Chapter 27

  Valley of Secret Winds

  Wolf stood in a low stance, his arms and legs tensed up. His arms were held at his sides, forearms out before him, palms down. He took a meditative breath, then spun his arms in a swift motion. As his palms flipped face up, amber flames sprung to life in his hands, blasting up into the air. Wolf threw a punch, twisting his arm, and caused an arc of lightning to spin to life around his arm and launch forth, shattering the stone target he had set up earlier.

  “That’s about it.” Wolf said, standing up after the demonstration.

  “I don’t get it.” Michael said, turning back from the stone dummy.

  “Me neither.” Yan said. “How is that different from elemancy?”

  “It’s not the same at all!” Wolf said, “I don’t generate and then control the elements, I use them with punches and stuff! Elemartialism!”

  “Right...” Yan said. She punched, and then a fire appeared in front of her hand and floated there.

  “You’re just punching and using elemancy!” Wolf said.

  “Is that not what you did?” Yan asked.

  “No!”

  “Then explain better!” Yan said, putting her hands on her hips.

  Sebastian stepped out of the cabin, yawning as he stretched. “What’s all this then?” Yan and Michael were both standing near Wolf, though not near each other, Sebastian noted.

  “Wolf is trying to teach us how he uses elements.” Michael said. He spun his arm, to no effect.

  “You guys just don’t understand.” Wolf said. “It’s like this!” He spun his arm, blasting out a short wave of flames. “See?”

  “Not really.” Yan said. “You need to explain it.” She said, folding her arms.

  “I’ve been trying to explain it!” Wolf said.

  Sebastian walked over and rubbed at his chin. “Why don’t you demonstrate it again for me, and tell me what it is.”

  Wolf took a breath and focused on his target again. He punched and then kicked, and the motions drew forth flames and lightning into attacks. “Like that, see? Elemartialism!” Wolf said.

  “I see.” Sebastian said. He looked at his hand, and then wiggled his fingers a little. Then he turned to Michael and Yan. “Wolf is using Elemartialism, which is different from our Elemancy. While elemancy relies on the conjuration of the elements, Elemartialists do not need to. While you are tapped into the power of the element, make a focused martial action. The intent of the attack will pull forth the element on it's own, allowing you to focus on striking.” Sebastian punched the air, “At first, you may not be able to use the elements. However, your understanding of Elemancy and your attunement will help you along.” Sebastian punched again, and a burst of water exploded around his fist.

  Yan nodded. “Okay, I think I get it.” She took a stance and threw out a punch, then another. Michael watched for a moment, then began to do the same. They punched at the air.

  Wolf walked over to Sebastian. “How did you get that much detail? I couldn't find the words.”

  “It comes with practice.” Sebastian said, “I am good at imitating skills, and teaching it seems.” He patted Wolf on the shoulder. “Interested in learning Elemancy?”

  “Not really.” Wolf said, shrugging. “I tried to learn once, but I learn things really slowly. And I don’t want to spend hours training something I won't use.”

  “It could be really useful to you.” Sebastian said, “You can generate the elements with your attacks, then control them to keep them active.”

  Wolf looked pensive, then shook his head. “Nah, Elemartialism and Elemaker are plenty. I can hit hard and move on. And I have strong connections to fire and lightning, since they are the strongest.”

  Sebastian chuckled. “If you say so. But, you are close to becoming an Elemaster, haven’t you ever considered it?” Sebastian spread his hands. “Total unity and control over fire and lightning, changing into fire, striking out with dancing bolts.”

  “Sounds pretty rad.” Wolf said, “But it would probably take me ten to twenty years to get that far. Don’t really feel like spending that much time on anything.”

  “Why not? It’s better to start early.” Sebastian said.

  “I only have six years of memories. Before that is a haze, that’s when my amnesia happened. Apparently total memory loss is rare, so I can probably get them back. I want to focus on that.”

  “Suit yourself. But then, Michael will probably pass you.” Sebastian said.

  “Why do you say that?” Wolf said, arching an eyebrow. Sebastian pointed, and Wolf turned to see Michael punch a wave of wind out. With his next punch, he knocked over the stone dummy. “Damn, he learns quick.”

