When Bayin glanced up from the General's bag, she found him watching her intently. He offered a sheepish smile, as if trying to mask the importance of her gift, but the adoration in his eyes betrayed him.
Bayin quickly looked away, unwilling to read too much into it. Even so, her mind refused to let it go, flooding her with questions.
Did he really treasure her gift? Was that why he was carrying it with him?
Then her pulse quickened as she recalled the hours she's spent stitching the intricate patterns, the love woven into every twisting knot.
It was a secret message meant for him alone.
But did he understand the meaning behind it? She flicked her eyes back to him but he'd turned away.
He probably has no idea. It was likely nothing more than chance that he had it in his bag.
She pushed the restless thoughts aside and turned her attention to Kyaw and Soe, who were locked in a heated debate over the sequence of events and the number of insects involved.
General Min secured his bag and rose to his feet. Bayin tuned out the chatter and fixed her eyes on him as he strolled over to Htoo and Denpa.
He moved with an easy, unhurried confidence, the bag slung across his body. Knowing 'that' sash lay inside, filled her with an unexpected joy.
Her mind dared to argue that he knew exactly what it meant.
"You mentioned the attack was carried out by a spirit beast," General Min began.
"Spirit beasts, sir," Denpa corrected. "There were two of them."
"What kind of spirit beasts?" General Min asked, his brow slightly knitted.
"At first glance it looked very much like an oversized panther," Htoo responded. "It charged straight at me, so I defended myself and managed to sever its head clean off. The blade passed through far too easily, like cutting tender bean curd, and that felt wrong. That was when I realised it was a spirit beast. Its body evaporated into thin air, dissolving like vapour. I might have believed it was an illusion, if not for the dark stain of its blood still clinging to my sword."
"I would agree with you, Htoo," Denpa spoke up. "After you left, another growl came from the opposite direction. I thought it safer to divert it before it reached the others. My instinct was to draw it away from the group, but it seemed to have caught their scent. No matter how I moved, it kept turning back towards them. In the end, I had no choice but to face it and hacked at it as best I could."
"Did you eliminate it?" Htoo asked.
"Yes. It vanished like you said," Denpa shrugged. "Once the beast was gone, I returned to the others. By that time, they had already been attacked by spirit insects."
He gestured towards Bayin's group.
"Spirit insects," General Min repeated, his gaze instinctively lifting to the bees feeding on the blossoms above. "I've not heard of such random attacks before. Do such things even exist?"
He murmured the last sentence more to himself than anyone.
"They sure do," Soe spoke up, who'd been listening.
He moved closer to the General but hesitated when Htoo gave him a scathing glare.
"Go ahead, Soe," General Min said. "What happened exactly?"
"We were surrounded by like thousands of these evil flying things. Bayin batted them off like a pro."
Soe mimed the frantic swatting, earning a raised eyebrow from Htoo.
"We tried to do the same but there were way too many. Then they disappeared suddenly, like they were never there in the first place. That's when we realised Kyaw had been stung. I thought nothing of it since it's only a sting but then he started going funny. He couldn't breath and collapsed. Didn't think a sting could kill."
"But they were no ordinary insects," Denpa pointed out. "Their sting must be lethal. I wouldn't have believed it myself until I saw Kyaw lying on the ground."
"It all happened crazy quick," Soe said. "I'm so glad Bayin knew exactly what to do."
His reference to Bayin drew the Generals' attention to where she and Kyaw were standing.
"I'm grateful. You saved my life," Kyaw said.
He held out his hand to Bayin and she grasped it.
"Think nothing of it," Bayin replied, her eyes a little moistrecalling that moment when she thought all was lost.
To her surprise, Kyaw pulled her into a sudden hug.
Soe briskly walked over to them and held out his arms, saying, "Hey, group hug. Count me in."
There was a moment of silence, as the other men observed the three.
Then Htoo turned to the General and asked, "What news of the enemy, sir?"
"We've successfully eliminated the enemy forces surrounding Madaya. They put up very little resistance, and as a result, it took no time to remove their presence from the storehouses. It appears their real intention was to disrupt the trade routes. Cetan and his team have taken those who surrendered to the Three Rivers to meet our main company."
"In that case, I will go ahead to the Three Rivers now," Htoo offered. "I will report back with any developments."
