Ma Li & Mary

By J. A. Graffagnino

A bet between a demon and an angel created the existence of Ma Li, a fifteenth-century warrior priestess, and Mary, a twentieth-century Taoist priestess. The trials and experiences these two women endured, the battles they fought, and the people they met in their travels were merely guideposts along their preordained path. Separated by five centuries, the connection they shared survived and strengthened. Both women learned and grew from their spiritual bond.

Ma Li Chins father, a brilliant general and friend of Chinas Emperor, and her mother, a favorite in the emperors court, were betrayed by a vengeful and jealous officer in the court. Her parents were killed, and Ma Li had to flee for her life.

Mary Petrovichs mother was a Sioux Indian cryptologist working for the US government in Moscow, and her Russian Secret Police father was forced to flee to Chicago to escape Soviet and American government agents in the 1980s. They took refuge with her uncle, a crazed, sadistic gangster. He murdered her parents and repeatedly beat and raped her before she escaped at the age of twelve.

Both Ma Li and Mary entered the same Taoist temple in China where they were taught not only to survive but also to become skilled in martial arts. They learned that they could help each other and learn and grow from each other. Both women had motivating forces that kept them going, to beat all their enemies and to survive to do battle another day. Their driving force was to avenge and to obtain justice for their families.

The story of Ma Li and Mary is one of love, loyalty, betrayal, and survival at all costs. Each had to fight her own battles, but each knew she had a sister she could count on.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 19, 2017
• ISBN: 9781546208297

J. A. Graffagnino

Joseph A . (J. A.) Graffagnino started writing telecommunication articles in the late 1980’s. Articles on tropical fish, along with his photographs on these aquatic creatures soon followed. His diversified interests have led to his writing short stories and novels. Joe enjoys writing in multiple genres. His first short story, a thriller fiction, titled “The Taxi” was published in February 2010. His first novel, “The Journey of Mary/ Ma Li” was the second book in a series, a fantasy adventure, published in 2013. Joe’s second novel delves into a different genre – “Fantasy & Horror Short Stories” released on December 30, 2015. His first non-fiction novel, “THE FIX IS IN The Deutsche Bank Building Fire Conspiracy” was released on August 18, 2016. J.A. Graffagnino lives in Brooklyn, NY with his wife and many tropical fish aquariums.

Book preview

© 2017 J. A. GRAFFAGNINO. All rights reserved.

Front cover illustration by Wendy Borges

Rear cover art by James Stone

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/18/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0830-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5462-0829-7 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Also by J. A. Graffagnino

The Taxi a horror short story (Necrology Shorts)

The Journey of Mary/Ma Li (Dreams Publishing Company)

Fantasy & Horror Short Stories (AuthorHouse)

The Fix Is In The Deutsche Bank Building Fire Conspiracy (AuthorHouse)

DEDICATION

This book is dedicated to family –

To those that are close, to those that are distant, to those by blood and to those via family, to those we hold dear and to those we hold afar.

Love is strange, love is normal, love is happy, love is sad, love is good and love is bad and I love you all and each of you for your unique qualities.

CONTENTS

Chapter One: Ma Li

Chapter Two: Mary

Chapter Three: Ma Li

Chapter Four: Mary

Chapter Five: Ma Li

Chapter Six: Mary

Chapter Seven: Ma Li

Chapter Eight: Mary

Chapter Nine: Ma Li

Chapter Ten: Mary

Chapter Eleven: Ma Li

ABOUT THE BOOK

A bet between a demon and an angel created the existence of Ma Li, a fifteenth-century warrior priestess, and Mary, a twentieth-century Taoist priestess. The trials and experiences these two women endured, the battles they fought, and the people they met in their travels were merely guideposts along their preordained path. Separated by five centuries, the connection they shared survived and strengthened. Both women learned and grew from their spiritual bond.

Ma Li Chin’s father, a brilliant general and friend of China’s Emperor, and her mother, a favorite in the emperor’s court, were betrayed by a vengeful and jealous officer in the court. Her parents were killed, and Ma Li had to flee for her life.

Mary Petrovich’s mother was a Sioux Indian cryptologist working for the US government in Moscow, and her Russian Secret Police father was forced to flee to Chicago to escape Soviet and American government agents in the 1980s. They took refuge with her uncle, a crazed, sadistic gangster. He murdered her parents and repeatedly beat and raped her before she escaped at the age of twelve.

Both Ma Li and Mary entered the same Taoist temple in China where they were taught not only to survive but also to become skilled in martial arts. They learned that they could help each other and learn and grow from each other. Both women had motivating forces that kept them going, to beat all their enemies and to survive to do battle another day. Their driving force was to avenge and to obtain justice for their families.

