“The Straight Path.” Xilarion frowned. “There have been reports of a similar philosophy in the Gonki Province inland. I’ve heard whispers of the name but nothing firm as yet. It reminds me of the Unwavering Shadows Cult. It could be the newest iteration of the group.”
“Who are they?” I asked.
“There are paths that branch off what many call the Wandering, or ‘true,’ Path, as its devotees call it. One such branch is the Path of Peace. It is the road Beqai and I travel, at least until circumstance make it impossible to do otherwise. Other offshoots exist. Some are noble, but others stray into more dangerous philosophies. I believe that the Path of Peace may be the most noble, but it is becoming harder and harder to walk it.”
“The Straight Path followers believe in the shortest distance between weakness and power. They’re willing to cut corners in the pursuit of their goals.” I shook my head. “That’s what Horix taught his students.”
“From what we have witnessed here, it is clearly a threat.” Xilarion clasped my shoulder with a withered hand and met my eyes. “You have borne the name of Radiant Dragon with pride and honor. But other lands call to you now, young Swordslinger.”
I met his gaze. “What’s my next task?”
“Another old friend—Lord Ganyir—has asked for my help. His last letter told me there was trouble building in his city. It could very well be those of this Straight Path seeking to unbalance the relationship between clan and guild. You are to travel to their city and ease tensions if possible. If not…”
“I understand, Guildmaster,” I said.
A bolt of warmth that had nothing to do with the wine raced through me as Xilarion smiled.
“There you are!” King Beqai staggered up to us as he waved a goblet wildly in one of his tentacles and splashed wine all around.
“My truest old friend,” he said as he slapped Xilarion on the shoulder, “and my best new one.” I too received a hefty slap with another tentacle.
“Your Majesty.” Xilarion bowed his head, though he couldn’t quite hide an amused smile. “Have you been celebrating all day?”
“Not yet! But now that you’re here, we should. It will be like that cherry orchard all over again.”
“Perhaps another time,” Xilarion said. “We both have responsibilities now.”
“That we do.” An earnest expression crossed Beqai’s face. “And that’s why I need to talk to this one.”
He jabbed me in the chest and almost spilled wine down my robes. Kumi appeared from behind him. An indulgent smile slipped over her face.
“As you know, my son has been grievously wounded,” Beqai said. “And my people’s faith in him has been shaken by recent events. While I would once again trust him with my life, he cannot serve as Prince of Qihin City and my faithful right hand. I want you, Ethan Murphy lo Pashat, to take my daughter’s hand in marriage and fill that role.”
For a long moment, all I could do was stare. I knew that the king had been impressed, but this was beyond belief. It was a role better suited for another, not a wandering Swordslinger. My desire was to keep developing my own skills. Not take responsibility for governing others.
“You honor me, Your Majesty,” I said. “But I must decline. Guildmaster Xilarion has given me a mission that will carry me away from here.”
Beqai snorted and rolled his eyes. “Of course Xilarion has. He was always faster to the prize than me.”
“Even if you can’t stay,” Kumi said to me, “my father has ordained that I should be your wife, and I will act as such.”
I stared at her. “You’d leave everything behind and come with me?”
“That’s precisely what she means!” Beqai said with a laugh. “Now, where did Xilarion run away to?”
The king turned and caught up with the retreating back of the Radiant Dragon Guildmaster. Beqai wrapped an arm around Xilarion and led him away toward the heart of the party. “Now, tell me, old friend: how have the tides of the world been treating you?”
“Uhhh…” I looked at Kumi in astonishment. “I’m honored.”
She kissed me so hard that I had to take a step back to maintain my balance.
“I have no desire to leave you behind, Swordslinger,” she murmured in my ear.
The party went on late into the night, but as all celebrations do, it finally came to a close.
We gathered the next morning in King Beqai’s great hall amid the shallow waters in front of his throne. All of the visitors from Radiant Dragon were there. Kumi stood beside us. Guards stood stiffly to attention while Beqai beamed down at us. He looked no worse for wear after his night of partying.
“I have something for you, Ethan,” he said as he held out the Depthless Dream Trident.
I stepped forward, bowed my head, and accepted the weapon.
“Are you sure, Your Majesty?” I asked. “Shouldn’t a spirit weapon like this stay here with you, to protect your people?”
“My people are safe, thanks to you,” Beqai replied. “And I can think of no better betrothal gift. If I can trust you with my daughter, I can certainly trust you with this.”
“I’m honored, Your Majesty,” I said with absolute honesty. “I will bear it with the pride and the history of the Qihin people behind it.
I returned to my companions, and Faryn and Vesma exchanged odd looks before they turned to the king.
“It’s quite all right,” Beqai said jovially. “You can all be his wives if you want.”
In the silence that followed, I could have heard a pin drop.
“I just might take you up on that offer,” Faryn said at last.
“Whatever,” Vesma said. But I could have run a house on the wattage of her grin.
“Don’t I get a say in it?” I asked.
“Are you saying no?” Vesma asked with a crisp tone.
“Of
