Touch Of Eternity - The mortal trails Book 1

Whispers of a Quiet Storm

Weeks had passed since the emperor's decree reached Xiangbei. After the initial shock and fear that rippled through the village, life slowly returned to its routine. The dread that once haunted the eyes of every mother, daughter, and father began to fade, though it never fully left. It was as if a shadow still lingered at the edge of their lives, but for now, the sun had come out again.

The soldiers had not returned, and with each passing day, the people of Xiangbei allowed themselves to believe that perhaps the empire had forgotten them, that perhaps the decree would not touch their small, tucked-away village after all.

Xiaoyan, too, had fallen back into the rhythm of village life. At her father's request, she had stopped her usual mischief, keeping a low profile, doing what she could to remain unnoticed. Instead of sneaking into the market or playing tricks on the villagers, she spent her days by her father's side. They fished together along the river, their simple bamboo rods bobbing in the water as they waited in companionable silence. Her father's weathered hands were steady as he taught her the finer details of his craft, and though Xiaoyan's heart still itched for the thrill of adventure, she found solace in these quiet moments with him.

They had always been close, Xiaoyan and her father. He had raised her alone since her mother passed away when she was young, and the bond they shared was unspoken but strong, like the roots of a tree that ran deep into the earth.

One evening, as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm golden hue over the village, Xiaoyan and her father returned home from a long day of fishing. The air was cool with the promise of nightfall, and the scent of the river still clung to their clothes as they walked side by side, carrying their modest catch in a woven basket. Xiaoyan smiled as her father whistled an old tune, the melody light and carefree, a reflection of the peace they had found in each other's company.

Back at their small cottage, the windows glowed faintly with the soft light of dusk. Inside, her father moved about the small kitchen, preparing a simple but hearty meal. He hummed to himself as he worked, chopping vegetables and laying out the fish they had caught. The sound of the knife tapping against the wooden board was rhythmic, calming.

Xiaoyan sat at the small wooden table, watching her father with a soft smile. Her heart felt full, despite the lingering tension that hovered over the village. For a moment, she allowed herself to believe that they could stay like this, that the emperor's decree might never come to pass for them. She could almost pretend that the danger was far away, beyond the mountains, and that they were safe.

The scent of garlic and ginger filled the air as her father tossed the vegetables into the pan, their aroma mingling with the fresh, clean smell of steamed rice. He moved with the ease of years of practice, turning the fish on the grill just as they started to brown, their skin crisp and glistening.

"Fish won't catch itself tomorrow," her father teased, casting a glance at Xiaoyan as he set the plates on the table. "You'll need your strength."

Xiaoyan laughed, a light sound that filled the small room. "I think I can manage," she said, her tone playful. She took a bite of the fish, savoring the delicate flavor. "You know, Baba, you're getting better at this cooking thing."

Her father raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Better? I've always been the best cook in Xiangbei."

They laughed together, the sound mingling with the crackle of the fire in the hearth. For a while, it felt like nothing could touch them. They were just a father and daughter, sharing a meal, sharing laughter, simple, but perfect.

It was a quiet evening, the kind that stretched on peacefully as the world outside prepared for sleep. The light of the day had faded completely, leaving the cottage bathed in the soft glow of a single lantern that flickered gently against the walls. Xiaoyan and her father sat by the hearth, their bellies full from dinner, their hearts light from the laughter they had shared.