Arriving at Sakura-ji, Gregory did his best to not gawk. The building outdid the auction house for sheer wealth on display. The bas-relief on the walls showed life-like cherry trees. The outer columns were the same lava stone as the Eternal Flame manor, and were currently lit up. The warm lighting pulsed in such a way that the trees looked like they were swaying in a gentle breeze.
“So much wealth…” Gregory murmured.
“Both places are owned by the Sakura family,” Hao said. “The family is as wealthy as some clans. It’s said the cooks are members of the family, but I don’t know if that’s true.”
“Which makes one wonder where they learned. The majority of their menu is aether-infused,” Yoo-jin said, again transporting the silk-covered box for them.
Gin’s carriage pulled up and he climbed out. Walking in a stately manner, he came even with the group. “I am your guard for the duration of this evening, Hao.”
“That’s the best way, old friend. My apologies that you won’t be enjoying the food.”
“It’s a shame, but you and your family were invited, not me. However, bringing a single guard would be allowable. I am fine with the sacrifice to make sure things go smoothly.”
“We’ll find a way to thank you properly,” Yoo-jin said.
“Knowing I can help is payment enough,” Gin said softly. “You must not keep your buyer waiting.”
“Very well,” Hao said as he brushed at his outfit.
Following Hao into the building, Gregory knew he was failing at being impassive, but he made sure not to stare. Small cherry trees dominated the front room. The rest of the interior was done in cherry wood, with golden lanterns illuminating the room.
“Welcome to Sakura-ji,” a beautiful woman said, coming forward to greet them. “Who is the room held for?”
“Warlin,” Hao said.
“Of course. The other guest is already here. Please, follow me.”
The short-sleeved, long, red dress hugged the hostess’ curves tightly. Gregory’s mind drifted briefly to what Yukiko would look like in that red dress before he pushed the thought aside. The gold filigree decorated it with images of cherry trees.
They were led down a hallway, decorated with more of the small cherry trees and paintings of cherry trees in bloom. They really do love these trees, Gregory thought idly as they went up four stories to the top floor.
Stopping in front of a set of double doors, the hostess rang a bell and paused for a few seconds before opening one. The room inside was as richly appointed as the rest of the building. The golden lanterns cast a warm glow in the room that the cherry wood seemed to absorb.
The only person in the room was an old man. His head was bald, marked with liver spots and scars. His mustache and goatee were long, thin, and as pale as Yukiko’s hair. The lavender kimono he wore looked pristine, denoting his status as an elder magi. His eyes are what Gregory noticed most— they were a rich blue and shined with power.
“It’s good to meet you, Warlin,” the man spoke. His voice was worn and aged, much like the rest of him. “I am Elder Lightshield.”
All five of them bowed to the magi. “Elder, it’s an honor to meet you,” Hao said politely.
“Please, come in and sit. We have time before the meal is served,” Lightshield said. “The white pitcher is diluted wine for the magi, and the black is undiluted for the others. You may join us as well, Gin Watashi.”
Gin’s eyebrow rose. “You know me, Elder?”
“I looked into who I was dealing with. It would be a shame if you are here and unable to sample the wonders of the food.”
Gregory caught sight of a sigil on the elder’s kimono, and his breath caught as he recognized it; a shield emblazoned with an aether flame. “Honored elder, are you with Aether’s Guard?”
Lightshield’s lips twitched. “Perceptive, young novice. Not many of the youth know our emblem.”
“I’ve read a lot on the clans. Yours was the third of the original great clans.”
“Yes,” Lightshield’s tone shifted to melancholy. “We were, back in my great-grandfather’s day. Sage Lionel Lighthand was a man who did everything he could for the empire… but that takes us away from the reason for your meeting with me today. Please, sit.”
The table was set for six people. Hao and Yoo-jin took the seats to the right of Lightshield, while Gregory and Yukiko took the ones to his left. Gin sat at the foot of the table.
“Did you wish to conduct business first?” Hao asked.
“It’s for the best,” Lightshield smiled. “I’ve heard what you’ve paid for the box. If I may examine it before we go further?”
Yoo-jin uncovered the box and slid it over to Lightshield. “It’s a remarkably well-crafted piece, considering its supposed age.”
Lightshield didn’t reply, instead intently focused on the box. Sliding it closer, he took his time examining each side of it. When he found the indent for the lock, he nodded before continuing his investigation.
“It predates the eurtik empire,” Lightshield said when he finished his examination. “If any of the sages had known it was going to be for sale, they would have been here to purchase it. I will purchase it from you, if your price is agreeable.”
