Intrigue, Tea, and Departure

Nam Cal Liang woke up with a start, his head pounding and heart racing. He looked around, startled to find the girl gone and the young boy sitting up in his bedroll, watching him with his soft, crystal-like eyes.

"Your sister…" He began standing quickly, only to become dizzy and slightly nauseated.

"Fret not for the eldest sister; there is no need for excessive concern. From a tender age, she has traversed battlefields, honing her skills under the guidance of countless masters. She possesses arts beyond comprehension and the resilience to overcome any trial. Even if she were unburdened by my presence, who knows what great heights she could reach." The boy's words flowed with clarity and precision, revealing a profound understanding that surpassed his mere five lunar years of existence.

"You place great faith in her," Liang remarked, settling back down, intrigued by the boy's transformation. Straightening his posture, the child exuded a sense of dignity akin to that of a scholar, rather than that of a young boy. Humming softly, he responded.

"Naturally, on the day I was born, my father discarded me, my mother allowed it to happen, and my sister unwaveringly followed me into the depths. She is my sibling, guardian, teacher, and surrogate parent. Were it not for her, I would have perished from starvation or met a tragic end. She is the sole constant in my life, the one indispensable presence. I possess naught else but unwavering faith in her, for without her, I am destined for certain demise. These are simple truths," the boy explained. His dramatic declarations, delivered in the voice of a small child, took on an eerie quality. His solemn countenance, bearing the features of an adult in miniature, though amusing on his youthful face, exuded an unsettling aura that eluded Nam Cal Liang's comprehension.

"You are indeed lucky; I have no one like that. Until several years ago, my survival could have been considered the luck of the Fates. So much like your arrival yesterday, even with more resources, such things are still a matter of fate." Liang expressed, his words tinged with a hint of longing. The boy nodded earnestly, a glimmer of pride shining in his eyes.

"Truly, I am blessed by the Maker to have such a sibling. Hence, you should believe me when I say she shall join us shortly and probably make us both something quite edible. There is no need to venture into the storm in her defense." Satisfied with the understanding reached, Liang nodded, his curiosity about the enigmatic sibling sparked anew.

"What brought about this sudden change?" Nam Cal Liang asked Balam, as he slowly rose to his feet and fiddled with the tea kettle. The scent of damp earth and moss wafted through the cave, while the soft pitter-patter of raindrops against the rocky exterior provided a soothing backdrop to their conversation.

"Elder Sister prefers me to appear more lovable. People tend to overlook me if I seem timid and slightly incompetent. It's safer for me to play the part of an innocent child. Honestly, I think life would be better if the two of us could live quietly, away from the chaos of the world. If she were to truly step into the spotlight, her brilliance would blind those who seek to harm. Who needs fame and power if it only leads to misery and death? It's pointless, and it'll only bring more suffering in the end," Balam explained, his face remained calm, with a quizzical eyebrow raised.

"Well, that does make sense. But why reveal this side to me now? And why not share it with your sister? Surely she'd understand," Liang inquired, pouring water into the kettle from a nearby barrel before returning to the fire to set it to boil.

"I believe it'll benefit you to know my true self in the future. As for my sister, I don't want her to change her perception just yet. A part of me is afraid that she'll treat me differently if she knows the truth. I must admit, I sometimes enjoy being pampered and treated like a child by her. If she learns the real me, that might change," Balam admitted, his gaze shifting downward as he stared at his small hands his eyes shifting nervously for a moment before calming again.

"I understand your fear, although I think it's unfounded. I, too, might hesitate to give up the unwavering devotion of a loved one if I ever experienced it. But you still haven't explained why you're sharing this with me now," Liang said casually, preparing tea as the kettle hissed and released steam into the air. He glanced at Balam, waiting for an answer.

"Honestly, I do not quite understand it yet myself. It is a feeling I have about you; it may have something to do with how you look at my sister. It will require more contemplation; perhaps I will have an answer upon our next meeting." The child responded cryptically before turning to face the small entrance as if waiting. Before he could question the child further, the girl had returned with two large colorful birds, her deep red leather cloak dripping a little as she stepped near the fire.

"Oh good, you are both awake; how hungry are you? I got lucky on my hunt." She inquired with a gentle smile as she looked at the child whose face had brightened in sheepish delight.

