The Story Traveller (10 page)

‘My mother died when I born so my stepmother raised me. She also had daughter when I was one, who was second sister. I watched my father work, even when toddler, and soon began to copy him, making my first rather crooked pot at three! On my fifth birthday my stepmother began to bind my feet and, because she was unkind, she bound them far too tight and caused me much pain.'

‘That's why your feet are so tiny!' Lucy exclaimed, as she looked down at Yeh-Shen's minute feet in the beautiful pair of red embroidered slippers.

‘Yes, she meant as punishment, but gave me something every warrior wants: a wife with minute feet and my husband is no exception!' ‘Do they still hurt?' Lucy asked gently.

‘Yes, but when I wear magic shoes then, no pain. But I pray every night I only bear sons.'

As she talked, Yeh-Shen removed her red slippers and undid the bindings. She showed Lucy her poor deformed feet: her toes completely curled under.

‘Oh Yeh-Shen, that is so cruel! Surely, any daughters you have will not have to go through that?' ‘I afraid so. It very much a man's world, Kai-ying and tiny feet are prized and respected. However,' she said briskly, as she rebound her feet, ‘I owe my good fortune in part to my poor misshapen toes. Perhaps one day practice go, but not in my time. I see yours not bound.' Yeh-Shen looked with interest at Lucy's feet.

Lucy stepped out of her soft black pumps and wiggled her toes.

‘My, they are enormous next to yours, but in my world they are neither big, nor small, just normal.

‘Did you become a potter like your father?' Lucy asked, to change the subject, as she was aware she could not tell Yeh-Shen that she was right: one day the practice would stop.

‘I did, and by time father died I made and decorated pots. After his death my stepmother would not let me go, nor treat me as daughter. I earned good money to keep us, but I also made to do dirty and heavy work; she put my bed in outhouse and gave me barest amount of food. My only garments are ones I wore when my poor father died, so after some years I just in rags.

‘One day, when my stepmother and second sister were both out, I went down to river bank and cried. A fish popped his head out of water and asked why I so upset. Oh Kai-ying, I found a friend and I so happy. I'd keep half my food and everyday I go feed my fish and speak with him. He became very important to me. But my stepmother found out and not only murdered him, she ate him too!

‘Of course, I knew nothing of her wickedness and thought my friend had gone. So once again I found myself in tears. One day, Wise One, who brought you here, came down and spoke of what stepmother did and how she tossed bones on dung heap. However, he said if I rescued and cared for bones, spirit of fish would aid me, if I didn't waste his gifts.'

‘You must have felt like killing her!' Lucy said indignantly.

Yeh-Shen gave a little smile.

‘No, but I kept some of my pottery earnings and saved money for day I needed it. So my bones were cared for and in return made sure I never in serious need.

‘One day I saw, in shop window, an amazing pair of shoes.' Yeh-Shen lifted up her feet and pointed to the red slippers. ‘As you can see shoes are woven in precious yarn in a pattern copying skin of fish. I used to pay some money each week until shoes were mine. I discovered magic first time when I put shoes on feet: pain disappeared and magic never gone away.'

‘But when did you get a chance to wear them?' Lucy asked.

‘When my stepmother was out. I knew time would come when I could wear shoes in public and sure enough Spring Gathering came round. Spring Gathering is when young men and women find a partner. Of course, stepmother went with second sister, but when I asked if I could go, being big sister, she just gave me more work to do.

‘After stepmother and second sister left I asked my bones to assist with tasks, which were soon done. Secondly, I asked if I could borrow robe and bones gave me gown and amazing kingfisher coat to wear.'

‘So you went to the Spring Gathering and met your warrior?'

‘I did and he as taken with me as I with him. I don't know which he preferred: my ‘small dainty feet' or my ‘dark poetic eyes'. Yeh-Shen's ivory skin tipped slightly pink as she remembered their first meeting.

Lucy smiled. ‘You are very beautiful.'

‘Thank you Kai-ying. My warrior just asked my name, when my stepmother saw me and I had to run away. I ran and ran towards home and on way one shoe came off, which must have annoyed my friend, because his bones would not aid me anymore and again I very sad. But I decided I would just keep saving my money and, when I had enough, I would run away and work as a potter somewhere.'

‘What happened to the shoe you lost?'

‘A merchant found my shoe and gave to my warrior. He spent many days searching for owner, but obviously, he searched among high-born women. So he decided to put shoe in glass case, near where shoe found, in hope true owner would see.

‘My husband spent many hours watching and waiting, as different women tried on shoe, among them second sister! Next time I went to market I saw shoe and took it back. He says he went to arrest me, as I looked so poor, but when he saw my face his heart knew I right person. So he came to my home and rescued me from my dreary existence.'