“It cost me five million vela,” Hao said.
“Yes, and trouble with the Eternal Flame, as well,” Lightshield nodded. “Though considering the tournament, that would have happened regardless.” Lightshield looked at the novices. “Well done to the both of you for finishing in the top two spots.”
“Thank you, sir,” Gregory said.
“We are honored, Elder,” Yukiko added.
“What are you asking for it?” Lightshield asked Hao.
“I would at least like to make back what I paid, if possible,” Hao replied.
“As any merchant would. Would you say that this box is exactly the same as the moment you purchased it?”
Hao hesitated before shaking his head. “Not exactly the same, no.”
“Honesty from a merchant? The world never ceases to provide wonders,” Lightshield chuckled. “I won’t ask any more questions if you sell it to me for four million vela.”
“In the spirit of the offer, I accept,” Hao said.
Lightshield pulled a bond from his belt pouch, filled it out, sealed it with his blood, and passed it to Hao. “A successful business deal, concluded.”
Hao nodded as he gave the bond to Yoo-jin. He took the silk from her in return and covered the box. “The silk goes with the box.”
“I won’t turn it down,” Lightshield replied. “Now that business is over…” He reached over and pulled on the cord beside him. “Let’s start the meal.”
Gregory realized he’d never poured himself a drink and did so. He filled Yukiko’s mug along with his own, earning a smile from her in return. Taking a sip, he was surprised at the flavor— it defied his attempt to put it into words. A second later, he felt his aether flare for a heartbeat.
Lightshield smiled. “Gets your attention, doesn’t it?”
“Why did it do that?” Gregory asked.
“The aging process for each wine is handled in different barrels, and that’s what makes the difference. The barrel for magi is infused with powdered core. It gives it that kick, but also mellows the potency of the alcohol. It takes an alchemical magi who is knowledgeable in vinification to even be able to make it.”
“This is one of the best wines I’ve ever tasted,” Hao said after a sip of his.
“I would be surprised if it wasn’t,” Lightshield replied.
A soft bell chimed and, after a couple of seconds, the door opened. A group of three people came in with a cart and swiftly served the group before retreating silently.
“I do hope you’ll enjoy it,” Lightshield said as he picked up his chopsticks.
Gregory looked at the thinly sliced fish rolled into bite-sized portions. Picking up his chopsticks a little awkwardly, he surreptitiously watched the others. Yukiko deftly plucked one of the three bites up, holding it parallel to the floor the entire time. Making sure he copied her, he was able to get the first piece into his mouth.
It was fish— very fresh fish. He was surprised at the small round things that he hadn’t seen inside the fish wrap. They exploded when he bit down and a new flavor flooded his mouth. It was slightly salty, and carried a different flavor of fish with it. The shocking part was that the moment he swallowed, his aether flared high for a half-second. Sitting there in surprise, Gregory set his chopsticks across his plate while he waited for his aether to adjust.
“They aren’t used to preparing food for novices,” Lightshield said. “Take your time. There are hours before you must return to the academy.”
“Thank you, sir,” Yukiko said. “This is koi, isn’t it?”
“The roe inside of them is. The fish is regular salmon for you. If you were an adept, then the fish would be koi.”
“It’s delicious,” Gregory said.
“We have just the salmon, correct?” Yoo-jin asked.
“Yes. Freshly caught this morning and prepared shortly before now.”
“It’s very good,” Hao said.
The second course was steamed salmon served on rice and wrapped in nori. Gregory had never had sushi before, but he loved every bite. The next course was another complete surprise to Gregory. The tray had three bowls with a black liquid in them, and each bowl had a single type of finely sliced food; vegetables, pork, and small blocks of a white cheese-like substance.
The sauce was salty and sweet, with a lingering light bitterness. It mingled well with both the pork and vegetables, which turned out to be radish and carrot. Gregory was undecided on the unknown, faintly bean-flavored white stuff.
“You don’t care for the soy sauce or tofu?” Lightshield asked.
“The soy sauce is very good, but I’m uncertain about the tofu. I think ‘ambivalent’ would be a better word. I neither hate nor love it.”
The next part of the meal was an unfamiliar type of salad. Cucumbers, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, and spiker fruit made up the bulk of it, but the reddish-colored dressing made Gregory slow to sample it. Hearing Yukiko’s happiness as she sampled it, he followed her lead. The flavor of the vegetables and the sweet-yet-sour dressing complimented each other.