"Very well, return as soon as you can. The town's lord has kindly invited us to a feast this evening. We can take some time to rest and refresh ourselves at the inn before joining the main company later tonight."
This was welcomed news for Kyaw and Soe.
General Min guided the group through the remaining forest, which opened out into wide fields stretching before them. A sea of green crops gently danced in the breeze.
Above, the sky was a glorious blue, momentarily blinding as their eyes adjusted to the bright light. They followed a narrow path south towards the town, while Htoo broke away from the group at a junction and veered westward.
The odour of wood smoke from a nearby house welcomed them back to civilisation, yet the air remained thick with the aftermath of battle.
Bayin couldn't ignore the metallic tang of blood that still clung to the wind. She suspected she was the only one who sensed it.
When she focused, she felt a subtle disturbance beneath it all, something that made her stomach churn.
Were there other spirits nearby? she wondered.
Kyaw and Soe retold their encounter with the insects once more as Denpa listened patiently, adding a few comments.
Bayin remained silent, her thoughts turning inward as she herself replayed the events. What unsettled her was the pattern she could not ignore.
Both times, the insects vanished only after she had been stung. The first time, Naing had been struck, and it was not until she herself was stung that the swarm disappeared.
This time, it was Kyaw, and again, the insects vanished only after they struck her.
As she was not mortal, the sting had done nothing to her, yet a nagging unease lingered in her mind.
It felt deliberate, as though the insects had been drawn to her, even targeting her.
But why?
She gave General Min a sidelong glance as he slowed his pace to walk beside her. His close proximity and the unspoken concern in his gaze, sent a warmth spreading through her chest.
"Are you alright?" he asked, moving closer, his presence suddenly very near. "Are you still in pain from the stinger plant?"
"Really, I'm quite alright," Bayin replied, a little too quickly.
Her arm accidentally brushed against his, the brief contact sending a quick shiver through her.
"I'm sorry," she said softly.
"There really is no need to apologise," he said.
His expression suggested he already understood what she meant.
"I have no objection at all if you need an arm to steady yourself… especially if it's mine."
She shot him a stern look out of habit, but her eyes softened when he grinned back.
A warming comfort settled in her, knowing he hadn't changed, not a bit. He was still the Zeya she adored.
"Ya okay walking, old man?"
They heard Soe ask Kyaw.
"Tell me if ya need to rest?"
The two boys were now slowing their pace and fell in line next to General Min.
"I'm fine. Stop pestering me will you," Kyaw said. "Bayin and Spirit of Cloth's healed me."
Hearing Kyaw speak of her healing, Bayin was reminded of what she'd managed to achieve that day. Though she wasn't entirely sure how her power worked, the experience filled her with more confidence in her spiritual abilities.
Seeing that Kyaw was fully recovered, Soe started to tease him.
"Are ya sure ya don't need help, old man? Here, take my arm."
"You better take care, dummy," Kyaw retaliated, shooing him away with his hand. "Your little legs might trip on those roots."
"I don't have little legs," Soe declared, slapping his thigh. "What ya talking about? Look at these strapping good looking legs."
"What? Those chicken drumsticks!" Kyaw gave a deep belly laugh.
"Better to have chicken drumsticks than pigeon knees!" Soe protested, causing Denpa and General Min to look in his direction.
General Min chuckled overhearing their conversation, and spoke up, "I must say, I've never heard anyone describe legs as chicken drumsticks or pigeon knees before."
Bayin turned to him, but having been lost in her own thoughts, she'd only caught the tail end of his comment, and it left her puzzled.
"What are you all talking about?" she asked. "Eating chicken drumsticks or pigeon knees? Surely chicken drumsticks are preferable. Can you even eat pigeon knees?"
The men all paused to stare at her for a brief second, then burst into hysteric laughter.
"What's so amusing about that?"
Soe and Kyaw both tried to explain simultaneously, confusing her even more.
"Kyaw and Soe are comparing their legs," General Min offered, then added, "Seems quite the accurate description from what I can gather."
Bayin's eyes instinctively moved to Kyaw's legs.
"Whada you all saying! I don't have pigeon knees! Do pigeons have knees?" Kyaw exclaimed, causing more hysterics which infected Bayin to join in.
