The Voyage In The Blizzard - Chapter 21
After that happy incident in the canteen everyone led Longwei towards the house of the head of the First clan.
“Guys, I think you are mistaken. I didn’t do anything heroic. No need of such loud applause.” Longwei said trying to stop everyone.
“Do not be so shy. We all know that none of us is ready to face beast. But you, in such a young age defeated the beast. No wonder that you are famous now.” Delun said.
“He is quite right.” someone’s voice was heard from behind the crowd.. Approaching him, Xing-Fu happily smiled at everyone. His always kind eyes began to shine once he saw Longwei. His white long mantle with fur collar made his look majestic and only the silver sword made him look like a warrior. “Longwei, my child, indeed, there is no need to deny this. All these young men are applauding for you because you showed an excel bravery.
Hearing these words Longwei felt a bit uneasy. Knowing that it is Lei who defeated the beast and not him he felt ashamed. “Master, I don’t think that it’s a big deal.” He murmured.
Xing-Fu put his hand on his back just shook his head. Leading him towards the house he said, “My clan needs a lot of good warriors. Now, I don’t think that your presence here is in vain.”
“But Master it is not…”
“If you’re gonna say that it is nothing then you’ll get a punishment for disobedience. Fighting on the Battlefield to those who are not ready and who didn’t complete their study is prohibited. You broke the rule.” Changing his mood Xing-Fu looked at him almost angrily.
“Don’t be so angry with him Master!” someone said aloud.
In the hallway of the house, as usual it was dark. A few candles were burning in the far corner.
Hearing someone’s slow footsteps Longwei had a feeling like he already heard this voice.
With slow and accurate steps a young man with bandaged hand and chest appeared from the darkness. It was that young warrior because of whom Longwei had a fight with the beast.
Approaching them the young warrior slightly bent his head to Xing-Fu and it was obvious that he was enduring a great pain after the battle. Hardly standing on his feet the warrior said, “Master, I don’t think that Longwei deserves a punishment. If not him, who knows what could happen to me.”
Turning his head towards Longwei he smiled. Which made him blush a little.
“Your soldier has saved my life. I don’t think that this kind of bravery can be ignored or get punished.” He added.
Without saying anything Xing-Fu tapped him on the back. His eyes, indeed, were showing some kind of pride.
“So Master, how will you reward my savior? Maybe I should ask my father to throw a feast for him and for your clan, what do you think?”
Understanding that this young man wasn’t just a simple soldier Longwei could see in him the same facial features like the head of the Second clan On has. (But his features were more handsome and much kinder)
Xing-Fu nodded his head and proudly looked at him again. “You’re right. I think Longwei’s heroism deserves a better attention. Here, the heroism is very praiseworthy thing. It can’t be ignored nor be forgotten.”
“Thank you Master.” He said and with a bow left the house.
When they were left alone Longwei said, “Master, it is not me who killed the beast. You must know that it is not my merit.”
Xing-Fu silently sat to his height chair. Still looking at him with pride he said, “Do you know who this young warrior is? He is the son of the head of the Third clan. You have saved him from death. And that is all what matters for now.”
Standing in bewilderment Longwei wanted to say something but Xing-Fu interrupted him again. “On and I, our relationship is not good enough these days. Sometimes I even worry about what can happen next, to our clans. But now, you have made everything easy. On, he is very grateful man. Very serious, cold and rude but grateful. Once you have done something good to him, he will never forget it. Longwei, what you have done on the battlefield is your merit. Even if you say that it is not, in On’s eyes and in his son’s eyes you are a hero. That is why no need to say anything against of it. With your help, maybe we finally will be able to gain our friendship back.”
“So you’re seeing your own benefit in this situation? Master, but it is not true. I did not save him. It was Lei. He killed the beast. And now you want me to pretend like it is my merit and thus you’ll have your own benefit?”
Xing-Fu broke into quiet laughter. “My child, this is the battlefield. We are soldiers. And this world is in hands of cruel nature. We don’t know what is gonna be next. So I think you better think about your own behalf and be grateful for such a good chance to gain some kind of fame.”
Feeling anger, Longwei went up to him, looking into his eyes he shouted, “What kind of fame are you talking about? Yes, this is a battlefield and we have no time to gain a fame here. But I want to be honest with everyone. I am not a hero. The real hero is Lei and why are you ignoring this fact? Lei, is the best warrior among every other warrior. Only with his help we are still alive. So don’t think that you can fool me with fame.”
Saying this he with a quick steps went away.
Knowing that this situation is not something with which he must feel such way, but still he felt some kind of injustice. But from the side of his self observation he knew that it is silly. It was like he was a little child who stole someone’s toy. And being a hero in everyone’s eyes did not feel good at all.
Feeling ashamed to go back to everyone he went to the nearest small forest.
“Longwei. Here you are.” said that young warrior. Looking at him happily he noticed that something was strange in Longwei’s expression he asked, “Are you alright? Did I disturb you from something?”
Longwei exclaimed, “You shouldn’t be here!” Realizing that his voice was strange he said quietly, “I mean you are injured. Go back to your clan.”
The young warrior approached him. Holding his bandaged hand his emotions showed that he was aching but still walking with a straight posture towards him he said, “Longwei, I am here because of you.”
Now, noticing that this young man was very handsome. His features weren’t delicate or elegant but they were very sharp, full of energy and self control. A straight nose, very pale skin, pale lips and very black big eyes with long lashes made his look extraordinary. And what attracted his attention most was the long, silver colored strands of hair. And thick brows which curled in a shape like he was always curious.
Feeling uncomfortable and awkward he wanted to step back but the young warrior grabbed his hand with his other hand. “Longwei, excuse me for my being so ill-mannered, I didn’t present myself properly.” Lifting his head up he said, “My name is Yue-Liang. I am the warrior of the Third clan and my father is the head of the clan. I am 26 years old and yes, my name literally means Moon. Maybe that was because my creation day was when the Moon appeared on the Sky for a few seconds and then disappeared again.”
Longwei finally was able to step back. Feeling a bit calm he smiled and said, “Nice to meet you Yue-Liang.”
“Nice to meet you too, my savior.”