It was the rainy season once more. Sein and Zeya had first met in the Archives just over a year ago.
Now they saw each other several times a week, depending on Zeya's schedule, each knowing the other's routine.
However, ever since they were caught by Khin Yu returning from the Water Festival, they hadn't been able to venture out into the capital again.
Khin Yu took charge of the guards at all four gates, who meticulously reported directly to him. They kept a tight monitor on the comings and goings.
Sein and Zeya continued to regularly meet either at the Archives or the palace vegetable grounds. She sensed Zeya subtly pushing her back to ensure their friendship boundary wasn't crossed again.
She wasn't invited to his quarters or to any circumstances where they might have physical contact. He was obviously very much in command of his feelings, knowing there can never be a future between them.
She was the complete opposite.
One particular afternoon, Sein was strolling in the garden searching for herbs. For some time, sleep had eluded her, as her mind wrestled with the whirlwind of conflicting emotions towards Zeya.
She hoped to make a concoction that would soothe and calm her. But really she wanted something to help her stop thinking about him. Anything to numb her feelings.
She found a stunning display of purple flowers which she knew to be lavender. It was often used in the palace. She remembered seeing them in Zeya's bedchamber. Its calming floral scent was soothing but it reminded her too much of him.
She walked on, looking for something else. Perhaps valerian or camomile would be better.
"Sein!"
Sein turned at the sound of Zeya's voice and watched as he jogged lightly towards her. She greeted him with a warm smile.
Then remembering he's the Crown Prince and should anyone be observing them, she ought to follow court etiquette. She curtsied.
"Your Highness."
"There you are," Zeya began. "I've been looking for you at the Archives."
He seemed apprehensive about something, his expression calm yet a slightly clenched jaw suggested otherwise.
"What is it, Zeya? What's happened?"
"Well, I found out it was your birthday yesterday."
Zeya suddenly grinned, standing with his hands grasped behind his back.
"Why didn't you mention it to me?"
"I'm a year older," Sein replied. "Really, it's not important to me."
She realised Thura must have spoken to him about her party during training that morning.
Zeya scrutinised her face and said, "If you say so. Perhaps you'd rather I didn't attend your birthday party."
He seemed completely crushed, but Sein suspected he was being overly dramatic. Surely he had not expected to be invited.
Now that she was eighteen, the pressure for her to marry was immense. She knew too well her mother would invite various potential suitors to her birthday celebrations whom she would have to politely entertain.
For some reason, she felt uncomfortable at the thought of Zeya witnessing this and had purposely not mentioned it.
"That's not true. I… I didn't want a birthday party but my mother organised one anyway," Sein said, attempting to explain. "Really, you didn't miss much. It was pretty dull. I'm not into parties. I loathe all the pleasantries. I'm really not good with people."
"Nonsense, you're great with people," Zeya assured her, stepping closer. "I have a gift for you. As it's such short notice, I haven't been able to have something made especially for you. I hope this-"
He produced a green velvet pouch which he'd kept hidden behind him. Taking Sein's hand, he gently placed it in her palm.
"I hope you like it," he added softly, still holding her hand. "Happy eighteenth year."
Sein was speechless for a moment. She wasn't prepared to receive a gift from Zeya. And she wasn't prepared for him to hold her hand again.
After having kept a respectable distance from each other since the Water Festival, why was he breaking this unspoken rule?
"Much appreciated," Sein said, cheeks colouring.
"Go on, take a look," Zeya said, unable to hide his eagerness. "I promise it's nothing bad."
She carefully untied the ribbon and pulled out a delicate gold necklace. At the end of the chain, hung an exquisite pendant.
A dazzling collection of diamonds, in an array of sizes and cuts: oval, princess, and marquise were meticulously arranged, creating the symbol of Arkar.
Diamonds of this calibre were a rarity and highly precious. And the royal crest was reserved exclusively for members of the royal family, making the significance of this gift profound.
Sein was stunned for a good while.
Why would he give me this? What does he mean by it?
She couldn't be certain but hope flickered.
"It's the royal crest," Zeya spoke up, not sure of her reaction. "But don't feel obliged to wear it if it's not to your taste. Truly, it's entirely up to you. Had I known sooner, I'd have arranged for something to be made that befit you. Is that your 'I like it' face?"
Sein was smiling tenderly at him.
"It is," Sein assured him. "Of course I'll wear it."
Zeya looked pleased and asked, "May I help you put it on?"
He took the necklace and stepped behind her as Sein lifted her hair to reveal her neck. Gently, he fastened the necklace around her, taking care not to touch her skin.