“I hope your aether has settled. You will need to take the next course very slowly,” Lightshield warned them.
Gregory was surprised when the servers came in with the fish still being cooked on the cart. The aroma of fish being grilled over the small grill almost made Gregory start drooling. Each person was served a few ounces of meat, along with a large spoonful of rice. The chopsticks easily separated a small sliver of the fish from his plate and he sampled it.
Blinking as his forehead beaded up with sweat, Gregory quickly took a bite of rice. Chewing slowly, he was glad the rice had been served with this. Yukiko had done the same thing he had, using the rice to dampen the flare-up of aether the fish had induced.
“The ingredients used are excellent, and the cook is the most skilled I’ve ever had cook for me,” Yoo-jin said after sampling hers.
“Of course. They’re the best cooks outside of the Imperial Palace,” Lightshield said.
A fairly simple dish of radish and cucumber in a light vinegar followed the grilled fish. Gregory was glad for it, as that gave time for his aether to settle down.
The course that followed was plain-looking white rice balls with bits of pickled plum mixed in. Gregory smiled as he picked up his first bite. He’d grown fond of pickled plums since he’d first had them, and enjoyed the flavor as he chewed. His aether crackled when he swallowed the first bite, making Gregory frown.
“Purity plums,” Lightshield said, seeing his expression. “They cleanse your aether of any impurities that it might have. Don’t be alarmed later tonight; it’s just a side effect of the plums.”
“Those are highly valuable. I’m shocked to see them in rice. Ours are, of course, different,” Hao said.
“Certainly. Purity plums would be useless to someone who doesn’t have aether.”
Gregory wondered what side effects Lightshield alluded to, but opted to not ask.
Once the rice balls were finished, the servants brought in small lidded bowls. Gregory smiled, knowing it was the same miso soup he’d had at the academy. At least, he’d thought so, until he tasted it. The difference in flavor was staggering and Gregory paused, wondering if he’d ever be able to enjoy the soup at the academy again.
Almost stuffed to bursting, Gregory sighed happily, echoed by Yukiko.
“There is one last course,” Lightshield chuckled, “if you can handle it.”
“I’m not sure,” Yukiko said softly. “As long as it’s not too large, it should be fine.”
The servers were back a moment later with the dessert. Yukiko’s eyes went wide when she saw what was being served. Gregory wasn’t sure what it was, but was willing to try it.
“Anmitsu?” Yoo-jin asked. “Goodness, we’ve only had it once or twice ourselves.”
“This is Sakura-ji anmitsu,” Lightshield replied.
Yukiko picked up the small pot of black liquid that came with the dish and poured it over the bowl she’d been served. Gregory copied her, coating the sweet bean paste and the fruits with the syrup. He was glad that the bowl had come with a spoon once he finished coating it.
Yukiko let out a soft sound of happiness as she savored her first bite. Gregory glanced at her before he followed her lead, using the spoon to get some of the paste, syrup, and a bite of spiker fruit.
The sweet flavor topped any other dessert he’d ever had in his life. None of the flavors clashed— the spiker fruit mellowed the sweetness of the syrup, which in turn, accentuated the sweet bean paste.
Before he knew it, Gregory had finished and felt absolutely full. His aether was burning higher, but not uncomfortably so. There were small crackles and pops as he sat there.
“My goodness, the time here will never be beaten,” Hao sighed happily.
“It’s a guilty pleasure to indulge in the food here,” Lightshield said.
The servants were back with pots of tea and bitter bean. Gregory felt his lethargy climbing higher, and took some bitter bean drink. Yukiko thanked him when he poured for her, as well. Adding butter and sugar to their drinks, the couple shared a smile.
“With business done and the meal over, it’s time for me to address one last thing,” Lightshield said. Seeing Yukiko and Gregory tense, he chuckled. “I would be remiss if I didn’t offer you both the chance to join the clan.”
“Elder, what would your clan offer?” Yukiko asked.
“Freedom,” Lightshield said softly, locking eyes with Gregory. “Aether’s Guard was established to be what its namesake says. We have only a handful of magi still with the clan, and those who are still deeply believe in the clan’s original intent. One of them is known to you, Novice Pettit.”
“Proctor Bishop?” Gregory said.
“Yes.”
“Proctor Harrison said you hadn’t been seen in twenty years,” Yukiko said.
“I’ve stayed well away from those who’d like to see the clan vanish for the last twenty years,” Lightshield replied. “As it is, I’ll be handing over the clan to a successor in another year or three.”
