LI S1 - Part 5: Lonely Robe, Simultaneous, Nari in Danger E-Book

Martin Wintersberger

• Herausgeber: Astro Entertainment
• Kategorie: Fantasy und Science-Fiction
• Sprache: Englisch

Seitenzahl: 65

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2025

Beschreibung

The tension on Rogos Veridis reaches its peak. While others dream of wealth and power, Li searches for a way to do what is right. He meets new friends, faces old fears — and begins to understand what it truly means to take responsibility. But the ground beneath his feet is fragile, and not everyone he trusts shares his hope. In a world filled with uncertainty, Li must discover who truly stands by his side — and which path he is destined to follow.

Leseprobe

Authors: Manuela Wieninger · Martin Wintersberger

Illustrations: Midjourney

Cover: Acht Schätze & Midjourney

astro-entertainment.at

This work, including all its parts, is protected by copyright. Any use outside the narrow limits of copyright law is prohibited without the written consent of the author and is punishable by law. This applies in particular to reproductions, translations, microfilming and storage and processing in electronic systems. ASTRO and all persons appearing therein and their names, all actions, circumstances and laws of nature are fictional. Any resemblance to living or dead persons or fish is purely coincidental and unintentional..

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Copyright © 2020, 2025 Martin Wintersberger

First English Edition 2025 – Based on the 2021 Austrian release

Published in Austria by ASTRO Entertainment e.U.

Based on an idea by Martin Wintersberger

Translated from German with DeepL

All rights reserved

ISBN 978-3-99119-254-1

SEASON 1

LI - THE PATH OF THE SWORD

Episode 13: Lonely Robe

Episode 14: Simultaneous

Episode 15: Nari in Danger

»EVEN THE LONGEST JOURNEY BEGINSWITH THE FIRST STEP«

EPISODE 13Lonely Robe

Diamonds and exhibition fights...," Scarlett whispered incessantly to herself. She tried to grasp the big picture in Zhang's words. Even when she was jostled by reckless Xenosians, she did not allow herself to be torn from her whirlwind of thoughts. ‘Diamonds and exhibition fights...’ She mechanically headed for her destination and presented her delivery to the customer on the cart. But she didn't really see him; in her mind's eye, she saw the face of Master Zhang, who always repeated the same words.

‘That's all? You promised me a lot more fish!’ complained the merchant, a deep frown forming between his eyebrows. ‘I have customers and I need to be able to rely on you. What's wrong with you?’ Scarlett blinked, looked at her cart and then back at the Xenosian. ‘Excuse me?’ The merchant spoke slowly and deliberately: ‘Where are my fish?’ Her thoughts stopped abruptly and she raised her hands appeasingly: ‘Of course, this is only... the first partial delivery... The fish should always be fresh, and fishing takes time.’ The merchant grumbled: ‘I certainly hope so. Give me the fish you have and come back quickly. Chop chop!’

Without another word, Scarlett put down the pot and accepted her payment. She quickly pulled her cart through the streets of Xenos. She had never been so distracted. Now her experiences were already affecting her work. It wasn't the first time; she had also delivered too little rice in Kendo. But the Kendo were friendlier and had politely pointed this out to her. Exhausted, she parked her cart at the side of the road and sat down in the empty space where the pot of fish had been. She closed her eyes to gather her thoughts.

She feverishly thought about a new route so she could deliver the promised orders quickly. Sighing, she opened her eyes: it was going to be a long day. Tired, she watched the Rogosians pass by.

Since the premiere of the new play ‘The Safe Harbour,’ all hell had broken loose in Xenos. Was that the master of ceremonies' grand plan? A play that would bring the merchants of Xenos East more profit? Diamonds? It would be a relief if that were the case. But Scarlett had a bad feeling about it. She pulled herself together and set off for Mato.

