a good practice, lessen your own suffering. She didn’t feel like it had helped. 

Something prodded at her shoulder. She turned to see the dragon had returned. He had cleaned up and the metal glistened with water. It made a grimace that was probably a smile and settled on her shoulders. 

The weight was uncomfortable but Ann didn’t bother to complain. Dragon would hardly understand and others ask too many questions. It was better to just endure. 

Few hours passed until they walked over a hill and saw a ship docked. It was small and danced on the waves like a gleeful child. There was no way it could carry them through the ocean but all they needed was to get past the blockade. 

Superintendent Charles would pick them from there. 

As Ann saw the ship, she knew she couldn’t get on it. If she ran... How could she ever respect herself again? Yiji, he risked so much to save them all without being asked and knowing no rewards would come. 

And what did she do? Shiver and hide, get in the way. Where did all that becoming equal to him get lost? 

Boats were sent and sailors entered them with great joy. The ship’s owner himself sailed out to welcome them and ask about their state. He was a man in his late thirties who’d seen his own share of fights. Trustworthy sort, and an Englishman. 

Yiji came to her and with his head suggested they don’t hurry to join the rest. She nodded, found a tree to lean against. What she was going to say wasn’t going to be easy. 

“So this is probably the last time we see each other,” Yiji started, cutting through her thoughts with a dagger. “No!” she burst out, shaking her head with vigour. “No way! I am not leaving!” 

“What?” he asked incredulous. “Yes, you are.” 

“I just said I am not,” she told him crossing her arms and daring him to challenge her with a look .

He was used to her tantrums and knew it was better to just let her get her way but this time wasn’t like the others. It wasn’t about who was getting the last piece of the pie. “You have to,” he said after a moment. “You know as well as I do.” 

Ann straightened her back and clenched her hands in a vain hope they won’t shake. At least not so obviously. “I know but that will not change my mind. I am staying.” 

He let his fingers roam through his hair with frustration, for once not hiding his emotions. “Why? You know I- , we - It’s impossible!” 

Tears collected in her eyes. It was physically painful to see him so distraught and saying things she had known all along. They’d never approached the subject, not that they had been old enough for that, but still. It was a taboo in their friendship. 

Both were smart enough to know better. Their lives were too far apart. 

“Do not cry,” he whispered, coming to stand right before her. There was hesitation in his eyes. Trepidation soon overturned by wild abandon. He closed the space between them and took her face in his, their foreheads touching. Lips close enough to kiss. 

Ann’s breath caught and her thoughts scattered in all directions. His presence was like a personal drug to her and he was way too close for comfort. “Please,” she begged, not sure what she was asking from him. 

His breath fanned her lips. “Promise me you will get on that ship.” 

“I can not,” she whispered with a touch of hysteria in her voice. “I would not be able to live with myself!” 

“We will not see each other again, you know that,” he said softly and tears came unbidden. The thought was more than she could take. “I know, I know,” she murmured mantra like. If he believed that, maybe she could someday too. 

Lips on her cheek. She felt him kissing her tears away. “I asked you not to cry.” “I-I-,” she tried answering but words had fled her mind. It was so hard to concentrate with him so close. 

“Then why?” he asked and it took her a moment to understand what he asked. Why did she have to stay. 

“I have to do this,” her lips quivered as she looked up so their eyes bore into each other. “Your people, they need a fighting chance and I can give them that.” 

That surprised him. He pulled a bit father, eyebrows wrinkling in puzzlement. “What do you mean?” 

Freed for a second Ann took a deep breath. He noticed and a smile played on his lips. She was sure her cheeks were redder than a tomato now. Trying to mask it she started talking. “I know things.. Like, I am an inventor. Quite good at it and I can help!” 

Words were now tumbling out of her in a rush. “That steam ship that attacked you yesterday, I helped design it under an alias! I even have blue prints for it! Besides I have ideas for many other things. You know me, I love building! Imagine how much I could help if someone gave me a chance!” 

“Impossible,” he said with a shake of his head. “You are a foreigner, not to forget a woman. No one would listen to your words.” 

It hurt. She knew this wasn’t going to be easy but did he have to be so destructive? “I know there will be war but that is why you need me! No one else will help you build the steam ships that destroyed your junk ships!” 

She hadn’t heard about that but it had to have happened. The newly built steam ship “Nemesis” could ignore the currents and carried a huge platform for heavy artillery guns. It should have had no problem fighting whatever came its way. 

From the pained look on Yiji’s face she had hit true. Why was it that the moment they were closest all they were doing was hurting each other? 

“We will find a way,” he said lacking conviction. 

Whatever were his feelings he had to consider his people. She could see him being torn between the decision but knew she couldn’t help. Only one answer was going to satisfy her. “I will pretend I had memorised blueprints and give to your technicians for my safety in the city. No one will bother checking whether I had made them up myself.” 

He came closer and her heart picked up speed, but to her utter shock he punched the tree beside her head. “You will be a prisoner. Worse. All you will ever have will be disgust and disdain. All your country will do will be your fault. I will not let you have choose this kind of fate!” he ground out, staring holes in her skull. 

“Then I will not ask. It is my decision,” she said with a smile and before he could reply rose on her heels to brush her lips against his. It was over in a second and she ran off, turning back at the bottom of the hill. “Oh, this is your gift so that you will never forget me.” 

The dragon woke with a grumble from her shoulder but smiled at her touch. “Go to him,” she said pointing at Yiji. “Go and become his guardian. Never let any harm come his way.” 

It did as told and Ann reached the shore still giddy with her daring. She couldn’t believe she had done that.

Father in an instant noticed her state. “Yer like a crab.” 

“Does not matter,” she said, hugging him and pressing her head against his heart. He wrapped his arms around and asked in a soft voice. “Wot did you do?” 

“I decided to stay,” she answered, her joy ebbing out. This was going to be bring only sorrow to her father. Not only did she want to stay in a foreign country, it was one that would soon enter into a war with her homeland. 

He held her quiet. Waiting. Was she supposed to say anything else? 

“Wy?” he asked when she didn’t expand her story. 

“Oh,” she said. “What most merchants do, it’s wrong! Opium shouldn’t be sold like this! It’s not right! The Chinese are right to rebel against us bringing poison into their homes and presenting it as all problem solver!” 

“And?” 

“I believe they deserve a fighting chance and I can give them that! My inventions could save hundreds of lives and not let them become just another land under our country’s rule! They have beautiful traditions and their own way of life that deserves respect, not destruction!” 

“And?” 

She hid her head in his chest like when she was confessing her bad deeds as a child. “I want to help him. He always kept my spirits up and now I want to do the same for him.” 

Father pushed her away, a bright smile on his face. It was half-forced but she appreciated the effort. “Wen have you grown into this strong woman? Just a few days ago you were still jumpin’ off masts and pretendin’ it was for science.” 

Laughter bubbled in her chest. “It was for science, and humankind!” 

“Right,” he muttered kissing her on the forehead. “Stay then. I will return as soon as I can but if somethin’ happens to you know that ‘e’s dead.” 

“I can take care of myself,” she bristled. 

“’e’s still dead.” 

Ann laughed at his serious tone and pushed him towards the boat. “It is leaving. I will be well, father.” She couldn’t resist adding. “Unless something explodes.” 

“Be careful, please,” he said in a voice choked with emotion. Her own eyes filled with moisture and she brushed it off, trying to smile with encouragement. “I will, I promise!” 

He was in the boat when he asked his last question. “Will you tell me?” 

“Tell you what?” 

“Wore should I search for ‘im if something ‘appens to ye” 

She smiled. “At the Forbidden City. He is the new Emperor of China.”