The Beast Warrior by Nahoko Uehashi

The Beast Warrior by Nahoko Uehashi

Author:Nahoko Uehashi
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)


6

AUDIENCE

Jesse tugged at his mother’s sleeve and whispered in her ear. “I need to pee.”

Sunlight poured into the large, bright room. On one wall hung a tapestry of charging Toda scattering men on horseback. Jesse had tried to distract himself by examining every detail, but the chair on which he sat was so big his legs dangled, and he sank into the upholstery. Worst of all, the thought of facing the Yojeh and the Aluhan made his heart pound so hard he could barely stand it.

He had waited as long as he could before telling his mother. Dressed in their finest clothes and lost in thought, she and his father seemed like strangers. But when he pulled on her sleeve, she moved into action. Rising, she spoke to the pretty young woman in the corner of the room. “Excuse me, but my son wishes to use the lavatory.”

The woman glided over. “Allow me to take him there for you.” She smiled at Jesse, but he tightened his grip on Elin’s sleeve.

Perhaps she felt it, because Elin said, “Thank you. I’ll go with you. Please lead the way.”

The air was much cooler in the corridor. The high-ceilinged passageway was so broad, they could have raced down it four abreast. But we’d probably slip and fall, Jesse thought. He sighed as they walked along the shiny wooden floor.

Elin squeezed his hand. “There’s nothing to worry about, Jesse. The Yojeh and the Aluhan are very kind.”

Jesse pursed his lips. “That’s all very well for you to say,” he said. His voice came out much louder than he’d intended. Glancing at the woman walking in front, he whispered, “I just don’t get it, that’s all.”

His mother had escaped from the palace, only to announce suddenly that they were going back. And now, here they were, but she wouldn’t tell him why. Instead, she kept telling him to behave himself and that she’d explain later. He glared up at her to make sure she knew he was mad, but she just smiled.

“Yes, I know,” she said. “But be patient a little longer. I’ll tell you all about it later.” Then she gazed off into space as though she were somewhere else.

Even the lavatory was large. It smelled of flowers. The water jug and the basin for washing his hands were both made of white ceramic with a pattern of little birds.

Once Jesse had peed, he felt more relaxed, and memories of the last few days filled his mind.

I liked staying in that shed.

The farmers had let them stay two more nights because his father had come down with a fever. They were really kind, bringing slices of freshly picked melon. They had chilled the melon in well water first, and, sprinkled with a little salt, it tasted delicious.

Jesse’s mother spent most of her time sitting beside his father, writing a letter. Once Ialu was better, she gave him the letter to take to the capital. After that, everything had happened very quickly.

They said goodbye to the farmers and headed toward the bridge to the capital.



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