Stolen Eternity 2

Hai sat in a circle with the masters and other students, all swaddled in blankets to shield them from the cold. There weren’t that many of them, but there was space between each person so that the circle they formed was twenty paces across.

In the center of the circle stood Galway and Master Long, facing each other. Master Fén had thrown a fit when Master Long had announced the dual. But he couldn’t argue with the traditions, and of course, it would be their most senior who would represent the temple.

She wasn’t sure who she was rooting for; of course, she owed her loyalty to her master. But she liked Galway, he had such interesting stories, and it didn’t hurt that he was handsome. Strong jaw, gorgeous emerald eyes, his hair an exotic red, and she couldn’t be sure with it all tied up as it was, but she thought it might be longer than her own, and hers was the longest in the monastery, though that wasn’t a high bar.

She’d root for both of them, she decided. That way, no matter who won, she won too. She smiled to herself, it was silly, of course, but she was allowed to be silly if she wanted.

In the center of the circle, Master Long and Galway were speaking; she couldn’t hear what they were saying; they were too far away and speaking in hushed voices. Galway seemed rather heated, though, and Master Long was smiling serenely as he always did.

Galway was upset, not just now that he was facing down the master. He’d been upset while they’d been talking. He covered it with smiles and his stories. But she could tell something was bothering him.

Galway shook his head and backed away from Master Long, the two of them squaring off. “Rules,” Galway spoke loud enough that everyone could hear.

“How courteous,” Master long said. “By all means, use whatever weapons and methods at your disposal. Don’t hold yourself back on my account.

Silently, Galway drew a knife from his belt, and she saw Master Long’s eyes grow steely. “In your time, sir.”

But Galway didn’t move, just stood there, watching the master. The seconds ticked by, turned to minutes; she shivered. It was cold. Master Long frowned, “is something the matter?”

Galway regarded the master, impassive. “If you’re just going to wait around, then the cold will take care of you for me.”

She blinked; he had a point; his clothes looked much warmer than the master’s. It was a strange thing to say. Master Long had told him to use whatever means, but she found herself disappointed; it was a bit cowardly, just waiting for your opponent to succumb to the cold.

Master Long, though, laughed, his whole body shaking with mirth. “What a terribly pragmatic gentleman you are,” he chortled. “Very well, I shall begin.”

Galway tensed, his legs bent, and he shifted to give the master a profile view of his body, stretching his knife out toward his opponent. He had the basics down, it seemed. Beneath her blankets, she pulled her knees up to her chest and rested her chin on them. She was excited to see what he was capable of.

The two men shifted and shuffled, just out of each other's reach, probing each other, each gauging the other’s reactions. Then, Master Long’s hand shot out, snatching at Galway’s wrist, attempting to gain control of his knife. Instantly, the knife hand withdrew out of reach, and his other hand snapped forward, striking the master’s forearm.

As the blow landed, Master Long’s arm gave and twisted around, the master seizing Galway near the elbow and twisting, bringing the arm close to his body; the next step would be to leverage the arm and bring his opponent to the ground.

But Galway’s reaction was instant and subtle; she almost missed it, but his foot hooked around Master Long’s, and an instant later, they were both in the air, Galway sweeping the foot and jumping in the same motion, bearing his shoulder down into Master long.

In the next moment, Galway was back on his feet. “Surrender.”

Master long looked up at him a moment, smiled, and rolled to his feet as well. “Stop? Now?” he asked. “Aren’t you having fun?”

Galway’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t enjoy fighting.”

The master chuckled and lunged forward, grabbing Galway’s knife hand and twisting. The weapon clattered to the floor, and then their forms merged into a confused mass of flailing limbs as they wrestled.

Master Long staggered backward, she hadn’t seen what happened, but his hand was on his cheek; perhaps he’d been struck in the struggle. Galway was on him then, tackling the older man and driving him back toward one end of the circle before throwing him. Not flinging the master over his shoulder, no, as she watched, Galway picked the man up and hoisted him over his head. Her eyes widened, Master Long’s did the same, and then Galway turned and threw him twenty, thirty feet; the students in his path sprung to their feet and caught their teacher, the impact bowling them over.

