Kailu Hayashi - I entered the practice halls to find Kai standing next to a sack containing all his worldly possessions. It was strange to see him on the verge of departure. He held a scroll in his hand as he waited patiently for my return.
“What do you have there?” I asked.
Kai held up the scroll of paper. “Its my Renshi Certificate. I am now a qualified instructor.” His voice was even in tone, but his eyes flashed with pride.
“Oh, my. Congratulations, Echigo is not going to like that. Perhaps we shouldn’t tell him right away.” I said, I never knew what would set of Echigo off and bring out his violent side. I knew my warning would only fan the flames of their rivalry, but I couldn’t help but make my case for caution.
“We’ll see.” Kai said. He was not going to shy away from any conflict with his classmate.
“You mentioned that you discovered something of interest possibly relating to me.” I was holding my breath with anticipation.
“Yes.” He said. “I arrived in town a day and a half ago with my companions. We were staying at the Golden Turtle...”
“What!” I interjected. “How can you afford that?” I blurted.
“My new associates have been generous…” He trailed off.
“Anyway, you were saying?”
“I’m not sure I am comfortable being the one to tell you this but.” He gathered his thoughts before continuing. “I met a Kokorese man from Edarrow. He is in town looking for someone who fits, uh — well your description.”
I couldn’t imagine for a moment who would be looking for me and from as far away as Edarrow. “Did he say what his business was, why he was looking for me?”
“He said it had to do with a high ranking official in Edarrow that had well, been intimate with an Elvin ambassador. This would have been fifteen or sixteen years ago. How well do you know your parents? I don’t mean to be insensitive.”
Somehow I had always suspected, but never had cause to doubt. The revelation made me feel weightless.
We continued to talk for some time. I ask questions and he told me what he knew. In the end I would not be satisfied until I had seen the man bearing such news. I didn’t know what I would do, but I had to somehow make it more real by seeing for myself. My curiosity gave way to fear as the endless variety of ill that could come from this washed over me. In the end I asked Kai if he would make a meeting with the man and allow me to eavesdrop. It would mean sneaking out after curfew, but that would be the least of the indiscretions if what the man said had any merit.
“Tomorrow night then?” I pressed.
“Ya, sure. I’ll see what I can arrange.” Kai replied.