As they neared Madaya, they crossed a stone bridge arching over a roaring river. This was the boundary of the town. Beyond it, buildings of different sizes and shapes lined the main street.
The sight stirred a memory, and Bayin felt the familiar ache claim her chest. She'd been here before, all those years ago, when her family was travelling back to the capital.
The realisation sharpened her focus as she glanced about, trying to recall which direction they'd taken, which path had led them into the forest where she died.
It was almost dusk. Many of the stores were already boarded up for the night, and townspeople were drifting homewards. Some waved or offered polite nods as the group passed.
They strode on in silence, their footfalls echoing against the stone path.
Bayin noticed that General Min seemed lost in his own thoughts, while Kyaw and Soe, true country boys, stared about with wide-eyed wonder.
The grand, imposing buildings stood in stark contrast to the simple wooden houses of their villages, or the jumble of mismatched homes in Minabu.
The inn, standing at the heart of the town, was a sturdy two-storey building with glazed tiled gable roof, typical of the lowlands. Warm lantern light spilled out from its numerous windows, welcoming the new arrivals.
Inside, the atmosphere was homely yet lively, with exposed wooden beams and polished stone floor. Bayin navigated through the crowd, following General Min.
Her attention paused on the three musicians blaring out a jolly ensemble, ensuring the punters were entertained.
The tune reminded her of Maiah and her family.
At the back of the main bustling area, a long table was set up with two benches on either side, seating many tall, young men, with fine physiques. They were obviously the General's elite fighters.
Upon seeing their General arrive, they stood to attention and created a commotion to welcome him back.
General Min was dragged into the middle of the gathering where his men, obviously under the influence of alcohol, cajoled him to join them with their celebrations.
The General graciously complied, clinking his glass with many others but only sipping at the liquor.
He has admirable self-control, Bayin thought.
The rowdy men, merry on jugs of alcohol, soon sat down again to continue their evening's enjoyment.
Before the food was served, the Town's Lord, a short, stocky man in his forties, came over and addressed the group.
A hush fell as people turned their attention to him.
"My Lords, I am truly grateful for what you have done for our town. Please enjoy this feast. It is in your honour."
There were cheers and applauds from the town's inhabitants.
As people returned to their own entertainment, the Town's Lord said in a discreet voice to the General's men, "As an additional gratitude to you fine gentlemen, I have organised some guests to visit later on."
The men understood his hint, some grinned, while others were indifferent.
Bayin sat quietly at one end of the table beside Soe.
Before them stretched endless dishes: crispy fried fish served with tangy mango salad, juicy prawns simmering in a rich tomato sauce, and pork so tender it seemed to melt at the slightest touch. Two whole roasted ducks rested on a long platter, their golden skin gleaming under the lantern light.
Bayin thought of Bhell and she didn't touch the duck.
Bowls of vegetables, some steaming hot, others cold and pickled, completed the feast. The air was thick with savoury aromas as the men served their General.
Bayin dabbled with the food, observing and listening to the men. She caught the General glancing her way numerous times, before returning his attention to the conversation.
The men nearby began to talk, their voices weaving through the clatter of cutlery and quiet murmurs.
"Now the river can transport goods freely again, we'll be able to get resources from the north," Denpa said to the man sitting next to him. "That should ease things in the capital and elsewhere."
A man beside him nodded, adding, "I hope that means the prices will go down."
But another voice, gruff and doubtful, cut through the optimism.
"Prices never go down. Once they're up, they never go back down. You can bet on that."
The words hung heavy in the air, echoing a familiar frustration.
"Supply and demand," another chimed in, trying to reason. "That's how it works. Now the supply can meet demand."
"Maybe so," someone countered, "but who knows what the ruthless merchants will do? They're only interested in gaining more wealth. This blip in supplies only benefits them."
The debate grew more heated, resentment creeping in as another man accused wealthy nobles of acting without conscience.
"You know what they say," the previous man said bitterly. "A shipload of fish gets ruined because of one spoiled fish."
Denpa, ever the optimist, tried to steer the conversation back to hope.
"It's not all as bad as that. There're still honest folks in this world. Let's focus on the good. At least we're not at war with the north, and the capital is safe."
