Winter is finally arrived in the capital. The snow that falls gently on the ground is finally snowing heavy. Everyone is wearing their winter wear and the younger children are enjoy having fun in the snow. Li Xing finally appear with his in-law in the capital. It's been a year plus since he last seen his son. The boy, Li Han who is close with Banou doesn't like his grandparents nor his father much. However Banou encourage the child to play with them. Soon he gets used to the faces and allow his father to carry him for the first time.
Winter is harsh, the place that Ajax lives is very cold. Li Xin arrange to send more coal for the small community. She knows that they are men with pride so she doesn't buy them coats nor blankets. Li Xin gets them food like meat and vegetables. Ajax's heart is warm as this girl who is born with a silver spoon in her mouth never thinks that where he stays is a terrible place. Instead she help to make it better. She never belittle that he is earning enough for himself. He doesn't know what to offer to her but a sincere heart. He knows that her father, a prince that commanding a large army. Yet he is a vagrant whom no army wants to take him in. Ajax starts to think about the future what he can do and where Li Xin should go. One day Li Cheng comes to the smith shop to look for him. They stare at each other for a while.
"Come out to the tavern opposite when you are done. I have something to ask you."
He nod his head and watch the Prince walk outside to the tavern. Once he is done, he thought that the prince would leave after such a long wait. Instead he is still siting there reading a book. Ajax clean his face and hands. Remove the apron and inform the owner that he will be siting in the tavern for a short while. His friends all look a t him and wonder if he had offended anyone in the capital.
"Sit. Here have some tea. Not the best but acceptable."
"Thank you, your highness."
"What is your name?"
"Ajax in my language but in mandarin is AJiaKeSi."
"Hmmm, how long will you stay in the capital?"
"As long as the emperor show mercy to us. I will stay as long as we can."
"Our Tang among the Chinese territories are more tolerant to foreigners. You and your friends are welcome to stay as long as possible. However this is not the issue that i am here to ask."
"Oh please ask me what do you need to know."
"AJiaKeSi, how much do you like Li Xin?"
"She is indeed a beautiful bright young lady. She is very intelligent. Li Xin is alike to her mother. Both talented. Both beautiful."
"Hmm indeed. Indeed. However your status in Tang is not very good. If you are thinking of marrying her. You have to do better."
"Your highness, how can i, do better?"
"Before i ask your question. Tell me why did you run off in the army before you come here?"
"I was ten years old when i was conscript into the army. I was trained everyday to fight with my sword. The sword that was heavy for a ten years old, i cannot lift it up properly till i was fourteen. At fifteen i was deployed in the front line. Drilled everyday on the formation when to attack, how to gather fast to block the enemy, how to run for safety. Learn to listen to the sound of the horn on the battlefield. Either to back off or charge or to gather before attack. That year, i was twenty three. I had fought three battles and each time return home in pain and the wounds are deep but these wounds feed my family so i don't complaint That year my mother, the only family member i left with had passed away. I don't have anyone to return home to anymore. The following year, another war is on our way, again i pack and left the house. It took us a few months to reach where the battle field was at. On the battle field. I saw strange animals that are huge bigger than a cow in many times. it is taller than any creatures we see and it's cries are terrifying. Men who are in the way get thrown away by the long tail on the face. Some are even stomp to death. Most of us are afraid of this strange creatures yet our commander is yelling for the attack. The horses might out run it for awhile but its tail aways gets to the rider or the one who is running at the ground. Its skin cannot be penetrate easily. Some of us are all hiding behind the rocky mountains and watch in a distance. At that time i was thinking should i continue to fight for my country when there is no one to go home to. What if i lose my life in this battle field? I only make up my mind when my friend stands up and throw away the shield that he is holding. He said was correct. It was a losing battle. He is not going to go there to die. He wants to live another day. Many men agree including the one in-charge of the platoon. So we put down our shield and walk away. We all fully understand that we cannot go back to Greece anymore. We became deserters who travels around. We don't beg for food nor money, it is the pride of a Greek. We have hands and legs to earn for it. The charity and kindness of men let us all live day by day. We learn everything so that we can live. I did not expect to fall in love because the situation i am in. However god of love have a way to find us. That day i was walking with my friends after purchasing our meat for dinner. When i see a blue eye girl on the street who is as tall as i am. She look at me with curiosity so did i. That is why i stop in Tang till now. Those blue eyes make me feel... at home."
For awhile the heavy snow stop falling as if it is listening to his story. Li Cheng understands that the fear that install in a young man of his past. Now he is older, there should be nothing he will fear off.
"AJiaKeSi, you know i command an army of my own. I am now guarding the border territory of the Great Tang. I am asking you, if you would like to join me to guard Tang."
Ajax's eyes open wide and wonder what did he hear.