She looked at Galway again; he was strong, much stronger than she’d thought. Master long was old, but he wasn’t a small man, and Galway had made pitching him across the room seem effortless.

From where they’d fallen, the master and students had regained their feet, and she released a breath she hadn’t been aware she’d been holding. She glanced at Galway, firey hair mussed, the beginnings of bruises on the pale skin of his face, cold eyes regarding her master. Was he trying to kill the old master? He might have been, but he hadn’t seemed to exert himself, particularly, throwing Master Long as far as he had. She didn’t doubt he could have tossed the old monk out of the ring entirely from where he’d been; instead, he’d ensured there would be someone there to cushion the fall.

Across from Galway, Master Long was scolding the students for assisting him when Galway’s voice rang out over the crowd. “Yield.” Master long turned back to his opponent, who, not breaking eye contact, retrieved his knife. “This only ends one way.”

Master Long nodded, looking at Galway with new eyes. “You may well be right. But the pride and honor of our order rest upon the outcome of this bout.”

Galway’s jaw clenched. “This isn’t worth dying over.”

An icy fist of fear clenched in Hai’s heart. Die? The idea that master long could lose, let alone die, had never even occurred to her. He’d always been- untouchable, invincible, and surely, he would never kill Galway.

Master Long shook his head. “I disagree.”

“Fine then,” Galway resumed his stance. “No holding back.”

The master gave a sharp nod. “That seems prudent.”

Galway took a deep breath, and then they were on each other; Master Long closed the distance, sliding under the arc of Galway’s knife and driving his knee up into the stranger’s stomach.

Galway arched forward, softening the blow, and hooked his hand around the master’s neck. They grappled, and though he had his knife, she noticed he didn’t employ it. After a moment, they fell to the ground, twisting and rolling on the packed earth.

Their contention was too confused for her to make out the details, but finally, Galway found himself atop the Master, the elder lying face down in the dirt, Galway straddling him, one leg across his back, the other across his legs. “Yield,” he repeated, but Master Long just struggled beneath him.

His knife came up, and she gasped; he glanced her way, and their eyes met. “He’s important to you,” his words echoed in her ears. She shook her head, unsure if she was asking him to stop or denying what was happening.

His face drew up, he twisted, and the knife came down.

The blade sliced through the back of the master’s ankle, drawing a strangled cry from the old champion.

Galway stood. “This fight’s over,” he declared.

Master Long rolled over, struggled to stand, but his legs crumpled, and he collapsed back to the ground. “It would seem so,” he said. “Well done, it was a worthy challenge.”

Galway shook his head and wiped some blood from his face. Was he bleeding? She didn’t see any cuts, but he must have been. It couldn’t have been Master Long’s, the only visible wound on the old man was the slash on the back of his ankle.

Two of the other masters had helped Master Long to his feet, and he offered a hand to Galway. She stood as they shook and, wrapping the blanket tightly around herself, approached them.

“Hai,” Master Long seemed in high spirits, despite his injury. “Quite an impressive display from our guest, don’t you think?”

She swallowed; seeing the blood pool at his feet made her stomach twist. “Yes,” her voice was strained. “I’ve never seen anything quite like it.”

“Sir,” the master said. “If it would please you, I’d love to invite you to provide instruction to the students. Master Fén, who had joined them, coughed as though choking on something but kept his silence otherwise.

“Maybe,” Galway met the master’s gaze coolly. “before that-”

“Yes,” Master Long nodded. “I know it’s quite late. We all need rest, and I should have this foot of mine bound. Hai, please show our guest one of the empty rooms in the student’s wing; I’ll have someone bring blankets up for him.”

“Yes, master,” she nodded, and though Galway seemed to want to object, he allowed her to guide him away back into the monastery.

They walked in silence, Galway two steps behind her as she lit their way with a candle. When they came to the stairs that led to the student’s quarters, he spoke.

“You’re upset with me,” his voice was soft, not a whisper, but soft.

She turned to look at him. Was she upset? She wasn’t happy, but- “No, I’m not.”

