When the King called Sein's family to the Audience Hall one morning, and commissioned Lord Hein to be stationed at the northern outpost, it surprised everyone.
He was to establish military training for the King's men based near the border.
Was there an immediate threat from the north?
Whatever the reason, Sein wasn't clear why it was critical for the family to leave the following day. She didn't know what to make of it.
As there was some urgency in leaving the capital, the men and women who served Sein and her family packed the household for immediate departure.
Chaos followed when Lord Hein decided that only Sein and the youngest son, Naing, would move with them. Thura and Phyu, the elder sons who were married and settled in the capital, were to remain.
However, Thura offered to help establish training and provide support to his father before returning to the capital in spring.
Sein was unlikely to see Zeya before the departure, a thought that filled her with anguish. By the time her family returned to the capital in a year's time, the Crown Prince would be married to Princess Nanda.
She doubted their friendship could continue after that. Their last meeting had been so fleeting and she longed to see him one last time.
But what would she say?
Farewell and enjoy the rest of your life? Perhaps it was best left as it was.
Yet, leaving without a word didn't seem right either. She thought about writing him a note, but when it came to the words, she found herself at a loss.
Everything she wrote felt off, either too formal and too distant, or too familiar and too sentimental. Frustrated, she eventually abandoned the idea altogether.
Naturally, Lady Marlar was distraught at being parted from court society and her extended family. She'd never contemplated living anywhere else, even for a year.
"This is disastrous," Lady Marlar complained. "We shall miss so many events, crucial events coming up in the next year."
She pointed at various items in their sitting room for the servants to pack.
"I am sure we will be able to return to the capital for a week here and there," Lord Hein comforted.
He strode over to his wife and took her hand, to calm her. He signalled to the serving girls to leave them in private.
"It is only the first few months that we will not be able to travel back. In the Spring, we shall return for the Crown Princes' wedding."
This attracted Sein's attention.
"Indeed, we must attend the wedding," Lady Marlar agreed. Then her expression tightened as she continued, "Being away from court, how will Sein be noticed and admired. It is tragic, indeed."
Sein cast her a sharp, sidelong glance of agitation.
"It is only for a year, my love."
"But I shall miss my dear sister and brother. I do hope perhaps one of my siblings might make the journey and visit us. I doubt very much Eindra could endure the arduous journey to the northern hills. Perhaps one of my nephews will come. Htay could bring his family and spend the summer with us. It will be a perfect escape from the heat."
"Why not focus on the present moment and visit your relatives now before we depart tomorrow," Lord Hein suggested. "Sein and I will ensure everything here is concluded. At the very least, why not organise a family supper with Phyu and his wife before we leave?"
"I will instruct Kan to organise it. Oh to think, perhaps Thawda will be with child while we are away. Then we must return for our first grandchild's birth," Lady Marlar mused.
"Now, now, let us not get ahead of ourselves," Lord Hein said, resting his hand gently on his wife's back. "Neither Thawda nor Ohn are with child yet. We shall deal with that when the time comes."
The journey to the northern highlands took the better part of a week, as the traveling party was in no hurry. The gentle, rolling hills of the lowlands, blanketed in teak forests and bamboo, gradually gave way to the rugged terrain of the Northern Plateau.
Here, the road grew more challenging, with fast-flowing rivers providing fresh fish for their meals. The highlands were mountainous, their forests a breathtaking patchwork of greens and yellows, hinting at the first signs of autumn. Maples and oaks stood poised, ready to display their brilliance before the onset of winter.
The mountain air was brisk in the early mornings, carrying the scent of wood smoke from fires used for cooking and heating in the nearby houses. Low-lying mist hugged the forests, gradually lifting as the sun warmed the land. Terraced fields, heavy with crops ready for harvest, dotted the landscape.
Before long, they reached the northern outpost, a sprawling compound spread over one side of a mountain. One section housed the residents, while another was dedicated to the training grounds.
