Page 55 of The Cinders
‘Of course he did,’ Lim snapped, and Ren inclined his head, offering a silent apology.‘I hope you are above spreading such horse shit.Xian survived that terrible day, and many more since.’
‘I tell no tales, Master Lim.I assure you, I know what it is to be spoken of in whispers, and sometimes shouts.’He regarded Lim solemnly, and it was impossible to hold on to a temper under such gentle and obvious empathy.
‘He’s not treated well in Kunming, it is a disgrace,’ Lim said.He’d not meant to say so much, or anything at all, but what harm in this man knowing the truth?Ren could counter the vile lies that came in off the river.‘His Highness never utters a cruel word of anyone.He is a strong man, and a gentle man too.A true survivor, who has endured his hardships with great dignity.Make sure you tell the gossips that when next they fill your ear with swill.’
Ren picked up another of the lotus pods.‘I shall do so, happily, Master Song.It was a terrible affair, wasn’t it?The fire…his mother’s death.’
‘I know little of it,’ Lim admitted.‘I was young myself when it happened…and have little interest in Imperial rumour.’
Master Ren nodded.‘Sorcery was blamed, with talk of Consort Keshun’s own magick being to blame, that she worked on a talisman to bring down her court rivals only to lose control and the fire was started.But any decent person alive could see her death came from simple jealousy and avarice.’
‘You are saying the fire was set by her enemies?’
‘I’m saying only what the river tells me.’Water ran between his fingers where he cupped one of the lotus pods; as though the river itself was held in the palm of his hands.‘Noble Consort Jing has gained much status, since Xian’s mother’s death.Much more, it is said, than she would have otherwise.’
Lim swallowed against the sudden dangerous turn in conversation.‘I am not here to speculate on such things.The Imperial Palace is no place I ever wish to set foot in.Your words only make me more determined on that.’
‘Wise and handsome, very good, Master Song.’
Lim grumbled at the ground, scuffing his toe at a stone.‘Don’t know about that.’
‘He is your friend, the prince.’
A statement, not a question.One that caught Lim off-guard.‘I have met him only briefly, when he needed the help of a shoemaker.’
‘Is that what he needs now?Master Chen might take exception to being usurped,’ he laughed.
‘Master Chen?’
‘Mandarin Feng’s esteemed shoemaker.Are we to see a battle between two craftsmen to win the right to touch Prince Xian’s feet?’His goading held no malice, his smile a true one.There was something calming about his fellow; something that had Lim wanting to sit down over that offered bowl of abalone soup and tell him he’d ridden hundreds of miles, simply because he couldn’t get Xian out of his thoughts, that he hated the idea of the grieving prince being so far away, and so alone, with his sorrow.That he carried a slipper thatwantedhim to be here.
Lim exhaled.‘There’ll be no battle, I assure you,’ he said.‘I’m not here on any official business…and I’m not certain I’d be warmly welcomed even if I was…’ He stopped, uncertain if he’d said too much, or not enough.
Ren walked towards him, carrying a single lotus pod.His gaze fixed on something beyond Lim’s shoulder.
‘A fine animal,’ he said.
Lim turned, and cursed loudly on finding the gelding loose, standing in the fenced of area of grass.
‘How did he get there?’Lim bent and slipped through the wide gap between the bamboo poles.‘Come here, Longma.That’s not for you.’
‘Don’t worry, Master Lim, the grass shall grow readily enough.’He untied the rope around the topmost pole and set its end down on the ground, creating a decent gap through which Lim led the reluctant horse.‘There is much better in my stables, I promise you, noble Longma.’Ren brushed his hand along the horse’s neck, the animal’s head dropping low with pleasure.‘I make a chaff, mixed with seaweed which I’m sure you’ll enjoy.And the water is the finest and purest you’ll find anywhere in the Middle Kingdom, I make sure of it.’
‘Thank you, Master Ren.’Lim bowed his head.‘He’s served me well, and I appreciate you taking him in.’
Ren acknowledged Lim’s comment with a murmur, his hand moving over the animal’s shoulder, skipping the saddle, before resting on the saddlebag attached at the rear.Perhaps Lim’s tired mind teased him, but he was certain he noted a shiver run through the man when he touched the pouch where the slipper lay.
Master Ren looked to Lim; grey eyes pale as ash on snow.‘This is indeed a noble quest you are upon.’
Lim shifted, disconcerted by the man’s gaze.‘Hardly a quest, or particularly noble.’
‘But you are returning what was lost, and what is precious to it’s rightful owner.I think that is very noble.’
Lim jolted, as though he’d just been struck.He’d not spoken of returning any item.
‘What did you just say?’
‘It’s alright, Master Song.You are among friends here.’