You stay away from my mummy! the foal yelled, sounding like a small boy. He was standing in front of his mother, gangly legs spread wide for support, his tiny carpet-like tail twitching with aggression and his teeth bared.
Well, how about that, Toi said with amusement.
Im not going to hurt your mummy, I said to the foal. I like horses.
The foal lowered his bulbous forehead, still glaring at me. You look like something that would eat horses.
I lowered my head as well. Well, I dont. Usually I take the same form as these two people here, and I look after horses.
The foal looked back at his mother, who was apparently accustomed to all sorts of Celestial creatures viewing her and was unperturbed by my presence. He glanced from Ling to Toi, unsure.
Your mummy isnt worried about me, I said.
Mummys not real smart, the foal said. He backed up slightly so he was closer to her. She dont talk.
This foal just became worth ten jin of jade all by himself, Toi said, still amused. Hes smart and courageous and isnt afraid to speak his mind.
I cant take him as a saddle horse now, I said. Hes much too valuable as breeding stock.
Ling and Toi both shook their heads.
No, no, Toi said. Half-demon horses arent useful as breeding stock, theyre always sterile. We can geld him for you and you can use him as a riding horse, no problem at all.
I dont feel good about doing that to a sentient creature, I said, watching the foal.
He overcame his fear and approached me cautiously and with curiosity, although his tiny tail still flapped with agitation. Are you talking about me? he said.
Yes, I said. We think you are very beautiful and all of us want to own you when you grow up into a fine, strong horse.
He stared at me with round, liquid eyes. You think Im beautiful?
I lowered my head even further so my nose was level with his. I think youre the most beautiful little horse Ive ever seen.
Aww, gee. He dropped his head and turned away. He skittered back to his mother, butted her belly a few times with his nose, and began to suck noisily, his tail going round like a propeller.
He may not need gelding if he gets the right training and the hormones dont fill him full of attitude, Toi said. Well just have to see how he goes. If by six months hes attacking people on sight and mounting everything he can, you can make the decision then.
Hes a total sweetheart, I said.
So, would you like to take him as your own and give Simone the next one? Mr Toi said. Well have the mare covered by a natural horse thats the right mix of quality and temperament to give Princess Simone a saddle horse thats smart, reliable and has enough talent to do anything she likes with it.
She may want this little guy, I said. Im not too fussed either way. Lets see what happens after shes taken a look at him.
Ling and Toi both stood formally with their hands in front of them and bowed their heads to me.
Maam, you have done a great thing here. With both you and Simone riding horses that are half-brothers from this mare we will finally be able to destroy this prejudice that exists about half-demon animals, Toi said.
I cant believe anybody would be prejudiced against something as exceptional as this foal, I said as we made our way to the main house.
He is exceptional, maam, Ling agreed. It is very unusual for a half-demon horse to talk. She nodded to the demon servant that opened the door for her. Most half-demon horses are small, weak and dull. But Mr Tois stallion is different, and I hope all his progeny turn out to be as exceptional as this little one.
Where did the demon stallion come from? I said.
He just turned up, Toi said.
We sat on the rosewood couches in the living room and a demon servant brought tea. Miss Ling poured.
I was demon-hunting in the mountains of Fukien when I came across this stallion, Toi continued. He was injured, and appeared to have been pierced by some sort of lance several times. I tamed him and brought him here. Hes been a fine, intelligent and brave steed for me and is now my preferred mount when demon-hunting. He is completely fearless.
He talks too? I said.
That he does, maam, Toi said.
Miss Ling shrugged. We took a gamble that Mr Tois stallion would sire something special. This is his first covering and the results are beyond expectation.
Our plan worked out far better than we could have hoped, Toi said, and he and Ling shared a smile.
If the Dark Lord were still ruler here, would you have discussed your plans with him from the start? I said.
They both paused for a moment, thinking, then Miss Ling nodded. Probably. He is always straightforward in his dealings and works hard to overcome prejudice in all its forms.