At the furthest point along the ridge stood a large single-storey house set within an established garden, which became home for Sein's family.
"There is ample space compared to our apartment back in the palace compound. This will do I suppose," Lady Marlar declared with satisfaction.
"The house is well laid out and the garden is charming," Lord Hein pointed out. "There are abundant rooms, enough for each of us to have our own private sitting room. I am quite certain, we will be very comfortable here."
This meant a day could be spent without encountering other family members. Sein took this to her advantage and visited the training grounds without her mother's knowledge.
Lord Hein and Thura had no qualms about her being present. The men they were training, welcomed the sight of a pretty distraction, adding a splash of colour to their day, and offering a brief respite from their relentless drills.
Naing tended to think differently to his father and brother.
He challenged Sein with, "Why are you here? You should keep mother company. Being out in the elements, you'll ruin your skin. You'll be utterly undesirable when we return to court."
"Like I really care," Sein remarked, folding her arms. "Maybe you should stay indoors with mother. Perhaps the ladies of court will think you a barbarian with bronzed skin."
"Just trying to give you a little brotherly advice, that's all," Naing retorted, waving his hand randomly at her.
His good looks, with light hair and striking dark eyes, made it clear that they were brother and sister.
"Anyway, you better stay away, just because, you're a distraction to the men. They're a bit starved of females in these parts. I wouldn't want any of them falling for you, then harassing you."
Naing's comment ignited Sein's rage but she managed to keep the lid on, and stood simmering. Of course there was no way she'd leave now.
Naing strode away to join Thura who was instructing trainees to follow a specific sequence in sword fighting techniques. The exercises were done on stationary targets, each standing like scarecrows tethered to a post, allowing the men to refine their footwork and adjust their distance with each strike.
Sein chose to head over to where her father stood, circled by a small group of men.
"The mind leads the body," Lord Hein began, studying the reactions of the men who had been drafted from the local area to join the border guards. "You must have complete control of your mind. In combat, there is no room for fear. You must remain calm, composed and focused. We will start with mind training today."
The men sat cross-legged on the rough grass with their eyes shut. The morning remained overcast, rendering the landscape in greyscale.
Although it was mild, there was a subtle hint of autumn coolness in the air. Sein folded her arms to keep her hands warm as she continued to observe the class.
"Every time your mind wanders, pull it back. Focus on a specific point in your body…perhaps how the ground feels underneath you," Lord Hein said in a soothing voice. "Does the ground feel firm?… Does it feel rough?… Is the ground warm?… Does it feel cold?"
There were long gaps of silence in between his prompts. Only the noise of sparrows or an occasional crow was heard.
"Now focus on your breath without altering it. Just observe each breath as you inhale then exhale. Each time the mind wanders, pull it back to the focus… breathing in… pause… long exhalation," Lord Hein spoke up every so often, lengthening the silence.
Sein joined in, sitting by herself. Such a simple task, yet it was incredibly challenging.
For one thing, her mind was in a turmoil. Flicking from one thought to another. Ruminating over the past year, her mind lingered on her relationship with Zeya, which often felt more than a platonic friendship.
Was she deluding herself? She couldn't focus. That hour was the longest hour of her life.
"This is the practice," Lord Hein concluded. "We shall train in mind focus every morning and evening. Any questions?"
When Sein spoke of her difficulties to her father that evening, he simply responded, "Excellent. The struggle is the learning, Sein. Keep practicing. Eventually it will become easier."
She wasn't entirely convinced by his reassurances.
Sein found the physical training more to her liking. She kept a close eye on instructions given by Thura.
His basic training program focused on building strength, agility, and endurance with bodyweight exercises.
Familiar with the regime, she performed lunges, squats, and jumps to build leg power and improve footwork. Push-up holds, bridges, and planks strengthened her core and upper body, ensuring she could wield a sword with precision and control.
She trained as best she could in secret, driving herself to endure the agony of her own relentless expectations. The physical discomfort left no space for any other thoughts which was exactly what she wanted.