The story of Ma Li and Mary is one of love, loyalty, betrayal, and survival at all costs. Each had to fight her own battles, but each knew she had a sister she could count on.

CHAPTER ONE

MA LI

L ate in the evening on the 12 th of January 1491, a comet streaked across the skies of China, Korea, and Japan. It raced close to the earth and appeared enormous. The inhabitants of the planet were a superstitious lot who created an endless supply of reasons, both good and bad, as to why the comet illuminated the dark night. Some thought it would bring good fortune, others believed it was the start of the end of the world and still others believed that the spirits, angels, and demons had done this for their own reasons. The last group would not have been wrong.

The spiritual beings in heaven and hell also waited for this sign because it meant their long anticipated contest had begun. The game started and now it was up to the human players, with their enchanted weapons, to determine the outcome of the human race. Free will was the one ingredient that made humans unique. The bet was on the outcome of what would happen, over centuries, between two women and the choices they would make.

39392.png

In the dead of night, the fog and humidity clung like a wet blanket to all it touched. The Aztec temple soared high above the Mexican jungle that surrounded it. Inside the shrine, the Indians worked through the night preparing their captive slaves for human sacrifices to their gods when night changed to day. No one heard the invisible spirits in the prayer chamber of the Aztec pyramid. The being in white addressed the being in red, Interesting place to meet; a prayer room in a temple that cuts hearts out of humans.

I thought it represented our differences perfectly, don’t you, Raphael?

Enough of this idle talk, Sammael, let us decide on the mystical weapons that the two women will use.

Your thoughts on this Raphael?

I will have the Japanese swordsmith, Masamune, create the perfect sword that will represent peace and tranquility. On this sword, I will have him place an open mouth dragon, with teeth bared, and from his mouth, an eclipsed moon, shooting stars and a comet to proclaim the event.

Hmm, and I will have his reborn self, Muramasa, create another perfect sword that will signify a bloodthirsty demon with supernatural powers in battle. And on this sword, he will create a two-headed dragon, with an eclipsed sun and a moving comet between both dragon heads.

Raphael then asked, A third element is required. What do you suggest?

Why not a third sword, but transformed into a family heirloom?

Perfect, then we are in agreement. Let us wait to see how this will unfold and the effects it will have.

Agreed.

41506.png

January 1491, in the hills of central China, rebels united under the leadership of a warlord named Xiao. The rebels won a series of battles against local militia and attacked towns and villages for supplies and caravans for their valuables. The rebels were a mixed bunch of former soldiers, deserters, outlaws and slaves taken from areas under their control.

The Emperor of China knew that the more successful the traitors the bolder they would become. Other disgruntled groups would join them and provide support to these criminals; they needed to be stopped. Emperor Zhu Youcheng was the Hongzhi Emperor (1470-1505) in the Ming Dynasty. He called for his friend and most triumphant general to stop these upstarts.

When General Chin arrived at the Emperor’s palace, he was informed by an administrator what the Emperor required of him. He was escorted into the enormous throne room, filled with beautiful statues, tapestries and serving areas with foods and fruits from all of China. The Emperor’s personal bodyguards stood at attention while visitors and government officials milled about. General Chin walked to the base of the elevated throne section and knelt before his royal highness, as was the tradition in the presence of the Emperor.

No need for that my old friend, stated the Emperor, come up here and sit beside me.

The general smiled at his friend and walked up the small steps. He bowed to the Empress and asked about her health.

Empress Zhang replied, Very good, General Chin. Your wife and I have something in common. We are both with child, although your wife is almost ready to bring your child into the world. I am five months into the pregnancy of my third child, which I pray will be a boy. She smiled. Your wife, Tsen, and I discuss our new feelings and body changes daily. We have grown quite close these past months. You must be very proud of her.

Yes, indeed, your Highness, but then I didn’t need her pregnant to be proud of her. I have always been proud of her. I hear that she bears the pregnancy well and never complains. I look forward with great anticipation to holding my first born child.

Emperor Youcheng beckoned to his friend so they could sit and have a goblet of wine. Enjoy a few days at home because I need you in the field again. Rebels and mercenaries are gaining a foothold northeast of Koko Nor Lake and in the hills and valleys of the Nan Mountains. Their strength is increasing with every victory over the local police and army conscripts. They rape and plunder with impunity. It must be stopped…permanently.

Chin smiled and whispered, Why don’t you send Colonel Ming of your palace guard? I hear he has been begging to show his field expertise.

