Bayin had not been able to save her father. She'd been powerless then. But now she was a spirit. A spirit that could heal.
She'd proven it when she saved Maung. Clinging to that thought, she tore open the small bag slung across her body and pulled out a strip of fabric.
She wrapped it around her hand, fortifying it with her spiritual energy until it hummed faintly beneath her skin.
Then, steadying herself, she took hold of the General's injured arm and, with one swift motion, pulled the arrow free.
He took a quick intake of breath as his body tensed.
Bayin worked quickly now, forcing herself to stay calm. She unwound the fabric from her hand and tied it over the spot where the arrow had struck.
There was no blood. No torn flesh. Only smooth, unbroken skin, icy cold beneath her fingers.
To her horror, the small black mark visible on his skin had began to spread, growing like a vine over his forearm.
This was the poison, moving silently and deadly within him.
I must stop it.
She reached inward with her power, searching beneath skin and muscle, beyond what her eyes could see. Almost immediately, she felt it. A cold, crawling presence threading through his veins, destroying all in its wake.
Her head began to pound as she followed each poisonous thread. The effort made her vision blur. Slowly, and carefully, she seized the source of it. The toxin resisted, clinging on stubbornly. She clenched her jaw, refusing to back down.
General Min let out a strained breath.
"Stay with me," she whispered as her mind locked onto the target.
Bit by bit, she gained control and forced the venom back towards the surface, drawing it out through the cloth.
Her hands trembled. Her breathing grew shallow. But she did not stop.
She searched again and again, terrified that she might miss something.
When at last, she couldn't sense any more poison, she shifted her focus to the damage it had left behind. She poured her power into the torn places, knitting fibres together, sealing ruptured vessels, easing the swelling and calming the shock.
General Min shuddered, as if being pulled back from a distant place. Colour slowly returned to his face. His breathing steadied, each breath stronger than the last.
She continued to pour her spiritual energy into him, reckless now, driven by both fear and love, until his pulse felt firm beneath her touch and his eyes finally cleared.
Only then did she stop.
Her arms felt like lead. Her mind numb.
For a moment, she thought she might collapse beside him. But when he met her eyes, blinking at her with recognition, relief filled her.
Suddenly, Htoo's astonished face appeared beside them, making Bayin flinch. She released the General's arm at once, as if caught doing something forbidden.
"Sir, are you… are you alright?" Htoo asked, concern sharpening his tone.
He surveyed the General's arm for a moment, realising he'd been injured.
Then turning to Bayin, he pressed, "What happened?"
Bayin was too exhausted to reply. She sank back onto her heels.
Now that the danger had passed, the adrenaline keeping her going faded all at once. She swayed slightly, drained of both energy and will.
In its place came a strange, giddy lightness, a floating, unreal feeling that made her barely care whether she was being rude by not answering.
"General Min was struck by that black arrow," Kyaw spoke up, as he ran over. "Bayin used the spirit cloth to pull it out. Then he used it to heal him."
All eyes turned to Kyaw and Htoo barked out, "Where have you come from?"
Then noticing Soe standing behind Kyaw, he said, "And you?"
General Min rose to his feet, regaining full strength. His gaze shifted to Bayin, still sitting on the ground.
He held out a hand to help Bayin up. She hesitated, not quite ready to stand, but took it anyway. His fingers closed firmly around hers as he pulled her to her feet.
Bowing his head, he said, "I am grateful."
However, the tightness of his jaw and the flicker in his eyes, suggested he wasn't entirely pleased.
"Spirit cloth, you say?" the General asked, turning his attention to Kyaw.
"That cloth on you, General, is blessed by Spirit of Cloth. It's got healing qualities," Kyaw explained eagerly.
General Min became aware of the absence of pain. His body felt remarkably normal, as though the paralysing numbness and confusion he'd experienced moments before had been an illusion.
He flexed his arm, testing its strength, and found it sound.
"How extraordinary," he murmured, accepting his blade from Htoo, who had retrieved it and placed it reverently in his hand.
Just then Cetan appeared, drawing the General's attention.
"Cetan, report," he commanded.
"General, the target has been eliminated. The rest scattered into the forest. Our men have searched the temple grounds. No sign of archers or hidden reinforcements. I've sent a few scouts to ensure none remain concealed."
Cetan stood before him, his face was sharp and angular, his dark eyes carrying the weight of countless battles. Yet Bayin noticed a gentleness beneath the hardened exterior, the fall of his chin-length hair softening the severity of his jaw.
"Good. Secure this area," General Min said. "Were any of the leaders taken alive?"