"Beautiful," Zeya said, facing her again and gazing into her eyes.
Those eyes were dangerous.
Before she could fall under their influence, Sein hurriedly said, "I know your birthday is coming up next month."
"So you do remember," Zeya said. "You'll be coming to the celebrations, won't you?"
"I will, but I can't guarantee I'll stay very long. You know, parties, people, pleasantries…"
"Well then, at the very least, make yourself known to me," Zeya requested. "Perhaps you'll finally grant me a dance? Or shall I assume you fear I'll step all over your toes?"
"It's not you I fear. It's me," Sein insisted. "I'm really not much of a dancer."
She was convinced if she was in Zeya's arms, and with so many eyes on them, she wouldn't be able to hide her true feelings for the Crown Prince.
"How would I ever get through to you anyway?" she said lightly, attempting to shift the focus away from herself. "There are way too many ladies and lords wanting your attention and admiration."
"Then I shall have to seek you out, won't I? Can't have you slipping away before I've had my chance," Zeya stated, stepping closer as his hand automatically reached out and tenderly held her organza cape.
Then realising his actions, he hastily released the fabric.
She wondered where this conversation was heading, as her eyes briefly lingered on the tiny white daisy flowers of the chamomile plants. She thought it felt like treading down a road that would lead to nowhere.
His close proximity became intoxicating, stirring a longing within her to step even closer to him. To feel his hand in hers once more. And to know her feelings were returned.
"What on earth will I give you?" She swiftly diverted the topic. "What do you give a prince who has everything they could possibly wish for."
"That's not quite true," Zeya said, crossing his arms and backing away. "There is still one thing I find myself wishing for."
Sein arched an eyebrow. Against her better judgment, the question slipped out, "What is it?"
"Something, it seems, just out of my reach," Zeya answered.
Instead of his usual playful tone, his face remained serious.
"Near enough to see, but never meant for me."
Sein sensed his reply was loaded with meaning. She felt the weight of it nearly crushing her chest.
But why allow hope to soar when it will only hit the ceiling of reality?
"I doubt it'll be in my power to give you something you cannot have," she simply stated.
They stared at each other, wordless.
The silence stretched, pulling taut like a drawn bow.
Finally the arrow released, shattering the tension, as Zeya reached out and tenderly touched the pendant.
"It suits you," he remarked. "I'm delighted you like it."
Sein mirrored his smile, feeling at ease again and said, "I'll think of a gift for you… something to amuse you."
***
The next morning, before anyone else had stirred, Bayin heard General Min rise and quietly walk away. She didn't turn to see where he was headed, unwilling to let him know she too was awake.
Instead, she lay still, watching the heavy clouds gathering overhead before the dawn chorus began, breathing in the scent of damp earth that hung in the cool air.
After a moment, she allowed herself a discrete glance towards the water's edge.
The general stood there with Htoo and Cetan, their figures half-silhouetted against the pale light creeping into the sky.
With her heightened senses, she caught fragments of their conversation, though most of their words were swallowed by the sound of cascading water.
A sudden crack of thunder shattered the stillness, making Bayin jump. Moments later, rain came crashing down in a relentless sheet, sweeping across the land and rousing the camp from sleep.
Nature's alarm clock had sounded.
"Holy Spirits!" someone shouted. "What the wretched hell!"
Men jumped up to scramble for their belongings.
"Where did this rain come from?" Cetan said to no one in particular, as water whipped his face. "Melt one day and drown the next."
"Yeah, weather's going nuts," the man next to Cetan remarked, picking up his gear. "It's no where near the wet season."
"Maybe someone out there has displeased the weather spirits," another man joined in, lending a hand in packing the supplies.
"Nah, maybe some farmer 'round here's praying to Spirit of Water," Soe suggested.
"Why not direct this damn rain on the fields, not on us," Cetan grumbled.
Not surprisingly, General Min was unruffled.
"It's only a bit of rain," he said to Bayin.
She sat with her knees pulled together, one hand resting on the pendant hanging around her neck. It was tucked inside her shirt, near her heart. She'd always worn his necklace.
It was a tangible link to him; the only piece of evidence she had that suggested Zeya thought fondly of her.
General Min scooped up the blanket and wrapped it around Bayin to shield her from the torrent. She was touched by this gesture, as her eyes followed him heading towards Htoo.
She was already working, keeping her clothes dry. Now she channelled cloth power into the blanket to repel the water.
