Page 120 of The Cinders

‘Master Ren?’Lim shouted, and Xian flinched.‘Sorry about that…where has he gotten too?’

A light sound caught Xian’s ear.‘Wait, just a moment.’

Lim reined in Longma, the horse puffing from the run.

‘Do you hear that song?’Xian asked.

‘Song?’He felt Lim shake his head.‘No.Someone celebrating the New Year, nearby?’

Was it still only that same night?To Xian, it felt like lifetimes had passed.

‘No…this is…so very beautiful.’Magickal, actually.He pointed.‘That way.Towards the river.’

‘Are you sure?’Lim clucked his tongue.‘Ugh, I can’t believe I asked that of a man with a fox’s ears.Never mind.’

They rode past the barn, down past vast ponds covered in lily pads and jutting lotus, many in bloom with pink flowers, despite winter’s late grasp.Lim was right; Master Ren was a Natural.But the melody alone told Xian the truth; the notes touched him like feathers, brushing off the weight of all he’d endured.Leaving him light and…free.

‘Xian?’Lim said.‘Should I stop?You’ve gone all limp.’

‘We are on the right path.I wish you could hear this.It is like Sunü herself sing to us.’

Lim grunted with disapproval.‘The goddess of music is a seductress too, is she not?I hope she does not seek to lure you away from me.I won’t like it.’

Xian squirmed beneath his flattery.‘No one shall lure me away, not even a goddess.But it is not like that.This song is one of great consolation…and promise.’

The pathway grew narrower, wild rhododendrons pushing in, and roots showing themselves in the muddy ground.

‘That’s enough for the horse, we’ll leave him here.’Lim halted Longma, and they dismounted.The shoemaker first, insisting he be allowed to assist Xian after.The gesture was appreciated when Xian’s knees buckled as his feet touched the ground.Lim embraced him, holding him as though they were to begin a partnered dance.

‘Careful there.Are you sure you’re alright?’

‘I am.’The music fluttered around them; fresh and pretty as butterflies.He wondered what it would be like to dance with Lim if simply being held by him was so captivating.‘We should keep going.’

Neither of them leapt at the idea, dragging their feet to do what was sensible.Xian moved off first and followed the rise and fall of the sublime voice.Lim, behind him on the narrow trail, growing increasingly frustrated that it did not reach his ears.

They’d not travelled far when the thickness of the shrubbery gave way to an open riverbank where a junk boat swayed against a dock brightly lit by golden lanterns.

The song ended on a perfect note, its sweetness lingering.

‘Is this for us?’Lim said, incredulous.‘I had only asked him for another horse.’

‘He has done much better.’Xian folded his arms over his belly; nervous excitement twisting his insides.

All three sails on the boat were hoisted, and the central, and largest of them had been painted at its centre with a carp.A brilliant golden carp whose scales were shaped like the unique facets on Song Lim’s slippers.

Xian’s eyes stung, and he reached for Lim’s hand.They stood with fingers entwined, taking in the glorious sight.

‘She is beautiful, isn’t she?’Lim said quietly.‘Mercy, I mean.The boat is generous, but…well it’s a boat.’He shuddered.‘Hope he’s got the huangjiu ready.’

Xian smiled, his vision blurred by tears.‘She is beautiful.Did you tell him of her?’

‘I didn’t.She made herself known to him.’

‘Then he is a decent man, as you say.’

‘Are you ready to meet him?’

The junk boat’s hull was dark, with railings of crimson red.A black canopy covered the middle section of the boat, and a man stood there beneath it; so slender in form he’d be hidden if he stepped behind the thickest masts.Lanterns hanging from the rafters illuminated him with burnt yellow light, but his silhouette was framed by his own aura; an earthy red, mimicking the hue of the Red River itself.