"None, General. They were willing to die than be taken prisoner. Except one. The crafty rat managed to slip away," Cetan replied, wiping his blood-stained blade with a rag. "Do you wish me to send men after the ones who fled?"
"No, I believe they are no true warriors," the General said firmly. "With their ranks now scattered, they present little danger, and I see no value in pursuing what they know."
"Agreed, General."
"And our men?"
"All accounted for."
"Injuries?"
"None, General. Remarkably, not a single arrow found its mark."
Cetan folded his muscular arms and thought for a moment, choosing his words.
"They were somewhat strange, obviously not mortal arrows. Even more puzzling, some men claimed the arrows bounced off them. What do you make of it?"
"That'll be Spirit of Cloth power," Soe blurted out, eyes bright with conviction.
"What is this Spirit of Cloth power?" Htoo snapped, his intimidating brows furrowed. "What are you men saying? Speak clearly of it."
As the eldest, Kyaw took it upon himself to explain.
"Bayin told us about Spirit of Cloth. Soe came up with the idea, why not pray to the spirit to change your clothes into armour and protect y'all from the arrows. We gave it a go and looks like it worked."
"That's remarkable!" Cetan commented. "I've not heard of this spiritual power before."
"Wait, there's more," Soe said. "The spirit gives healing blessings. That cloth is a lifesaver, no lie. General, you didn't look well when that arrow struck you. Bayin wrapped it around your arm, said a little prayer, and it seemed to work. How ya feeling now?"
"I'm completely fine."
"Well, that's proper power, that is. Consider me a believer," Soe declared, resting a hand on Bayin's shoulder. "Honestly, I didn't think it'd work, being Spirit of Cloth and all. Doesn't sound all that mighty. But turns out, this spirit's got some serious clout. Who'd have thought, eh?"
A moment of quiet reflection passed as the men absorbed the conversation. Then, General Min took charge, issuing his orders.
"You three, stay where you are. Htoo, keep watch. Remain vigilant."
Without another word, he strode away, Cetan following in his wake.
Bayin caught a trace of anger in his tone.
Why is he cross with me, she wondered. I suppose it's because I disobeyed his orders.
But had she done otherwise, she shuddered to think of the consequences.
As soon as the General's men secured the temple ruins, they began establishing a temporary camp among the crumbling stones.
Cetan and a few men disappeared for a while, taking away the bodies of the slain enemy to be buried. Htoo collected fallen branches to start a camp fire. Kyaw chipped in with unpacking supplies. Soe went with two other men to fill their water skins.
Everyone else got on with tasks. They were a well coordinated team.
Bayin felt at odds, not knowing how to contribute. She wasn't used to these forms of activities having been raised in refined elegance. Her time spent with Maiah in Sagyo was solely helping with household chores or working in the garden.
General Min was surrounded by his men as he listened to their accounts of what had transpired, leaving no opening for Bayin to approach him.
When Htoo and Cetan returned, they made a beeline towards him and took him to one side. From what Bayin could gather, they were deep in discussion, working to reconstruct the sequence of events.
She didn't wish to interrupt, instead watched from a distance, pushing back towards the tree cover.
Now that the euphoria of saving the general had faded, the memory of her father's death came crashing back in. Bayin felt the ache tighten around her ribs like a vice. She drew a shallow breath, trying to steady herself.
She needed a distraction, anything to stop herself from unraveling. Shooting arrows or training until her body throbbed was a pain she could endure. That kind of sting dulled the other. And with nothing to keep her busy, the grief had nowhere to go but inward.
Standing beneath the broad canopy of a sturdy oak, she closed her eyes, trying to keep the tears from forming. She sensed Rei, Spirit of the Forest around her.
Perhaps Rei might know something about the black arrows, Bayin thought.
She called out to the spirit.
"Spirit of Cloth." Rei's gentle voice was heard in her ears. "You may speak freely."
Bayin really couldn't get used to being called that.
"I no longer sense the presence of the evil spirit among these temple ruins. Am I right?"
"You are correct. It seems that spirit has temporarily left the mortal world."
"Will she return tonight?" Bayin asked, as she couldn't shake the feeling of impending dread.
"It is highly unlikely, as her powers are spent for now. That is why she has left. However, spirits like her are vengeful and will return to the mortal world time and again to inflict pain. She does not take kindly to anyone encroaching on her territory. It is best to avoid her."
"I understand. Unfortunately I have experienced her anger before today," Bayin said. "How large is this spirit's domain?"
"From here to the northern highlands. It is a large area but her fury can only be experienced at certain points, such as her temples. She does not have a presence in the forests."