  Michael ran over and fixed the dummy, then moved aside in time for Yan’s own blast of wind to knock it over. “He really does.” Sebastian said, “and Yan is inspired to train harder because of him. So proud.” Sebastian pretended to wipe a tear from his eyes. Wolf snorted.

  Hyato walked out of the cabin, rubbing his back and stretching. “We leaving now?” He asked.

  “Now that you’re up.” Yan said, grabbing her bag. “Let’s go, everyone.”

  Yan got the party moving, gathering their things and heading out. Michael nudged Hyato, “You don’t usually sleep in, you okay?”

  Hyato nodded. “I am fine. Thank you.” The party left the cabin at the edge of the Lake of Mirrors, ready to move ahead.

  The bamboo of the forest deep in the mountains was much older and larger than the thickets in the valleys. Many of the stalks were as big around as Michael was himself, and there were so many that Michael could not see beyond them. The path the party walked wove through the tall green towers and was covered in small thin bamboo leaves. Michael wondered how Yan knew where to go, but there was no time to ask since she never stopped.

  A faint clinking noise could be heard all around as the wind made the tall bamboo sway in the mountain breeze. Sebastian’s panting was stifled by the wind. The party climbed a narrow rocky path, weaving left and right up the steep forest slope. Yan led the party forward until they reached a spacious rectangular clearing in the forest. The ground was covered in fallen leaves, and at the other end of the clearing sat a large rounded boulder with symbols etched into it. A thick weathered white rope was draped across the surface of the stone, and dangling from it were six large paper seals. Yan stopped, and the others did too, as they entered the clearing.

  “Well.” Yan said. “Here goes.” She walked forward into the center of the clearing. “I intend to pass.” She declared.

  The area was silent and Michael tilted his head, then two people appeared at the other end of the clearing. On the left, a tall Feral man with brown hair and wolven ears. On the right, a slim Valon woman with blonde hair and sharp features. They were both garbed in loose deep blue clothes, but their limbs were tied tight with dark brown bandages. Michael noticed they were concealing weapons.

  “You’ve returned. And on your own, despite cousin Aeroth trying thrice already.” The man said.

  “Who are these strangers? Outsiders are not allowed here.” The woman said, “Why did you bring them, Yan?”

  Michael took a step forward to speak, but held his tongue when Yan lifted her hand. “We need current road data so we can leave the mountains and head to Cryston.” Yan said. “Care to share?”

  “You know we can’t.” The man said, “As guards, we are tasked to turn back or eliminate intruders, you know that.” The woman nodded, and Hyato changed stances. Then the man sighed, “But... we saw you coming, and already have orders to let you through.”

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  Yan smiled, “Good. Then open the way for us.”

  The guards nodded, but the woman spoke up, “You are to see the Chief directly. No detours.” The guards lifted a hidden passage from the ground, revealing a staircase.

  With a sigh, Yan walked forward, “Of course he does. Come on guys.” Yan led the party forth. They stepped down the wooden stairs into a tunnel carved out of the stone. Support beams every dozen yards had lanterns hanging to light the way, but natural light could be seen ahead, not too far away.

  Michael caught up to Yan, “So, Yan.” He started.

  “Not now, Michael.” Yan said, picking up the pace. Michael paused and fell back a bit before following with everyone. Michael watched Yan as she led the group. She was still mad at him? He wanted to talk to her.

  The group stepped out into the light. Sebastian gasped while the others looked around, and Michael forgot his worries for the moment. A sprawling village was all around them. Grassy fields of reeds and flowers, with patches of bamboo and pine trees with wide branches dotted the areas between roads and houses. The buildings themselves were made of green bamboo and wood, and from them many people peered out of slatted windows and doors.

  Michael noticed that most of the villagers had brown hair, and most of them were Valon-Feral mixes like he was. For every villager watching the group with a curious gaze, there were ones wearing blue outfits and carrying weapons. Several of them were perched on tiled roofs, or in the branches of trees, watching Michael and the others with careful caution.

  One man rushed his child into a house as the party walked along the large main road, “We’re not welcome here, are we?” Wolf said.

  “It does not seem that way.” Sebastian said, watching a female villager walk by. He flashed her a smile, and received one in return. “For the most part.”