A new voice, calm but firm, added, "True enough. We thought our enemies were northerners, but it turns out it was the Central Plains people causing trouble."
"And why?" another asked, suspicion thick in his tone. "Are they just thugs, trying to take advantage of tensions? They're obviously not trained warriors. Just ordinary folk stirring unrest."
"Denpa is quite right," General Min spoke up. "Let's focus on the positives for now. Trade can resume via the Ayegyi River and Madaya is no longer hindered. And there is no threat to the capital. Indeed, until we uncover the real culprit behind the disruptions, the fight is far from over. However, let's celebrate what we've achieved today."
"General's right. Our fight will continue, but that's for another day," a good looking man opposite him stood up.
He held his jug of drink and said, "General, wherever you lead, we will follow. You have our loyalty and devotion."
The men all loudly voiced a positive sentiment to this.
"Relax and enjoy this evening. You've earned it," General Min encouraged.
He glanced at Bayin who was listening to the chatter.
As promised, once the plates were cleared and more alcohol was poured, a group of young women descended the main stairs from the floor above.
Their long hair flowed freely down their backs, while their form-fitting skirts and low-cut tops revealed their sensual figures.
One of the women, who looked to be the youngest of the group, approached Bayin, seeing a young attractive man. She giggled as she pushed beside Bayin, sitting with her back to the table so they were face to face.
"What can I do to please you?" she asked, with sly eyes.
Horrified by her attention, Bayin whispered to the girl pointedly, "Nothing you can do will please me. Only a man can pleasure me."
The girl's eyes widened and she quickly scurried away to catch another prey. Her overly sweet vanilla fragrance lingered long after she left.
"Ah like I said no girl's gonna look at me when there's ya, Bayin, and the General around," Soe complained, eyeing the girls circulating the table.
He swallowed a mouthful of liquor.
"You don't want these types of girls," Kyaw spoke up from across the table. "There's plenty of respectable girls in Madaya. Choose one of them."
"What's wrong with these girls?" Soe asked, innocently enough.
Kyaw gave him a 'you dummy' look before turning to the man next to him and said, "You see what I'm dealing with. He's still a baby."
Bayin watched as another woman, who looked to be in her early twenties, expertly caked in make-up, with curvaceous hips, slid onto the bench next to the General.
Judging by her demeanour, she was obviously attempting to lure him to her web. She put a hand on his neck, stroking him tenderly, as she whispered in his ear.
General Min's lips curved slightly, amused. She leaned towards him with her ample bosoms pressed against his arm. He studied her with curiosity, however to Bayin it appeared too much like interest.
Not wishing to see how this scene played out, Bayin left the table abruptly.
"Hey," Soe called after her. "Where ya going?"
There was no reply.
Bayin stepped out into the evening air. It was cool and crisp compared to the stuffy atmosphere of the inn.
How foolish I've been, she reprimanded herself, reflecting on her interactions with the General. I've been flirting with him thinking he's interested but most likely, as Naing would put it, he's just starved of female company.
She felt a burst of irritation light up her chest as she headed towards the water's edge, following the grassy path westward in an attempt to calm herself.
A few villagers passed by, offering polite nods, which she returned in kind.
Her feet eventually led her back to the bridge, where she came to a halt. Leaning over the thick stone wall, she peered at the fast moving water, gurgling and burbling over rocks.
Now that there was no threat to the capital, was it time for her to leave this company and return to Maiah and the girls?
She wondered if Kin La had any news of Maung. Perhaps he would be returning to her soon since there was no conflict with the North.
A heavy weight pressed against her chest. She missed them but they weren't her family.
Her mother and brothers were presumably in the capital. Did she still have a place in the family and in the palace compound?
I'll only be a burden to my mother and brothers.
And the thought of seeing Zeya with his 'special someone' made this road utterly unappealing. She didn't want to resume her old life.
At least if she returned to Sagyo, she'd receive a warm welcome, and it was the opportunity to give back to the community that truly brought her joy.
However, her heart murmured, 'you don't belong there'.
What should she do now?
"Do not wander off by yourself," General Min's voice startled her and brought her out of her thoughts.
He walked onto the bridge behind her.
Bayin whipped around, her eyes, dark and brooding, contrasted sharply with her words as she said, "I'm perfectly fine. I can handle myself. Surely, you'd prefer to be back at the inn, enjoying the evening. I wouldn't dream of keeping you from your pleasures."