The Emperor shook his head sadly. I tried to use him to quell food riots in Nanjing and again to stop Japanese pirates around Canton. All I got in return were losses and excuses. The people that begged for my help were the ones who threw him out. He is a disaster. Would you send a spoiled child to defeat a cunning adversary? If it wasn’t for his political family he would have been removed years ago."

Chin answered, I understand. I will leave in two days.

General Chin led the Emperor’s army of 5,000-foot soldiers, 1,000 cavalries, and a support battalion through the hills and valleys of Tsinghai province searching for their elusive enemy. They knew they were being watched by the rebels, but there was no confrontation. The army continued deeper into the valley between the high mountain walls, through two feet of snow and 40 miles per hour wind, which made the below-freezing temperature colder still. On January 11th, the rebels sprang their trap.

Rocks and boulders rained down on men and horses followed by spears and arrows. The infantry tried to counter attack up the sides of the steep mountain but was slaughtered for their efforts. A recall bugle sounded. As the army tried to retreat they found their way blocked by an avalanche of large boulders. The general’s army was forced to find whatever shelter they could along the narrow valley walls. The general and his command staff found an outcropping which provided temporary shelter.

Colonel Tan, keep your men behind the rocks with their shields raised over them. The enemy will try to split us into small groups and pick us off at their leisure. Maintain a defensive position.

Yes, General, but with these below-freezing conditions and the loss of food and supplies, we won’t last long even if they don’t attack. Did you notice the gas odor in this area?

I have noticed it. It seems to be coming from crevices in the mountainside.

That evening the rebels attacked the entrenched army. They tried to isolate small groups and either kill or capture those soldiers. The rebels retreated when Colonel Tan led troops to support the isolated units. The following day the soldiers listened to the screams of their captured and tortured comrades, but they could not help, being trapped where they were. This went on all day and night. Finally, in the evening on the 12th of January, when all was quiet, the rebels attacked in force. What remained of the Emperor’s army was outnumbered three to one. Forces loyal to the Emperor were forced back into smaller and smaller groups. The valley filled with a dense fog in the bitter cold air. No one could see more than a few feet in front of them. The rebels were confident that they would destroy the army sent to stop them.

When all the rebels were committed into the attack and the government forces were squeezed back into their last stand, an unexpected phenomenon occurred. A comet, very bright, raced low across the night sky. A bandit had a lit torch in his hand but dropped it when he saw the comet. The flame landed on a gas fissure on the side of the mountain. The gas ignited. The explosion of gas, and flames, mixed with fog and cold air, created the illusion of a dragon that belched fire. The majority of the rebels were caught in the blast and those that remained took the sign as a message from the gods to surrender and obey the Emperor.

A few days later, while the army was burying the dead and shackling the prisoners, a royal messenger arrived. The general was handed a note and he called for Colonel Tan to see what the Emperor had sent him.

The Emperor could not have known this quickly that we had won the battle. I wonder what this could be? The General broke the seal and opened the packet. In the Emperor’s hand the notice read, Congratulations my friend! You are the proud father of a baby girl named Ma Li. She came into this world at the exact moment the comet streaked overhead; a most fortuitous sign that will bring great fortune and prosperity to you and your family.

General Chin looked into his friend’s face and gave a broad smile. I am truly blessed! Tsen gave birth to a baby girl at the exact moment the comet saved all of our lives. How unbelievable is that? I must get home as soon as possible.

Tan grabbed his friend’s shoulder, Congratulations to you, sir! Please give my best wishes to your wife and daughter. Leave now sir, I can finish here and bring the prisoners back.

Yes, all right. I will take my personal guard. My wife and child should be at our home outside of Beiping. I will go there and then meet with the Emperor.

The area on the outskirts of Beiping, the capital of China, was where the elite and members of the imperial court lived. An area of low sprawling hills and bamboo forests, homes were palatial mansions covering acres, each designed to demonstrate the importance of its owner. Each villa had military guards and a large household staff, which included farmers to cultivate the land for the wealthy owners.

When the general arrived at his villa, he was met by his house staff that showered him with good wishes as he ran through the rooms toward the bedroom. He threw open the doors and saw his wife in bed cradling a small bundle in her arms. How are you feeling, my love?

Tsen looked up at him with a tired but satisfied smile and whispered, I am fine and I want to introduce you to Ma Li, our daughter. I know you wanted a boy, but…

He bent over and kissed his wife on her forehead. Now, now do not say anything. Boy or girl, I shall teach her the ways and lifestyle that my father taught me and his father taught him. She will learn to be independent and take care of herself first and be a lady of the court afterward.

Tsen took hold of his arm. Han, she will play a part in the Emperor’s court. I hope her childhood friend will be the Emperor’s child.

