Castleberg was the Republic of Brien's third largest city, and one of the most peculiar things noticeable by visitors such as myself, was that every building was made of red brick. The entire city looked like one big blotch of red splattered against a canvas of flat, green fields and blue sky. Even with the unnaturally bright crimson colors, what stood out even more, were the windmills. Almost every building that stood two stories or more had a great big wind-catching wheel attached to the roof, or the very face of the building itself. It was this unique detail that made the city seem alive, like an enormous animal stirring at the slightest gale. Wind chimes sang from window sills and in some places there were large, intricate flutes hanging from ledges and balconies that played stirring melodies whenever a gentle breeze floated by.

Every person we saw on the streets wore western-looking suits and delicately frilled dresses. Dressed in our own formal robes it was evident that we stood out as foreigners as Dae Jung lead us to the international consulate to secure a place for us to stay. 

At great expense, we were granted a small, mansion-like resident in the very center of the city. Though we had guards of our own, the consulate thought it prudent that they provide us domestic body guards for an additional fee.

It was the first time I had ever been in a western style house. Everything; the walls, the stairs, even the marble pillars shined in decadent pearl-white. Carpets of intricate floral patterns covered the floors of every hallway, and hanging from the ceiling of each room were crystal chandeliers, which gave a rich alluring sparkle when it caught the rays of the afternoon sun through the large windows in the foyer. 

I‘d never seen the interior of a home so boldly illuminated. All manner of subtlety was all, but gone; and in its place, was a vivid, unbridled display of what must have been the lifestyle of that far-off land. 

Everyday we trained on the roof. Amidst the curious eyes of domestic officials who came to visit, we practiced our kaikua under the careful tutelage of the Boar while Ai lead us though our sky watching meditations, honing our abilities to pick out details with our unique sight. The ether was unlike anything I had ever seen. Restless and untamed, it shaped the winds and skies under its own will, as if the land itself harbored the ether‘s very origin. 

Still, we embraced its currents, respecting its every motion. And when the provincial governor came to visit us, I was all-too happy to take him into the air in one of our sky boats.

"Well, this really is something else," the tall, broad-shouldered governor said to Dae Jung, petting the length of his thick, red mustache with his finger. "How is it that your country has such gifted children, and yet in no other place in world do such people with this sort of talent exist?"

The two sat at the back of the boat where a thick, cotton canopy had been erected to shade them from the sun. They sat on either side of a small table, upon which a servant had been serving them tea and small, fruit flavored cakes. 

"Every culture respects the nature of flight in their own way," Dae Jung replied. "Your country's airships uses the mechanics of heated air while ours is more of a spiritual discipline. There is an invisible ocean of ki, or energy around us you see, a kind of flow that moves without end. It has taken hundreds of years for my people to learn its properties and to use the gifts of certain people to bend it to our will."

"That's all quite perfectly mystical and all sir, but you still have, as of yet, to answer my question."

Though I’d been flying the boat at the bow with Kassashimei, and my back had been turned to the governor, I knew his eyes were squarely fixed upon me. From the moment he arrived, he had been looking at nothing else, but me and the rest of the children. He seemed not only curious, but intensely infatuated with our ways.

Dae Jung hummed thoughtfully before he replied. "Actually, I suppose every country has people with such talents. Ours, however, is the only nation that truly believes in its potential."

The governor chuckled. "Such a fascinating notion to think that there are people in my country that could shape the very rules of nature in the same fashion as this boy here. Although I do not think it wise to trust the commonwealth of our air shipping lanes to mere children. The reliability of air transportation is absolute when placed in the hands of science and steam mechanics. However, I cannot deny that there is something alluring about these. . . what do you call them?"

"Chienkuu ko."

"Oh yes. Chienkuu ko. Such a terribly lengthy and difficult word to pronounce."

"Governor, if you would forgive me, but I must get to the point of our meeting. Terr, take us higher."

Signaling Kassashimei with great, sweeping arm motions, the sky boat gently settled onto another current, which carried us further above the mansion and away from curious ears. 

"About the Young Emperor's asylum," Dae Jung said.

"Oh yes. Again, my condolences for the loss of your young master's family; and losing an entire country; there are no manner of words capable of describing the misfortune your people have suffered through." The governor's voice sounded formal, but it lacked emotion. "I received your letter about seeking political asylum within our country. Unfortunately, it is not my place to grant it. I'm afraid these matters are handled by the prime minister."

"Then may we see him? I cannot express how important it is that we gain the protection and safety of your sovereign nation. We carry with us both the imperial and royal families. Surely, your prime minister would have much to gain by currying the favor of the future leaders of two powerful eastern countries."

"I have already sent your letter to the prime minister, but I'm afraid things are bit more complicated than you assume. You see, you and your people are in exile. You claim to represent the interests of your country when in fact, the true representatives of your country have already approached us. Emperor Fung and his foreign minister, Head Minister Lu have already begun negotiations with us. He assures that he will put an end to the civil war among the eastern countries. And after he has unified them all, the Republic of Brien shall become a diplomatic partner with them and share exclusive rights to trade. The prime minister feels that we would have much to gain by sharing in their prosperity."

An awkward silence lingered. 

Looking over my shoulder, I found Dae Jung deep in thought. He looked away as he sipped his tea, careful to hide any expression that might offend his guest. 

Finally, he said, "do not trust in that man. Fung is a traitor, serving his own interests.” His face hardened. “I know all too well that your people regard our country as weak, maybe even gullible, but it’s pompous thoughts such as that, that Fung will seek to take advantage of."