General Min crossed his arms, gauging her with slight wonder.
"I have no intentions of taking any offers from those women," he responded. "There's only one special lady who has captured my complete attention."
Bayin turned away to observed the flow of water again, not wishing for her eyes to betray her. She was exhausted of playing their games.
The reference to a lady was no doubt his 'someone special' waiting for him, and she no longer desired to know which lady of the court it was.
She bit her lip not wishing to speak.
General Min enquired, "Are you not curious whom…" Noticing Bayin turn westward, her face alert, he asked instead, "What is it? Do you sense something approaching?"
"Yes…someone on a horse," Bayin replied, honing in on the hoofbeat heading their way. "Maybe two horses?"
She was aware the General couldn't hear anything yet. Even so, his stance suggested he was ready for anything.
Holding her breath, she let her senses stretch towards the rider, searching for the slightest hint of danger. When she found no trace of ill intent, the tightness in her chest eased, and only then did she allow herself to relax.
"Someone is approaching us but I don't think they are the enemy," she said.
General Min's eyes rested on the distant horizon, until he heard the rhythmic pounding of hooves and a moment later, a dark silhouette appeared on the road.
They watched in silence.
As the figure came nearer, they saw a rider on a horse, towing another behind.
General Min said eventually, "It appears to be Htoo. He's returned from the meeting with our main company."
When Htoo reached the bridge, he dismounted his horse and strode over to them without hesitation.
"General, the remainder of the enemy forces spotted along the Ayegyi have surrendered," Htoo said, not batting an eye at Bayin. "Cetan has apprehended the man responsible for recruiting the fighters from the villages. Than Kin and Moe have verified it is the man they called Htun. However, he is not the real mastermind responsible."
"I imagine he's not," General Min said.
"Nevertheless, he refuses to speak with anyone except General Min. Will you come?"
"Very well," General Min answered. He turned to Bayin. "Will you go back to the inn? I urge you, don't stay outside by yourself."
Still feeling agitated, Bayin turned away wordless and started walking.
She heard General Min mount the horse and say to Htoo, "Go ahead, lead the way."
As the horses cantered off, Bayin felt a sudden twinge of guilt. It felt unkind not to respond to the General.
It wasn't his fault, he didn't return her affection. He was the Crown Prince and she had no claim over him.
Her feelings for him remained pure and she did wish to protect him from harm.
That sensation only intensified and she was seized by a profound sense of foreboding. A chill raced down her spine.
An unsettling premonition gripped her, signalling that danger was imminent yet unseen. She realised she had no choice but to follow the General.
Without a horse, Bayin decided to rely on her legs. Her feet pounded the dirt road, each stride graceful and swift.
It felt insanely good to run. There was a sense of freedom. Any trace of frustration, agitation and hurt dissipated.
She chased after the horses, heading west where the three rivers converged. She started to appreciate her spirit body; fast, powerful and tireless.
When General Min and Htoo arrived by the Ayegyi River, they immediately dismounted, and were met by Cetan. They chatted for a while before Cetan motioned for a man to come forward.
He was of similar build to Cetan but was wearing all black attire and a golden scarf around his forehead. He bowed to General Min and after exchanging some words, they both strolled up the river bank towards the forest edge.
At the top of the raised mound, the two men stood overlooking the river as they continued to converse.
Bayin reached the forest's edge in time to see General Min and the man speaking, catching snatches of their conversation.
The golden-scarf man, whose face was in the shadows was clearly stating, "We are grateful for your mercy, my lord. We have no intentions of harming our own people. We are loyal to the Kingdom of Arkar."
"Then will you agree to the terms discussed and return to your homes?"
"Yes, My Lord," the golden-scarf man held out his hand and General Min shook it.
Then he bowed his head and pivoted to leave.
General Min, looking pleased, swiftly turned in the direction of his horse.
Bayin wondered whether this was the resolution he'd hoped for when everything shattered.
Without warning, to her horror, the golden-scarf man veered quickly towards the General, wielding a concealed knife, raised to strike from behind.
Terror seized her. Her breath caught, her heart pounding wildly in her chest.
No!
The word tore through her mind.