‘And you lived happily ever after.'

‘I hope so! My dear husband brought me and my bones here. I told to him power of bones and he erected a Pagoda in centre of garden, so Buddha and bones could reside together. He asked bones for many items, even some of new printed money, so soon bones refused to work. I said we had each other; we needed nothing more. I asked him to bury bones on beach, so my dear friend could be reunited with his ancestors. He is at beach now, burying my fish's bones.'

‘Thank you for telling me your story. I have learnt a great deal from you,' Lucy told her new friend.

‘What in particular, Kai-ying?' asked Yeh-Shen.

‘When down, look for someone or something that needs your love and help. To think of others means one isn't so wrapped up in one's own problems.'

‘True!'

‘And two, if you have a talent, work hard at it, let it grow and in the end it will work for you.' ‘You should also add, never ask for too much, just what you need: that very important too. Now, I give you tiny memento of your visit.'

She got up and held out her hand to Lucy and the two girls walked into a tiny side room where Yeh-Shen obviously still made her pots. She reached up to a shelf and took down the tiniest pot in brilliant translucent colours.

‘A gift to remind you of me and Huangshan Mountains.'

‘Oh Yeh-Shen it's so delicate. Thank you.' Lucy carefully wrapped it in a spare piece of silk and put it in the bag tied to her belt.

‘Now it your turn to speak of your home,' Yeh-Shen said, as she took Lucy back into the other room.

Lucy felt she'd little to say that would interest Yeh-Shen, but found she was enthralled by her story. She hugged Lucy, when told of the bullying and laughed in delight when told about Cinderella's wedding.

‘You too be happy one day,' she told Lucy. ‘I know you can, but is time for me to greet my husband and you to return home.'

Yen-Shen handed Lucy her cloak and waited while she carefully put it on.

‘First we go to Pagoda where I offer prayers for safe return of my husband, my bones and my dear friend Kai-ying.'

She then led Lucy through the palace to its heart, where, in a small open courtyard, stood a tiny, but beautiful, Pagoda. Inside Yeh-Shen showed Lucy where to sit so she could watch her burn incense and offer her prayers.

As they left the Pagoda and moved towards the lion-guarded door, Yeh-Shen turned to Lucy and said:

‘Kai-ying, I so happy you chose to visit me. I enjoyed meeting you. When we get outside could you wait by our stone guardians? After my husband returns Wise One come to fetch you.' ‘Yeh-Shen, could I just ask what happened to your stepmother and second sister when you got married?' Lucy asked.

‘My husband never forgave treatment of me, so stepmother and second sister made home in cave in mountains. One day earthquake came: both died under many rocks.' Yeh-Shen's face showed her heart-felt distress.

‘Oh, I'm sorry,' Lucy said. ‘I can see it still upsets you.'

‘Stepmother and second sister never deserved to die,' Yeh-Shen said simply. ‘Now cave is tomb, visited by many people. Is known as Tomb of Distressed Women.'

Lucy put her arms round Yeh-Shen and gave her a hug.

‘I'm glad I met you, Yeh-Shen.'

‘I glad I met you too Kai-ying,' the other replied. ‘But now is time to say goodbye.'

‘Goodbye, Yeh-Shen and God bless,' Lucy said as, fully wrapped in her cloak, she went and stood beside the lions. As she did so she heard the sound of hooves. She saw a horse galloping towards the palace. Yeh-Shen's Lord stopped yards from the entrance and jumped down to greet his wife with a broad smile on his face. Lucy decided he looked rather fierce, but was obviously devoted to his tiny wife.

‘Your wishes have been carried out, dainty one,' he said and took Yen-Shen's hand and put it on his heart. ‘You are content?'

‘Yes, my husband. Now we can be happy ever after,' and with a little laugh and a quick glance towards Lucy, the radiant Yen-Shen took hold of her husband's horse and led master and beast into the palace grounds. Deep in thought Lucy did not see the Wise One, until he spoke softly in her ear.

‘Kai-ying, I see you have not wasted your time!'

‘It's been an honour to be here, sir.'

‘Our journey back must be fast, as you had a busy day and far to go. Here, take my sash and do not be frightened by speed.'

Lucy took the offered silk chord, and at that moment she again felt a jelly wobble sensation, though this time she could taste mandarins. Soon they were travelling effortlessly, though extremely fast, away from the palace. One by one the pastures disappeared and, once again, they travelled through the Huanghsan Mountains. Even at this pace Lucy was awestruck by their beauty. From there they crossed again into meadow lands and followed the Yangtze River for miles.

Then the Wise One stopped and gently removed his sash from Lucy's hand.

