The Staff of Kyade Read Free Page A

regarding the staff.
    'I do apologize for my mindless warrior. You see, we have had a lot of intruders these days and they fear for my safety; but I've told them that needless attempts at killing were deplorable.' The man said with a smooth voice that seemed apologetic.
    'Who are you?' asked Kenji.
    'That is Emperor Tokufumi!' Shin exclaimed. 'My emperor, it is an honor to meet you.' Shin bowed.
    'Please, my young man, no need for that. There must be some way I can make it up to you for being attacked in my palace.' Tokufumi stared at the staff the entire time he spoke. He did not realize he was being watched by Kenji. Kenji was well aware that there may be another motive behind the emperor's kindness.
    'Actually, my Lord, we came in hopes that you can help us deal with some of the problems that plague us,' explained Shin.
    'I will do the best I can, but first, my friends, you need a hot meal and a change of clothing. I shall have my servants take you to a changing room and they will bathe and dress you. Then we will discuss what is on your mind,' said an overly eager Tokufumi. Kenji could not put his finger on it, but the niceness of the emperor did not seem genuine. It was as if the emperor was speaking at them, not to them. It was something about his eyes—they stared right through Kenji and Shin. Kenji did not trust him at all.
    With a clap of his hands, Tokufumi signaled his servants to come down the staircase and lead Shin and Kenji to the changing room. As they walked upstairs, Kenji noticed again how Tokufumi stared at the staff. While Kenji and Shin made their way through the palace, they saw how beautiful and extravagant everything was. They saw all the paintings on the walls and even a beautiful garden and fountain outside through the window. When they made it to the changing room, they were in awe of the bathing pool that was as large as a small lake.  The servants helped Kenji and Shin get undressed, but Kenji did not let his staff leave his hand.
    Once they got into the bathing pool, Kenji asked the servants to leave so he could talk to Shin.
    'Why do you insist on holding that staff even while in the water?' questioned Shin.
    'I have a bad feeling,' said Kenji, whose nervousness was returning.
    'Why? Lord Tokufumi knows we are not a threat, so there is no need to worry,' said a Shin calmly.
    'Hopefully you are right, but I will still hold on to the staff just in case.' Kenji saw that Shin was very trusting on the emperor and he did not want to dissuade him from believing otherwise.
    While they bathed, something odd happened when they saw each other's naked forms. They had grown up together and seen each other naked numerous times, but somehow it was different. Embarrassment radiated from the two and they avoided eye contact. The servants came back in after a while and dressed them in the finest silk kimonos and sandals. Shin and Kenji were not used to the pampering, but it did feel nice.
    'You young men look glorious,' said Tokufumi, who came into their changing room.
    'Thank you, my Lord,' said a very grateful Shin.
    'You must be hungry after all this excitement. Please, join me for breakfast.' Kenji and Shin were incredibly hungry and they willingly followed Tokufumi and his servants. They walked to the other side of the palace to the dining room. A huge table in the center seated thirty people and each chair was filled except for three which were for Tokufumi, Kenji, and Shin.
    'Good morning, everyone, these are my guests. Please,' Tokufumi gestured, 'introduce yourselves.'
    'I am Shin and this is Kenji,' Shin said with a smile. The people stared back expressionless. Their faces said they did not care who they were.
    'Nice to meet you,' said a little boy with a smile. The little boy was the only person at the table who appeared genuine to Kenji. 'Same to you, and who might you be?' Kenji  asked.
    'This is my crown prince, Jun,' responded Tokufumi.
    'So he is your son?' asked Shin.
    'Indeed,' replied