When I entered the room and saw who was sitting there, I froze briefly, giving the visitor a long look. Of course. It all made sense. A grinning Phet peered up at me from the chair where he sat, his eyes shooting secret messages through the air like arrows. I raised a sardonic eyebrow, sending a message of my own.
“My boy!” Phet said, rising agilely to his feet. He clapped his hands on my shoulders and stood on his tiptoes to murmur softly in my ear. Kadam was nearly my height. I knew that the Divine Scarf changed appearances, but for the first time, I wondered where the rest of him went. Phet was diminutive in comparison. He confirmed what I’d suddenly come to realize and we sat down.
He made it easy on me and did most of the explaining. After introducing himself as my former teacher, he said he’d been sent to summon me home. Anamika’s face fell and I wasn’t the only one to see her abruptly walk out of the room. Her brother followed her a moment later. Even her mother dropped her sewing on the floor and quickly stooped to pick it up. “Must he leave now?” she asked.
“I am sorry,” Phet said sincerely, “but he is needed at home.”
Ana’s father nodded. “It’s been a blessing for our family to have him here. We owe him and his family a debt that can never be repaid.” He turned to me. “We will, of course, outfit you with our best horse, provisions, and gold, such as we have.”
Raising a hand, I said, “You have been more than generous in allowing me to stay with you these past months. I prefer to travel as lightly as possible and hunt along the way, but I appreciate the gesture.” Pausing, and unable to ignore Phet’s raised eyebrows, I added, “However, there is something you could do for me.”
“Name anything you like and we’ll see it done if at all possible,” Ana’s father said.
“During the journey here, before Anamika fell ill, she asked me to teach her how to use a knife.”
Ana’s mother brought her hand to her mouth. Her soft gasp was audible.
“I thought it would help her feel confident to learn how to handle one. If she should be taken unawares, it would give her a means of defending herself.”
Ana’s father gripped the arms of his chair, his knuckles turning white, while her mother’s mouth worked soundlessly. I knew she’d protest what I was planning to suggest, so I tried to channel Ren’s diplomacy and explain things in way they’d understand.
Since they said nothing, I plunged ahead, hoping for the best. “She’s quite good at it. Her reflexes are natural and sharp. I think continued training will help her adjust to what’s happened.”
“But…but women do not train with weapons,” Ana’s mother said. Her sewing had dropped to the floor again and this time she didn’t bother to pick it up.
“Some do,” I said. “My mother, in fact, is a renowned swordswoman. Phet has worked with her countless times.”
Ana’s parents glanced at Phet doubtfully and I chuckled. “He doesn’t look quite as menacing as he used to, but he’s the one who trained me.” Their eyebrows went up. They’d seen me spar with the few men who they employed as soldiers. I’d spent many hours with them, helping them better their skills. None of them came close to my skill level and Ana’s parents knew it. They looked at each other and then back at the two of us.
“If you will allow it,” I said, “Phet would like to stay on with you for a few months. He’s not as sharp in body as he used to be, but his mind is quite alert.”
“Of course your friend may stay,” Ana’s mother said. “But are you certain you cannot remain until he recovers and then travel on together?”
I shook my head. “Unfortunately, I cannot. I have stayed far too long already. There are those back home who need me.”
Ana’s father shifted uncomfortably in his chair and leaned forward. I could see by his body language that he was going to deny my request. Before he could say anything, I shifted closer to him and, lowering my voice, added, “I would consider this a favor in equal weight to mine for returning Anamika home. Phet cannot travel as quickly as I can, so it would do much to comfort my mind if he stayed on with you for a time.”
I knew Kadam as Phet could hear everything I said, but he glanced out the window twitching his fingers at a bird that landed on the sill and then deftly scooped up the fallen embroidery, handing it back to Ana’s mother. She thanked him and he gave her a gap-toothed grin.
Louder, I continued, “He is a brilliant strategist and could take my place in training your soldiers. He can watch over Anamika and Sunil and school them in whatever lessons you wish. If you have need of me, you can always send him back to find me.” That more than anything pushed the decision in my favor.
“We would be delighted to show…Phet”—Ana’s mother nodded to the man—“our hospitality. Consider our home yours,” she said. “When will you leave?” she asked, turning to me.
“Within the hour. If I may, I’d like to take leave of Anamika and her brother first.”
I rose to seek out Ana. Closing my eyes, I opened myself to our connection. It was strongest where the adult Ana waited for me in the future, but I could also locate her where she was now, and our link was fully open. Open enough for me to know she was a horribly used but still very innocent, brokenhearted girl.
Ana sat on the ground, her back against the marker her father had commissioned for her when he thought her dead. Sunil sat nearby, keeping vigil. I noticed he carried a small sword in his hands, and he stood up at my approach as if he planned on defending his sister.
“Have you come to say good-bye, then?” he demanded, his young face fierce and scowling.
“I have,” I said.
“So you’re just leaving us? You don’t care about us anymore?”
“Of course I care about you. But I’m needed at home. I have good news though.”
“What is it?” He folded his arms across his thin chest.
“Your father has agreed to your training. Both of you.”
“Who will train us if you’re gone?” a small voice asked.
I glanced over at Anamika. Her long hair hung in locks that covered her face. Where Sunil was stiff with upset, Ana was the opposite. With her back curved and her arms lying limply across her lap, she looked wrung out and empty, like a bit of discarded lace, a beautiful thing that had been carelessly tossed aside. It stung that I was the one who caused her to feel that way.
Crouching down next to her, I said, “Sunil? Do you mind if I have a moment to speak to Anamika privately?”
He looked like he wanted to protest but then he nodded and stalked back to the house.
“Ana?” I took her hand but she pulled away and turned her back to me. I sighed and sat beside her, leaning back against the stone monument too. “I’m sorry I have to go. I did convince your parents to allow your training. Phet will be a good teacher. I promise. He taught me everything I know.”
She peered up at me distrustfully, one eye peeping through her curtain of hair. “It won’t be the same,” she said.
“I know. But you don’t need me anymore.”
“It doesn’t feel like that.”
“No,” I agreed. “It doesn’t.”
I heard a sniffle and saw her dash her hands across her eyes.
“I’ve brought something for you,” I said.
“What is it?” she asked, turning halfway toward me.
“It’s something to remember me by.” Pulling out the pouch, I drew out the tiger necklace and held it out to her.
“Is it the tiger we saw on our journey?” she asked.
I shook my head. “No. This tiger is very special. When you feel lonely or sad or if you aren’t sure what to do, ask your tiger. He will always be there for you and he will tell you the right way to go. Here.” Prying open her fingers, I placed the tiger on her palm. “Ask him a question.”
“Will…” She paused and licked her lips. “Will I see Kishan again?” The tiger glowed and she gasped with wonder.
“There. You see? He’s got a bit of magic in him. I promise that he will always watch over you and do his best to keep you from harm. When he warms in your palm, the answer is yes and those around you speak the truth, but when he remains cold, you should move forward with caution. Do you understand?”
Ana nodded, her eyes large with wonder. “Thank you for this gift.”