Sein knew, as a woman, it would be unwise to travel alone especially with the current climate of fear. She opted to cut her hair short and used her cloth power to reshape her clothing into a collarless shirt, trousers and a band of cloth tightly wrapped across her breasts, to conceal them. Disguised as a young man, she arrived at the nearest town, Minabu.
The streets were teeming with life, an endless tide of people, surging and swirling around her. She navigated her way through the market where merchants jostled, their stalls overflowing with exotic fruits, fresh vegetables, and fragrant spices that perfumed the air.
Sellers' voices rose in a sharp, persistent racket, each vying for attention amid the clang of metal, the murmur of haggling, and the cries of street hawkers. The familiarity of it all, tugged at her memory of the capital.
But here, in the midst of this vibrant chaos, she felt adrift. The onslaught of colour, sound, and motion overwhelmed her senses, leaving her uneasy and vulnerable. She had never been on the streets of the city on her own before. She always had the company of her relatives or Zeya. The raw weight of being alone now pressed on her as she watched strangers exchanging smiles and greetings, each fleeting connection deepening her isolation.
At that moment, her thoughts were interrupted by a sharp cry, "Stop! Thief!"
Sein saw a child, whom she thought was no more than twelve, shoving and pushing people out of his way as his skinny legs propelled him through the crowd. Following closely behind were two young men and one of them shouted again, "Stop! Thief! Stop that thief!"
As the child nearly reached where Sein stood, she used her cloth power to make the fabric of his pants stiffen, which caused him to lose momentum and balance. He tripped over and fell flat on his face, right in front of her. A bag dropped from his grasp as he stretched forward to cushion his impact.
Only then did Sein realise she'd acted without thinking, the response as natural as breathing. It had not even occurred to her that she could use her spiritual power in such a way. She bent down and picked up the fallen bag just as the two men rushed up to them.
"Wow, you stopped him!" the man with light hair said, panting to catch his breath. Sein handed the bag to him.
"Much appreciated."
The other man, who was taller with short hair, said, "Thank the spirits you got my bag back. It's got my notebook." He took the bag from his friend.
"And our food!" his friend exclaimed.
The thief scrambled onto his feet but before he could flee, the tall man seized his arm.
"Hey, why you nick my bag?"
The child looked terrified, shaking visibly as he mumbled, "I'm hungry."
They all stared at the child. He did look half starved, wearing ragged clothes that suggested he was a street urchin. Sein had never seen such a poverty stricken person before and was shocked.
The tall man frowned, still restraining the child's arm, then softened his eyes as pity and compassion filled them.
"If you need food, just ask," he offered. "Here, you can have our bread and dried meat. Take it."
The child stared at the man in disbelief before grabbing the food offered to him with dirt-stained hands, and ran like the wind. Sein was touched by the generosity.
His friend was less pleased and said, "Whadawe gonna eat now? I hope you don't expect me to live on air. I'm a growing man, ya'know."
"I reckon you can survive a week burning up some of that baby fat alone."
"What baby fat? This is pure muscle, I swear."
His friend burst out laughing as he flexed his arms and sucked in his stomach. Sein chuckled to herself, feeling immediately at ease with them.
"I have spare food if you would like some," she spoke up.
She hadn't used up her food supplies, as being a spirit, eating was more for pleasure rather than a necessity.
The two men looked delighted and the tall man said, "We'd really appreciate that. I'm Kyaw. This is Soe."
"What's yer name?" Soe asked, noticing that Sein hadn't introduced herself in return.
She couldn't say Sein; it was a girl's name, and her mind had gone utterly blank. Desperately searching for inspiration, her eyes darted to the market stalls. A wooden crate brimming with grapefruits caught her attention, along with a small sign in elegant script: Bayin's Stall.
"Bayin," Sein answered. Then collecting herself, she suggested, "Perhaps we could seek shelter over there, away from the crowd. I have bread, dried meat and fruit if you would like them."
The three wove their way out of the bustling thoroughfare, veering towards the market's quieter edges. With the sun well past its peak, they welcomed the shade of a cluster of trees, where the air was cooler. Standing beneath the leafy canopy, the two men gratefully dug into the food.
"This bread's real good," Kyaw said, tearing the bread into mouth-sized pieces. "Did you make it?"