  “Let’s just go meet the Chief for now.” Yan said. She walked along the main road of the village. There were many houses in the large main area of the village, but the cliffs surrounding it had paths, lonely trees, and other buildings. The party passed a large open area surrounded by seating that could only be an arena as they made their way ahead.

  They reached a road surrounded by trees that had vivid indigo and cyan leaves and petals. The road wound through the small controlled forest, and to a large wooden stair leading up to a massive stone and bamboo building.

  As the party climbed the stairs to a landing with fencing and benches, they saw a tall man with toned muscles standing at the top of the second flight of stairs. His brown hair was pulled back in a long ponytail and he stood with his arms behind him, wearing a white kimono. His eyes were the same emerald as Yan’s.

  “So you have returned.” The man said, a resonant voice carrying down to the party. “Yan.”

  Yan folded her arms, “Yes, I have. Father.” Sebastian and Michael looked over the man again.

  “You defied Aeroth for months, after running away from home.” Yan’s father said, “And now you return on your own? And with outsiders. Why?”

  Yan remained at the foot of the stairs while her Father stood above them. “We came to get current maps of the mountains. We need to head through to Cryston.”

  “You know that I cannot allow outsiders, even just for local information.” He said.

  “But I’m no outsider, I am and have always been part of this Clan. And I vouch for them.” Yan said, gesturing to herself.

  Yan’s Father shook his head. “When you fled the village, you lost that claim. If you had completed your training and received permission to leave, then allowances could be made.”

  Yan stepped forth, but her Father began to descend the stairs, holding one hand out for silence. “Allow me to introduce myself,” He said. “I am Odai Aeronemar, Leader of the Aeronemar Ninja Clan, and Chief of this village.”

  “Your father is the chief.” Sebastian said. “I see.”

  “Outsiders. We cannot allow you to take even the simplest of information from our Clan, because you are Outsiders.” Odai said. He wore a stern gaze as he looked over everyone. Wolf averted his eyes.

  Michael looked Odai in the eyes, “You must reconsider, Chief Odai.” Michael said. “And you must forgive Yan for leaving, and allow her to leave again.”

  “Michael!” Yan said, turning and punching him in the arm. Michael didn’t budge, staring up at Odai.

  “Must I? And who are you to give me such an order?” Odai said.

  “I’m Yan’s friend. I won't let you bully her just because you’re her Father, or even her Leader.” Michael said, his empty violet eyes fixed on Odai.

  The leader of the Ninja clan returned Michael’s gaze, an icy stoicism to rival Hyato. The sound of windchimes sung from the village as Odai and Michael stared at one another. Then Odai lifted one hand. “Michael.” He said, indicating Michael. “And what are the rest of you called?”

  “I am Sebastian.” Sebastian said, bowing.

  “I’m Wolf! Champion of fire and lightning.” Wolf said, introducing himself with a don!

  “Hyato.” The stoic swordsman said.

  “Hmph. Very well.” Odai said. He spun to walk up the stairs. “I will allow the four of you to undergo the Trials of our Clan.”

  “Father!” Yan said, “Those trials are for trained Ninja to prove themselves when they become adults!”

  “Indeed.” Odai said. “Prove yourselves as skilled as our Ninja, and I will make you honorary members of the Clan. In fact, you can undergo the Trials as a team. Only one of you needs to pass each Trial, and you all pass.”

  “What?” Yan said, “But-”

  “Aeroth, Nayo.” Odai said. Yan’s Brother and Sister appeared on the steps just below their father, kneeling. “Guide the challengers to the training grounds. Yan, come with me.” Aeroth and Nayo nodded and hopped down to stand on either side of the party.

  Yan looked at the others, “Sorry guys. I didn’t expect all this.” She said.

  “Don’t worry Yan.” Michael said, “We can handle it.”

  “Michael. These trials aren’t easy.” Yan said. “You could get hurt.”

  “Me, hurt?” Michael said, smirking, “Never gonna happen.” Yan giggled.

  “Yan, follow me now!” Odai commanded.

  “I’ll see you guys later.” Yan said, and headed up the stairs. The others watched her go, then the other Ninja started back down the stairs towards the blue petaled trees.

