Shadow Fan (The Shadow Fan Series #1) Read Online Free Page B

butterfly landed on his head and she couldn’t help but snicker. “It was the few days you were unconscious after saving me. There were no butterflies. Then, as soon as you were better, they came back.” She held her hand out and three of the butterflies settled on her arm. She stared in wonder at them. “How is it you were able to sneak into our grounds every morning without being caught?”
    Naru placed his finger in front of one of the butterflies on her arm, and it crawled up to his knuckle. “There is something Yoshino does to my body to render it invisible.” He grinned and placed the butterfly on her head. “I’m not sure how, really. I only know of the aftereffects.”
    What did he mean? “After effects?”
    He nodded. “I’ve lost much feeling in my limbs, though they work fine. Yoshino tells me it is because she took over my body that one time. She says her spiritual pressure was too much for my body to handle, and continues to be. It seems every time I see her, my body suffers for it.”
    The joy in Aya’s heart melted to worry. “But, that doesn’t make sense. I saw you with her in a dream. And you seemed fine. You were older, and glowing, and healthy.”
    His chin dipped. “I’m glad to know you are able to receive messages from Yoshino as well.”  Aya’s face burned to know she’d made him glad. “It sounds like Yoshino has shown you the future. I’m to train with her soon.”
    Aya nodded even as her heart sank. She understood, but she hurt at the thought of him leaving. She gazed into his caring, dark eyes and wondered when they could be together. A thin line of blood trailed from his nose, shaking her from her thoughts. “Oh, your nose is bleeding.”
    Naru pulled a rag from his clothes and pressed it to his face as he looked around. “Forgive me. This is what happens when Yoshino appears these days.” He focused on something invisible to the left of them, then nodded. “She says it’s time for us to get back.”
    “O…Oh, of course,” Aya stammered. She bowed in the direction Naru had looked. “I’ve lost myself in the moment and wandered off without a chaperone. I’d better hurry back.”
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER SEVEN
     
    The silence of the temple meeting house stifled Naru. Almost every member of the village turned out for the occasion. The old High Priest balanced the staff horizontally in both hands and held it before him. Naru placed his hands under the instrument, bowed, then stepped back. The former High Priest backed away and turned to the crowd. “May I introduce Naru Tenma, Yoshino’s new High Priest.”
    The priests and villagers bowed, which Naru hated. But it was part of the ceremony, and the old man had changed all that was asked of Yoshino. He could not ask for further changes yet. He tapped the staff on the ground and everyone rose. “Thank you for tending to Yoshino’s grounds and personal shrine. She asks that you all continue to live in balance with this mountain and each other. You are dismissed, and may you all be blessed.”
    An outdoor banquet was held for the celebration. Beads of sweat glistened on Naru’s brow as he tried to bear the constant gifts being laid at the foot of the table before him. The weight of his new robes were almost unbearable. During this time of year he was used to going shirtless, catching fish in the river.
    Eventually the Lord of the village approached him, with his wife to one side and his two daughters on the other. Naru perked up immediately at the sight of Aya. He’d been looking for her all day.
    Naru smiled at her, but she kept her head bowed.  Frown lines creased her brow and he realized something was wrong.
    “Our new High Priest, Tenma,” the Lord bowed with a flourish of his hand. “We, the Osamu family, are proud to welcome you into the temple grounds. And we would also like to extend our humble thanks again for saving our youngest daughter, Aya.”
    Naru inclined his head to the