An Armour of Light

By Jiah Joseph

The beautiful priestess of a forest shrine tucked away in Imperial Japan attracts the attention of the evil Emperor. Who is the mysterious masked horseman who saves her from the Emperor's soldiers?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jiah Joseph
• Release date: Jul 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9780463659007

Book preview

An Armour of Light

Jiah Joseph

The Shrine was in a clearing in the heart of the forest. It was the time of worship, but the altar was bare and no chants resounded in the air. Outside the shrine, a girl sat on the floor, threading garlands with the poise of a princess. She cast a coy look over her shoulder as she heard a footstep. Then her smile faded and she tossed her head.

Oh, it’s you!

The boy looked down at her with an expression of distaste. He knew very well that she had expected it to be a certain warrior who used to visit her. He asked, Aren’t you worried about her?

Her? she laughed scornfully. Why should I be? She can look after herself.

The boy said, She’s a woman and alone, and the forest isn’t too safe.

Then you go and rescue her! the maiden said. Her eyes twinkled maliciously, That’s what you’d love to do, isn’t it? Rescue your precious Priestess? Go ahead. Your enemies would run away in terror at the sight of that face, thinking you a devil of the forest.

She had touched a nerve. He swung his disfigured visage away from her to hide the drop that rose up in his eyes. He slunk back into the Shrine. Her malicious laughter followed him. He sank down on the floor and buried his face in his arms. He did not sob. He stayed immobile until he felt a soft touch on his shoulder. He threw up his head eagerly and glanced at the smiling face of a woman about ten years older than him.

What is bothering you, little brother? she asked kindly. He saw the compassion and affection in her eyes and turned away. He asked brusquely,

"Why were