As hazy light filtered through the trees, a small cry echoed on the water. And, after the cry had penetrated the silence, breaking Sai’s peace, something hit his small boat with a strange clanging sound. Supposing that he may as well observe the strange interruption of his thoughts, he looked around, setting his fishing rod to the side. There, next to his boat was a small child floating in a tub of metal. That was strange. Metal didn’t float.

Sai reached over and tried grabbing at the sides of the child’s boat-like contraption. It was heavy. Still far too heavy for it to be natural and, for a moment Sai considered killing the impossible babe. Surely, it was an ill omen. But he thought better of it. If a god could make metal float to save this babe, surely, they would be able to smite him down if he were to kill the child.

This child must’ve been favored by some deity, and, whether ill or good, Sai could benefit from any deity’s blessing in their goals. A child was not allowed to be carried into battle, but if it was a child bestowed to him by the gods, who was he to disagree? He picked up the child, now absently looking at him in silence, retrieving the many different items from the metal tub. He would not leave any blessed object.

He had laid down the child at his feet as he rowed along the lake once more, looking for the inlet where his people were waiting for him. The child’s inquisitive eyes burned into his soul, even without him looking into them. Yes, this child was blessed. They had to be.

Small hands raised up and played with the light and shadows of the sky. And, now, instead of cries, giggles and hiccups filled the air. No, Sai was not touched by the softness of the child’s voice, but he did glance down towards it without meaning to.

As the boat approached the bank, Sai hopped out of the boat and pulled it to shore, tying it off against one of the trees. The child still looked at him with questioning eyes as he extracted it from his own boat and instructed his men to retrieve the child’s things.

“My liege,” one of the men said, trailing after him with the child’s blankets “What is this one’s purpose?”

“We’ll find out when the time comes.” The man looked at Sai with raised eyebrows, “This child was gifted to us by the gods,” there was no need to mention the possibilities of demons. “It will aid our battles as it grows.”

“But they’re just a child right now. They’ll ruin every stealth mission.”

Sai rounded on the man, the naïve and trusting look in his eyes sparked an irrational hatred in Sai. “Then you will be appointed as their caretaker.” In contrast to Sai’s aging features, this man looked as though he had only recently outgrown the title of youth. “If they are detrimental to our activities in any way it will be paid for with your blood.”

The man bowed, “yes, my liege.”

“Rise.” At least this man followed orders, “what is your name, young man?”

“Raiden, sir.”

“Good man,” Sai muttered to himself as he stalked through the forest towards their camp once more.