He pursed his lips. “You should be.”

“Galway-” she shook her head

“I hurt someone you love.

“He’s important to you,” his words returned once more.

She sighed. “You could have killed him, but you didn’t.”

“I didn’t want to.”

She cast her eyes down. “What would you have done if Master Long hadn’t yielded?”

Galway shrugged. “Crippled the other leg, I suppose.”

She swallowed the lump that formed in her throat, crippled. Would Master Long ever walk again? She doubted he’d ever return to fighting shape. Her fists clenched. “The way teaches us to let go of feelings of love and resentment, mere illusions of the mind that block the path to enlightenment.”

A dark expression crossed his face, “manure.”

“What?” she was taken aback by his sudden anger.

“We’re not meant to be alone like that,” he said.

She blinked. “Alone?” She supposed it did sound a little lonely, but there was something in the way he said it… she shook her head.

“I don’t blame you,” and she really didn’t; after all, it was her fault.

********************************************************************

Hai felt like shit; she hadn’t slept the night before, not just because of the excitement, Galway’s intrusion, and the duel. But because of the guilt.

Master Long was hurt, hurt because he’d fought Galway. If she hadn’t helped him, hadn’t hidden his presence from the masters, then maybe- maybe it wouldn’t have happened.

There were bags under her eyes; she should have been in the yard for morning drills. But she didn’t care; she needed to see Master Long, needed to apologize. She knocked on the door to his chambers; he lived high up in the temple, where most students were forbidden. But she was an exception; she was, she thought with a little bitterness, the exception to many rules.

The masters thought she didn’t notice, didn’t hear them whispering, didn’t see the way rooms quieted when she entered. All the masters, that was, except Master Long. He never whispered, never quieted at the sight of her. She sighed, and she didn’t want to worry him more than she had to, so she put on a smile and knocked at his door.

“Come in,” the master’s voice was bright and cheerful, and when she entered, he was sitting up in bed, a book in his hand.

“Ah,” he smiled at her. “Good morning, child; it’s nice to see you.”

Her chest ached, but she didn’t let it show. “Good morning, Master; how- how are you feeling?”

“Quite well,” the elderly master slapped his thigh. “I’d be happy as could be if that stick in the mud Fén would stop hovering.”

She giggled, “don’t be mean; he’s only worried about you.”

“Worrying seems to be what he does best,” the master grunted.

She sat on the edge of the bed and slapped his shoulder. “Rude.”

He grinned. “I do try,” he leaned back into his pillow, sighing. “There was something you needed, of course.”

She nodded, folding her hands in her lap. “It’s just- I’m sorry.”

The master frowned. “Whatever for?”

“I- met Galway last night,” she admitted.

“Aye,” he said. “I’m old, but I’m not senile yet.”

She shook her head, “no, that’s not- what I mean is, I met him before bringing the food.”

“I see,” he said, tapping his chin. “He wasn’t rough with you, was he?”
“No!” she cried. “Of course not! He wouldn’t-” she shook her head. “That’s not what I want to talk about. He passed through my room when he was fleeing the other masters. I- he was right there, but I didn’t try to stop him.”

“Why not?” The master asked, leaning forward.

She looked down. “I- thought it was exciting, something new and interesting, and- I thought-”

“You thought,” he prompted.

“Master Fén’s never really liked me,” the master had never been cruel or discourteous, more like- he’d always been precisely as courteous as was required. But she knew anyway, felt his distaste. He thought she didn’t belong, that she as a distraction for the other students.

Master Long scowled. “Hai.”
“No!” she shook her head. “It’s okay, really, I understand, but-” she cleared her throat. “I thought it might be a little fun to vex him.”

Master Long chuckled at that. “was it?”

She couldn’t suppress the smirk. “Maybe a little.” Her smile faded. “Because of that, though, he wasn’t caught, and the two of you ended up fighting and- your leg….”

“Oh, that’s it? Why in the world would you be tormenting yourself over something like that?” He asked.

“You were injured! What if your leg never recovers?” she cried.

He shrugged. “It probably won’t, so what?”

“Master!”

