The man beams. “We can take you, if you’d like. We happen to live there. It’s a short trip across the channel by boat, but we should arrive by early evening.”
Jyn and I exchange a look. All it takes is a quick glance around to realize that we’re only a few li from the seaside. We have managed to make our way across the Western Wastelands—or rather, underneath them—in one piece. Barely.
“That would be wonderful,” I say with a relieved exhale.
“We’ve anchored our boat just over yonder,” he replies. “Would either of you like something to eat? You look like you could use some food. We have plenty to spare, and even more back at the village. I’m sure the elder will be happy to feed you.”
Jyn sighs. “Thank you very much.”
“My name is Chyou, by the way,” the woman says. “And this is my husband, Ming, and our daughter, Jia.”
“Sai,” I introduce myself. “And this is Jyn, my—”
“Travel companion,” she says hurriedly.
I force myself to stand straighter and ignore the pang of hurt in my chest. “Right. My travel companion.”
We follow Chyou and Ming toward a little wooden boat tied to a rickety old dock. The sands of the desert blend seamlessly with the sands of the beach, the divide practically indistinguishable between them.
The sea is calm, but my mind is a storm.
When we get to the Moonstar Isles, I will fight for an answer from Jyn. I must finally know the secrets she has been keeping, for my heart can’t bear this much longer.
Until then, I will focus on not falling out of the boat. I’ve had quite enough of the water.
23
The stranger returns some years later, dressed in fine silks and a silver crown. The blue dragon is ecstatic to see his Fated One after so long apart, and greets him with a tender embrace. The prince studies the man’s matured features, noting with quiet dismay the faint wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and the whispers of gray in his beard.
“They have made me their king,” the stranger informs the prince, “for my good services rendered. Thousands praise my name, and it is all thanks to you.”
The prince is overjoyed and in awe of his Fated One’s tender heart, using his gifts for the people. The stranger asks the blue dragon to return with him. “Think of all the people we might help together!”
But his parents warn against such an idea. The red and green dragons know of the dangers that lurk in the lands out west, riddled with disease and vicious creatures and men with greedy hearts. They urge him to stay home where it is safe, where they may remain a family.
The blue dragon does not listen, however, yearning for adventure and eager to help those in need. Together, the prince and his Fated One set off.
Never to return.
Part 3The Doomed Lovers
24
Large tents of pearlescent canvasare pitched in clusters, fanning out in a circle from what appears to be the village center. There are people everywhere, dressed in lightly colored linens with berry adornments in their short black hair. They appear unaccustomed to having visitors, though they don’t seem unfriendly, just curious.
The Moonstar Isles is an idyllic place. Serene. Far more stunning in person than any of the tales told by the merchants back home. It’s a chain of small islands, every single one connected to those adjacent by expertly crafted suspension bridges made of bamboo planks.
“That little island there,” Ming says as he rows, “that’s where the village is. One island over is where we raise the chickens and sheep. And the one just beside is where we do all our farming. The soil’s rich and fertile for it.”
“And the islands beyond that?” I ask.
“We let them grow wild,” Chyou explains. “This is as much our home as it is that of the plants and animals. We only use what we need here.”
Paper lanterns float on the calm waters between each island,drifting about lazily while the lightning bugs hover amid the long cattails, mimicking the twinkling stars above. Festive music fills the air, the beat of drums and the enchanting harmonies of sea shanties lifting my mood. This here is a land of plenty, untouched by the emperor’s devastating war.
“Village elder!” Ming booms as we step into the village center together. “We’ve made some new friends!”
A man steps forward with a hearty chuckle. He’s an older gentleman with a long white beard and bushy brows, his hair pulled back into a neat bun. He’s dressed in far more intricate robes than the others, light blue flowers embroidered into the white planes of his silk. The heavy-looking necklace draped over his neck is made up of white jade beads, with a carved pendant swinging at the base just above his navel.