Did that mean when her family was stationed on the northern borders, her father and his men had trespassed on her territory? Was that why they were killed?
"Was this temple once dedicated to that spirit?" Bayin inquired, curious to know which spirit they were referring to.
"Indeed, a very long time ago. Numerous temples were built in her honour. Once, she was much loved and revered. But those who are at the top of the ladder have further to fall. She was among the supreme spirits, and now, she is all but forgotten. That is where her resentment lies. I cannot tell you more details, as it was before my time, but like so many tales, it was a tragic end. Some spirits choose to walk the dark path, it is best to avoid her."
"I will certainly steer clear of her temples and her territory in the future," Bayin asserted. "We are heading towards the capital. Is the forest further south under your control?"
"I have no control over the forest beyond the oaks. If you wish to travel south, the safest route is to follow the water instead. It is protected by Shwe Kyi until you reach the lowland forest."
"Is Shwe Kyi another spirit?"
"Yes, he is the Spirit of Shwe Waters. He was once a monk who was well loved in these parts. He controls the water from the eastern lands. He bears no ill will to mortals and I am certain he will see to your safe passage."
"That is good to know. Much appreciated," Bayin said, feeling like she had gained useful information to share with the General.
She wandered about the ruins for a while trying to process her sorrow. At least she didn't have to worry about the evil spirit returning. Once she felt she had regained control of her emotions, she returned to the main camp area.
Finally spotting General Min by himself, Bayin approached boldly, capturing his attention.
She couldn't help herself, in spite of better judgement, and commented, "You seem angry with me, sir."
General Min was taken aback.
His eyes softened as he responded, "I'm not cross with you. My concern lies with your safety. You must understand, I'm responsible for the lives of my men, and I take that burden with the utmost seriousness. I'd rather not take any unnecessary risks.
"This journey is perilous, as we've already seen with the black arrows. I have no desire to place you or your friends in needless danger. You lack the combat experience that these men possess. It would be wiser for you to join the main company heading southwest. That route is far safer. I'll send one of the men to take you."
"I understand your concern," Bayin spoke up, recognising his genuine desire to protect her. "But we're more than capable of finding the main company on our own. There's no need to spare one of your men. I'd feel better knowing you have all the men you need."
Her mind was already forming a plan: head west as expected, then double back and shadow the General again. This time without being discovered.
Her instincts told her she had to stay close to him. But that would mean persuading Kyaw and Soe to part ways.
"We'll depart at first light," Bayin asserted.
This seemed to put General Min at ease.
"Very well. Let's eat something," he suggested, motioning towards the gathering around the small camp fire.
Bayin sat among the men, copying their mannerisms. Her usual position on the floor was seated demurely on her legs, as expected of any lady, but now she sat with her legs crossed boldly, embracing her role.
There was an unexpected freedom in pretending to be a man. It stripped away the constant rules and expectations that came with being a lady.
No need for careful posture or graceful movements. No need to be endlessly mindful of how she appeared or what she said.
And to her surprise, she was beginning to enjoy it.
As she listened to the chatter around her, she noticed General Min making his way towards her. He carried two bowls of food and handed one to her before settling beside her.
His sudden unexpected attentiveness left her momentarily flustered.
Then she caught a glint of mischief in his eyes as he asked, "Which part of the capital are you from, Bayin?"
That was when Bayin realised she hadn't worked out the details of her back story yet.
She recalled reading in one of the scrolls that, when attempting to deceive someone, it was best to stay close to the truth or something intimately familiar.
Thinking back, she recalled wandering the capital's streets with Zeya, in particular the time they went to the Festival of Spirits. It had been south of the palace compound, in Dao Lin district, where the wealthy merchants lived.
That was the only name she could recall on the spot.
"I'm from Dao Lin," Bayin replied cautiously, her hand gripping the spoon so tightly, her nails dug into her palm.
She had no appetite but forced herself to eat.
"I don't know Dao Lin district very well," General Min admitted, after swallowing a mouthful of rice. "I've only been to that area once. It was during the Festival of Spirits."
He met her eyes with a purposeful gaze.
Kyaw and Soe were seated opposite them.
Having overheard their conversation, Kyaw asked, glancing up at the General, "Were you seeking a blessing from the Spirit of War, sir?"
"No, I was with someone. We were blessed by Spirit of Love and Marriage," General Min replied nonchalantly, causing Bayin to arch an eyebrow.
"But I thought yer weren't married, sir," Soe commented, his mouth half full of chewed food.
"I'm not yet married," General Min replied.
He shot Bayin another meaningful look.
"But my hope is to one day make her my wife."
Bayin choked on her rice instantly when she heard his response. Kyaw handed over a water skin and said, "Water?"