She pressed on until she was about to collapse. Day after day, she persevered like a stubborn ox.
Thura however noticed Sein's change in mood. She'd lost her usual playfulness and often seemed lost in thought.
On a morning when he wasn't training the men, he handed Sein a bow and quiver.
"Would you like to learn something new?" he asked.
"I would very much like that," Sein responded with enthusiasm.
It had been a while since Thura saw his sister smile.
"I've set up a target in the woods," Thura said, throwing on his heavy cloak. "Wrap up warm and let's head out."
While he taught Sein how to shoot arrows at a target, Thura spoke about his friend from the capital whom he met again at the northern outpost.
"He was unlucky in love because the woman he fell for was already married. He struggled seeing her every day with another man. He came out to the northern outpost a year ago to distance himself from this lady which proved to be a smart move. He's met a local girl whom he connects with and this year they were married. He's very happy with her."
Thura glanced at his sister and said, "What I'm saying is, spring will always come again."
Sein listened silently to Thura's story. Was he implying something?
Thura did see me with Zeya that one time and he obviously noticed my fondness for him.
She denied it at the time. Clearly, it's like the oxygen you breathe, you don't notice it while it's there, but the moment it's gone, you can't help but feel its absence.
"There's no need to be concerned, Thura," Sein responded in a neutral tone, disguising her true emotion. "I'm quite alright being here. I enjoy the physical training. I'm getting pretty strong."
She let go of the bow string. The arrow struck below the target, a little to the right as the wind picked up.
"Adjust your aim and allow for the wind," Thura instructed, then continued, "You are much admired by many lords and I am certain you will find a man whom you will connect with. For now, it may seem the fish that is lost, is the most desirable."
"I'm… I haven't lost any fish and I'm not interested in finding any!"
Sein knocked the arrow and drew back the bow string until her fingers brushed the side of her ear lobe. She aimed the arrow point a little higher than before and with a long exhalation gently released the string.
It hit bulls eye.
"Now you are getting the hang of it," Thura praised. "Keep practicing. You are a warrior's daughter."
Sein gave an appreciative smile.
End of autumn brought a change in the weather. The drop in temperature meant Sein didn't venture out until the sun was high in the sky.
Often her thoughts were: I'll have to tell Zeya about that. He'll think it intriguing.
Then realising it was a foolish waste of a thought. She was still in the habit of thinking about what to discuss or solve with Zeya for their regular meetings. It was a hard addiction to break.
Sein eventually created a routine for herself, heading out into the wooded area near the training grounds. Each week, she noticed the vibrant colours of the autumn leaves fading, mirroring the bleakness settling in her soul.
From the depths of that darkness, she forced herself to practice shooting arrows until her fingers were raw from pulling the string. Her shoulders and arms ached most days.
Was it a form of self-punishment? The physical pain was meant to suppress her foolish heart. However, there was satisfaction in retrieving the arrows, and noticing her accuracy improve no matter the distance.
Before the northern winter fully settled in, a supply delivery from the capital arrived, bringing messages for Lord Hein from the King, and for Lady Marlar from her family and friends.
Sein had a slither of hope that perhaps Zeya would send her a message but there was nothing. It was hard not to wonder whether he ever spared a thought for her, now that she was no longer part of his life.
She doubted it, given his days were filled with duties and endless demands, unlike hers, which gave her far too much time to dwell on the past.
Once all the packages were unpacked, a serving girl appeared with a small box while the family were resting in the lounge room after supper. Sein and her mother were practicing their embroidery, while the men were reading.
"My Lady, this was with the supplies."
The girl handed over a lacquered box inlaid with mother of pearl and a royal crest in gold and silver, stamped on the lid. Lady Marlar was curious and peered inside the box.
"Why, it is full of northern green tea," she exclaimed. This caught Sein's attention. "I did not order this. Why has it been delivered? By the looks of the box, it is the Queen's own reserves."