"Sister! I was beginning to worry!" He exclaimed in childish exasperation.

"Turnips should never worry about tigers." She chided while setting a large, strangely shaped crossbow down beside the chair near the fire, beginning to prepare the birds to become a meal.

"That weapon…" Liang queried, uncertainty layering his voice.

"It breaks down into smaller pieces that then fit in the pack; on most days, I only need my blade for defense, yet a long-range weapon is preferred for bird hunting." Her response was nonchalant and precise as she focused on plucking feathers swiftly and efficiently.

Her intense focus did not hide the fact that she would glance around from time to time, constantly failing to meet his eyes. He found this shy, embarrassed side quite entertaining. Though it did not displace that, an elephant stood in the room. *There was no way under The Makers sky that she carried all of these supplies with her and the boy. Where in-depth did she find it all?*

***

At the break of dawn, Daiyu roused from her slumber, knowing that with the rain subsided and multiple groups of assassins scouring the forest, it would be best if they made an early departure. She glanced at the sleeping figures around her while addressing the entity residing in her mind.

*Zalgras, is there any danger in you shocking Liang again? It won't scramble his brain or stop the electrical impulses from responding appropriately or anything?* Daiyu's apprehension about shocking him a second time lingered, but she had to pack their belongings without raising his suspicion. While she had initially planned to slip a sleep aid to her younger brother, now that she knew of Liang's true identity, she hesitated to do the same to him, considering the possibility of royal countermeasures against poisoning. It would be easier if he simply 'blacked out from his wounds' rather than 'fell victim to attempted poisoning.' Only the latter could potentially be attributed to her.

*This one believes so.* She sighed to herself; that would have to be good enough; historically, the man should have died twice in the past few days, so what was a little brain scrambling in the whole scheme of things.

She proceeded to prepare a simple yet nourishing meal of mushroom and bird porridge, lightly seasoned. Setting the table with blue nettle tea, Balam's favorite, the three unlikely companions gathered around the fire, their meal a respite from the surrounding turmoil.

"Are you planning to travel to Uipol? Is that where you will reunite with your mother?" Liang inquired, his tone laced with casual curiosity.

"No, our mother resides in the Capital. We still have a long journey ahead of us," Balam responded, delicately spooning his sister's porridge into his mouth.

"We hope to secure a carriage to the nearby harbor tomorrow and book passage to the Capital," Daiyu divulged without reservation, aware that Liang was hunted even more fiercely than they were. There was no need to conceal their travel plans. He, too, was a target, and politically, neither of them posed a threat to a man who could claim the throne through force if he desired.

If the stories could be believed, their genuine threat was hidden much deeper and in more secretive corners than just the imperial court. If the myths are to be accepted and you flip the plot, the true threats lay concealed in clandestine corners. The snakes slithered deep within the tall grass.

"You are indeed quite far from your home if you come from the Capital." Daiyu chuckled at the man's comment, raising her gaze from her bowl to meet Liang's eyes, her sapphire orbs brimming with lighthearted humor.

"I was born in Taihar. I arrived in QinMay when I was almost eight lunar years old. My little brother, on the other hand, was born in the Capital, but that is not truly our place of origin. Hence, it is not where we would call home either. It merely marks the next chapter of our ongoing journey," Daiyu shared, offering cryptic details that she knew Liang would verify with some effort. There was no need to make things too easy.

Liang took in the details, noting the elements, and wondered why the two were so open about their answers now when they had been so overly enigmatic before. Had something happened when she went hunting yesterday? He had still not discovered why he had fainted before she had left or why he had felt so protective about her going out alone. He had reflected throughout most of the evening, and when questioned about her activities, she had been very tight-lipped. Yet this morning, it seemed information flowed like wine; even if it was still cryptic, it was more verifiable.

"What about you, Master Liang? Will you forever dwell as a hermit?" Daiyu playfully prodded, a mischievous smirk gracing her lips.

"It appears that my seclusion may not last much longer. No matter how one wishes to detach from the world, real-world matters have a way of finding you—even in forbidden, haunted woods concealed within a cave," Liang remarked, evoking a chuckle from Daiyu, for he had indeed gone to great lengths to remain hidden. Yet if his suspicions were true then his nephew and step-niece had stumbled upon him during his most desperate hour.