"No, a friend made it," Sein replied, thinking fondly of Maiah. "It is delicious, isn't it?"
"Yeah, it's delicious." Kyaw sniffed at the bread then chewed as his eyes shut briefly. He commented, "It's got a real nuttiness to it. And it's moist, like it's freshly baked, you know."
Sein was delighted to see him enjoy the food.
"I taste bread. Bread's bread," Soe mumbled between mouthfuls. "It's all the same to me."
"How can you say bread's bread? The stuff we bought today was tough and bland. Like chewing on old boots."
Soe raised an eyebrow, and with a glint of mischief, said, "I dunno what ya do in that village yer from but we don't eat old boots. Yeah, I've never chewed on them. How ya even eat old boots?"
"Not literally, dummy. I meant it's chewy so it's like old boots," Kyaw explained.
"Never noticed my old boots getting chewy. Yer boots get chewy, Bayin?"
Kyaw rolled his eyes at this and Soe giggled with amusement at the reaction. Sein smiled seeing the playful nature between the two men.
Being a tall girl, Sein was equal in height to Soe. He was well proportioned, with a thick mop of hair. He had bright eyes and a kind of boyish good looks that sent the village girls swooning over him. Standing next to Soe, Sein felt confident she could pull off being a boy. She observed his stance and copied as their chatter continued.
"Are you joining the military?" Sein asked when she heard the men mention their desire to defend the kingdom.
"Nah, we don't wanna join the military. I'm planning on staying alive," Kyaw replied. "We're gonna join a group of fighters led by the legendary General. They've patrolled the northern hills, keeping our borders safe for years."
"We heard they're heading south to defend the capital," Soe spoke up, peeling an orange, releasing its uplifting scent. "Ya wanna come with us? Right now, they're based not far from here. We've been trying to track 'em down."
Something about the straight forward, genuine and kind nature of the two boys, made Sein comfortable with them. She considered her options. As they were heading south towards the capital anyway, it suited her to follow them. It would at least make the journey safer and perhaps more entertaining.
"Yes I'd like to seek out this General too," Sein responded. "Would you like some more fruit?"
"Much appreciated, I'll have one more," Kyaw said, packing his bag then taking an orange. "These oranges are real tasty."
"Wait, don't tell me," Soe said with a sly smile. "The oranges tastes like blossoms from the northern hills. Like spring time in the sunshine."
"What you talking about!" Kyaw exclaimed. "The orange tastes like oranges."
"Ha! That's what I was saying," Soe pointed out with a smug grin. "Ya'know, bread tastes like bread. Oranges taste like oranges."
Sein chuckled and remarked, "You boys are funny. You remind me of my older brothers."
The two glanced at her and Soe asked, "How old are ya? I'm eighteen. Kyaw is twenty four. I thought yer same age as me. Are ya older?"
"Yes, I am older than you but younger than Kyaw," Sein admitted but didn't reveal her age.
She would be twenty three if she had lived. Even here, in the northern hills, age seemed to matter, shaping how people addressed one another. The eldest were looked to for guidance and treated with respect, while the youngest were met with teasing and an unspoken affection.
"Well, since I'm the oldest here, I better keep an eye on you two and make sure you stay outta trouble," Kyaw spoke up.
Soe opened his mouth ajar and before he could say a word, Kyaw raised his palm and said, "I don't even wanna hear what you gotta say about that."
"Whatever ya say, old man," Soe shrugged innocently and started giggling, setting Sein off too.
They travelled along the main road for several hours, the track stretching ahead like a ribbon of worn earth. Eventually, the road split, branching into two directions. Kyaw indicated towards the narrow dirt path which was rough and poorly maintained, riddled with numerous potholes that were mud baths for the local wildlife. They did their best to keep their feet dry by skipping and hopping over the dirty puddles. After another hour had passed, Kyaw started scanning the wooded area to their right and asked, "What did that lady say to us, Soe?"
"Something 'bout an old tree with huge roots sticking out. She reckons that's the way into the woods."
They paused and stared at the grand old tree on the side of the road. Its ancient branches twisting like a giant python while its roots coiled above the earth like grasping fingers, lending it an eerie, otherworldly presence.
"That's got to be the one," Kyaw said.
He jumped over the little ditch to the long grass area and started to cut into the forest. Sein and Soe followed one by one.
