The Music Trilogy Read Free Page A

dusk. He had slept through the day and he almost jumped when he remembered the previous night’s furious events. He went to the vase and touched it with trembling hands. How did it turn out? Was it is a mess or was it superb? How could a blind man paint without seeing? And then he reprimanded himself and apologized to Quan Yin. He knew she had been with him all along. He ran his fingers over the finished vase and studied the design. From his touch he knew exactly what it looked like, and from the vibration of the minerals he understood what color the paint was. He lovingly, and with great delight, let his hands discover every millimeter of the vase. Fifteen months of work, an eternity of love, and one night went into his creation. He put his cheek on the vase and felt the tingling. He smiled. Yes, it was a success and he was indeed proud of his work. He mouthed a silent prayer to his Goddess.
    Quan Yin appeared from deep within the vase extending her hands toward him. “See-Fu, this is more than a work of art, this is a work of love from the very depths of your soul. I congratulate you. This vase will be around for a very long time. It will always, always be surrounded by love and music for it is embedded in its creation. Wherever this vase will stand, those around it will be blessed. It is time to start its life. It is time to see the Emperor.”
    See-Fu held his hands together in prayer close to his chest and bowed reverently. Quan Yin melted back into the vase.
     
    ♫
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    CHAPTER 3
     
    See-Fu stood before the temple of the Emperor of the Song Dynasty. He took a deep breath, knowing full well how much this audience would dictate the rest of his beloved daughter’s life. He walked up the steps of the palace, gently tapping the stone with his cane. He cradled the vase in its velvet sack very close to his heart, as if it were a baby. One of the Emperor’s guards escorted him to the main audience room, which was lavishly furnished with silk screens, cushions of all colors, and altars burning incense. He was guided to the middle of the gleaming polished wooden floor in front of a gilded throne. He thanked the guard and sat down, cross-legged. He carefully stood the vase next to him and waited. He was alone in the large room, his shallow breathing the only faint sound.See-Fu heard the shuffle of feet in the background. He knew it was the Emperor, followed by his entourage. He quickly knelt and bowed his head to the floor as the government representatives took their respective places behind their leader seated on a golden throne with great ceremony. The Emperor wore a robe made of pure gold silk and embroidered with exquisite colored designs. His head was covered with a round hat, very much like a crown, and his long thin mustache dangled down to his chest. His delegates hovered around him like bees. One of them whispered in his ear. The Emperor looked down at See-Fu.
    “So, it is See-Fu, the blind potter. What is it you wish?” The Emperor said, his voice booming throughout the large hall.
    “Oh, great Emperor, I come bearing a gift for you.”
    “Ah, that is nice. And I presume you want something in return.” See-Fu was still on his knees, his head hovering just above the floor. “Look up, See-Fu… I mean, rise, rise.” See-Fu sat back onto his feet, his back very straight. He crossed his hands in prayer in front of his chest.
    “Whatever the outcome, my Emperor, I wish to present you with this gift, for you are a great man and we have come to respect and love you, indeed adore you. May you live many springs filled with health, wealth, happiness and wisdom.”
    “Thank you, See-Fu, that means a great deal to me. But now, show me what you have in the sack.”
    See-Fu slowly and lovingly opened the sack. He removed the vase and then quickly held it over his head. The light coming in from the windows hit the vase. The effect was blinding. Everyone in the room gasped. Never had they seen