Then he turned to General Min, and remarked, "I thought being blessed by Spirit of Love and Marriage is as good as being married."
Bayin took the water skin and drank, and drank, and drank.
What do you mean we're as good as married? she wanted to ask.
"Depends what kinda blessing," Soe chimed in. "Y'know there's the stuff with flowers and holy water for marital bliss and there's that thing with the red cord around your hands. That's a marriage union, right?"
"Yep, that's right," Kyaw nodded. "My wife and I did the marriage union then exchanged our vows right after so we're spiritually and legally wedded."
General Min didn't say anything further on this subject. Instead, he and Bayin exchanged a brief glance.
Both hit with the image of their hands tied with a red silk braided cord and the Spirit Dancer saying, "You are bound together for eternity."
Bayin remained silent, blinking as she tried to process what'd been said. General Min, on the other hand, appeared perfectly unruffled, watching her with calm, unreadable eyes.
"Are you alright?" he asked.
She nodded, averting her eyes, unable to withstand the intensity of his gaze.
Surely, he can't be talking about the time he went with me. Could there be another incidence when he was blessed by Spirit of Love and Marriage?
She was conflicted by the waves of hope lashing at her. Then as Kyaw and Soe's words properly sank in, her unease only deepened.
Wait! Were we somehow spiritually married without even realising it? Could that be why he didn't marry Princess Nanda?
When she glanced at him again, the General's attention had shifted to Kyaw and Soe.
"And what about the two of you?" he asked. "Where is home?"
"I'm from a village called Yu Gin, in the northern hills," Soe responded, his spoon deftly gathered the food, avoiding the bitter gourd slices with precision.
"I have passed through that village a few years back. How about you, Kyaw?"
"I'm from a place, a bit further south of Yu Gin, called Uren, by the river. We're known for our pottery. Have you heard of Uren ware?" Kyaw asked.
All shook their heads.
"Hmm…I thought it's well known."
"Tell us more about Uren ware," General Min encouraged.
"Ah, it's different from the other pottery in the region because of our clay. It's high in iron, which makes the clay pretty dense. When the pieces are fired for a long time, the pottery develops these natural, interesting patterns from the ash and flames. We're known for that, you know, the rustic look. My speciality is pots and cups."
"That's how we met," Soe suddenly shot in with enthusiasm.
He rested his bowl on the ground and leaned back on his arms as he continued, "I was watching Kyaw make a cup out of a blob of clay. I was like, amazed. I've never seen anyone so good at making stuff with their bare hands on the spinning thing."
"I've been doing it for some time, Soe. If you hadn't stopped by my pottery wheel to watch, we'd never have met, and maybe we won't have met you, Bayin. Since it was Soe's idea to go to that market and the kid steeling my bag… I guess it's fate that brought us all together," Kyaw said, scraping at his bowl to scoop up the last remaining rice.
Fate? Bayin thought.
Indeed it was luck that she chanced upon the boys who were seeking the General. If she hadn't stopped the thief, she wouldn't have met them.
She would have followed her original plan and headed straight for the capital. Then she would never have crossed paths with Zeya.
The focus of the conversation naturally moved to the General.
"You're from the capital. Am I right, sir?" Kyaw asked.
"Correct. I grew up in the capital."
Bayin listened with interest.
General Min didn't continue so she spoke up, "Which martial school did you train at?"
This should be interesting, she thought. How will he answer?
Without hesitation, General Min replied, "I didn't go to a school. I was lucky enough to be trained by my uncle."
"Ah… you're from a warrior family," Kyaw concluded.
The campfire's flickering flame mirrored in his eyes, giving them a fiery gleam.
General Min simply smiled and said, "I trained as a warrior."
Bayin found it uncanny how he avoided lying by not saying anything untrue, but stuck to what he could say to be true.
She wanted to push him a little and asked, "Which warrior linage are you from?"
General Min's eyes flicked to her, though his expression remained unshakable. He lowered his empty bowl to the ground, buying himself a moment.
Before he could answer, Kyaw unwittingly offered him a lifeline.
"Is your family originally from the North? Since you've got green eyes," he asked.
General Min nodded. "My mother is of Northern origins," he admitted. "I've inherited her eyes."
He met Bayin's gaze, and in that instant, everything around her seemed to blur, as if the world had narrowed to just him and those pale, captivating eyes.
They held each other's stare in an unspoken moment, leaving Kyaw and Soe uncomfortably aware of the intensity between them.
"Here, lemme take the bowls," Kyaw said, scrambling up to stand.