To her surprise, she received prayers from Kyaw. She glanced in his direction and smiled. She granted the wish generously as he held up a spare shirt over his head.
Soe copied him. She dried their clothes in seconds.
A couple of the men noticed Kyaw and Soe weren't getting their clothes wet and enquired. Suddenly more prayers came from men wishing they had dry clothes for the day.
Bayin giggled to herself. Should she leave General Min in wet clothes? After all, he looked particularly striking with wet hair and clinging clothes that showed off his physique.
Of course, she dried his clothes after that thought.
General Min and Cetan led the way. Bayin with the two boys followed in the usual position, at the back, with Denpa and Htoo as rear guards.
After an hour, the rain lightened considerably. It was just a fine mist but still made those who were damp, miserable. They had to pack camp quickly and press on without eating breakfast.
Bayin felt sorry for those men and dried out their clothes.
By mid-morning, everyone was in good spirits again when their stomachs were filled.
"Ya know, General's got this strange look when he's looking at ya, Bayin," Soe commented, innocently enough when they stopped briefly.
"…"
Bayin didn't respond.
In a panic, she questioned, were we too obvious while we were cooking? What will the men think of their General?
"Ya noticed too right, old man?"
Soe casually unfastened his trousers and stood next to a small tree and let out a stream.
Bayin still couldn't get used to seeing men answering nature's call in plain sight. Perhaps they wouldn't if they knew she was a girl.
She moved away but was still within earshot.
Kyaw had finished relieving himself and stepped out from behind a bush and remarked, "Best not to stick your nose in other people's business."
He gave a discreet nod to Bayin.
"What business are ya talking about, old man?" Soe asked, frowning as he approached Kyaw.
"Business you don't understand, dummy."
Kyaw reached over and ruffled Soe's hair.
"Don't touch me, old man," Soe cried out. "Ya haven't washed your hands."
He moved away but Kyaw gave chase. They ran around Bayin like little boys.
Htoo seeing this scene, stopped and shook his head as he grumbled, "Why are we herding children?"
Denpa laughed at that.
"Come on, were you not once, young and silly?" he asked.
Htoo gave him an arched eyebrow.
"Hmmm."
"OK, maybe you were never silly."
"I have excellent self discipline," Htoo remarked, his face was a portrait of sternness.
"You sure do," Denpa agreed and mumbled under his breath, "Maybe you were never young neither!"
Despite working alongside Htoo for many years, he really couldn't work out the man at all. It was like trying to crack open a coconut with your head.
As they marched on, Bayin wondered if Kyaw knew more than he let on. He'd obviously observed her interactions with General Min and didn't seem surprised.
Had she not fooled anyone? Except Soe perhaps.
If General Min knew who she was, then Htoo and Denpa would too. Even the other men were giving her a wide berth as if they had some inkling.
How could she own up to Kyaw and Soe now? It was difficult to suddenly come out with the truth.
I'm actually more like a sworn sister to you. And by the way I'm Spirit of Cloth.
Would they accept who she really was? She didn't want to lose them as her sworn brothers, especially now that her fondness for them had grown.
Once she drifted back from her thoughts, Bayin noticed her surroundings had subtly shifted; the clumps of bamboo were replaced by giant teak trees and palms.
The air was saturated with moisture casting a sheen on the faces of the men. They had entered the lowland forests.
With that it also occurred to Bayin, they've left the protection of Rei and Shwe Kyi.
Her senses became heightened, combing the forest, probing for hidden danger.
Her sole concern was for General Min who was still at the head of the company, alongside Cetan. If any evil spirits attacked, she was too far away to intervene.
She wanted to close the gap between them and her group.
Frustratingly, Kyaw and Soe were walking at a leisurely pace. And Htoo and Denpa didn't seem to be in any hurry either, walking behind her.
"We're falling behind, let's catch up," Bayin spoke up.
She walked briskly ahead. Soe instantly quickened his stride.
He studied Bayin and asked, "What ya worried 'bout?"
When Bayin remained silent, Soe persisted, "Hey, you're good at sensing stuff. What's up?"
"Don't be alarmed, I cannot sense any danger," Bayin replied, but clearly something was afoot.
For one thing, General Min was not walking alongside them. She sensed he was tense and vigilant. Perhaps they were finally near the Three Rivers.
She didn't speak her mind.
"Com'on, old man," Soe ran back to Kyaw. "Those spindleshanks can't take the pace, huh?"
"Relax, dummy," Kyaw said, shooing him away. "We'll all get there in the end. By the way, how far's the three rivers from here?"
