Chapter 29: Chapter 29

Huli has arrived right as my father, and I were about to sit down for supper. I invite him in to join us, but he declines. He hands me the package and stands there waiting. He looks at my father in the hut behind me and blushes. He seems a bit nervous over how boisterous he usually is.

“Draco wanted to make sure I personally delivered this gift. I believe so that he can be told of your expressions” he states handing me the package. “He also says he misses you” he whispers.

I smile at him glad to know he has seen Draco. I just have to ask. “How is he.”

“He is well given the circumstances. He looks a little tired but is in good health” he says. I nod to myself satisfied with his answer. He flicks his eyes to the package silently commanding me to open it. I pull the strings and open the brown paper. On top of the scroll inside I see his note. I hide it in my hand to read later. When I unravel the scroll I gasp aloud. Then I smile joyously at the drawing. It is like looking at a moment in time that seems so long ago. Draco and I are sitting on the bench at Hanami. We are turned to face each other. Our heads lean close with smiles on our faces. It almost looks as if soon we will share a kiss. There was even a lot of detail done on the tree that lay above is.

When I am done admiring the photo I look up to see Huli smiling at me. He can obviously tell I enjoyed this gift. “Have a good night” he says, and he turns to walk away. My father is trying to peer over my shoulder to see the scroll. I turn it to face him so he can get a good look.

“It is a beautiful drawing dear. You look wonderful and I can almost feel your joy from it. I might also add that you and Draco make quite the pair here “he compliments.

I smile at him and roll the scroll back up. When we sit down to eat I rush through the meal quickly. I am excited to read his letter. I have read the other so many times. Once I am full I rush to my room and open the letter.

Hello my Io,

I found this drawing while in town and had to make sure you received it. I wish I could give it to you myself to see if you feel the same joy looking at it that I do. We make such a lovely pair.

I like this drawing so much that I feel it should become a tradition for our special occasions. They will make wonderful memories to look at when we are old and grey. I look forward to seeing you soon.

Love Draco

I love his idea. If we capture our moments then they will always be remembered. I do not ever want to forget a thing about the boy that I love. I could not…— Love? I love Draco. I sit on my kang at the realization. All this time spent trying to answer the question and I know I do. I just feel it like a truth in my soul. I love Draco I think again. The thought makes me so happy because through these gifts I feel his love. I sigh I just wish he were here so I can tell him, I think as lay down to sleep.

Draco

We are taking a ride again today. The horses were waiting for us when I came down to meet him this morning. There are also six guards. What we are doing today must be important. Ba and I ride in silence. The six-guard ma surround is on this journey. Each of them has a sword on their hips like my father and two carry a bow and arrows. They constantly look around as if we are being watched. I focus ahead and wonder how long the journey would be.

After having father tell me so much yesterday I do not want to burden him with questions today. “We are almost at the meeting point” he yells. The guards around us sit up higher and pull their horses closer to ours. In the distance I see another group of people on horses. All of them are men. All except the one in the middle wear a guards robe. This must be who my father is meeting.

When we approach no one gets off the horse. Two me holding a chest between their horses trot forward and give the chest to two of our guards.

“The debt has been repaid in full” he says. My father flicks his wrist, and the guards open the box to see its contents. It is filled with coins.

“Thank you. If you are in need of aid again don’t hesitate to send for me” my father commands him.

“That we will do. Safe travels.” He says to my ba.

Before my father can give his reply we hear shouting from the distance. I can make out seven shadows in the distance on horses. When will all turn in their direction the start to charge toward us

“Rogues” my father says almost to himself. Turning back to the man he orders them “get to safety. Now. Go” he then looks at me and from his expression I know he is preparing for a fight. “You too Draco. Head straight home and don’t stop until you get there” he commands me.

In fear I turn my house toward home and kick the sides of my horse so it will speed to our destination. When I look back my ba and his friends have their swords out and are fighting the others. I see no sign of the small group from moments go. My father’s men are drawing their swords. As I leave the scene I pray that my father will return safely.

When I approach my home I jump off my horse and pass it to a servant. I run to find my mother. I find her in her rooms. When she sees my facial expression she rushes to me. “What is it Draco? What has happened?” She demands to know.

“I was with ba and guards. We met some men that were paying a debt. There were others there. They came from the hills and attacked while the men we met fled. He told me to leave ma. So, I did. I do not know what happened. He told me to leave. “I sob

She rubs my arms in comfort. She looks just as worried as I feel. “Your ba is a general. If he was with guards then he will be all right. He will make it home. We just have to wait” she assures me. As she embraces me I hear her whisper “make it to me.”

As we go to wait in the sitting room for news I can hardly keep still. I pace some and then I sit down. Back and forth back and forth. So much time has passed. I start to worry that maybe he is not all right. I am a man. I should have stayed.

As I walk the length of the room once again we here noise. I look at my mother. When we realize it is the sounds of hooves it has both of us rising from our seats and rushing to the front door. The sight that greets us provides immediate relief. He is alive.

His robe is torn from his shoulder where a wound bleeds. His face is spattered with blood as are his hands, but he is alive. I rush to him. He looks a bit shocked to see my worry I think. I had feared the worst but after seeing him alive I do something I have not done since I was a young boy. I embrace my father. I hug him tight to make sure he is truly here. After a moment I realize he is not hugging me back. I try to step back to see his face when finally, his arm embrace me back. “I’m all right Draco. I’m here.” He comforts me.

When I am able to take a step back I look up to see him smiling. He looks totally elated and I feel the same. Then I remember he is bleeding. “Your shoulder. We have to get you inside so you can get that taken care of” I almost command him.

“I can take him from here my er zi.” My mother announces. “Come with me love, I will heal you” she says grabbing my father’s good arm.

I watch them go and see how he hugs her to his side in comfort. I know she was scared to. She is just strong enough not to show it. I hope we never have to experience that kind of pain again. Today showed me that no matter how I may feel about him, it would hurt so much to lose my ba.