But because Im a woman, you felt you needed to play this charade? I said.
They both appeared concerned and I rushed to reassure them. Dont worry, Im not upset about this. I just want you guys to feel that you can approach me the same way you could approach John Xuan Wu. I want to build a good relationship with the citizens of the North.
It was more that you are from the Earthly, maam, and Earthly politics usually involve manipulation instead of honest dealing, Toi said. You are not resident on the Celestial and not an Immortal. People on the Earthly are usually out for themselves first, working to promote their own interests.
Well, Im not like that, I said. I work for the good of the citizens of the Heavens first. I dont feel Im doing a terribly good job, but hopefully by the time Xuan Wu returns I wont have made a complete mess of it.
I lowered my snout and delicately sipped my tea; it was sow mei, my favourite. I felt a quiet rush of satisfaction at managing to drink it without spilling any.
What the Dark Lady is trying to say, the stone added, is that none of you need to play games to get things done. All you have to do is contact her, say what you need and shell work hard to get it for you. You should pass the word along.
Uh yeah, I said.
One of the demon servants, appearing as an elderly man in traditional black and white, came to us and bowed. The Princess of the Northern Heavens is here.
Show her in, dont make her wait! Miss Ling said, gesturing quickly with one hand.
Simone came in and leaned over the back of the sofa to kiss the top of my serpent head. She smiled at Ling and Toi. Can I see the baby?
They both rose and formally bowed to Simone but she waved them down. Please, you know I dont like this formal rigmarole. Id just like to see the foal, if I could.
Youre supposed to be in school, I said.
They wont notice Im gone if I run back quick enough. Its nearly lunchtime anyway.
I slithered off the couch and onto the floor. Do you mind if she takes a look too?
Not at all, Miss Ling said, and guided us back out to the stables.
The foal was curled up at his mothers feet, dozing. He pricked up his ears when we entered but didnt open his eyes.
Hes so pretty, Simone whispered.
Hes so pretty, Simone whispered.
Would there be any issue with him travelling between Heaven and the Earthly if Simone decided to take him? I said.
He was born here so can travel to both Planes when he is old enough, Toi said. He can be tamed with the Fire Essence Pill if he shows demonic tendencies.
Then he would probably be a better match for you, Simone, I said. I can only ride on the Earthly, so I might as well get a natural horse.
Can I go in and pet him? Simone said.
Miss Ling nodded, smiling slightly. Of course. Take care of his hooves when he tries to stand up.
She opened the stall gate and Simone carefully approached the foal. He opened one eye and looked at her with curiosity. You smell nice.
He talks? Simone said in disbelief.
He dropped his head, shy. Is that wrong?
No, no, she said. It just means that youre special. She kneeled and raised one hand cautiously towards him. Can I touch you?
He raised his nose to sniff her hand, then licked it. You taste good too.
She carefully ran her hand over the soft hair of his mane between his ears and down the front of his face. He nuzzled into her hand. You feel nice. I like you.
Simones face softened.
I cant take him now, I said with amusement. Shes smitten.
When you grow up to be a big, strong, beautiful horse, Simone said gently to him, will you let me ride you and take you all over the place and show everybody what a special horse you are?
He studied her appraisingly. You wont be too heavy?
Not when youre all grown up, she said.
He pulled himself clumsily to his feet and she quickly moved back to avoid his tiny, sharp hooves. He stood and watched her, his tail flicking, then he glanced towards me, Ling and Toi. Do I get to choose who rides me?
Simone put her hand out towards him. I think you can choose between me and the snake lady, who loves you just as much as I do.
He shoved his forehead into her hand. Then I choose you, cause I really like you.
She bowed her head as she stroked his ears. My names Simone.
He licked her hand again. I dont have a name. He dropped his head and eyed her shyly. Can you give me a name? Id really like that.
Ill have to think of something thats as impressive and handsome as you are, she said. I cant just call you Freddo Frog or anything.