Lord Hein glanced over at his wife and said, "Perhaps a gift from the Queen. How thoughtful."
"Why would the Queen give us tea? It does not make any sense. I am not that keen on green tea. It is peculiar, indeed. Maybe you are right, Hein. Perhaps, it is the Queen's way of acknowledging our absence from court."
Sein's heart raced hearing her mother's words.
Was it from Zeya? Did he think of me?
It reminded her of the many afternoons they'd shared drinking the green nectar. Was that the purpose of sending such a gift? There was no sure way to find out.
She discarded the thought, brushing it aside as just another one of her foolish hopes. Her father was most likely correct in assuming it was from the Queen.
By the time mid-winter arrived, snow had blanketed the northern borders, filling the household with wonder. They had never seen snowflakes drifting down from the sky, or the brilliant white stillness that followed.
Training of the men continued despite frigid temperatures.
When Sein wasn't shooting arrows, she was out walking among the bare trees, soaking in the pristine snow contrasting against an endless sapphire sky. There was a thrill in spotting a fleeing red fox if she was silent. Its vibrant fur contrasting against the white landscape.
Overhead, a golden eagle soared catching the thermal winds. Sein marvelled at the power of that magnificent bird, envy filling her as she wished she could take off like one.
Despite the bleak weather, she encountered many creatures that shared their mountain. These small observations of beauty soothed her, though she wished she could share those moments with Zeya, only to chastise herself.
Don't even think about him. He's the Crown Prince of Arkar to you, nothing else.
"Lady Sein," Kan called to her. "Your mother is worried you may catch a cold in the snow. Will you not come inside? There is tea to warm you and the fire place is lit in your sitting room."
"I'm quite alright, Kan," Sein reassured him. "Tell my mother, I've wrapped up warm. I won't catch a cold."
Over the long winter months, Sein's self-discipline in training was beginning to pay off. Her physical strength and stamina improved. Her arms and legs became toned. Her stomach was solid to the touch.
The body leads the mind too, she reflected, sensing a growing calm spreading to her thoughts.
When the northern mountain ranges in the distance were suddenly transformed by patches of gaudy pinks and reds from the rhododendrons in bloom, it signalled spring was on its way.
"I will never get used to this cold weather," Lady Marlar complained, wrapped in a layer of finely woven wool shawl, sat in front of a roaring fire. "My mind is numb from it. I cannot think a single thing clearly."
Sein, on the other hand, enjoyed the cold. The numbness was a welcomed distraction. It kept her mind tranquil.
"It will warm up once spring really sets in, Mama. Perhaps we will be complaining about the heat soon enough."
She tried to comfort her mother.
"I hear the summers here are much cooler than the capital. The air is far too thin and dry. It does nothing for one's skin to be in this environment. But I shall welcome the warmth of summer. In the meantime, we have the Crown Prince's wedding to look forward to."
She had no idea she was adding an arrow to her daughter's heart.
"We will spend a week back at the capital with all the comforts of home. Maybe we can stretch it out to two weeks. What do you say, Sein? We can catch up with all our relatives. I am sure Thura must be dying to see his wife. It has been a long time for them to be separated. And how wonderful it will be to see Phyu and Thawda. I wonder if Thawda is pregnant. Will it not be a delightful surprise if she is? Oh I would very much like a new addition to our family."
"We are going back to the capital," Sein muttered, her mind spiralling out of control.
"We are indeed. I have just said the Crown Prince is marrying in two week's time. We cannot miss the wedding. We may not have enough time to have new clothes made. That is unfortunate. You will have to wear your best. How about that bodice you wore to the Lighting Festival? It was very charming. I saw many lords admiring you. You have a lovely figure. Though you are looking slimmer these days. It must be all that walking you are doing. You must not lose your feminine curves. Anyway, perhaps you can wear the bodice with your silk lace jacket and the silver woven long skirt. That will make a stunning outfit."
Sein couldn't disguise her dismay.
