The Demon and the Nightingale

            “I'm sorry milady, but this isn't a very wise thing to do.” Lihyal, the 13-year-old maidservant stole glances left and right as she and her charge made their way quietly through one of the covered courtyards that led to the entrance hall of the palace.               “But that's what makes it fun,” the little girl next to her giggled. But Princess Ariadne was smart enough to cover her mouth with a chubby hand to muffle the sound.               The 2 girls finally reached the opposite end of the corridor and could make out several voices conversing from the entrance. No doubt, it would be her parents, King Aedmund and Queen Nessiya, the rulers of Northern Valedonia, receiving foreign visitors who have come to pay their respects. When word got around that the visitors were from one of the Eastern Realm kingdoms, Ariadne's curiosity was piqued.               “I heard Big Brother say they're barbarians and they're kinda funny-looking. And stupid because they don't know any better,” she said as Lihyal tucked her to bed last night. Her loyal servant gave a little smile.               “Well, I don't know about that. Maybe they are, milady. But I don't think it's good to say unkind things about people if one hasn't seen them yet.”               Suddenly, Ariadne sat up from her bed. “That's it!”               The older girl blinked on surprise. “Milady?”               “I want to see if Big Brother is right! I want to look at those foreigners and see if they're really funny and stupid as he says!” Ariadne practically wriggled in delight as she sat up, propped from behind by her many fluffy-white pillows, excited at the prospect of getting to see her very first “barbarians”.               “No, don't! I beg of you, milady - you know your parents don't want you to be there when diplomats come to see them because you're too young.”               “Pooh! Big Brother is always there when we have visitors.”               “The Crown Prince, your brother is 18, and is old enough to take part in these events. He will just be absent tomorrow because he’s been feeling under the weather these past few days.”               “But I'm not little! I'm 5!”               “Don't be silly, milady. There are a lot of numbers between 5 and 18, believe me.”               Ariadne sat up straight, crossed her arms - and pouted.  Lihyal gave a giggle.               “You really want to see them, don't you, miladay?”               “Are you going to stop me, Lihyal?”               “We have to be very careful tomorrow then, milady. And very quiet.”               And now, after recalling their little bedtime conversation, Lihyal was of 2 minds. Princess Ariadne was a plucky and curious, intelligent but also affectionate, which endeared her to her maidservant. On the other hand, her curiosity usually got the better of her, giving her a headstrong streak that often got her involved in many scrapes and many scoldings from her royal parents. And as her principal handmaiden, those scoldings often included her. It was during those unhappy incidents that she was greatly anxious, and she sometimes wished the princess learned to behave in a more proper, “princessy” manner.               “Oooh! Look Lihyal! They're here!” The pair huddled behind a hidden corner that was on the left side of the raised platform upon which the thrones of the king and queen were situated. Both thrones were occupied, with Ariadne's parents conversing to a group of colorfully dressed people. The visitors were all men and their robes seem to be made of an unusual sort of silk fabric. Their garments were cut in simple but elegant lines and were dyed in vivid shades of red, blue, black, green and yellow that managed to somehow look striking but not garish. All of the men wore odd-looking black hats of a rounded cone shape. They were not as tall or muscular as typical Valedonians, but their figures were lean and straight, and they held themselves in a calm, dignified manner. Ariadne also noticed that their eyes were narrow and slanted. The foreign delegation seemed to be led by a middle-aged man who had an amiable, distinguished air about him, and whose clothing seemed more elaborate than those worn by the others. On his left, was a young man whose garments had a simpler design but were still just as striking.               “We have always looked forward to your visits, Lord Takeo Matsuda, and today is no exception. Pray, how is the reigning Emperor of Yashima doing these days?” asked Queen Nessiya. The woman was every inch a queen, from her tall and regal bearing, her thick mane of Titian-red hair and crystal-green eyes to her aristocratic, if somewhat haughty, demeanor. But, as magnificent and awe-inspiring as she looks, there was something aloof and distant about her. It had even been discreetly whispered by other diplomats that she was like a marble statue, beautiful to look at, but cold.               “His Imperial Majesty continues to be in good health even though he is getting along in years, Your Highness,” the man addressed as Lord Takeo Matsuda replied.               “I see. And what about the Crown Prince? Has he been made the official heir already?” King Aedmund asked in turn. While Ariadne inherited something of her mother's facial structure and her hair color, she had her father's blue eyes. The epitome of the typically tall and robust Valedonian man, King Aedmund was also an imposing figure. But while Ariadne's eyes were merry and bright, his eyes were a deeper shade of blue, and often had a rather cold, enigmatic and calculating look. While his wife was a redhead, he had thick blonde hair, which complimented his bearded, strongly angular face. He was certainly the perfect foil to his stunning wife. But unfortunately, he is also like his wife because he was just as proud and haughty, a ruler dedicated to perfection and with a penchant for political maneuvering.               “There has been no public announcement on whether His Majesty the Prince will ascend the throne, but most of the people of Yashima believe it will be so. The Emperor has spoken of wanting to retire from running the country, but it was mostly mentioned in passing.”               “Oh?” the king replied in a smooth voice that somehow had a nearly-unnoticeable patronizing undertone. “Your people certainly do not seem to be the type to rush things, Lord Matsuda.”               “It is just our way, Your Highness. We believe all things happen at the right time, even if our idea of the 'right time' is very different from those of the gods,” the older man replied affably. How amusingly impatient these Westerners can be, he thought to himself.               “Hmmm, with all this talk about time, I've another question to ask you, Lord Matsuda.”               “Yes, King Aedmund?”                         “You have been the official Yashima ambassador to Northern Valedonia for nearly a decade, a role you have been performing quite admirably. Are you planning to continue for another 10 years?”               Lord Matsuda slightly inclined his head and spoke in that same affable tone of voice, “I am rather puzzled by your question, King Aedmund. But I am willing to answer it so long as you kindly explain the reason for it.”               The king leaned a bit forward from where he was sitting on his throne, a tiny smirk curling his lip. “Oh, it's simply this, Lord Matsuda. Your emperor is getting along in years, and so are you. Don't you think your kingdom would be better served with - a much younger ambassador?”               For a few seconds, a look of puzzlement crossed the ambassador's face - and then he chuckled. “Ah, Your Highness! For a moment, I thought your question was about something more serious!”               King Aedmund's response was a knitting of his brows at the old man.               “But rest assured,” Lord Matsuda continued. “The Imperial Court of the Kingdom of Yashima has the situation well in hand, and has already chosen my successor some months back. I will be retiring soon enough from diplomatic service with a clear conscience.”               The king leaned back on his throne with a gruff “harumph!” and stole a glance at his wife. Queen Nessiya's lips were slightly curled in distaste.               From their hiding place, Ariadne let out a cry of disappointment. This would be her first and last time to get to see these strange-looking but fascinating “barbarians”! Everyone in the throne room immediately turned their heads to the left-hand side of the throne room, including the entire Yashima delegation. The 2 girls, knowing that retreat was impossible, shyly stepped out into the open.               “Ah, my youngest daughter, Ariadne. Kindly overlook this minor incident. She's very curious for a 5-year-old,” the queen spoke, her manner still elegant and polite, if a wee bit flustered at her daughter's unexpected presence.               Lord Matsuda's face suddenly lit up and was wreathed in smiles. “Oh, it's fine, Queen Nessiya. My, what a charming little girl she is!”               “Indeed she is, my lord!” the young man beside Lord Matsuda suddenly quipped.               “You really think so, Ken'ichiro?” Lord Matsuda turned to his companion with a smile.               “My apologies for speaking out of turn, Your Majesties,” the young man stepped forward and addressed the royal couple with a deep bow. “But would it be too forward of me to have a closer look at your daughter?”               The queen turned to the old diplomat with a puzzled look. “Kindly explain this, Lord Matsuda.”               Bowing, Lord Matsuda replied, “This young man is Ken'ichiro, one of the members of our junior diplomatic delegation. He has an especial talent for face reading.”               “And what is this - face reading?”               “A popular form of divination in the Eastern Realms, Your Highness. A face reader is able to predict a person's future based on that person's posture and facial features. And Ken'ichiro happens to be a particularly skilled face reader.” A musing look came to the queen's face. Perhaps this barbarian custom may prove to be a somewhat amusing break from this boring meeting …               “Very well then, Lord Matsuda. Come forward, Ariadne!”               With her handmaiden behind her, Ariadne tentatively took a step toward the old diplomat.               “Ken'ichiro?”               A dark-haired slim young man with finely-sculpted features and slanted eyes stepped right up to her. He smiled warmly, and seemed a cheerful, eager sort of person. Despite being a stranger, Ariadne somehow felt comfortable with him. She gave a small smile back.               “Hello, little one. My name is Ken'ichiro, but you can call me Ken. How old are you?”               “I am 5 years old, Sir Ken.”               “I see. Kindly look straight ahead facing me, and stay still. That's good.” After a few minutes of intensely observing every angle of the little girl’s face, he then said, “Please take a few steps back and forth. Very good.” When she was allowed to go back to Lihyal's side, the man named Ken'ichiro faced the court with a broad grin.               “Your daughter has a good heart, as well as a fine and spirited personality. She is blessed with an extraordinary future ahead of her, if she is willing to claim it.”               “Well, it's nice to hear the child has some good in her at least,” the king spoke. “She's something of a handful for us, unlike her other siblings.” Ariadne flinched, smarting at her father's gruff, dismissive words. Lihyal gave her shoulders a gentle, reassuring squeeze.               “It would be to your best interests to help her become the best she can be, Your Highness. I foresee that she will accomplish great things for her people,” said Ken'ichiro in an earnest tone. At these words, Queen Nessiya raised a finely-arched eyebrow and slanted her daughter a speculating look.               “Did you hear that, my dear? You will be doing great things for the kingdom, so you must work hard and study hard, all right?” Ariadne gave a small pout. Somehow, she didn't think that was what Sir Ken meant. But she nodded anyway to her mother. The queen suddenly stood up.               “We thank you for meeting with us, Lord Matsuda. And this little demonstration was such a droll way of concluding our assembly. But you must all be exhausted after your long journey. Permit us to have you taken to one of our guest houses so you can rest before your departure. Oh, and you can go now, Ariadne.”               “My deepest thanks, Your Highness.” The Yashima delegation all calmly left the throne room, accompanied by some palace escorts to one of the special guest houses reserved for visitors.               As she was watching them file out one by one from the shade of one of the palace’s stone corridors, Ariadne let out a sad sigh. Lihyal put a comforting around her charge's shoulders. “Your parents just want what's best for you, milady.”               “But why doesn't it feel that way, Lihyal? And why do Mama and Papa say things like that?” the little girl said unhappily.               “What's wrong, little one?” a voice behind them suddenly spoke. The 2 girls turned in surprise to the speaker. It was the junior diplomat, Ken'ichiro! Caught by surprise, Ariadne quickly ducked behind a flustered Lihyal.               The young man chuckled, smiling pleasantly. “I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you.”               Ariadne took a shy peek behind her handmaiden's skirts. “It's okay. By the way, I like your clothes. They’re so pretty,” she said with a small giggle.                Ken'ichiro's smile became warmer. “Why, thank you, little one. Would you like to touch it?” He held out one of the flowing sleeves of his dark blue silk robe. Stepping out from behind her handmaiden, Ariadne stretched out a curious fingertip and ran it across the glossy fabric, finding it soft like a cloud and smooth like water.               “Oooh! How soft! How I wish we have clothes like this in the palace!” Using both hands, Ariadne couldn't stop stroking the young man's sleeve. An enigmatic look came across Ken'ichiro’s face for a brief second before it vanished. He reached inside one of the folds of his robe and showed it before the little girl. It was a red scarf made of the same silken material. But it had an exquisite design of cloud-covered mountains woven into it.               “A special gift for you, little one, so you will always remember the land of Yashima.”               Grasping the gift carefully with both hands, Ariadne was completely entranced, her eyes taking in the object's color and unique decoration. The scarf's color was a deep, rich red that wasn't garish or harsh. Instead, it seemed to be a lush, vivid hue that was somehow both soothing yet invigorating. The woven pattern that embellished one of its ends also caught her attention. It depicted a mountain range as seen from afar, with what looked like deep ravines and passing clouds that covered parts of it like fine mist. Looking at it, Ariadne could almost forget her parents' contemptuous attitude towards her. She looked back at Ken'ichiro with a sweet smile. “Thank you very much, Sir Ken! I'll take very good care of it, promise!”               Ken'ichiro crouched down until his face was only a little higher than hers. “I can see you know how to appreciate beautiful things, little one. That shows you have good heart,” he said in a gentle voice.               “Do you think so, sir?”               “I know so, little one. The reason why there is beauty in nature so that we don't lose hope. That there is good in this world. So don't be sad, little one. A wonderful destiny awaits you, but you have to be strong enough to take it.”               “Um, I don't know what it means, sir. But … I will do my best and be strong.”               Ken'ichiro stood up and smiled, this time in a speculating manner. “I believe we will meet again, little one.” He took a step back and gave her a dignified bow. The little girl, in imitation of him, bowed back. Ken'ichiro turned and walked towards the direction of the guest house.   (A few days later, on the deck of a galleon ship crossing the Great Barrier Ocean towards the kingdom of Yashima …)               “That was quite an unexpected stunt you did, 'Ken'ichiro'.” Lord Matsuda stood on a nearly empty section of the ship's deck, the only other person there being his constant companion, Ken'ichiro. As he casually leaned back against the side of the deck, the young man gave a small smirk.               “Oh? I myself was taken aback when I saw the child, hence I had to read her face just to be certain. Imagine seeing someone like her in Northern Valedonia of all places, my lord.”               “No doubt the king and queen were greatly surprised as well when you gave the little princess a bonafide face-reading. Not that they'd understand any of it.”               “Nor appreciate it, my lord. You know how ignorant most of these Westerners are.”               “And the princess?” Lord Matsuda asked.               The other man continued to smirk. “I don't think she's aware yet of how - unique she is.  She's worth keeping an eye on, my lord.”               “Hmmm, what an interesting notion, Ken'ichiro. Or should I say - Master Gorō?”               “Be careful when you say that name, my lord. I may have to kill you for that,” Ken'ichiro replied in a light-hearted tone of voice, which meant he was just joking. Or so Lord Matsuda hoped.               “I'm an old man, Ken'ichiro. If my life ends right here and now, nobody will find it strange. And you're too subtle a ninja to do the most obvious thing.”               “Why, Lord Matsuda! You of all people know that I was just kidding!” Ken'ichiro snickered.               “Bah! Be off with you, you sly fox!” the old man chuckled with a wry smile.               “By your leave, my lord.” After giving a respectful bow, Ken'ichiro made his way to a small, secluded cabin on the ship which formed his sleeping quarters. After closing the door silently and carefully making sure that the cabin was safe and he was completely alone, he knelt down, and placing his palms together, formed a series of mysterious, rapid hand movements and softly uttered a spell. When he stood up, a small mirror on the wall revealed, not a long-haired young man but one who was much older, with streaks of white hair, and a face that was slightly wrinkled but which was nonetheless that of a cunning, deadly master of ninjutsu.