Freddo Frog! I love that! He gambolled around the stall, flicking his tail. Im Freddo Frog, the wonder horse. I belong to Simonny, the wonder girl! He turned to her and reared, then dropped and kicked out his tiny back feet. Freddo Frog and Simonny!
Simone fell to sit on the straw, hysterical with laughter. Freddo lay down next to her and rested his head in her lap, gazing up at her. Thank you, Simonny.
She cupped his head with both hands. Youre welcome, Freddo. Can I come and visit you every day?
Id like that, he said.
Sorry, Simone mouthed to Miss Ling over the top of his head. She switched to silent speech. You should choose a stud name for him; you cant call him Freddo Frog!
Lings Golden Freddo (DX) it is, Miss Ling said.
DX? Simone said.
Its an indicator we put at the end of the stud name to show demonic offspring, Miss Ling said. She turned to me. What does Freddo Frog mean anyway?
Its a small chocolate bar that you can buy in Australia, I said. Simone loves them.
Ling gestured with her head towards Simone and Freddo. I think this is love as well.
You have to go back to school, you know that, Simone, I said.
Freddo popped up onto his feet again, excited. Can I come with you? He stamped his hooves and looked from me to Simone. Can I?
Your mummy wont be able to come with us, Simone said. You should stay with her here she has good milk for you to grow big and strong.
Oh yeah, Freddo said, eyes wide. Im hungry!
Oh, hes definitely your horse, I said to Simone as Freddo started nursing again.
Simone rose and brushed off the sawdust. You dont mind, Emma?
I moved back as Miss Ling let Simone out of the stall. Not at all. Hes perfect for you; a steed fit for a princess.
Freddo stopped feeding and turned to look at us. Youre going, Simonny?
You eat and then have a big sleep so you have lots of energy when we play tomorrow, Simone said.
Okay! Freddo returned to his mother, his tail frantically waving as he sucked.
We need to get back to the palace, I have one more hearing, I said. I bowed my head to Ling and Toi. Please, if there is anything you need that I can help with, do not hesitate to contact myself, Ming Gui or Yue Gui.
Ling and Toi bowed, their hands held formally at their waists. We appreciate your time and presence, my Lady, Ling said, and look forward to serving you in future.
Simone put her arm around my neck as we made our way back to the car. Lets have lunch with Martin and Yue Gui before I go back to school, she said. Five dollars says Martin tells the story about the archery contest again.
Youre on, I said. He only told that one yesterday, no way would he think to bore us with it again.
Simone grinned. Five bucks, all mine. Im rich!
CHAPTER 6
Sang Shen entered the courtroom accompanied by his mother, Yue Gui Simones older sister and a single demon servant. The Blue Dragon was attended by five lithe young women in multi-layered Ming robes. Both Sang Shen and the Dragon stepped forward, kneeled and saluted me, then rose again.
Sang Shen, I said.
Sang Shen saluted. This humble Shen is present and honoured.
Qing Long.
The Dragon glared at me with his turquoise eyes, flicked his long hair over his shoulder and gracefully saluted. This I watched with amusement as the words stuck in his throat. This humble Shen is present and honoured.
The applicant will present his case, I said.
Sang Shen gestured towards his demon servant and the servant passed him a scroll. He opened it and read aloud: This humble tree Shen provides mulberry leaves whose quality and purity are unmatched on any Plane. Since this Shens death sentence was suspended, and the Heavens have been rejuvenated by your own most wise and generous self, his leaves have become even richer and more beneficial, and the silk produced by worms fed on these leaves is unparalleled in quality, the finest silk that has ever come out of the East.
Thats because its the East, the Dragon said under his breath.
The respondent will remain silent until given leave to speak, I said with relish.
The Dragon flicked his long hair again and subsided.
This tree Shen therefore has raised the price of his leaves accordingly. Sang Shen closed the scroll with a snap. If the buyer does not wish to pay the premium, then the buyer may look elsewhere.