Port Mica

After weeks at sea, the ship Atlas finally docked. A young man leaned on the railing of the deck, his eyes glinting in happiness. The book, which had kept him company through the voyage now lay forgotten on the chair that was occupied just a moment ago. The older man standing beside him looked at his master with a complicated expression.

How long had it been, the young man wondered, his eyes roaming the entirety of the port city. The sight was something he had seen long ago, it seemed almost a lifetime back. The dock was as busy as it could be, sailors, fishermen, merchants and soldiers milling about their business. There was, however, an obvious contrast between them and the men aboard Atlas.

"Mr Kent. Will you be staying the night?" Atlas' second in command, Ricks, was a smallish man but his wise deep eyes had already seen much of the world and presently, he knew that this young man was no ordinary traveller. He quickly scanned the man that accompanied Mr Kent. He was sure that there were more men and all through the voyage, Ricks could not help but notice that they were all natives of the Lailong continent.

The young man, Eli Kent, smiled with a mischievous glint in his green eyes, not missing this action but nevertheless answered the man.

"No, I'd rather not waste any time. We'll be heading straight to the capital." There was a lazy tone in his voice, which contrasted greatly to what he said. "Oh and Ricks? Tell the old man to get some horses ready. My men and I will be riding in an hour. There are friends, family to meet, lovers to love and stories to tell."

The last line was spoken softly, almost to himself. However, Bai Long who stood next to him heard it all and his expression grew much more grave. He had a bad feeling in his gut, like he always did when something was wrong.

Ricks suppressed a snort hearing the young man call the Captain old, only this man would dare; but realising that time was off the essence, he nodded and quickly went off do as asked.

Eli continued to look at the city bustling with life. The port was obviously one of the most important places of the entire continent, strategically located between two of the biggest empires, Hia Qi and Xulli, also bringing in profitable trade from the south. It was the perfect place to enter Hia Qi discreetly.

~~~ *** ~~~

Within three days of favourable weather, Eli Kent arrived at the gates of the Imperial capital of Hia Qi, Great Lian. There was a commotion up ahead and so the young man sent one of his men to check it out.

"Well, Brother Bai, how does it feel like to return home?" He asked turning to look at the man.

Bai Long whose face was akin to that of a stone humoured his young master by smiling albeit wryly, "But my dear master, we aren't home yet. Not just yet."

The younger man brushed off the reply and said nothing more. In his eyes, this guy would never be more than a sword wielding stone.

"Young master, General Fang's Eastern troops have returned and streets are congested with the citizens welcoming the army." The man reported on returning, soon after.

"Hmm. Let's wait it out." Therefore, the few men waited outside the city gates as per Eli's suggestion.

It was late when the men finally entered the city gates. Only a few were about and the small group were able to slip into Lian's more prosperous area without a hitch.

Eli had actually planned to head to Bai manor first but seeing that it was already late, he decided against disturbing the old couple and turned towards the Li manor. It seems that he would have to trouble his old friend for a night.

~~~ *** ~~~

"Young master, there's a group of men outside asking for you. The leader told us that his name was Lu Kai and that you would know him. Should we let them in?" The guard asked the young master Li who had just returned from the Nianghu Range, after an expedition led by the Great General Fang.

Li Daiyu who had been relaxing right after the long journey was startled.

"Did you just say Lu Kai?"

"Yes, master."

Lu Kai?

Could it be the same Bai Lu Kai?

But how and why?

Was it even possible?

The questions kept coming nevertheless, he strode out with the guard towards the manor's entrance. Every step he took was impatient and his heart dreaded but also yearned for his suspicion to be true.

Outside there were exactly seven men on their horses, Li Daiyu's eyes widened in shock when he saw their leader's green eyes. It was him, Bai Lu Kai, the kid who had disappeared from the face of the earth four years ago without any word.

Bai Lu Kai, who was also known as Eli Kent in the south, smirked at his cousin and best friend. His mischievous eyes in complete contrast to Li Daiyu's shocked ones. For a moment, Li Daiyu really wanted to beat him up but the green eyed man had already spoken.

"Brother, have you been well?"