“Child,” he chastised. “I’m seventy-eight years old. What do I care if I can’t stand on this leg of mine anymore? My days as a warrior are long over; I much prefer watching over you students.”

“But, you’re a hero,” she whispered.

He bowed his head. “You’re too kind.”

“Child,” he sighed. “There comes a time for all men when they must step aside and allow the next generation to take the reins of history. I’ve lived a long, eventful life. But you’ve heard my stories,” his eye took on a wistful cast. “Learned all my lessons….”

“Master?”

He leaned back, closing his eyes, and when he opened them again, he looked so terribly tired. “I’ve been instructed to rest; I think that would be a good idea. Can you do something for me?” he murmured.

“Of course,” she stood. “Anything.”

“Such a good child,” he smiled, reaching out, and she took his hand.

“It would seem our guest is perhaps even more out of sorts than yourself. Would you check on him for me?”

She frowned; thinking about Galway left her a bit conflicted, but she couldn’t deny Master Long. “Of course, I’ll find him.”

*********************************************************************

It surprised her how long it took to find Galway; when she did, he was tucked away at the base of the monastery, in amongst the roots of the Great Tree.

He was leaning against the tree’s trunk, reading a book she didn’t recognize. She cleared her throat and, when he didn’t respond, did so again.

“I heard you,” he didn’t look up.

She put her hand on her hips. “Well, you didn’t make it known.”

“No,” he kept on reading. “Take the hint.”

Her jaw clenched, and she considered kicking him; instead, she squeezed into his nook and sat right down next to him. He looked up then, glaring, but she just smiled sweetly. “What are you reading?”

He glanced at the book back to her, then turned back to his reading. “Sandover’s treaties on the motion of fluids when placed under pressure.”

She leaned over his shoulder, peeking. “That sounds interesting.” It did, though from what she could catch over his shoulder, it might as well have been in a different language. Of course, it was written in the western script, but she could read that a little, even beyond that.

He shifted, examining her. “You’re really serious, aren’t you?”

She nodded. “Of course, I like studying, like learning new things.”

That seemed to please him, and he leaned back, humming softly to himself. “Fluid dynamics is probably the wrong place to start,” he said at last. “I’ll put something together to test your aptitude and background knowledge. Then we can talk about what to get you started on.”

“Good. Oh, and I spoke to the master.”

He frowned. “That so?”

“Yes,” she said, “he just- he seemed pleased.”

Galway snorted, and she shook her head. “No, really, I think he- I think he’s tired of fighting; the other masters always want to spar and- and-” she sighed. “I think he’d really just like to rest.”

A shadow passed over his face. “Rest, huh?”

“Galway? what is it?”

He shook his head. “Nothing, don’t worry about it.”

She growled, the sound low and feral in her throat, and jumped to her feet. “I’m not a child; you don’t need to protect me from uncomfortable knowledge.”

He looked up at her, brow raised. “Did I miss something?”

“It’s just that,” she blushed, sighed. “The master always treats me like I’m still a child, like I can’t handle things.”

“That must be frustrating.”

“It is,” she folded her arms over her chest. “So you don’t need to hold out on me.”

“Probably not,” he said.

She leaned forward, “well?”

“Well, I don’t want to talk about it,” he said, meeting her gaze.

She threw her arms up. “Men,” she scoffed.

“Probably,” he stood and patted her shoulder as he exited the nook.

“Wait,” she grabbed his arm, stopping him, “what’s wrong, please. Why don’t you want to tell me?”

He gave her an odd look. “No offense, but we did just meet last night.”

She frowned. “”h,” she said, of course, he didn’t trust her, and he wouldn’t, would he? But-

“Please, I didn’t push last time, and- Master Long….” She trailed off.

He sighed a tired, resigned sound. “Alright, it’s nothing serious, really, just- I can relate to wanting a rest. That’s all.”

She looked at him expectantly, and when he wasn’t forthcoming, she threw her hands up in disgust. “Be that way then,” if Galway thought he would dissuade her with silence, he was wrong.

Hai leaned in, meeting his eyes, and grinned; she loved a challenge. “I’ll have to find out on my own, then."

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