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“I wonder what's taking him so long?” Masuyo remarked. It was mid-day, and Kana swore he had something to show his friends. "He's like that," Siegbert replied. “Perhaps he can't find it.”
As they pondered what else to do, Masuyo heard the familiar sound of leather boots on stone.
“Hey!”
Masuyo quickly turned around, slightly startled by the sudden call of her attention. She looked down at her side, only to find him. The little boy had that trademark goofy grin and that navy-blue scarf he loved so much. He had a book in his hands, probably planning to make it the focus of attention. “Got you good, didn't I?” He said, glints of mischief in his gray eyes.
“Well, you won on that front,” Masuyo explains. “What do you have there, Kana?”
The younger boy put the book on the cobblestone wall. “I found it in the attic.” He said, rather proud. “A collection of old stories and stuff. Papo used to read these to me when I was little. Wanna see?” Masuyo looked at it with curiosity. She wondered if she would know these stories also.
“What are we waiting for?” Siegbert inquired. “Read it, Kana.” Masuyo looked over his shoulder as Kana opened up the book. It began with a story about a soldier.
The soldier was born into the nobility of his kingdom. Desperate to prove his salt. He became feared among his peers for his power, known to tear cities down. But he let his hubris get to his head. That is what leads him to die from an amateur mistake. A cautionary tale taught to young children about keeping yourself humble.
The one person that came to mind was Siegbert. He was strong, probably more so than he knew. But unlike the unfortunate protagonist of the story, Siegbert had his humility. Maybe to a fault.
The second story was that of a poet. The poet was born into poverty, living in a poor section of his village. He turned the lamentations of his circumstances into song and story. He became known far and wide among his peers, cementing his legacy as a man whose weapon was his words.
The person that came to Masuyo's mind was Kana. He comes from a defeated country, and his father is a foreigner from that very country. People often think him strange. Either from his different features or his subtle Hoshidan accent. Despite this, he keeps his head high the best he can, and his passion for storytelling has no bounds— with how enthusiastic he read the stories.
Finally, the last story was that of a King. He was a strict but fair ruler. The people respected him for his proficiency and understanding of the plight of his kingdom. However, war was on the horizon for his kingdom. The King realizes that he must take up his sword. He bears a metaphoric crown of thorns to bring his country through the impending disaster.
Sophie has her burdens. Set to be next in line for the throne. However, not spoiled or pampered up as Masuyo had to lead herself to believe. Sophie is empathetic and desires to gain knowledge about the kingdom she will inherit. To some nobles, being friends with the common folk wouldn't cross their mind, but Sophie was welcome to be friends with them. Despite some odd looks when passing by the manor of a noble with his head in the dirt. However, Sophie has more things on her mind than she makes known. The smile that never quite reaches her eyes makes that all too clear.
Kana closed the leatherback book. A smile went all the way across his face. "So, what did you think?"
"I got a kick out of it," Siegbert replied. "It seemed like you liked it, Kana."
“It's always nice to take a little trip down memory lane!” Kana's cheerful attitude was always a treat. “How'd you like it, Masuyo?”
“It was good. I liked it.”
“You've never been much for extreme reactions, have you?” Siegbert prompted.
"I guess not." Masuyo sighed. “I just got used to being quiet."
Siegbert crossed his arms, “You need to loosen up everyone once in a while.” The older boy replied. “You're too serious sometimes.” Well, it wasn't like he was a shining example. But Siegbert was right. It really would not kill her to stop being such a negative Nancy.
"I know, I know," she replied. "I gotta work on that." She turned back to Kana. “Is there anything else about those stories worth noting?”
“Well…” Kana had to think about that one. Until the wheels in his head finally clicked. “I remember hearing an interpretation of these stories during some of the Fairs,” he said. “They took the stories, made them into one— and made it a song.”
“That's why they sounded so familiar.” Siegbert chimed in. “They perform it at the Harvest Festival every year. At least to my knowledge anyway.”
“Maybe we can learn it before then!” Kana was practically quaking in his boots out of excitement at the idea. “Maybe we can rope the others into it!”
“Well, if we wanted to learn it, we'd have to remember how it goes,” Masuyo explained.
“Wait! Masuyo, how about you sing it?”
“Me?”
“Yeah!” Kana exclaimed. He looked so excited, but Masuyo became slightly anxious that he would tire himself out.
“I've heard you sing,” Siegbert added. “you're quite good at it.”
“Well,” Masuyo agreed. “I guess I could. Now, to see if I remember it…”
There will come a soldier who carries a mighty sword. He will tear your city down, Oh lei, oh lai, oh lord.
Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord,
He will tear your city down, oh lei, oh lai, oh lord.
The reason why it resonated with her companions became all the more apparent as she allowed herself to remember. The rest came to her fast, just like it did with her mother years ago.
There will come a poet whose weapon is his word. He will slay you with his tongue, oh lei, oh lai, oh lord.
Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord,
He will slay you with his tongue, oh lei, oh lai, oh lord.
There will come the ruler, whose brow is lain with thorns.
Marked like those who came before, oh lei, oh lai, oh lord
Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord
Marked like those who came before, oh lei, oh lai, oh lord
Oh lei, oh lai, oh lei, oh lord.
He will tear your city down, oh lei, oh lai...
...Oh!
They cried out. The boys leaned against the wall, and Masuyo was still in place, all of them trying (and failing) to contain their laughter. “That was good!” Masuyo said when she finally regained her composure. “We should make a habit of this!” The other boys got themselves together soon after. Kana collected his book off the wall. and ran to put it outside his front door. "C'mon!" He called to them as he ran back. "Time for an adventure!"
"Coming, Kana!" Siegbert shouted as Kana got farther away. "I hope this will go better than last time."
"Come on, mister worrywart. "Let's go."