Not long after clambering over tree roots and kicking up leaf litter, they were confronted by two burly men. Although they weren't wearing military uniforms, only dressed in casual shirts and trousers, their physique and demeanour suggested they were trained warriors.
Kyaw immediately spoke up despite their intimidating glares, "We are here to join the General's men. We are loyal to the Kingdom of Arkar. The codeword is Ginmin."
He was determined to seek out this specific group of fighters instead of joining the military, ensuring he wouldn't end up on the battlefield. It had cost him a silver bracelet, which he traded for their location and the codeword that would guarantee his acceptance.
The burly men sized up the three young arrivals. The taller one smirked.
"Interesting, indeed. So you want to be one of the General's men."
His companion examined them for a moment longer.
"I see you know the codeword which suggests you are genuine in your endeavour. It is not easily obtained. You are clearly resourceful."
He let the silence hang before his expression softened.
With a decisive nod, he continued, "Alright. The General will have the final say. Follow me."
With that, he strode ahead, the three falling in step behind him.
They cut through the dense, shady forest until the trees began to thin out, inviting spears of sunlight to pierce through the canopy.
The man stopped and said, "Wait here. I will inform General Min."
He approached a group of men in the distance, standing in disciplined formation, their stern faces and focused gazes directed at one of the men.
The three waited for General Min to assess them. Sein observed a tall, slender figure, unmistakably the one in charge, evident in his commanding presence, confident stance, decisive actions, and the way the men responded to him. Although he was dressed casually like the other men—dark trousers, loose shirt and black boots—there was something that made him distinct. Once he finished conversing with the group, he turned around and strode over to them. The way he walked seemed utterly familiar to Sein.
"New recruits, step forward," he commanded as he stood in front of the three, hands clasped behind his back.
That voice, like a melody from a distant memory, sent a ripple through her. It was comforting and exhilarating at once. And then her eyes met his face and she froze. Struggling to breathe or even blink, she resisted the urge to gape in disbelief. Instead, she forced herself to inhale and maintain a neutral expression, though her heart was pounding fiercely, as if trying to escape from her chest.
General Min cast an appraising glance over the boys, his pale eyes lingering a moment longer on Sein's face, who kept her gaze lowered.
"Still young. No combat experience I presume," General Min commented. This was a polite way of saying weak looking and not prepared for battle.
"No, Sir," Kyaw and Soe said in unison.
"And you?" he asked, flicking his eyes towards Sein.
"No, sir," Sein quickly responded.
She glanced up and was pierced by those pale eyes. For a brief instant, their gazes locked, and time seemed to pause. The forest's murmur faded, leaving only the pounding rhythm of her heartbeat in her ears.
Those were the eyes of Zeya. It was undeniable that this man was the Crown Prince. He was no longer the lean youth she'd known; his frame had broadened across the shoulders and chest, and he carried himself with effortless confidence and power. His fine features were no longer that of a boy, but of an exceedingly handsome man. Even his voice was deeper and commanded respect. By Sein's reckoning, the Zeya standing there was at least twenty four years old.
Seeing him there, so unexpected and wholly unlooked for, Sein felt a rush of giddy joy that left her momentarily unsteady. She mastered her expression as best she could, though part of her ached to call out his name. Surely he must recognise her too. She hadn't aged a day since becoming a spirit, still appearing no older than eighteen. Her face remained unchanged, apart from one detail: her hair. The once-flowing locks were now cut short, exposing the graceful curve of her neck.
"Very well," General Min continued, showing no signs of recognition.
Sein wasn't sure whether she felt relieved or disappointed.
"You'll be appraised on your current capabilities then go through our intensive training. I'll be assessing your swordsmanship first."
General Min signalled for them to follow. They moved along a narrow trail, where countless footsteps had worn down the vegetation, carving a path deeper into the forest. Soon, they arrived at a clearing, where dozens of men were in training. Some were practicing drills at stationary targets with precise thrusts and slashes, others locked in fierce duels. The metallic ring of clashing swords echoed through the trees, drowning out the distant calls of birds.
As if on cue, a tall, well-built man appeared next to General Min. His face looked placid but Sein could see a touch of tension in his brows. His sharp eyes scrutinised her. For the second time that day, Sein was stunned. It was Khin Yu but an older version; strong brows and pleasing features, though a little weathered and tanned, having spent time outdoors. He held out two practice swords and General Min took them with a nod.
