Rubies and Rumors

Chapter Thirty

     The guard at the palace gate easily recognized them and teased Junseo for being dressed so formally to visit his friend. "I'm not heading there for tutoring or practice. The northern delegates requested an audience." As soon as he mentioned the delegates the man made a face and told the two visitors to be careful.

"I'm familiar. At least one of them wants an excuse to claim a treaty violation." The guard seemed taken back by Junseo's summary but then gave him the slightest nod. When Knight-Master Lie gave his student a curious look the boy explained his Grandfather would not be put on a domestic file unless it had high stakes. "I know Manager Doak thought the invitation was rude but it is family code." Knight-Master Lie put up his hand. He did not need more of an explanation, at least not here where they were not sure who might be listening.

Junseo's young friend was waiting in the courtyard outside the apartment block. He did not seem happy to see them but in the process of formal introductions managed to palm a note to Junseo. A quick glance revealed the Shen character for the word trouble and a sketch of a phoenix in chains. Junseo took the warning and quickly tucked the note into his belt. The dance of formal introductions was complicated by his mentor being from a much higher rank than the northerners expected.

"Our young change said his friend would bring one of his training masters. We would have better hospitality had we known it was such an esteemed member of the Lie family," the diminutive priestess said from behind heavy veils. "It is an unexpected occupation for one of your status."

"Not at all. I am a retired army commander and engineer with the privilege of coaching prospective champions." Lord Lie's tight smile and formal court accent indicated he understood the edge behind the woman's comments. "The old king said there was no higher calling than to help shape the next generation."

The priestess acknowledged this remark and then the conversation moved to safer territory before returning to the topic of the qualifying tournaments and the upcoming Champion's round. At this point in their exchange Tai Jong decided to pick a fight with Junseo by accusing his senior forgetting who his friends were now he may be nominated for the champion rounds.

"It is true my time has been taken up with other matters. I am sorry I should have at least sent a note."

"No, I get it. You have important business with your fancy friends. I was always just a convenient charity case, a way to get access to your palace shortcut," the younger boy's pouting earned a reprimand from the former regent.

Junseo added his own clarification saying, "You do know my morning run is usually to a royal academy. The guards are happy to arrange gate passes to students."

"Royal Academy, I'm so special." Tai Jong mocked. Junseo reminded himself there had to be a reason for the act so let some of his annoyance show through stiff politeness.

Their exchanges grew more strained and finally the military attaché admitted it would no longer be prudent to contract Junseo as an extra companion and guard. Then he announced, "There is no reason for us to delay our return to Psyonan province." The priestess looked like she wanted to argue this point but then took a step back.

Junseo felt her raising an energy field and quickly guided his companion to a small alcove with small jade statues at its entrance. He felt a force coming at them from behind but did not try to avoid it. Instead, he visualized being like young branches in a strong breeze and let the energy flow past. A dozen roof tiles lifted above where they were standing then rained down around the northern delegation.

Three men in brightly colored robes marched up to reprimand the priestess. "You were warned accessing crystal energies here could have unexpected results. To do so in the presence of a member of the Lie family is a clear violation of the treaty. There is no longer any reason to consider any of the claims made about your boy's treatment and you will stay under guard in your quarters until you depart."

Whatever result the priestess and her companions had expected, this was decidedly not it. Junseo caught sight of Tai Jong's half-hidden thumbs up and quickly tapped his own chest in reply. It was not the kind of goodbye he had hoped for but had to trust the younger boy understood how he would hold him in his heart.

They had not gone more than fifty yards when a wave of exhaustion nearly dropped Junseo to his knees. After one glance Knight-Master Lie suggested they shorten their trip and stay at his palace apartment but Junseo refused saying, "I need to get further away from the dissonance the priestess triggered. I will be fine again when I get an isolation field set up but I won't be able to do it here."

"Even with my jade collection? I have been assured it is a good one."

"I am sure it is very good but the Qin Emperor's collection wouldn't be good enough. Not this close to the triggers."

"Alright, but let me call over a sedan chair at the gate."

Junseo did not argue. He concentrated on not letting any extra energy into his stones. It felt almost like a reverse tuning. The pressures did not dissipate until they were a full mile from the palace. Only then could he properly respond to his mentor's questioning look.

"When the palace adepts accused the priestess of launching an attack, they couldn't have known the half of it. I am not sure how she set off the cascade but it knocked my stones out of balance. Even now I am barely holding thing together."

"I don't know if I fully understand but let me know how I can help."

"Actually, I would like you to hold one of my strings. It might give you a jolt to start with but it should neutralize soon enough." Junseo rolled up his sleeve and unwound a string holding both clear and dark stones. Knight Master Lie nearly dropped the bracelet but gritted his teeth and held on. The stones carried a sharp static charge for about half a minute before lessening into an uncomfortable prickle. He studied his student and saw taking on this burden only reduced a little of the strain the boy was under.