The Stone Road by G R Matthews Read Free Book Online Page A

was long gone from the room.  Haung sat down on the bed, his head fall into his hands and let the adrenalin flow out of his body. When his limbs stopped trembling he slid down off the bed and onto the floor, sitting cross legged. His arms fell to his lap, palms resting lightly on one another and he started to slow his breathing. He could feel himself sinking further and further into the meditation and calm darkness of his mind. Just like he did with the Fang-shi , he could sense the darkness begin to absorb his outer shell and leave only the spirit core.
    The banging knock on the door shattered the meditation and he fell out of it, sprawling on the floor in shock. He could taste blood in his mouth and investigating, with his tongue, he could feel the tear where he had bitten into his cheek. Pushing himself up onto his feet he stepped over to the door for the second time this evening.
    “Listen, Jiao...” he came to fluttering halt. “Secretary Marbu, what can I do for the Commander tonight?”
    Marbu scrutinised him and Haung felt like a fish being inspected by a picky housewife, ensuring it was as fresh as the fishmonger promised.
    “Did she do that to you?” Marbu asked.
    Haung prodded the inside of his mouth with his tongue once again and wiped the blood from his lips with the palm of his hand.
    “No, Secretary. I was meditating when you announced your presence,” Haung answered and saw Marbu’s eyes narrow in response.
    “You would be wise not to see her again. It would not be good for you, or her.” Marbu’s eyes narrowed even further and his tone chilled Haung.
    “I have told her so, Secretary. I am sure she understands the situation,” Haung responded and threw in a respectful dip of the head at the same time.
    “She is not wise, this Jiao, to ask all over the castle about the whereabouts of a Jiin-Wei . Perhaps, I will arrange for her to be spoken to. Just to ensure that she understands the situation as you have explained it to her.” Haung didn’t like the small smile that formed on the secretary’s face. He could feel those fish hooks in his heart tug again. He forced himself to stay still, though he so wanted to wipe that grin off of his visitor’s face.
    “It is not needed. I assure you honourable Secretary, she understands. I was firm with her. I think that she, in all probability, now hates me,” Haung said in a calm tone.
    “Perhaps, Jiin-Wei , perhaps. Still, let us remember that it is an option, should the need arise. And now, I will bid you a good night. Do not forget your task tomorrow, nor let your mind stray from it.” Marbu dipped in his own little bow then turned and walked away.
    Haung closed the door and rested his back against it. Meditation was far from his thoughts. He stripped off and climbed into bed, checking that the small dagger was there, under his pillow, and that his spare sword was underneath the bed. Reassured by this, he fell asleep but his dreams were filled with images of Jiao. Sweet memories of meetings in the kitchen, stolen whispers in the corridor, distracted practices in the training yard. But the visions twisted and darkened, Jiao’s broken body lying at the bottom of the castle walls, blood pooling around her head, arms and legs at unnatural angles, sharp shards of white bone erupting from smooth flesh, sightless eyes. The sweat drenched bed covers caught and snared him as he rolled and turned, trying to escape the scenes his sleeping mind was conjuring.

 
     
     
    CHAPTER 7
     
     
    “Peace can only be realised when the Duke of Yaart releases control of the high plains that he, illegally, invaded twenty seven years ago. The Wubei people there cry out against the yoke of tyranny he has brought upon them,” Hsin said.
    “The people of the Shinxi marshes feel the oppression of the Duke of Wubei also,” responded the Yaart negotiator. “Perhaps we can come to some agreement on these areas?”
    “The marshes do provide excellent access to the Green