Empire of Shadows

Chapter 13: Xue

When Rasmus Dark sent a letter with the date of arrival to their training course, which by odd coincidence matched with Clan Leader Tero's wedding anniversary, all members of Fei Clan looked puzzled. Although, their father rather showcased some indifference. With a high hand, Master Zhu declared that it was obvious for Dark Clan to provoke others for a conflict, and only fools would fall for it. As the head of their family, he made the decision for both mages. Huang will have to go to Serene's celebration, while Xue will be in Shadoo on the training course, since he participated in the annual beast hunt. And he himself will remain in the residence to "put things in order".

Both brothers understood it was useless to try changing his mind, they would either agree on their own, or they would be sent there by force. However, even under such seemingly sad circumstances, Xue did things his own way. Persuading his sibling to switch places, now he was heading to Reach of Harmony*, as he wanted, and the older one went for Shadoo. To prevent their father from finding out about the places shift, Xue casted illusion magic on both. Huang was very surprised to know his younger brother also practices it, since the technique is usually common in Light and Dark Clans. So, now Huang had the appearance of Xue, and the latter one was the image of Clan Leader Fei.

The only thing that was uncomfortable was the behavior. Xue was supposed to be slightly flippant, flighty, and constantly talking about his future inventions. All this, of course, was insanely tiring, but he hoped that it was not all in vain. After all, he was so eager to get there, just to see his loved one, Adrian Tero.

Fei Clan procession now crossed the river valley in the air on a ship. Below them stretched a wonderful landscape with forested plains, small waterfalls, and mountain slopes. Shortly after some households and farms were seen. More and more establishments appeared underneath when the ship moved onwards. Majority preferred to settle closer to the rocks, where Serene's residence was located.

Approaching the arched passage inside the crag, the ship began to gradually lower itself to gently land on the water surface, splashing the nearest rocks.

"Clan Leader," called the captain, "I fear the aisle is too narrow, the ship won't get in, we have to transfer to boats."

"Be at ease," waved his hand the youth in the smug manner of his older brother, "I did not build this ship so that it could not sail through the rocks."

"Master, what are you planning to do?" incredulously eyed him the skipper.

"Crawl through," simply stated the mage and then pulled Huang's sword from the scabbard. "Everyone, lay down or huddle closer to shipboard."

Ship crew and other mages immediately hurried to obey the order, doing as they were told. Standing alone, Xue raised the steel and the ship at once increased the speed. Spreading his arms to the side, the youth waited for the sailboat to nearly approach the rock and only then united them together, grasping the hilt of the sword with both hands. After, at the end, the lad made a downward movement, as if cutting something sharply. Putting the weapon back into its sheath, Xue looked around. The ship perfectly went inside and now was in the grotto.

"You can get out," the young master asserted.

People still anxiously scanned the place, while getting up and returning to their positions. I hope I acted in Huang's spirit, without showing off too much.

"Clan Leader Fei, you are worthy of admiration, my bow," the ship captain inclined his head, clasping the fist with other hand.

"Oh, stop it, I just used the narrowing technique on the vessel," the youth took his palms and straightened the man.

"Not every mage can do this, we are lucky to have you with us," he sincerely smiled and headed for the rudder. Would he be this happy if he'd find out I'm not Huang?