"What's your name?" General Min directed his question at the first in line.
Kyaw responded and stepped forward. He was taller than both Soe and Sein. Although being a few years older than Soe, Kyaw still had a youthful appearance. His dark hair was cut very short, revealing a widow's peak, making his face slender to match his frame.
"Show me how you wield a blade, Kyaw."
Kyaw caught the sword General Min tossed his way, gripping it uncertainly. As he stood before the General, an awkward tension settled in his stance. When General Min advanced, he flailed the blade wildly with his left hand, stumbling backward in a desperate attempt to evade the strike. Seeing no point in continuing, General Min halted.
"Next," he called, eyes shifting to Sein. "Your name?"
Seeing that she was up next, Sein replied, deepening her voice, "Bayin, Sir."
I must think of myself as Bayin from now on if I'm to pull off this act, she told herself.
"Ok, you're up," General Min said.
Bayin was surprised by how casually Zeya spoke. Then she corrected herself, he was acting as a General and not the Crown Prince addressing his subjects.
She'd been ninety percent certain General Min was Zeya the moment she first saw him. Now seeing Khin Yu as well, that certainty rose to ninety-nine percent. Her heart squeezed at the realisation Zeya was standing in front of her. She swiftly took the sword from Kyaw and stepped into position.
"Bayin," General Min said.
She drew a deep breath to steady herself, but it was no use. All her feelings for Zeya surged up from deep within, threatening to spill over. She berated herself, forcing them down, but it was too strong. Like a wild horse breaking its tether, her love for him reared and bolted beyond her control. The joy of it burned too brightly, too purely to be contained.
"Are you ready?" he asked, forcing her to meet his eyes.
She nodded quickly, not trusting herself to speak. Those pale eyes held no hint of recognition. They were cold and distant. It was as though they were meeting for the very first time. The lightness within her drained away, replaced by the harsh truth: he was General Min, and she was Bayin.
Before she could gather herself, he lunged forward to strike. She instinctively reacted, side stepping to dodge his blade. Having trained with Thura, she knew how to defend herself. She now appreciated the hours she put into practice. Thura's gentle voice echoed in her head, 'There's memory in your muscles. Your body will remember what to do. In combat, you must react quickly. There is little time to think.'
So she let her body react, time after time. When General Min advanced, she stood her ground though barely deflecting each strike. He was obviously taking it easy on her. She felt uneasy, feeling clumsy compared to the skilful and controlled movements of the General. It dawned on her that he was moving like how her brother described. Fluid and graceful, using swift decisive strikes. Knowing she couldn't match his level or his superior strength, she started to falter. Both Kyaw and Soe watched astonished that Bayin stood her ground this far.
Finally, General Min said, "Good. Next."
Bayin felt a wave of relief at those words and quickly returned to the two boys' side. Kyaw put his hand on her shoulder and nodded with approval. Soe wiped his clammy hands on his trousers before taking the sword.
"What's your name?"
"Soe, Sir."
Soe fared better than Kyaw, able to hold the sword correctly. He successfully blocked a strike before he lost his nerve and rushed backwards in surrender.
"Htoo, take Kyaw and Soe to Cetan for further assessments. Then get them started with basic training," General Min instructed Khin Yu, now known as Htoo, who bowed his head in acknowledgement.
"Bayin. Come with me. I'll train you in swordsmanship myself."
He spoke gently, in a tone that echoed the Zeya she knew. Still, as the meaning reached her, Bayin could hardly believe what she'd heard.
I'll be trained by Zeya!
Thura had said Zeya was possibly the best swordsman alive. She felt enraptured at first, then as General Min walked beside her, she felt utterly wretched. Would she be able to pull off her act? She had to apply all her will, just not to cry out his name. She desperately wanted him to recognise her. To finally be able to speak to Zeya.
But what would she tell him. She died and had come back as a spirit?
I'm Spirit of Cloth.
It sounded ludicrous and he'd only accuse her of spouting nonsense. There was still that one percent of doubt.
What if I'm wrong and he's not Zeya. Or, what if he doesn't remember me? That would be a disaster!
Well, she didn't know what she was thinking anymore.
Stay calm, she urged herself. Take it one moment at a time and just make it through the day.