The Sky Beast

Chapter Two

Chapter Two

When the prince arrived at the gate at dawn, the Head Monk stood waiting for him at the entrance, the second in charge, Monk Nakamura beside him. The Head Monk looked peaceful, his smile visible on his long, winded beard. Monk Nakamura stepped forward to greet the prince as his servants unloaded his bags.

"Welcome young Prince," Monk Nakamura greeted him, bowed down respectfully. He straightened up. "I hope your travel wasn't too weary?"

The prince stepped down from the chariot, recoiled his lips as he complained. "It was too long. And why is it so early?"

The Head Monk answered him, "To make sure your mind is awake. There is much to do."

They turned and walked, the prince followed behind as the servants rushed back and forth with the multiple sizes of luggage. Monk Nakamura widened his eyes at the sight of so many bags and servants and looked to the Head Monk in amazement, but he just continued smiling.

The prince was about to enter the courtyard, when the Head Monk called him back. "This way my boy," the elder said as he nudged his head to the left and entered through it. Prince Yamoto pointed to the courtyard.

"I wish to see the dragons," he demanded.

"They are resting," Monk Nakamura replied. "Perhaps later."

The prince stomped his foot. "I wish to see them now!"

Nakamura hesitated at the boy's selfish request. He was about to open his mouth to respond but the Head Monk appeared from the left. His wrinkled hand clasped over his mouth, and the smile dropped from his face. "I'm sorry, my boy, but you must respect us. We are the Monks of the Sky, and you are on our territory now. Practise some respect, or you shall be your own downfall."

The prince's mouth gaped open, gobsmacked. The Head Monk smiled once again and continued on his way, and Nakamura followed quickly after him. The prince closed his mouth and his face went red, his fists trembled with anger. It was the first time anyone besides his father disciplined him.

He sulked and dawdled after them. They reached the East tower, and the monks removed their shoes. The prince followed their example and trudged up the stairs. Eventually, they reached the last flight of stairs, and a large room with a futon lay out on the ground. His luggage was stacked neatly in the corner of the room.

The Head Monk turned to him. "This is your room," he told the prince. "Monk Nakamura will explain other details that need to be addressed. I shall take my leave now." The monk gave a bow before exiting down the steps.

Monk Nakamura turned to him, his hands clasped together. "Right," he gestured to neat pile of clothes on the wooden head rest. "These are the clothes you wear while you stay with us."

The prince picked up the pile, a simple brown kimono shirt with matching pants. It was plain, boorish. The prince threw them down.

"You expect me to wear peasant clothes?!" he shouted. "I refuse! It is insulting!"

"I'm sorry my Prince," Monk Nakamura apologised. "But this is required. The other monks in training wear this, and the Emperor and Head Monk informed me that we are to treat you like any other that enters our home."

The prince reacted and slowly faced the monk. "My father did?"

Monk Nakamura nodded. "Yes, my prince."

The prince glanced at the crumpled clothes on the ground. He slowly picked them back up as Monk Nakamura continued speaking. "Wake call and night call is on the sound of two gongs and only two gongs. One gong represents meals. Every morning, the futon must be packed neatly, and there will be someone, usually one of the lead monks come to inspect. The baths are downstairs. If you have any other questions, you may ask me, or one of the other monks. There are many your age."