He aimed this question at Htoo and Denpa.
"A couple of hours on foot at this pace," Htoo replied.
As Bayin suspected, they weren't far off from their destination. General Min and Cetan were no doubt planning their next move.
From what she could gather from snippets of various conversations, the enemy had last been sighted in a small town near the meeting point of the Three Rivers.
The mighty Ayegyi River was used for both trade and transport, connecting the three kingdoms. Its source was from the mountainous glaciers of upper Northern Kingdom, meandering lazily through the Central Plains, cutting southward through the Southern Delta, where it eventually emptied into the South Sea.
There were two other smaller rivers, one from the east, Shwe Waters, and the other from the west, Penden Waters, that joined Ayegyi in the Central Plains.
This point, commonly known as the Three Rivers, was once home to a prosperous town, Madaya, as merchants gathered there to trade.
However with the advent of better roads, and commerce moving directly to the capital, the town shrank and was more a glorified village in recent years.
This was presumably their destination.
About an hour into their quickened pace, Bayin saw General Min striding back towards them. He approached Htoo and Denpa directly.
The three men walked shoulder to shoulder, discussing something quietly.
Bayin used her heightened senses to catch their conversation. However it was proving to be difficult as Soe kept speaking.
"What I don't get is, we've been with this company for four days now and we ain't seen any action. I thought the enemy was everywhere. Like, all over the place."
Kyaw who was walking on the other side of Bayin, asked, "Ya really wanna see action? Ya shoulda joined the military. This is more a… whada you call it." Kyaw paused to find the right words. "We're scouting out the enemy. More strategy than battle."
"I know that but-"
"No but, dummy. Like I said if you wanna see battle, join the military. Not this company."
"Guys," Bayin spoke up. "Can we just walk in silence for a moment?"
"Why? That's too boring," Soe objected.
"Yeah, Soe's right," Kyaw agreed. "Talking makes time go faster. Before we know it, we'll be at the town."
"What I was saying earlier," Soe resumed. "To be honest I don't wanna have to fight but I'm prepared if we have to. I thought the closer we head south, the more trouble we'll come across."
"What, did you forget about those black arrows at the ruins? Was that not trouble enough? What kinda trouble are you looking for?" "I'm not looking for any trouble," Soe stated, stretching his neck out to glance over at Kyaw.
"Guys, if you're going to blabber on then can you talk about something interesting?" Bayin suggested, feeling frustrated that their chatter was interfering with her eavesdropping.
She walked behind Soe and positioned herself on the other side of him, so Soe and Kyaw didn't have to speak over her.
"I don't blabber, do I?" Soe protested. "Am I blabbering?"
Kyaw laughed. "Yeah, you do blabber quite a lot, dummy."
Bayin was contemplating whether to tie a cloth over her ears and use her cloth power to shut out the noise when General Min jogged passed them.
He glanced at her briefly. His eyes were serious, devoid of emotion. Her instinct told her he was heading for battle.
She quickened her pace, wishing to say something but it was no use. He weaved through the trees and was out of sight.
Bayin turned around and asked Htoo and Denpa, "Where is the General going?"
Htoo's eyes shifted to Denpa, who spoke up, "The General and the men are headed for Madaya. We'll remain in the cover of forest and wait for them."
"Really!" Soe exclaimed, facing them. "How come we wait in the forest?"
Denpa shot Htoo a look, who quirked an eyebrow in return.
"We're to follow the General's orders," Denpa said carefully.
"Why's the General ordered us to stay? Ain't we members of the company?" Soe continued to challenge, walking alongside Denpa now.
"It is to…." Htoo said firmly.
Then frowning, he changed his tactics and continued, "The men leading the ascent are warriors trained from a young age. They have fought many battles. They are specifically trained for these kinds of missions. You are not meant to be with this company. You have no combat experience and lack the intent to kill."
"Yeah, I get it," Kyaw said, rubbing his chin briefly. "We're the newbies and not suitable for dangerous missions. And yeah, I don't wanna have to kill people to be honest. I'm happy to stay in the forest. I'm not complaining."
Bayin looked visibly troubled. She turned to Denpa, her eyes filled with darkness, fuelled by the fear that lurked in her imagination.
Denpa guessed her thoughts and said quietly, "Do not be worried. The General and Cetan are an unbeatable team. Like Htoo said, the General's men are warriors by birth. They are elite fighters."
Bayin wondered whether she would have an opportunity to go after the General. She forced a half-smile, pretending to accept his words.
