Anshi: The Lost Eagle of the Steppes

A Librarian's Memories

QinYang and Yenay received an invitation to a luncheon with the Queen.

Lady Shen delivered it herself.

"My Queen requests that you have a mid-day meal with her. She wishes to know the mothers of Envoy Anshi better. Are you able to attend?

Qinyang answered for both. "We would be delighted." She smiled charmingly at the old nurse who looked her up and down and after seeming to find her acceptable, nodded to her. However, when she turned to Yenay her interest became sharp and she bowed deeply.

"Lady Yenay. I have heard of all you did to try and save Envoy Anshi from his kidnappers. I wish to thank you and for delivering him from slavery and bringing him back to the land of the living in Yunmeng. I have had a deep fondness for High Minister Han and watched him grow up alongside Envoy Anshi. Anshi was known as Jalgiz then. I think he is the man he has become because of you."

"I appreciate your kind words. However, my failure in that battle took twenty years away from him."

The old woman looked at her shrewdly. "Your efforts gave him a chance, all else was out of your hands. Don't speak nonsense. He has returned and he has found a...sense of contentment I believe."

"It has been noticed. Whatever happiness my son finds, it is all I can ask for."

He has. It has also been good for High Minister as well, to settle old grievances so satisfactorily. I believe they understand one another better. "

She moved toward the door and paused. "11:00. Sharp. Dress appropriately." And she left.

Qinyang giggled her amber eyes alight with amusement. "Well, at least you passed muster with the old terror."

Yenay gave her wife a quick hug and a sweet, possessive kiss. "She was barely civil toward you! I will speak to her."

"No, you will not. Obviously, she runs this White Lilac Palace. I am determined to win her over. And you know when I am determined..."

"Gods help her!"

Qinyang reached up and traced a high, sharp cheekbone with her fingertip. "I love when the Guardian surfaces. It stirs me. I also love it when Beauty softens the Guardian. Perhaps both can emerge tonight." Her voice became husky as her mind slipped back to The Library floor in Cloud Recesses over twenty years ago.

"Today, you do it all. Dress, makeup, hair...Your new Uncle and spymaster will have a maid to assist you in Yunmeng when you move there, but today you must prove to me that you can do it all properly yourself."

"But it is tedious. I don't know how you put up with all those layers."

"Think of it like armor, Yenay. It is your main protection for the next twelve months."

"I wish you wouldn't remind me. And why do you sound so business-like?"

Qinyang shrugged. "I learned last week that slipping into panic at the thought of you leaving could be disastrous. This way of thinking is the only way to get through this. I cannot be of any use to you if I fall apart at the thought of separation. A soldier's woman needs to be made from sterner stuff."

Yenay leaned over the table and looked into the amber eyes opposite her.

"And what if the soldier starts to fall apart?"

"Then the soldier's woman must be the strong one. Hoist her love on her back and carry her until she can do it on her own again. So. if you don't want to see me bent from the waist for the rest of my life, you must stay as strong as an ox!"