“With the other major clans upset at us, it might harm your clan to have us join it,” Gregory said, feeling a chill.
“Perhaps, but many clans owe us favors… favors we’ve collected over the many long years since the founding of the clan. Favors that can be called in.”
Gregory shivered as a myriad of visions hammered him in rapid succession, all of them diverging from this point in time. Most showed them joining Aether’s Guard, some didn’t. In every vision where they didn’t, Yukiko and him were separated when it came time for them to serve the empire. In most of the visions where they joined the clan, they stayed together.
Gregory swayed in his seat as the visions vanished. Yukiko grabbed him, staring at him with worry. “Greg?”
“Sorry, it’s passing,” Gregory replied.
Hao, Yoo-jin, and Gin all watched him with concern. Lightshield watched him with a carefully blank expression.
“Can you offer anything at all?” Gregory finally asked.
“Everything you require,” Lightshield said. “I can prepare a place on the academy grounds and staff it with trustworthy people. I can find you trainers if you need me to, but I believe you have the best physical trainer you’ll get. I will even make sure you have guards for the third year if you wish, or you can rely on others for that.”
Everyone looked back at Lightshield, shocked at how much the man was promising.
Gregory wasn’t, though. “Was it you who arranged for Bishop to patrol the fringe for the last twenty years?” he asked.
Lightshield bowed his head. “Yes.”
“Yuki,” Gregory said, turning to meet her gaze, “I think we should. It’ll make things difficult, but I think we should.”
“If it’s what my heart wishes, then I do, too,” Yukiko said softly.
“We will join Aether’s Guard,” Gregory said.
Lightshield’s smile widened and his eyes shined. “I am honored to have you both join us. You are the first novices to do so in many years. It will take me a week or less to arrange the housing for you.” Lightshield shifted his gaze to the other end of the table. “Gin, I wish to retain your services for my clan’s novices. What will you charge to shift your life from your current home to the academy for at least five years?”
Gin frowned, meeting the elder’s gaze for a moment. “At least five years?”
“Today marks the start of Aether’s Guard returning to its rightful place. Yukiko and Gregory are only the first novices. If you require, I can see about getting some others to assist you.”
“It would be what I gave up, training whole groups again. What demands would the clan put on me?”
“To train those who join the clan inside the academy. To assist them when they go on to train their own units. You will never be deployed by the clan unless you request it.”
“Very well. I will require my two assistants to come with me. My pay would need to be a hundred thousand vela a year. I have the right to end my employment with one month’s notice.”
“Hmm…” Lightshield murmured. “I can’t accept those terms. Your assistants are fine. Ending the employment with a month’s warning is acceptable, as well. Your pay, though, is not going to work. Two hundred thousand a year for you, and fifty for each of your personal assistants.”
Hao blinked. “That was the worst haggling I’ve ever seen.”
Lightshield didn’t reply as he waited for Gin to speak.
“I accept,” Gin said, a little shocked.
“Excellent. Warlin, it wasn’t a haggle. It’s me acknowledging the work he’ll have to undertake.”
“You think the clan will have so many new members?” Yoo-jin asked.
“Enough that the pay will be required.” Getting to his feet, Lightshield picked up the box he had bought earlier. He pushed it toward a small pouch on his hip and the box vanished, making Gregory stare. “I must go start on the deals to fulfill my end of this bargain. I’d suggest neither of you acknowledge you are part of a clan until everything is ready. Thank you for meeting with me.” Everyone stood, but Lightshield hadn’t waited for them— he was gone with only a light breeze announcing his departure.
“Why them?” Hao asked Gregory.
“Because they won’t split Yuki and I apart,” Gregory said. “He’ll do everything he can for us. I could see it in his eyes.”
“It’s done,” Gin said. “Things will change.”
“Thank you for agreeing,” Yukiko said to Gin. “I would be upset if you weren’t the one training us.”
“And have someone undo all my hard work?” Gin snorted.
Gregory yawned. Even the bitter bean hadn’t helped overcome his tiredness.
“Let’s get them back to the academy,” Yoo-jin said. “We should see about making sure that the guards they need are the best we can arrange. I believe that will be the best we can do. Lin has a lot of work ahead of him.”
“Yes,” Hao said, looking pensive, “we’ll start on that. Yu, are you sure?”
“My heart wishes it,” Yukiko replied.
“Very well,” Hao said. “Since this is the last time that we’ll see you until the next tournament, we’ll take you back.”
“I’ll start arranging for my small family to move,” Gin said as he led them to the door.