"Fear not, Master Liang. My eldest sister and I shall simply claim that we encountered two mighty masters during our journey. We have been blessed with exceptional luck during trying times," Balam chirped cheerfully as his sister began to sip her tea quietly.

"Two masters?" Liang queried, his eyebrows shooting up in astonishment.

"Indeed, my brother and I were seriously injured several days back. A very eccentric old master found and tended to our wounds. He left us early as he had planned to travel before our arrival and did not wish to delay. Nevertheless, he provided us with provisions and guidance for our journey," Daiyu revealed, concurring with her brother, that they had had phenomenal luck in their time of trial. Balam finished his food and reached for his teacup.

"Sister, this tea!" he exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement upon tasting his beloved flavor. Daiyu chuckled softly, ruffling his hair affectionately as she rose to collect the bowls, while Balam happily savored his tea.

"I know how much you enjoy it on cold nights." She responded curious Liang went to take a sip before staring at the cup and the simple flavor that touched his tongue. The boy was excited about such a common thing. He was so lost in his thoughts he was unable to react in time when Daiyu and Balam cried out in panic as Balam accidentally spilled his cup. In her haste to clean up the mess, the teapot was overturned and scalded Liang's right hand, causing him to drop his cup.

"By the Maker Liang, are you alright?" Daiyu exclaimed with concern, reaching over to touch his hand. Before he could fully register her soft, delicate fingers against his calloused skin, darkness enveloped his mind, and his body slumped forward onto the table once more.

"Elder Sister?" Balam panicked and looked at his sister in complete confusion before he yawned, his eyes suddenly too heavy to stay open. She opened her eyes, seemingly panicking as the boy fell deeply asleep. She looked at the two unconscious people, a bit of guilt hitting her gut, and she sighed deeply before she began to pack their things.

Prince Nam Cal Liang awoke abruptly for the second time in as many days. His head throbbed, and his heart raced. Before him, three men clad in black suddenly dropped to their knees.

"My lord! We are late and deserve punishment," they spoke in unison.

"Forget that. Have you seen a young girl and a small boy?" Liang demanded, swiftly rising from his stool, his frown deepening as he noticed the slight dampness on his right sleeve. His three most trusted secret guards looked at him, perplexed.

"My lord, we have only seen you," one of the guards responded.

"Well, there was a strange scene about a quarter of a league south…." One guard interjected. The three looked at each other, seemingly hesitant to speak.

"Report!" Nam Cal Liang angrily demanded of his men.

"We encountered a formidable group of men near a raided caravan three days southeast of here. They attacked without provocation, and subduing them took longer than expected, given their exceptional training. This morning, we stumbled upon four abandoned mounts near the road. Venturing further south from this location, we discovered signs of a skirmish," the first guard explained, shuddering as if haunted by the memories. The second guard took up the narrative.

"Puddles of crimson blood stained the earth, mingling with the scent of iron in the air. Deep foot impressions marked the ground, outlining the presence of four adults and a smaller set of markings, likely belonging to a young adolescent male. Two trees bore scars, remnants of arrows that had been forcibly removed, yet there were no bodies to be found," he recounted, his voice trembling with a mix of trepidation and uncertainty.

"My lord, what struck me as peculiar was the presence of four adult robes suspended from swords, impaled upon the surrounding trees. Boots rested humbly below the garments as if anticipating the imminent return of their owners. It was truly disconcerting. The markings on those robes identified them as members of the esteemed Silver Serpent Mercenary group. They were among those who clandestinely accepted the secret contract to dispose of your royal person," Liang contemplated, his thoughts wandering through the humble confines of his temporary abode within the cave. Nestled upon his pillow, a folded parchment lay next to a delicately carved green jade box, intentionally avoiding his men's scrutiny.

*She had killed four members of an elite mercenary group, disposed of their bodies, staged a haunting scene, and still brought back dinner. The boy was absolutely right; his sister was more than capable.* He smiled internally, keeping his outward face stoic. His mind conjured a vivid image of her sapphire eyes, subtly mocking, glimmering in the flickering glow of the fire. Her lips pressed together earnestly, her dark blue eyebrows slightly raised as if issuing a silent challenge.