‘I hope you go away with good memories of China, Kai-ying. We gave you right name; you
are
Kai-ying,' he said. ‘I so sorry you cannot stay. We have so many amazing sights: Giant Buddha of Leshan, which is now being carved, Three Gorges at Sichuan, our Great Wall of China, to name but a few, but I hope you visit us again.'

‘Thank you,' Lucy replied. ‘I would like that. I have fond and beautiful memories of a vast country, a talented people and magical scenery.' Lucy bowed and when she straightened, once again the Wise One had gone and Speed was waiting for her.

‘Oh Speed – I'm glad to see you. I've so much to tell you.'

‘I'm sure you have Lucy, but now isn't the time. I must get you home before morning. We must be off.'

‘I've had such an exciting time and been given two wonderful gifts,' Lucy started to tell Speed. ‘I couldn't possibly fall asleep this time, it's been far too exciting and…'

But she did.

Sunday morning Lucy slept on and on. She slept through the invasion of her little sister, who was quickly ushered out by their mother. She slept on, while the rest of her family had breakfast, and she slept on, as her father mowed the lawn.

Then, eventually, Lucy began to stir. A shaft of sunlight just peeped through her curtains and landed on her face. One minute she was fast asleep; the next she shot up in bed and lifted up her pillow.

‘Oh they are there!' she thought with relief. Lying on the bed were her mobile and her neatly folded cloak.

‘The bag, where's the bag?' Lucy picked up the cloak and turned it inside out. To her relief she found the tiny silk bag inside and there, safely wrapped up, was her vase, now the size of the top of a toothpaste tube, and next to that, in an even smaller bag, her precious necklace.

Lucy got out of bed and gently put the pot on her highest shelf. As she did so, a sunbeam caught the tiny item and the iridescent colours almost sang in their beauty.

Then the minute necklace, just big enough to fit a Barbie doll, was carefully put away in her jewellery box. Finally, she re-folded her cloak and put it in its usual hiding place.

As Lucy put the books back, she heard her parents talking downstairs. For the first time since she woke she looked at her clock and was surprised to find it was ten-thirty.

‘I've never slept that late before,' she thought. ‘Still I did have a very busy night last night!' Lucy climbed back into bed and snuggled under the duvet. She wanted to savour a few more moments; to look back at all the wonderful adventures she'd had, before Sophie came flying in.

Her mind went back to Cinderella's wedding and she thought of that lovely lilac dress.

‘If only…' she said out loud. But then her thoughts went to Yeh-Shen. Lowering her duvet a little Lucy gazed fondly at the tiny vase. It really was beautiful. Yeh-Shen had certainly impressed her with her skills and her quiet determination to help herself.

‘Yeh-Shen got so much comfort from her friend the fish. It reminded me of Frances, not that she's got magical powers, but poor Frances badly needs a good friend. Perhaps now Anna and co. know I won't be bullied I can try harder to help her. The other thing I remember about Yeh-Shen is that she made the most of her talents. I'm not sure what mine are, so I'll just work hard and do my best.'

There was so much more to remember about China. There was the wonderful Baiji, the courteous and gentle Wise One and the yellowed-eyed tiger. It had truly been a fantastic experience and Lucy was sure she'd never before passed through such beautiful countryside. Even the dangerous moments, now they were well behind her, gave her a scary sort of pleasure. In fact, she even managed a smile as she remembered the Chinese alligators' barricade; rather like Anna and co. at the school gate. Lucy knew she'd never have found a funny side to that yesterday. Life
was
getting better.

As she began to recall the procession of animals she'd met, Sophie burst into the room and threw herself on top of her sister. That was the end of her day dreaming and she pulled the duvet back and let Sophie climb in beside her. The rest of the day passed far too quickly. Lucy had an English project to do on ‘My Dream Holiday.' She realised she could use her recent travels and write about a holiday in China, which would truly be her dream holiday. She hadn't seen a great deal in the short time she was there, but remembered all the wonders the Wise One had mentioned. She had great fun looking them up on the internet: The Giant Buddha of Leshan, the Three Gorges at Sichuan and the Great Wall of China were all still there, hundreds of years later, along with the Huangshan Mountain, which, of course, Lucy had seen for herself, though she was very sad when she learnt the river dolphin no longer swam in the Yangtze River. Once she'd collected all the information, she settled down to write her essay. She enjoyed the project and took a great deal of time and care. At the end Lucy was really pleased with the finished piece.

After that, she devoted what time was left to playing with her little sister and before long it was bedtime. As Lucy got ready, she carefully took out her precious necklace and put it in the pocket of the cloak, before placing both under her pillow, along with her mobile.

But Monday morning came and Lucy had just slept soundly, with no call from Speed or Twinkle.

‘Never mind,' thought Lucy, ‘perhaps Twinkle couldn't get hold of any leprechauns last night.'

