Li found himself gradually becoming aware of his surrounding again. He had been walking in a daze beside his brother who kept shooting him concerned looks. They were back at the house now though and Li had to figure out what his next steps were.

He stood in the centre of the main room gazing around at the only home he had ever known. This was the last time he would be standing here. The thought seemed too big. He felt panicked, threatened, like he should be running away from something. But there was nowhere to run. Or he corrected himself there was nowhere to run to. He had nowhere to go.

Zen had already moved to Li’s alcove. The camping bag that Li had intended before his fishing expedition was all ready to go. Zen began stuffing it with anything else that looked useful. Some extra knives and a plate. Some extra clothes. As much dried food as he could fit. Lastly, he walked over to a corner of the room and pulled up a flagstone that Li had never seen moved. From underneath he pulled out a small sack that contained some small coins. He stuffed that in as well.

“Wait” said Li. “I can’t take that. You are going to need all you can get to rebuild the workshop and for the wedding.”

Zen looked at his brother, his face still grim. “Not as much as you will need it. Now take the bag. You go straight to the road and follow it. Hunt when you can, you have your sling. But stay away from people on the road. There is no law until you get to the city and you need to look after yourself. Keep going until you get to Laoire. You have a strong back and a good heart. You’ll find something there. Just… Stay safe little brother.”

With a lunge he pulled Li into a fierce bear hug and Li was shocked to feel the shaking of his brother’s sobs. His eyes were streaming too by the time they pulled apart.

“It won’t be forever” said Li. “I’ll make the money. I’ll find a way and I’ll make the money and I’ll be back.”

“Just you do that” said Zen, voice thick and choked.

Shauna came in, glanced between the two men and then crossed to Li and pulled him into an embrace. “Be safe Li. And remember, when you come back there will always be a place in front of the fire for you here”.

Li nodded, throat tighteneing at the certainty in Shauna’s voice that he would be back. She went and stood beside Zen, putting her arm around him and leaning her head against his shoulder as they both looked at Li.

So, this was it. He had to go now. Simon’s family would be here soon to be sure he was gone. And Li didn’t want to face that. He needed to be gone, clean and simple.

“Wait” said Zen. He moved over to the fireplace reaching up and took the sword that hung over the fireplace.

“Thats father’s. That should stay with you Zen. You are the oldest. I don’t even know how to use it and… and I’m not sure I should have something like that. Not after what happened with Simon, Zen. I. I dont think…” Li could feel his hands shaking.

Shauna was frowning as well.

Zen stayed silent for a moment but then nodded. “Take it Li. It might scare off some would be robber on the road to see you armed. Just be careful. Dad always said the only way to win a fight was to not have one in the first place. So anytime you take the sword from its sheath you have already lost.”

Li took the weapon from his brother. He had held it a few times over the years, playing at soldiers when Zen wasn’t around. The perfect balance of the blade made it feel lighter than it really was. He slipped the sheath on to his belt and looped the cord around his shoulder. The road ahead as going to be long and dangerous and he woould be lying to himself if he didnt recognise he felt a little better with the comforting weight at his side.

He spent a few moments more adjusting the way the sword hung, delaying the inevitable. Then he turned a looked at the couple who had been the centre of his life and whom he might never see again.

“I’ll try and send a letter with the merchants.”

“And we’ll definitely write back. Be safe brother” said Zen.

The three embraced one last time and then Li marched out the door, down the path to the king’s road. Afraid to look back, he missed the last view of his childhood home nestled in the forest. Instead he locked his eyes on the horizon and set off to get to Laoire.