The Emperor's Head

8. The Bond of Blood

A quiet but persistent knocking on his door disrupted Bolin's meditation. Despite the calm state he had finally achieved, the rapid tapping set his heart racing. A little boost in his energy from fear could be helpful. Too much panic would cloud his thoughts. Bolin clamped down on his emotions but could not ignore the person at his door.

Is Jun okay?

Bolin uncurled his legs and lept to the door. His chest constricted when he opened it to Ming's nervous face.

Is this about the bell toll? Has someone come?

"Master Monk, you must gather your things. The Head Priest bids you leave tonight."

"What is wrong? Where is Tu?" Bolin grabbed the Prince's head and strode out of the room.

"I do not know entirely, but I am bringing you to Tu," Ming answered concisely. The lack of flourish in his response spread the tightness to Bolin's throat. Bolin wanted to fly to the priest's room but followed Ming on foot. At least the boy seemed just as hasty to reach his destination.

When they arrived, Bolin barely restrained himself from throwing open the doors. Ming knocked sharply, and the doors opened. Once Bolin saw Jun's confused but unblemished face, the tension in his chest and throat escaped. Jun appeared unharmed, his clothing untouched. The priest stood beside him with his hair hanging loose, but the two had no sense of discomfort. Jun drifted towards Bolin, causing the priest to frown.

The priest does not trust me. He is wise not to.

Bolin put a hand on Jun's shoulder and felt his strength flow. It was undisturbed. For a moment, Bolin was captured by the rhythm of Jun's strength as it moved along the lines of his body. Bolin could feel the fire deep under the cold layer they had built this afternoon. Anyone looking for fire could still find it, but the casual onlooker would only see ice. Bolin knew that he had to complete this training fast. The sooner he taught Jun to hide his fire, the safer they would be.

"Our timeline has accelerated, Monk Delun. You must take Tu as far from here as you can tonight. The Green Clan is searching the city. And the Emperor's men are at our gates," Priest Shan explained as soon as the doors shut behind Ming. "They do not appear to be working together, but they both search for acolyte Tu."

"How do you know Tu is their target?" Bolin asked suspiciously.

Priest Shan pursed his lips before tilting his chin at Ming, who produced a scroll and unrolled it.

"Because we found these circulating," Ming answered for his priest.

Bolin took the scroll and examined it. From its surface, in beautiful detail, Jun's face stared back at him with baleful eyes. The likeness was shocking. Bolin resisted the urge to keep the scroll.

"Luckily, the searchers do not seem to know he is an acolyte," Priest Shan mused. "His clothing is more in line with an Imperial Academy Student. This detail is likely why the Green Clan searches the inns and surrounds but not the temple. The Emperor's men are likely here as a precaution, and I must let them search. I cannot alter Tu's appearance, and those who can need more time. And though I could hide him, he has chosen a different path. You must take him away tonight. The Emperor cannot capture him."

"I can alter his appearance as we travel. I will take him now." Bolin pulled Jun tighter, understanding the priest's urgency.

Does he know who Jun is?

"Sire, should I bring them to the stable?" Ming asked eagerly.

"No need, go greet the Emperor's soldiers. Distract them for as long as possible," Shan ordered, waving his acolyte away. Ming bowed and scurried out of the room.