"You are from Lhiu Shih Zhuh Zhaoh (Clan Lhiu Forge)?"
The sentinel at the camp asks.
"I am. I am a novice. I'm hoping to serve the search team for the country." I used my best low voice. I'm not sure he is buying it.
Also, I'm not very tall.
"We didn't actually expect one to come, but you have the recommendation of Lhiu Shih. What's your relationship with them?"
"I'm from the side house in the Lhiu Clan." Another low voice. I'm not sure I'm using the same pitch.
"Hmm?"
He squints, confused.
But then he shrugs it off.
"Well, anyway, I'll report this to the camp leader. Welcome to the camp."
He walks off, and I follow him through the checkpoint.
The camp is settled near the Ching Heh (River). The air feels fresh but chilling. I don't think I'm bringing enough clothes.
I've lived in the city my whole life. It's always very warm. This is a new experience.
My boots are coated in mud. Very humid around here. Making the ground muddy.
I shouldn't have jumped off the horse.
I hope they have spare clothes. My size, preferably.
Then it hits me.
Where am I supposed to change? Will I get my own tent? Oh dear… I really didn't think this part through.
If they found out I'm a merchant's girl, would they send me home? Or treat me like something else?
I know I am beautiful. If I weren't, the prince wouldn't want to own me, I guess? But he is a monster after all. Maybe he just wants to torture me for some reason.
But… the soldier didn't figure it out. Maybe… actually I look boyish enough?
The sentinel returns. "The captain is ready to see you."
I follow him in and bow in the men's way. It feels awkward. I should have practiced more.
The captain doesn't look up, still on his paperwork.
"Show me the sword you forged."
I hand him one of the samples I wrapped in cloth—the Frozen, the one I forged in the long winter.
He unsheathes it and then finally looks at me.
His eyes scan through my body, eyes wide open. My spine stiffens. I feel exposed and naked. I'm grateful I tied my chest tight.
"Impressive," he says. "I didn't expect such a small and weak body to produce such results. Does is have a name?"
He turns the blade again, admiring it.
"It's called Bhing Shuang."
"I like it. I'm keeping this one if you don't mind."
My chest is tightened.
"It's a meeting gift to you." My voice is in unfiltered joy.
I've never felt so proud of myself.
He grins.
"How'd you do it? Any tricks?"
"Sir, captain, it was a family secret."
Sir captain? What am I saying?
He smirks. "Interesting. I would like to see one made in front of me."
They take me to a forge on the camp's edge.
"Do one here," he orders.
I nod and check the ore around here. Seems sufficient. The ore is decent. Not like the one we have at home, but still good.
I breathe in.
Time to show the world what Lhiu Rhi can forge.
I start melting the ore. Shape the mold. Pour. Reheat, then hammer. Again and again.
Soldiers are gathering. Whispering. Awing. They didn't expect to see such a weak-looking blacksmith.
Shin flows through my body, of course. Through my fingers. Into the blade. I've never forged without it.
Let it breathe.
Every strike is enhanced. It helps the weapon to adapt to Shin on the battlefield. My master really loved the one I forged for her.
The best weapons have to be the extension of you.
Done.
I hope this works.
I show the blade to the captain.
"This is Tshan When (Silkworm's Pattern)."
If I have to be a moth, I want to be the useful one.
He checks on it, smiling
Then—
"Welcome to the camp."
He hands the blade back. "Glad I don't have to train you Shin, either."
He pats my back.
"You're experienced. Quite rare for a commoner."
This is how the prince's bride joined the army.
And the best part of it?
As a blacksmith, I get my own tent and rank over other soldiers.
Other men.
............
I start unpacking my things in the tent.
My neatly folded tool buddies. Two personal Daggers—Dhie Whu (Butterflydance) and Hooh Mhong (Butterfly's Dream). Spare clothes. Binding wraps.
And then—
A dress set. Pale rose silk. My favorite.
I freeze.
Why is this here?
I thought I'd said goodbye to my old life.
So why… why did I still pack this?
Silly.
If someone finds this—
They'll think I'm a girl, or… a degenerate. People hate deviants.
I should burn it.
I take it to the fire, but stop.
Why…
This is Brother's gift. And it's… really decent cloth.
Stop thinking about that…
I sigh, fold it tight, and wrap it up. This will be my secret. For now.
"All recruits to the training ground!"
I jolt. The voice snaps me back to the present.
I tuck the wrapped dress under my cot and tie my bindings tighter.
Hard to breathe.
We all gather in rows and are assigned a number and a set of uniforms.
The Captain approaches me specifically.
"Lhiu Rhi. We couldn't find your size."
My throat tightens.
"But I'll give you the permission to make one yourself."
I bow slowly.
"Thank you, Captain."
He nods. "Now, start running."
Nothing else, we just run.
The binding makes it hard. The mud makes it miserable.
But—
I will survive.
With Shin.
I breathe it into my limbs. I feel warm and light. Let it carry me forward.
A man runs next to me. "Lhiu, right?"
I nod.
"Impressive Shin mastery."
"I'm not a master yet," I reply.
"I'm Suh Jhie, courtesy name, Zhih Shian."
"Lhiu Rhi."
"No courtesy name?"
"No." It's not usual for a woman to have one.
"I'm not old enough." This is a good excuse.
"Then you should think about it. You can just call me Zhih Shian. I love how you guide Shin into forging."
"You can see that? The blade's heat should make it hard to see."
"I've been living on a battlefield more than you know. I broke so many swords."
"Cool…"
Why is he still talking?
"I've been meaning to ask…"
He looks serious.
Don't tell me he knew I'm a woman.
"I know this is not correct, but—"
A pause.
"Can you forge one sword for me? Please."
Ow… That's what he is thinking.
"Fine." I sigh. "Just let me focus on the running."
The binding and the talking hurt my chest so much.
"Thank you. Thank you."
We just keep running.
I look up at the sky. This life has finally begun.
And my goal is clear.
Soon, we will come for you. Shin Song—
Don't die before I pay back your kindness.