The governor seemed to reel from Dae Jung's tone. "Since you have dispensed with your advise, allow me to present some of mine. It might be in your best interest that you leave soon. Since the prime minister knows that you are here, your so-called traitor may soon know as well; at which point we would no longer be able to guarantee the safety of your young master and the royal family." 

Dae Jung must have thought it useless for us to remain in Castleburg any longer, but curiously, he insisted that we remain a few more days. 

It was during this time the country celebrated what they called, the Gala of Kites. In honor of the Republic's birth, flying devices and machines of all shapes and sizes embraced the fervent winds and littered the sky like leaves. Gliders and airships hovered about while kites, some as small as the palm of my hand and others as large as the tallest tree, fluttered from every building and from every child dancing in the streets. Strange, vibrant music blared from horns of brass while parades flowed like streams down every avenue and road.

Our airship hung idly over a large park in the middle of the city. Dae Jung had insisted that we be a part of the celebration, and so, with all our fanfare and flourishes we let loose our wings and tails of fire. Just as it had been when we first came to the Eastern Kingdom, the ship was once again like a phoenix, flapping its wings and lashing about its mighty tail, all finely orchestrated by the skills of every shyo mu and shyo mah aboard.  

"Even in times of hardship," Dae Jung said as he stood next to the Young Emperor and Princess Xiangfeng on the main deck. "We must embrace every joyful moment whenever it presents itself."

His behavior seemed oddly charitable that day. In the brief few months that I had known him, he seemed like a man who had no interest in things like celebrations and parties unless there was something to be gained. The governor had made it clear that we were no safer in this city than anywhere else, which left me wondering why we had not already left.

The sky boats were huddled in neat rows across the center deck and every chienkuu ko available stood rigidly beside them. Finely dressed western aristocrats, whom Dae Jung saw it fit to invite, swarmed about us, inspecting us with curious eyes. With great apprehension, they boarded the boats, brushed their hands across their wooden frames and spoke in muffled, gasping tones as if anticipating that at any moment, their small vessel might suddenly spring to life and carry them away. 

Kassashimei and I stood next to the boat closest to the Young Emperor and the princess, both of whom were dressed in robes of black and gold, adorned with patterns of flowering tree branches. Though he seemed to have calmed his betrothed over the loss of her family and kingdom, she did little to hide her anger. She gave him a reluctant look as the both of them proceeded to board my boat. 

He scanned his eyes upon the visiting crowd before he gave his announcement. "During my stay in your country, I can truly say that it has been a pleasure. It is my hope that all of you accept my hospitality and enjoy this unique experience. 

At his commanding nod, every shyo mu and shy mah took their places upon the bows of their sky boats. A gong was sounded and a steady line of monks shuffled from boat to boat passing their blessings and securing tammas upon every wooden pedestal.  After the monks stepped away, another gong sounded, signaling that all was ready. 

Lai lifted his hand, and myself and every shyo mu around him lifted ours in unison. He then swept his arms about, which we all followed in practiced choreography. Finally, as if giving one glorious bow, we lowered our chests, and as we motioned our bodies upwards, the sky boats took to the air. 

We swarmed down upon the park like a flock of cranes gliding upon the breeze. Surprised glances turned in our direction as the huddled masses witnessed our gentle descent. What they saw were boats without engines, without wings or bags of heated air, launching from a ship whose mechanisms of flight were just as mysterious.

The tense, vibrant ether forced my eyesight to remain unflinchingly focused, as invisible wave upon invisible wave swirled and bombarded from every direction. I made every effort to assure that my motions were quick and smooth so that Kassashimei could react and manipulate our surroundings with as little delay as possible. Keeping a tiny craft afloat amidst such forceful currents meant that my absolute vigilance had to be kept, for fear of capsizing. Even with such dangers, I was hardly scared. Just like the other children that flew the boats that day, we felt ourselves at home, regardless of the sky’s disposition.

"Terr, I chose you for a reason.“ The Young Emperor was issuing a challenge, one which demanded further proof of my skills.

I smiled, intent on fulfilling his expectations. Xiangfeng squealed in what I hoped were sounds of joy as I guided the boat into the largest waves I could find. We abruptly ascended, only to tip over the very top of one of the waves and dive down the other end. Kassashimei‘s voice rang out, demanding we go faster. As we came low, just over the rooftops I swung both my arms to one side, sending the boat banking steeply to the right. I swung my arms again and we banked to the left. We leveled off briefly before surprising my passengers with a sudden skyward ascent. 

The Young Emperor risked shedding his regal composure by cheering, but Xiangfeng however, remained stoutly silent. A quick glance over my shoulder revealed that her eyes were shut. One of the buns on her head had come undone and the unkempt hair flailed wildly about as we went from one sudden turn to another. 

Gasps and sounds of awe simmered from the crowd below; and as we flew by them, they shouted excitedly.

Eventually, I came to realize how audaciousness of our actions. The other sky boats drifted lazily about taking care as to keep their passengers as pleasantly comfortable as possible; and yet, here I was, zipping about like a sparrow, even startling the passengers of the other boats as we went by. Meanwhile, the fearless son of the Imperial Family waved me on, urging me to continue. 

"Don't stop Terr," he said. "I want to see how high, how fast you can go."

"No, stop right now," Xiangfeng said. She looked ruffled and more frustrated than usual. "I've had enough of this."

"Come now, we‘ve barely started." He laughed, the first time I’d ever seen him do so.

I gave him a wide, childish grin, which he returned in kind.