  “This way, everyone.” Nayo said.

  “Yes ma’am.” Sebastian said, following after. Wolf and Hyato went as well, while Michael watched Yan vanish from sight at the top of the stairs. Then he turned to follow the others.

  Aeroth and Nayo led the others back through the winding path of blue trees. Then they turned and crossed a rope bridge over a chasm that dropped into fog. When everyone got across they went along a wooden road through a wide rocky area with bamboo thickets around. “I don’t know why Father is allowing you four to be tested,” Aeroth said, stopping before a sizable bamboo building. “But here you are. You may use this building to sleep. Behind it is a private training ground.”

  “And what do the Trials test?” Sebastian asked. “We need to know what to train.”

  “I’ll help with that.” Nayo said. She hid a smile behind a paper fan, “We are allowed to give you guidance in training, and you are allowed to attempt each trial as much as you like, starting tomorrow.”

  “These Trials are supposed to be challenging, right?” Wolf said. “Well I bet I could complete all of them in one day!”

  “Save your boasting.” Aeroth said. “You four are free to roam the village, but you may not leave. Train or don’t. I’ll be back later.” Aeroth walked away, back across the bridge to the village.

  “Ninja Bro is trying to compete with you, Hyato.” Wolf said.

  “In what fashion?” Hyato asked.

  “In edginess.” Wolf said.

  Nayo let out a pleasant laugh. Michael turned to her, “Nayo.” He said. “Can you show me to the training area please?”

  “Certainly.” Nayo said, inclining her head. She led Michael along the patio surrounding the building and to the back. The others came with. The backyard was large, and several familiar and unfamiliar training equipment was visible. Dummies and targets made of wood and reeds were nestled in one area. Bamboo bars and pillars of various heights were in another. Each of the training zones was secluded with a short rope fence, and the backyard was clean soft earth.

  Nayo led them to an area with several stone platforms of different heights spaced apart from one another. The two furthest stones had a thirty yard gap between them, and were both the tallest of the stone platforms. Nayo hopped up an eight foot platform with casual grace. “These are the jumping stones. They won't jump, you will. The first trial is the Trial of Agility. The best practice for it would be jumping from platform to platform.”

  “That doesn’t seem so hard.” Wolf said.

  “Falling here is not a big deal.” Nayo said. “But the Trial takes place in a Canyon. So I would practice not falling.”

  Michael hopped up to the first stone. “Okay. Thanks Nayo.”

  Nayo smiled, “Of course Michael.” She said, hopping back down to the ground. “Train hard.”

  “Wait, no pointers, no techniques?” Sebastian asked, “Surely you don’t rely on pure ability to move around like you do.”

  “If you want to learn techniques, you will need to find someone else to teach you. Aeroth and I are forbidden to teach you, and Yan is busy in her own training. She will not have time to show you anything herself.”

  “Wait, we don’t get to see Yan?” Michael asked.

  “That doesn’t seem fair, since she is our friend.” Wolf said.

  Nayo inclined her head. “She will be too busy to train with you, but she may have time to see you all. I shall return in a few hours with your lunch.” Nayo departed.

  Wolf snorted. “We’re basically prisoners.” He folded his arms, “Way to brush us off.”

  “We have free reign of the village, and may seek out our own instructors.” Hyato said. “We are hardly prisoners.”

  “It is probably wisest to find someone to show us the techniques.” Sebastian said. “Techniques are probably the best way to pass these Trials.”

  “Well I’m going to train.” Michael said, hopping up to another platform.

  “Very well. In the meantime, I shall go see if I can find an instructor.” Sebastian said.

  “I’m too wounded to train right now,” Wolf said. “I will ask around too. Hyato?”

  Hyato hopped up to the first of the jumping stones. “I shall train.” He said.

  “Suit yourself.” Wolf said, “I’m off.”

  As Wolf went back around the building, Sebastian watched the two young men jump from platform to platform for a moment. “Don’t be afraid to push yourselves.” He said, “Michael, you have endless stamina. Use it. Hyato, you are very skilled. Try to incorporate that.”

  “Okay, thanks!” Michael said. Hyato nodded. Sebastian departed the others and went into the hidden village of the Aeronemar. Where did that villager girl go?