"What is it? Do not look at me that way. I am sorry but there will not be enough time to order a new outfit. The palace's seamstresses are clearly talented but they cannot produce a miracle. We will have to make do. You can wear my emerald necklace to match the bodice. Green seems to suit you."
Collecting herself, Sein asked, "When are we leaving for the capital?"
"I am not certain. I will ask your father when he comes back."
"Where has he gone?"
Lady Marlar waved her hand randomly.
"I do not know where. Apparently there are reports of unsavoury events some place or other. Your father has taken a group of men to investigate."
At bedtime, Sein found she couldn't drift off, tossing and turning. Talk of the Crown Prince's wedding and returning to the capital was troubling. She didn't wish to see Zeya getting married. She knew she'd brought this torment upon herself.
How can I get out of going to the wedding?
As the night wore on, she heard movements and sounds that suggested people were awake which was unusual.
She got up to investigate. Her mother was sitting with a shawl wrapped around her shoulders, being comforted by Naing.
Kan was kneeling by the fireplace, feeding it with logs as the glowing embers crackled and popped, casting a dance of warmth into the room.
A serving girl carried a tray of hot tea from the kitchen.
"What's happened?"
Sein immediately rushed to her mother's side. Lady Marlar had been crying, her eyes red and swollen.
Sein knelt down in front of her and asked, "Mama, tell me what has happened?"
Her mother couldn't speak.
Naing, seated across, spoke up, "Father has not returned."
"I cannot help but fear the worst," Lady Marlar whimpered.
"We don't know what has happened to him and his men."
This was alarming news.
"Why am I always the last to know?" Sein cried out in frustration. "Why didn't you wake me?"
"Do not blame your brother," Lady Marlar said softly. "I told him not to wake you. We did not want to worry you unnecessarily."
"But I am not a child anymore," Sein protested.
Then realising Thura wasn't with them, she asked, "Where is Thura?"
"He's organising a search party," Naing replied. "Where're you going, Sein?"
Sein immediately hurried back to her room. She changed into her training clothes which were Naing's old uniform. As he was only a couple inches taller than her, she simply had to roll up the sleeves and cuff the trouser legs.
Then she ran to the training grounds, her breath visible in the cool air.
"Thura, I'm coming. I don't care what you say. I'll follow you no matter what. You can't stop me," Sein declared, carrying her bow and a quiver of arrows. "So let me come along."
Thura deliberated for a moment before he said firmly, "This may be a recovery mission. Be prepared for anything. Follow my orders or you do not come. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Sein replied, falling in line with the other men standing.
They all stared in astonishment at the young lady who was dressed in men's clothing. Her long hair catching the wind, casting it about her.
At first light, they set out: ten men and one lady. Following the wooded path east, they walked into daggers of light as the sun slowly arched overhead.
By mid morning, they reached a ridge overlooking the forest spreading southward down into a valley. On the other side of the mountain, hundreds of white gleaming stupas rose amidst the foliage, a sight so sublime it held them in silent wonder.
Sein's eyes drifted to the valley floor, where massive, ancient and weathered stones emerged from the lush greenery.
She took in the sight of what was once a majestic temple, its grandeur long eroded by the passage of time, now a crumbling echo of a forgotten era.
"Time to head down. Cut through the forest," Thura directed. He paused by Sein and said, "Here, take this sword. You know how to use it. We're heading for the temple ruins where I anticipate trouble."
The path down to the valley was steep, occasionally requiring the use of hands to scramble over boulders and straddle between tree roots.
Once they reached the valley floor, the warmth hit them like a wall. The climate here was humid compared to the coolness on the ridge. The trees were tightly packed and required many detours to make progress.
When the group saw the first sight of the temple ruins, Thura held up one arm. Everyone halted. He motioned with two fingers and two men approached either side of him. The three drew their swords and advanced cautiously.
The rest remained, tense and vigilant. Sein held her breath as she watched Thura intently. His hand signalled again, and the rest moved forward.