Before Lucy left for school she went to her money box and took out enough money to buy a birthday present for Sophie, who would be seven that Friday. Lucy had noticed there was a sale at the toy shop, which was right by her bus stop. She knew exactly what her sister wanted, as Sophie had spent hours poring over various catalogues with her.

Lucy couldn't remember the last time she'd approached school with such a light heart. She was sure she'd dealt with the bullying, especially when there was no reception committee at the gates.

In the playground she looked for Frances. She went up and thanked her warmly for her help when she'd been knocked down on the hockey pitch. The two girls made their way to the classroom together. Lucy was touched that nearly everyone spoke to her and particularly pleased that Anna, Diane and Martha left her alone. She put her homework and purse in her desk and took out the books for the first lesson.

The day progressed well. Frances began to come out of her shell. She was a gentle, fragile girl and Lucy could imagine how hard it had been for her when she was bullied. The time came for everyone to hand in their homework. Lucy lifted the lid of her desk and looked for hers: but it wasn't there. Hastily she shuffled through everything but realised, with horror, both her purse and essay had gone. She lowered the desk top and turned and stared directly at Martha, whose expression told all. While she looked terrified, Anna and Diane had smirks on their faces. Lucy put up her hand.

‘I'm sorry, Miss Lewis I must have left my homework at home.'

‘That's not like you, Lucy. Make sure you bring it in tomorrow.'

‘Yes, Miss.' Lucy's heart sank; as she realised she would have to copy the whole thing out again. She was only glad she'd kept her first draft and all her notes.

But the loss of the money was more upsetting. It had taken her some time to save up to buy Sophie a nice present and now she didn't have enough.

Determined to have a word with Martha, she finally managed to find her on her own.

‘Martha, I know you took the things from my desk.'

‘I don't know what you mean,' Martha mumbled, as she went bright red.

‘I won't go to Miss Lewis if you return them.'

‘Please don't. Please don't! I haven't got them. I gave them to Diane. I can't return them.'

Lucy almost felt sorry for her. She looked so miserable.

‘Well, get them back! I'll give you until tonight. Ring me when you have them. Here's my number.' Lucy handed her a piece of paper. ‘But remember, if I don't get them back I
will
go to Miss Lewis.'

At that moment Anna and Diane appeared and Martha rushed over to them, so Lucy walked away and went to find Peter. She knew he would tell her to go straight to Miss Lewis, but somehow she felt Martha was really scared and she had to have a chance to redeem herself.

Peter heard the news in silence and then as expected said:

‘This is completely unacceptable. You must tell Miss Lewis.'

‘I know. I know, but I've given Martha till to-night. Trouble is I don't know what I'm going to do about Sophie's present if I don't get the money back. After all, I've no proof she took the essay and money.'

‘Well, I can be of assistance there,' Peter said cheerfully. ‘My Mum runs a catalogue which has all the Barbie stuff in it. I know that, because she obtained some for my cousin. If you let me have the details of what you want, I'm sure Mum can get it for you by Thursday and you'll just have to pay a little off each month.'

‘That's great Peter, thanks. That will give me time to save up the rest.' Lucy took a crumpled piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it over. ‘I've circled the item she wants.'

Lucy was so relieved. The last thing she wanted was to have to go to her parents for money, because she knew that this time they would step in and go to the school. In her heart she accepted that's what she should have done, but Martha's terrified face meant, she was sure, that she hadn't wanted to do it.

‘I must give her a second chance,' she thought.

The day that had started with so much promise had begun to wear her down. She got home and after a quick tea went off to re-write her essay and get that day's homework done as well. Just as she had put her pen down her mobile rang.

‘Hallo? Hallo?' For a while no one answered.

‘Hallo, is that you Martha?' Lucy asked hopefully.

‘No, it isn't and she won't be ringing you!' a voice said. ‘And don't you dare accuse her again. You can't prove anything and you know it!' Lucy recognised Diane's voice.

‘Still doing Anna's dirty work Diane?' Lucy said softly. Silence. Then another voice came on the line, cold and clipped.

‘You're as good as dead, Lucy Chase. I'd just give up and go or we'll get you.' The ‘phone went dead. Anna's voice had been full of hate.

Lucy gathered her work together and put it in her school bag. She was exhausted and realised her battles were far from over. Now Anna had her number she knew she'd never leave her alone. Reluctantly, Lucy turned off the mobile and got ready for bed.

‘Perhaps I'll get to meet Ash tonight,' she said to herself. ‘That should cheer me up.'

As before, she carefully put all the necessary objects under her pillow before she went to sleep.

‘If Ash can fight and beat a dragon, and I've seen a dragon up close and know how terrifying they can be, then I'm sure I can take on Anna,' were her last thoughts before she fell asleep.