Sunlight streamed from the east, painting golden corridors between the many white and wooden panelled buildings of the monastery. Lying prostrate at the bottom of some steps, a black cat waved its tail, lazily drawing circles in the air. In the plaza nearby, ranks of young men dressed in burgundy robes could be seen moving back and forth, practicing martial arts movements. Above them, the gentle swaying of trees could be heard, the mountain’s breeze passing bye.

Like so many others on this Autumn morning, Fi-So was hard at work. In his hands he held a straw broom, tied together with twine. Gingerly, he pushed the broom along cobbled stones, forming heaps of tattered leaves. Not far from his feet stood a Whicker basket, overflowing with brown, green and yellow leaves. Checking that the coast was clear, he spun the broom behind his back, brought it forward in the opposite hand, and made to jab at some imaginary enemy, as with a spear.

“Hi-yah!

Amid this display of martial superiority, the black cat meowed in appreciation. Smiling, Fi-So drew the broom backwards, tossed it into the air and….

“Keep to the task at hand Fi-So! a voice solemnly declared. Startled, the young man failed to catch the broom on its downward trajectory, tripped, and fell to the ground awkwardly.

“Sorry Abbot La-Tee!

Wearing orange robes with red trim, the Abbot stood off at a distance, his hands concealed within flowing sleeves. A lather of grey hair was mirrored by a thick beard, giving way to a weathered and tanned face, with two piercing brown eyes. He observed in silence, his gaze steady, and unflinching.

Grabbing the broom and rising to his feet, Fi-So went hurriedly back to work.

“Abbot La-Tee,” Another boy, of Fi-So’s age announced. “Tu-Fey has returned.”

“Bring him to me,” the Abbot commanded. The boy rushed off, returning moments later with

a tall, athletic man, with black hair tied in a braid.

Halting before the Abbot, Tu-Fey clasped his hands together and bowed his head in respect. On his back, a spear and two saddle bags were tightly secured.

Averting his eyes, and continuing to sweep, Fi-So’s ears strained to pick up the conversation.

“This is a surprise Tu-Fey! Abbot La-Tee frowned as he spoke.

“We had not expected your return for many

moons to come.”

Tu-Fey’s face grew alarmed at the Abbot’s words.

“Please forgive me Abbot. When I heard the

news I thought it best to come at once.”

“What has happened Tu-Fe?

If I get 3 likes, I’ll write a bit more - it’s always fun to end on a cliff ;)