The Smoke Dragon

  Chapter 3

  The destruction in Kyuusai was superficial—burnt walls and collapsed supports. It was the frightened spirit of the people that cried out to Kaidan.

  "Akio," he called to the Shugenja. "Are there further people waiting?"

  Bent over an old man in meditative prayer, Akio took a few moments to register Kaidan’s words.

  "No, Yamabushi. Wait, Elder Keiji may need some attention. I’ve not checked on him yet."

  Kaidan nodded, and then watched the last of his patients shuffle away through the sliding paper door. The woman had been scared more than hurt, but herbs and Mikkyo chanting had soothed her nerves. She left the door open a fraction, allowing a cooling breeze to wash through the room and toy with the arrangement of burning candles.

  Waiting for Akio to finish his ministrations, Kaidan wandered over to the door and studied the scene in the daylight beyond.

  The Shugendo shrine at the west end of town—once a striking array of bright red pillars and curved tiles—was burned to blackened rubble. The closest thatched huts were also smouldering wrecks, totally uninhabitable. Charcoal still hung thick in the air.

  It was only through the kindness of others, such as the Fujita family, that allowed them to set up a new, temporary shrine and place of healing. The Fujitas gave over their home unconditionally, allowing the Yamabushi and refugees residence for as long as necessary. Widow Mizoki and her two boys had taken up the offer, along with old Tenryu, who had been badly burnt in the attack. She was tending his wounds in the Fujita's sleeping quarters. Everyone else had been billeted amongst family and friends.

  Footsteps on the boards alerted Kaidan to Akio’s approach.

  "May you find the blessings of happiness," he said as Akio guided the old man to the door. Kaidan wove the sign of good luck with his fingers. The old man bowed deeply, before shambling into the sunshine and towards the centre of the village.

  Kaidan closed the door and ushered the priest back to the makeshift shrine. The candles filled the room with a sultry heat, tinged with the scent of wax.

  "Akio, you have done well. Your mantras are strong, and you channel Ki like a Shugenja with many more years of experience. Kyuusai is lucky to have you."

  "Thank you, Yamabushi." Akio bowed low, perhaps to cover his flaring cheeks.

  The door slid open, revealing a slender girl covered in a green silk yukata—a dress, less formal than a kimono—patterned with herons. Finery rarely seen in such an agricultural outpost.

  "Yumi, you’ve blossomed, child," greeted Kaidan.

  She bowed, careful not to spill the water sloshing in the bucket she carried.

  "Thank you, Yamabushi. We are honoured to host you." Her formal tone contradicted her lively gaze, which was anchored on Akio, who was trying to reposition himself behind Kaidan.

  Kaidan bowed very low, leaning considerably onto his staff. A smile crossed his face as he left Akio to suffer under Yumi’s appreciative eyes. When he straightened, his face was solemn once more. A quick glance at the acolyte confirmed his suspicion—Akio’s face blazed scarlet.

  "Thank you for your hospitality, and the water, Yumi," Kaidan gestured for her to place the bucket on the floor. "I wonder if your father shares your feelings?"

  Yumi blushed this time, turning her head slightly to recover herself. "My father welcomes you, of course."

  "Is he in need of healing following the attack?" Kaidan paused. "Or your mother?"

  "Mother has been unwell since the dragon came, and Father has cuts along his arm. He’s proud. He has not sought Akio’s aid."

  "Allow us a few moments to prepare remedies, and we will meet you at your home."

  Yumi bowed again, sparing a glance for Akio, before slipping out the door.

  Kaidan turned to the young Shugenja and gave him an appraising look. "This village is always full of surprises."

  Akio nodded sheepishly.

  "You still have much to learn, Akio. Come, gather the herbs and cloth."

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