The General smiled at her and shook his head in agreement. Of course you’re right, my dear, but as we know, life is uncertain and we must be prepared for any possibility. I would rather have my daughter knowledgeable in defending herself, hunting, cooking and other survival tactics than in dance or making tea.

Ah, so you plan on turning her into a boy anyway?

I must wash now. Dinner will be soon, return Ma Li to her nurse and freshen up, my love.

You change the subject when you don’t want to answer me.

A few days later the General found his wife and baby in the garden and announced, The Emperor wants to know when you will present Ma Li to the Imperial court? The smile faded from his face when he saw the concern on his wife’s face. What happened? Is Ma Li sick?

Han, come see, the baby’s eyes are changing or something is wrong.

He picked up his daughter to eye level and looked at her eyes. He noticed a green flicker. I see this green color but it’s not steady. Do you think something is wrong?

Tsen said, Dear, Chinese babies have dark brown eyes. On rare occasions they are hazel. Also, a week old baby has a dull veil over their eyes so they can’t see except for shapes. But, I have never heard of green in a child’s eyes. I’m worried about her. Do you think she may be blind?

A sad look crossed his face when he remembered that a month ago he and his wife visited a soothsayer in Nanjing. They were upset with the prophecy provided. Tsen blamed it on her pregnancy that they had a negative reading. The fortune teller stated that they would have a short life together and that they would have a baby girl and that the baby would be special. The child would be a creation of the gods, that metal would be her conduit from the heavens to earth. That she would live a short time but then return hundreds of years later. A comet would announce her birth and a solar eclipse her return to earth. The soothsayer believed that this was part of a larger prophecy.

His wife started to cry and through her tears, he heard, Don’t say anything Han, please don’t. I am so afraid for us and for our child.

Tomorrow we shall take her to the Emperor’s chief physician and have him examine her.

The following morning the Chin family, along with their personal guard, started the 20- mile journey to the capital. When they arrived in Beiping they passed a fortune teller hut and saw Colonel Tan coming out. He asked them to stop so he could pay his respects and meet the baby. Tan saw the concern and worry on their faces. He insisted they see the fortune teller/soothsayer. A person who can foretell the future was a much respected and revered individual. Tsen agreed and hoped that a different reading from the previous soothsayer would help them. The General agreed and went into the fortune teller’s hut.

I need you to perform a reading for my daughter. Would you do this for me?

The elderly shaman stated, The great General Chin asks an old blind soothsayer for help? How can I say no?

If you are truly blind, how do you know who I am?

She laughed. All of China knows of the great general and close friend of our Emperor. Besides, I heard your aide address you. I am blind, not deaf. She removed the hood from her cape. Her eyes had been removed and empty sockets remained.

He took a nervous step back as he stared into her face.

The old woman laughed as she creaked out, Not to be nervous. All people with the gift of spirit sight are deliberately blinded when the gift reveals itself. This is to force their body and senses to strengthen their skills. Many of us keep our faces covered or speak from a dark area so as not to scare our visitors. She reached behind her and took a teapot. The soothsayer placed it gently on a cradle over a small fire to make tea. Will I be reading you and your wife as well?

No, just the baby.

How old is the child?

A little over a week old, he answered.

She is too young. You can’t get a reading from an infant. They won’t have a soul until they are at least one month old. It would be like reading a blank wall.

Please, at least try. My wife is very nervous about our daughter. What harm could it do? It may calm my wife.

All right, all right, bring them in and I will try.

The General sent one of his guards to bring his family in. He sat on one side of the old woman and his wife and daughter sat on the other side.

Would you like some tea?

No thank you, they answered in unison.

All right then, please place your daughter in my arms. She held her arms out.

Tsen looked at her husband, who nodded to her, and she placed her baby in the old woman’s arms. I thought you would read her palms or tea leaves?

The old woman smiled and spoke softly, She is too young for that. I will try to get a reading from her heart to feel her physical aura and then from her head to sense her brain and spiritual auras. With that, she cradled the baby in her left arm and gently placed her hand over the child’s heart. An astonished look appeared on her face as she muttered, Oh, how interesting!

An alarmed Tsen asked, What, what is it? Is my baby sick?

No, dear lady, it is quite the opposite. The heart and physical aura of this child are huge. She will be strong, very physical and have skills that will become legendary.

The General smiled broadly, as did his bodyguard, while his wife looked relieved.

The soothsayer moved her hand up to the child’s face and rested it on the baby’s eyes and the top of her head. Her hand stayed for awhile as her face twisted and turned as if she was searching for an answer to something. This child already has a soul and it is ancient. How is this possible? This child is very special, but…

What? What do you see? Tsen nervously asked.

"I cannot see clearly because of her very young age, but she will have a life of hardship and