‘From Mato to Kendo, from Kendo to Xenos, then back again and starting all over. Look at my feet, they're all sore,’ Scarlett said, holding her bare feet up to her friend's face. Mei's eyes widened in surprise: "By the gods, that looks awful. Wait here. I'll make you a foot bath with oat milk. That will give you some relief."

Mei scurried into the kitchen and Scarlett sank back contentedly. All the merchants had received their orders, and now she was sitting in the inn enjoying a fresh hare and could finally allow herself a break. Mei returned with a large wooden bowl full of oat milk and placed it on the floor in front of Scarlett. ‘Isn't that the bowl you serve your vegetables in?’ Scarlett eyed the vessel.

Mei nodded and grinned: ‘Yes, and after you've washed your stinky feet in it, I'll definitely boil it!’ Then Mei pretended to think about her words: ‘Maybe it would be better to set it on fire right away.’ Scarlett laughed and gratefully dipped her sore feet into the warm liquid. She sighed happily.

Suddenly, her stomach growled so loudly that Mei had to chuckle: ‘Oh, dear! You're a bottomless pit. I'll be right back!’ She dashed into the kitchen again and returned shortly afterwards with a plate piled high with food. The delicious aroma made Scarlett's mouth water: ‘That looks delicious! Rabbit with vegetables!’

Before Mei had even put the plate down, Scarlett reached in and took a piece. Mei grinned: ‘Li brought me half a dozen.’ Scarlett flinched a little at the mention of her boyfriend. With all the excitement about the missed deliveries, she hadn't thought about Li or the stollen at all.

Scarlett felt guilty and swallowed hard. Mei tilted her head and looked at her friend questioningly: ‘What's wrong, Scarlett? You look confused.’ She was about to let Mei in on her secret. But she dismissed the idea again. If she confided in Mei, she would also have to tell Li, and she wasn't ready for that yet. She didn't want to confuse him with half-truths. Yes, she wanted to protect him. Mei waited patiently for her answer. Scarlett put down her meal and stammered, ‘Well, I've been thinking... I mean, I've been thinking about it...’

Scarlett's gaze became unfocused as she searched for a plausible excuse. Suddenly, she spotted a piece of fabric hanging on a hook. ‘... a cloak ...’ Scarlett stammered. ‘Excuse me?’ Mei asked, visibly confused. ‘Yes, I've decided to have a cape made for me!’ Scarlett nodded, trying to sound convincing. Her friend tried to make sense of what she had said, then replied, ‘I see... And the plan to get yourself a new cape is upsetting you so much?’

Mei immediately sensed that something was bothering Scarlett. She watched her friend out of the corner of her eye as she placed a pot of tea on the table. Scarlett stared absently at the steaming cups and nervously played with a thread on her sleeve. Mei leaned back, crossed her arms in front of her chest and raised an eyebrow.

‘All right, Scarlett, out with it,’ she began, smiling mischievously and curiously. ‘What's on your mind?’

Scarlett flinched as if she had been caught stealing. ‘Me? Nothing! What would I have?’ she muttered, but her flushed cheeks betrayed her.

Mei's eyes lit up, and she leaned forward like a child eager to uncover a secret. ‘Admit it, there's more! You're hiding something from me!’ she exclaimed, her voice filling the room with joyful anticipation.

Scarlett felt the heat rising to her face. ‘You're just imagining things, Mei. Stop it.’

Mei tapped her finger energetically on the table. ‘There is someone, isn't there? A boy! I can see it in your eyes!’

Scarlett opened her mouth to protest, but Mei's piercing gaze silenced her. Instead, she lowered her head and shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

Suddenly Mei jumped up, clapped her hands and danced triumphantly around the room. ‘Ha! I knew it! I knew it! Scarlett has fallen in love!’

‘Mei! Stop it!’ Scarlett cried, startled, looking around as if someone might hear her. But at the same time, she felt relieved. If Mei thought it was about a boy, that was a welcome excuse. ‘Okay, okay, you win! Sit back down before your jumping around makes me dizzy.’