The Bluestone, Page 2

  Chapter 2: The King

  Chu awoke the next morning to bright sunshine pouring into the room. He quickly realized that he was no longer in his room, but one laden with rich trappings of silk and silver and gold. A curtain hung above him and around him from a thick cord and the bed where he lay was made of the same rich materials with pillows of down puffed full and lace decorating their edges. The room smelt of fragrance and Chu saw items of gold and silver lying strewn about: golden chains hanging from chests and fine gem rings sparkling on cabinets.

  Rubies and sapphires bedazzled the boy. Emeralds and diamonds beguiled him. It was a banquet of royalty laid at his feet and Chu Yuan-chang could not help but wonder how such a miracle had occurred.

  The answer came when the curtains were drawn abruptly aside as a towering silver-helmeted man with sharp black beard stood at the entrance. He wore a coat of lavish designs while one hand rested upon a scabbard sword. He came closer to Chu until he was soaring over him like a powerful mahogany tree.

  “You may come forth,” he said, stretching his hardened hand toward Chu Yuan-chang. “He awaits you in the royal tent.”

  Chu raised without protest, standing and following the colorful soldier to his master's quarters. He realized he was someplace as mysterious to him as was the images in the bluestone the night before.

  Directed to enter a vast red tent, Chu was stood before a figure sitting upon a cushioned throne surrounded by giant urns that burnt of incense. The king was a mystical-looking man, his beard well groomed and pointed, fingers manicured with sharp painted nails, and clothing rich with embroidery. He sat cross-legged with hands folded in his lap, thin and assured bearing, his face rough with bright green eyes like a cat's. His authority sprang forth like fire from those entrancing eyes.

  “I am the powerful Hung-wu,” said the impressive king to the shivering Chu Yuan-chang, his voice sounding sly and ominous. “Do you know me, child?” His eyes flashed.

  “I-I do not, sire,” answered the boy.

  “No matter,” said the king, waving his hand as though it were a fan. “Do you know why you are here?” He stroked his beard with a glimmering nail.

  “I do not know that either, sire,” answered Chu, timidly.

  “I have been told that the wisdom of a child is the purest wisdom,” announced the king, with a yawn. “And since I am no longer a child, I have sought one to help me be wise. Will you help me be wise, child?” Hung-wu smiled cunningly at the frightened boy.

  “As best I can, great lord,” answered Chu, bowing his head sincerely.

  “Then hear my woe. I am a wealthy king with a kingdom that stretches far across the land. There is much beauty to be found. But, alas, I have no trees. In all my realm there is not one tree of consequence that pleases me. I am without shade and without pleasure.

  “My neighbor, on the other hand, has many trees. His land sings in the wind with trees. I can hear them call me from my palace doors. Thus, I decided to invade his land so that I may possess his trees. We have been warring for twelve years now, yet I do not own a single tree to show for my sacrifice. Tell me, child, how can I conquer my enemy and take his trees from him?” Hung-wu looked upon the boy with fiery attention.

  “Why do you not ask him for some trees, sire?” asked Chu, innocently.

  “A monarch does not ask for that which he can take!" bellowed Hung-wu. "Certainly, you can come up with better wisdom than that. Wisdom that will help me destroy my enemy, not beg gifts from him!

  “Tomorrow we attack the central city of my neighbor's kingdom. You shall ride with me. I will show you the wisdom a king commands. Leave me!” Hung-wu waved him from his presence,

  Chu Yuan-chang ran out of the tent and into the waiting arms of the towering soldier who had brought him to the king's chamber. He was taken back to his tent and left alone where he soon fell asleep, dreaming about all the magnificence around him. Chu was not awakened until the next morning. By that time, there was great turmoil ringing throughout the king's encampment.