"I'll help," Soe chimed in, fighting to grab the bowls, taking the ones from the General and Bayin.
They left the pair, who eventually became conscious of their surroundings again.
General Min indicated to his arm and asked, "My arm seems to be fully recovered. Perhaps I can remove this binding now?"
Bayin nodded. He unravelled the strip of cloth she'd tied on his arm. He looked amazed when he saw no evidence of the wound and rubbed his forearm with his hand.
"Extraordinary, really," he said. "Spirit of Cloth's power is truly undeniable. There's not even a mark on my skin. My uncle will be most impressed with this binding."
Bayin's heart swelled with pride, but she schooled her expression into calm neutrality, secretly savouring her achievement.
She silently watched the General fold the piece of material into a neat square.
"Here."
He reached forward for her hand and lightly pressed the cloth into it.
"Keep it. I'd much rather it kept you safe if you ever find yourself injured."
Her breath stilled as his gentle touch startled her, stirring the memory of the first time he took her hand directly, in the palace gardens, all those years ago.
She could feel again the broadleaf he had placed in her palm, his hand lingering just a moment longer than necessary.
When she finally looked up at him, he was already rising to his feet. He gave her a brief head bow before turning and leaving her.
Bayin soon joined Kyaw and Soe and settled down for the night. Their constant chatter drifted around her, but she let it fade into the background as she studied the men keeping watch nearby.
They moved in steady circuits around the temple grounds, tense and alert. Clearly they were disturbed by their brush with the black arrows, rightfully questioning whether the malevolent spirit will return.
When the camp fire died, she remained awake, lying still, and watching the comings and goings.
General Min spoke to Htoo and Cetan, before placing himself at a vantage point to survey the surroundings. She was impressed by their stealth, not a footfall was heard. Her heightened senses picked up their breathing and their subtle movements.
In the early hours of the morning, Bayin observed General Min signalling to someone and before long Denpa appeared. They spoke for several minutes in private then peered at where she was lying, and it was obvious Denpa looked relieved.
It seemed he'd been searching for her all of yesterday and the whole of last night, and she instantly felt a pang of guilt.
When morning light crept in, General Min strode over to Bayin as she sat up. She could see the faint weariness in his face from the sleepless night, yet his pale eyes remained focused and sharp.
She met his gaze and arched an inquiring eyebrow.
"There's been a change of plans. You and your friends will remain with us for the time being. The enemy has been spotted moving in the west. It's no longer safe to find our company heading southwest."
"Yes, sir," Bayin responded, a little relieved.
That suited her very well. Now she didn't have to persuade Kyaw and Soe to go their separate ways.
Once he'd received Bayin's acknowledgement, General Min left her to discuss matters with Htoo and Cetan.
Using her heightened senses, she listened to their conversation. They were deliberating which route to take and seemed to be weighing up their options carefully.
Naturally, after the run in with the black arrows, Cetan felt it would be wiser to stay hidden under the cover of the forest as they moved further south. Htoo agreed but General Min raised some concerns.
Remembering what Rei told her earlier, Bayin felt the need to convince them to follow the river and approached the General cautiously.
"Do you plan to follow Shwe Waters south, sir?" Bayin enquired, giving him a look that was a delicate dance between innocence and allure, in an effort to wrap her charm around him like a silk thread.
General Min's attention immediately snapped to Bayin.
With the faintest curve touching his lips, he said,"I'd like to hear your thoughts on that route."
This was very Zeya. He'd always asked her for her opinions when they discussed battle strategies in the Archives. It was one of the ways he made her feel truly valued.
She chose her words carefully, each sentence crafted to acknowledge his concerns while drawing on her knowledge of the area's geography.
"I'd imagine taking the river route may be the safer option. It offers clear visibility, giving us the advantage of spotting anyone long before they get close, though, admittedly, they might see us too. It's a fair trade-off for avoiding the risk of an ambush.
"Of course, once we're out on the dry plains, the river guarantees a steady supply of water, a precious resource in such barren lands. And the flat terrain and shorter distance will allow us to travel swiftly, preserving our strength for any battles ahead."
General Min broke into a warm smile and his pale eyes shone before they narrowed slightly.
"You seem to know the land in this area rather well," he commented. "You've obviously studied a map of our kingdom. Where did you come across it?"
"I've seen a map," Bayin replied carefully.
Of course he knew this. They were studying a map of the kingdom together in the Archives. She knew that he knew. She hesitated not wishing to tell a blatant lie.
General Min suddenly broke into a chuckle and said, "It's fine. You can keep your source a secret. I agree with your thinking."
Then turning to Htoo and Cetan.
"We shall follow Shwe Waters."