Sen and she realized he knew as little about Stone as she did.
No true plan then. Zhen Ni should never have asked.
They slipped out the side servant entrance near her quarters and ran toward the forest, Kai Sen having to slow his long-legged lope so she could keep up. Zhen Ni was grateful she wore trousers, even if the feel of the fabric against her legs as she ran was odd.
Kai Sen halted in a small clearing. She and Skybright used to sneak out and explore these same grounds when they were together, but ever since Skybright had gone, Zhen Ni had chosen not to step within these trees again. Her short forays were into town to buy sweets, a new trinket, or favorite fruit in season, always chaperoned by Rose and Oriole, and always at the prodding of her mother.
When they went, they were trailed by a muscular guard from the manor as well. Her mother believed that she didn’t know, but Zhen Ni did and said nothing.
Kai Sen was pacing in front of her, more nervous than she had ever seen him.
“I’ve never brought another person through the portal with me,” he said. “But I know it works from Abbot Wu’s books and teachings. Be sure to keep hold of my hand the entire time.”
He cleared his throat and began chanting an intonation under his breath. Zhen Ni’s mouth went dry, realizing they were truly going to try and travel to a town leagues away from Tian Kuan Mountain through some magical rent in the air. She had traveled through a portal when she had been kidnapped by a bull demon but remembered nothing of the experience, as she had been so terrified.
Kai Sen swept his arm in a half arc, and the air before them appeared to split. Zhen Ni caught a glimpse of water with the light green leaves of weeping willow hanging over it. “Don’t let go.” He extended a hand, and Zhen Ni grasped it. Kai Sen grinned and winked at her in reassurance, but it didn’t ease her sudden panic.
“I’m afraid,” she whispered.
“Don’t be.” He squeezed her palm. “I’ve done this many times before. It’s quick, and no harm will befall you. I promise.”
Zhen Ni nodded. “For Skybright.”
“For Skybright,” Kai Sen repeated and led her through the portal.
They emerged on a narrow path along the canal, shadowed by the eaves of the building beside them. An acrid odor of burned hair and sulfur suffused the air, and Zhen Ni wrinkled her nose at the unpleasant scent. Kai Sen released her hand and scanned her quickly. “You’re all right.” It was more a statement than a question. The relief was plain on his face.
“It was quick, as you said. But strange.” She rubbed her arms. “It felt as if I had ants crawling on my skin.”
“You get used to it. And as long as you are in contact with the person who created the portal, you can travel through unharmed.” He let out a quick breath, then lifted his chin. “Skybright is still here in Qing Chun. She had spent some time in there.”
Zhen Ni followed his gaze to the magnificent teahouse perched on the opposite side of the canal. A rowboat had docked near its entrance, and two men stepped from the rocking boat and entered the establishment for a late midday meal. The sounds of patrons enjoying their food and wine within drifted to her through the gilded lattice windows.
“Follow me,” Kai Sen murmured.
They walked along the cobbled path edging the canal, passing other restaurants and teahouses doing brisk business. The enticing scent of steamed buns, roasted chicken, and grilled sausages wafted to them from the establishments, and Zhen Ni’s mouth watered, even though she had already taken a meal before Kai Sen arrived. A low stone balustrade wound its way along the canal. Many restaurants built an extension out onto the waterway, setting tables and stools there so the diners could enjoy their meals and wine right on the water.
It was a lovely, picturesque town, and Zhen Ni was struck with missing Lan, an ache that made it hurt to breathe. She
No true plan then. Zhen Ni should never have asked.
They slipped out the side servant entrance near her quarters and ran toward the forest, Kai Sen having to slow his long-legged lope so she could keep up. Zhen Ni was grateful she wore trousers, even if the feel of the fabric against her legs as she ran was odd.
Kai Sen halted in a small clearing. She and Skybright used to sneak out and explore these same grounds when they were together, but ever since Skybright had gone, Zhen Ni had chosen not to step within these trees again. Her short forays were into town to buy sweets, a new trinket, or favorite fruit in season, always chaperoned by Rose and Oriole, and always at the prodding of her mother.
When they went, they were trailed by a muscular guard from the manor as well. Her mother believed that she didn’t know, but Zhen Ni did and said nothing.
Kai Sen was pacing in front of her, more nervous than she had ever seen him.
“I’ve never brought another person through the portal with me,” he said. “But I know it works from Abbot Wu’s books and teachings. Be sure to keep hold of my hand the entire time.”
He cleared his throat and began chanting an intonation under his breath. Zhen Ni’s mouth went dry, realizing they were truly going to try and travel to a town leagues away from Tian Kuan Mountain through some magical rent in the air. She had traveled through a portal when she had been kidnapped by a bull demon but remembered nothing of the experience, as she had been so terrified.
Kai Sen swept his arm in a half arc, and the air before them appeared to split. Zhen Ni caught a glimpse of water with the light green leaves of weeping willow hanging over it. “Don’t let go.” He extended a hand, and Zhen Ni grasped it. Kai Sen grinned and winked at her in reassurance, but it didn’t ease her sudden panic.
“I’m afraid,” she whispered.
“Don’t be.” He squeezed her palm. “I’ve done this many times before. It’s quick, and no harm will befall you. I promise.”
Zhen Ni nodded. “For Skybright.”
“For Skybright,” Kai Sen repeated and led her through the portal.
They emerged on a narrow path along the canal, shadowed by the eaves of the building beside them. An acrid odor of burned hair and sulfur suffused the air, and Zhen Ni wrinkled her nose at the unpleasant scent. Kai Sen released her hand and scanned her quickly. “You’re all right.” It was more a statement than a question. The relief was plain on his face.
“It was quick, as you said. But strange.” She rubbed her arms. “It felt as if I had ants crawling on my skin.”
“You get used to it. And as long as you are in contact with the person who created the portal, you can travel through unharmed.” He let out a quick breath, then lifted his chin. “Skybright is still here in Qing Chun. She had spent some time in there.”
Zhen Ni followed his gaze to the magnificent teahouse perched on the opposite side of the canal. A rowboat had docked near its entrance, and two men stepped from the rocking boat and entered the establishment for a late midday meal. The sounds of patrons enjoying their food and wine within drifted to her through the gilded lattice windows.
“Follow me,” Kai Sen murmured.
They walked along the cobbled path edging the canal, passing other restaurants and teahouses doing brisk business. The enticing scent of steamed buns, roasted chicken, and grilled sausages wafted to them from the establishments, and Zhen Ni’s mouth watered, even though she had already taken a meal before Kai Sen arrived. A low stone balustrade wound its way along the canal. Many restaurants built an extension out onto the waterway, setting tables and stools there so the diners could enjoy their meals and wine right on the water.
It was a lovely, picturesque town, and Zhen Ni was struck with missing Lan, an ache that made it hurt to breathe. She
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