Sein observed how the temple walls had buckled and twisted where immense tree roots had forced their way through the ancient stonework. Some sections indeed looked precarious, almost toppling over.
The men moved slowly hugging the line of the crumbling walls, heading into the centre of the temple ruins.
As she entered the small clearing, the first thing that caught her eye was a body sprawled face down. A stark black arrow was embedded in his back.
By the way the man was positioned, she knew it was too late for him. Her heart pounded and her breathing became shallow.
They had found Lord Hein's men.
Where was her father?
One of Thura's men crouched down next to the body and after a quick pulse check, signalled. They spread out, with heightened alert, carefully clawing their way further into the ruins.
Before anyone reached the only structure that stood with four walls, a voice was heard. It was one of the men from her father's party.
Thura surged ahead, signalling orders to his men. Four broke from the group, fanning out to encircle the ruined building, their figures slipping between broken statues and velvety, moss covered walls.
Once the sweep confirmed no hidden threat, the rest of the company advanced.
Sein was desperate for news.
"What of my father?" she asked one of the men from her group who had returned from the only standing structure.
He wasn't much older than her, with fear in his eyes, he mumbled, "Lord Thura is coming out."
"Sein," Thura called out, rapidly approaching her. "Father is injured. Be prepared. It is not a pretty sight inside."
"I don't care, I want to see him," Sein cried, bracing herself steady and repressing her emotions.
She followed her brother.
The stench of decaying blood was overwhelming. Sein gasped for air, then held her breath.
In the pale light that illuminated the inside, she saw several injured men. Those who hadn't lasted the night were laid out on the ground.
Thura led her to their father. He was sitting, propped up against an ancient bronze statue whose head was missing.
Lord Hein's left arm had a black arrow protruding out. Someone had wrapped a piece of cloth tightly around the arm above the shaft.
Sein rushed over, kneeling down beside her father.
"Papa, can you hear me?"
Lord Hein's face looked years older than it should. How had he aged in just a day?
When his eyes fell on his daughter, he spoke with some disbelief, "Sein?"
"I'm here, Papa."
Sein quickly assessed his injury, her eyes sweeping over the arm wound. She didn't notice any significant loss of blood.
He will be alright once the arrow is removed, she thought. It'll be tricky to carry the injured men back to the outpost but once back, they can be properly treated.
"Poison ," Lord Hein said in a hoarse voice. "Curse. Cold."
"What can I do?" Sein asked to no one in particular.
She thought of wrenching the arrow out herself but Thura caught her arm. She glanced up at him.
His face was grim as he said, "It is not a mortal arrow. Do not touch it."
Lord Hein's eyes held a far away look before they glazed over, then finally he closed them. He mumbled something inaudible as his breath became shallow and slow.
Sein leaned close to his face and listened to his strained whisper. He let out a long exhalation and was still.
"Papa?" Sein said, her voice quivering.
Hearing no response and seeing a lack of breathing, she pressed her trembling fingers on his wrist, desperately searching for a pulse. She couldn't sense anything.
Thura knelt down beside her, cradling his head. Realisation punched her in the guts, making her utterly wretched.
"No, no, no. This can't be happening!" she said, more to herself than anyone else.
But it was. The truth was, there was nothing she could do. Nothing anyone could do. It was too late. Her father was gone.
Before her lay the man who had once been her strength and her protection. Now he was barely recognisable. His face had drained of colour, his features rigid and unfamiliar. What remained felt like only a fragile shell of the man she'd known.
Grief tightened around her heart, squeezing until it was hard to breathe.
Kneeling there, helpless and lost, she heard her brother's quiet sobs beside her.
Then the world seemed to tilt. Everything felt distant, unreal, as though she'd stepped outside herself. From somewhere far away, she watched her own body move in slow motion as she leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to her father's forehead.
Swallowing against the ache in her throat, she whispered, "Papa, we will meet again one day. Until then, I must let you go."