"You passed nothing and no one else before arriving here?" he inquired of his men, pondering the elusive manner in which the siblings, like ethereal forest spirits, had slipped away. They had ventured into his domain, saving him twice before vanishing into the wind.

"No, my lord." All three responded in unison. Liang, his head slowly moving to the sleeping area, his eyes not focused on anything particular.

"Fetch the others; gather only what is of utmost importance. The rest shall be consigned to the flames. It is time for me to return to the Capital and personally assess the progress," he commanded. The resounding "Yes, my lord!" reverberated against the cavernous walls as he reached for the gift she had left him. Shadowy figures materialized from the depths, silently organizing and ferrying away their belongings. He brought the letter to his nose, inhaling gently, catching a faint whiff of nettles.

As the twin suns began their descent, Liang found himself seated within a spacious carriage, its wheels rattling along the road toward Uipol. Retrieving the letter from the breast pocket of his inner robe, he unfolded it with measured deliberation, revealing an expanse of graceful, flowing brushstrokes.

"Greetings, Seventh Prince Nam Cal Liang,

I beseech your forgiveness for our small transgressions. Unbeknownst to us, we were graced by the presence of a member of the imperial family. We meant no disrespect, and it was an immense honor to aid you during such a trying moment.

May this letter find you in good health and on the path to recovery. Alas, before our departure, I could merely ascertain that you had lost consciousness without apparent cause, yet your well-being did not seem compromised. Similar to the previous day's incident, it was as though... a mere lapse. I do hope you possess no aversion to the tea I brew, for it would complicate future encounters.

I find myself procrastinating, for I secretly desire that you awaken, allowing me to bid you a proper farewell. However, I am also burdened by cowardice, unsure if I possess the strength to face you directly.

Allow me to conclude this feeble missive by wishing you a thousand years of good health, reminding you that your adversaries may lurk closer than you realize. May the Maker's blessings accompany you as you forge the destiny meant for you.

It was a privilege to meet you, -Yun Val Daiyu"

Nam Cal Liang meticulously refolded the note, tapping his chin with the paper, a pensive gesture. The surname "Yun" resonated with a flicker of recognition.

"Whisp?" he called softly into the air, and a rider stationed outside his right window promptly responded, awaiting his commands.

"Who in the Capital bears the surname Yun?" His brows furrowed as he delved into his mental repository of noble names.

"There is no one of that name among the denizens of the Capital, my lord. Such a surname is uncommon in our realm of QinMay," came the swift and precise reply.

"Where does this surname originate?" Liang inquired, although he already knew the answer, desiring its confirmation.

"As far as my knowledge extends, my lord, the Yun surname belongs to the continent of Taihar. More precisely, it belongs to their renowned military family, prominent nearly a decade ago when the War God of Taihar, Yun Ver Chao, fell valiantly in battle. His widow now holds the title of Esteem's favored consort. It is said that all bearing the Yun surname are born with strategic acumen and valor etched into their very essence. An illustrious tale recounts the day the War God fell, his young daughter, at a tender age, rushing onto the battlefield to shield her father's wounded body until victory was secured, taking on a horde of fully grown soldiers. Truly, a tale of formidable mettle and passion," the subordinate responded, offering only the information relevant to the surname, refraining from inquiring about his master's purpose.

Liang mulled over the provided information, piecing together the puzzle with the fragments of truth shared by the enigmatic children. Although lacking concrete evidence, he could deduce that the boy was none other than the second-youngest prince, the cursed prince whisked away to a monastery mere months after birth.

Consequently, his sister would be the offspring of the late War God, the niece of the Esteem of Taihar, and his brother's stepdaughter, now the ruling Esteem of QinMay. Amusement flickered within Liang as he savored this revelation; they were all interconnected through blood and marriage, and, by her own hand, she acknowledged her awareness of his true identity.

Liang clutched the scroll tightly, his fingers drumming against his chin, a calculating smile stretching across his lips. The tantalizing scent of nettles wafted to his nostrils, invoking a sense of intrigue and anticipation.

"How invigorating it shall be to reunite with those two once more as if treading upon unexplored ground," he mused, his mind ablaze with strategies and possibilities.