"Trust the General's decision," Denpa consoled, then changing the topic. "Let's find a place to camp by the edge of the forest. Then the General will be able to find us easily when he returns."
Bayin nodded.
She was already plotting to take off whilst Htoo and Denpa were distracted. She'd have to wait until they start the campfire, and their guards were down. She vaguely knew the direction to Madaya.
Now with a spirit's body, her heightened senses and the ability to run swiftly, she'd be able to follow the General then.
Still Bayin couldn't shake her concerns for General Min's safety. What if he underestimates the threat just like the black arrows?
Why has he gone off and abandoned me again?
She had the distinct feeling, Htoo and Denpa were indeed babysitting her. She did pick up General Min's instructions to 'guard' and 'keep her safe'.
Does he think I need to be protected? He has no idea what I'm capable of.
"Wow," Soe let out a low whistle. "Look at these beauties. They're like trees from paradise."
The last sentence caught Bayin's full attention. She'd heard someone else say that before.
"You're right for once, dummy," Kyaw remarked, his face clearly delighted. "I've never seen anything like it before. What are they?"
"Indeed," Denpa spoke up, "They're spectacular. I have no idea what kind of trees they are."
Bayin stared at the line of trees, pregnant with cascading yellow blossoms. That sight brought her to an abrupt stop.
Like riding a rolling wave, her stomach twisted and churned, the intensity so suffocating it nearly brought her to her knees, as the air around her pulsed with an unseen, malevolent threat.
"No, we must leave this forest," she cried out.
"What ever is the matter?" Denpa asked, concern in his voice as he stared at her distraught face.
But Bayin couldn't explain without revealing who she really was. And this wasn't the right time or the right place to do so.
"There is danger in this forest. We must leave," she pleaded.
Denpa looked perplexed by her conviction and glanced at Htoo for his opinion.
Htoo simply folded his arms and scanned the surroundings with his sharp, keen eyes.
The forest exuded total serenity, with a gentle breeze scattering some of the yellow petals like confetti.
Where was the danger?
Kyaw and Soe scanned the trees too and seeing the peaceful nature of it, let out a sigh.
"Bayin, you're worrying too much," Soe said, resting a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Maybe ya need to rest a bit."
"Soe's right," Kyaw added, trying to calm her. "Relax, it's fine. It's a strange sight to see these trees but they're not dangerous."
Before any more words could be exchanged, a sinister snarl of a large beast seized their attention.
It was a peculiar noise; a mixture of an unearthly growl and a deep, primal sound that suggested the presence of an apex predator.
"Holy coconuts!" Soe gasped, causing the others to give him a quizzical glance.
Another guttural rumble rolled out, snapping five sets of eyes back to the tree-line. The dense shadows remained impenetrable, hiding whatever danger lurked there.
Their imagination took hold and conjured up a foe worthy of fear.
Htoo immediately drew his sword and stepped forward in the direction of the noise.
"Denpa, stay with them," he ordered, advancing carefully and scattering yellow petals in his path.
Denpa ushered the three back as he unsheathed his sword. His eyes monitoring the forest.
There was yet another growl, wicked and cruel. This time it was coming from a different direction.
"Remain here with Kyaw and Soe," Denpa said, his voice laced with apprehension. "Be alert."
Bayin rested her hand on the hilt of her sword and said, "Denpa, be careful. It's an evil spirit beast."
He gave a nod and moved forward to investigate the sound, walking in the opposite direction to Htoo.
"Oh Spirits! What kinda beast are we talking about?" Kyaw asked Bayin, his eyes wide with fear.
His breathing was shallow as beads of sweat rolled down his temple.
"I'm not sure," Bayin replied, though a possibility ran through her mind.
"I don't like the sound of it," Soe said, his eyes scanning the trees.
He reached for his sword and struggled to unsheathe it, with trembling hand.
"Could it be a boar? Maybe a tiger?"
"What! With that kinda noise. It'll have to be a frigging huge tiger or bore," Kyaw exclaimed. "Bayin, you said an evil spirit beast. What in the heck is that?"
"Let's stay calm for now," Bayin urged, her heart hammered in her chest.
She took a deep breath, then let out a long exhalation, remembering to control the fear.
In that moment, they heard an unsettling rumble that reverberated through the ground, drawing their gazes downward to their feet in unison.
When they raised their eyes, they saw a dark mass weaving through the trees, like a ribbon of shadow closing in on them.
Bayin swallowed hard, fighting the nausea. A wave of dread washed over her.
She'd seen this play out before and it didn't end well.