SKY OF PAPER: AN ASIAN STEAMPUNK FANTASY

CHAPTER 58

As I turned to take Etsu and Kasshimei, I found our captive gone. The ropes that once bound him were piled ominously in the corner. With great surprise, I turned again to see our captive charging into the fray. His fists flew and his kicks swung with perfect accuracy towards chests and heads. The guards fell one by one, then by twos. Both he and Ren Tzu fought with such focus, their attacks remained as only single blows, striking exposed weak points and defeating their opponents in quick succession. After only a short time, the fight was concluded. A few writhed helplessly on the ground, a few groaned, but none could, or even dared to stand.

Standing before the unconscious mass of their fallen opponents the two locked gazes. After a short, silent moment, they acknowledged each other with a respectful nod. Ren Tzu sheathed his sword and the former captive relaxed his stance. 

"My name is Kosh," he said, "personal guard to the royal family."

"You should have dropped your bindings sooner," Ren Tzu said expectantly, "and resumed your duties at the royal family's side. I’m sure they need you now more than ever."

"The princess is in good hands. She will be safe. But the safety of her mother must be addressed with the Young Emperor. After hearing of your intent to see him, I thought it more prudent that I remain your prisoner. I’m in earnest to speak with him just as your are in earnest to see to his protection."

"Very well," Ren Tzu said, then motioned for the rest of us to come.

Etsu shouldered past me and gave my guardian a wary look. 

"That's it? Now you're going to trust him?" she said. "He tried to kidnap me. He's a traitor, just like Lai."

I winced, hearing Lai's name spoken in spite. Seeing her with such bitterness, it was obvious that Lai had pained her deeply. "Etsu stop." I took her by the shoulder, but she pulled away, determined to speak her peace. 

"Tie him up again. Tie him up! He's been plotting with Lai all along."

"Do not speak of me as if I am the same as that boy," Kosh interrupted. "My oath holds me to the charges of the royal family, not to a commoner such as him. My actions were carried out under the direction of Lady An Wei. I knew the boy had bewitched her, coerced her into a plan that would jeopardize the royal family's well-being. Still, it is not my place to question her, even if her commands were inspired by that insipid child’s brashness."

"So you're saying that Lai is the only one to blame?" Etsu uttered. 

"Lady An Wei is innocent. It was neither her plan or mine."

"I don't believe you. You're lying!" She turned to me and tugged at my arm, pleading. "Terr, he's trying to deceive us. He's going to take the Young Emperor's life."

Before I could respond, Kassashimei came between us and pried her away from me. She pushed her back and leaned towards her with an intimidating glare. "You cared about Lai didn't you? Maybe more than that. You probably even loved him. And now, with all that trust, all that affection dashed, you just want to see someone punished, don't you?!"

Etsu's eyes started to tear up. She looked confused, angry, but whether it was pride or spite, she couldn't find the words to express it. Instead, she started sobbing, pressing her balled hands against her face. Then, no longer able to bare the sight of us, she hurried away down the corridor.

I started after her, but Ren Tzu stepped infront of me. "Do not worry about her. No soldier has any reason to harm her and I'm sure she will seek refuge off the ship." 

I glanced curiously at Kosh. He probably sensed my doubt, because he spoke to me directly.

"I deeply regret my actions. There is no honor in kidnapping children. Believe me, I would never have harmed her."