Martial Art Fantasy Short Story
Author: Hani Law Copyright © 2006
Author: Hani Law Copyright © 2006
SWAN BEAUTY
CHAPTER 16
The following day, we set off for my hometown. I
have never felt happier. After being away for several
years, I am going home at last. I have won the
contest that matters to me most and my true love is
with me. The scar on my face does not bother me at
all.
When my parents see me on their doorstep, they have
difficulty recognizing me. Although I have been
transformed into a pretty girl, I have a scar on my
face and my hair was cut to very short. When they
do realize who I am, they are thrilled to have me
back again. Having spoken to Stepso, my parents
seem to like him very much and regard him as a
member of the family.
I tell them earnestly how hard I have toiled in the
past few years to excel in the martial arts. I explain
that it was purely for the purpose of empowering
myself to eradicate the abominable tradition that
snuffed out the lives of young girls for no reason
other than their lack of looks. My parents can hardly
believe that I have been declared champion of
martial-arts experts in the recent competition. To
convince them, I show them the pair of daggers I
found in the well and also demonstrate what I am
able to do with my combat skills. They are really
impressed by my ability to jump up and touch the
ceiling before landing on the ground.
The following morning, I visit the village
representative on my own. I do not want to embroil
my parents in any kind of controversy. The
representative is shocked when I tell him of my
resolve and thinks I must be out of my senses to
contemplate abolishing a centuries-old tradition.
When I show him my certificate stating that I have
been crowned champion of martial-arts experts in
the recent competition, he mellows noticeably and is
all courtesy. I tell him that as the spokesperson for
all the martial-arts experts in the country, I demand
that a meeting be convened that evening, inviting all
the residents of the village to attend. This is to offer
them all a chance to debate whether the tradition of
sacrificing young girls to the Eternal God should be
stopped forthwith or allowed to continue. The village
representative acquiesces immediately to my request.
It is not clear, however, whether he really believes
such a tradition should be abolished or is afraid of
the consequences of non-compliance.
That evening, I address the crowd of villagers before
me.
“My fellow villagers,” I say, “I am pleased to note
that you have made an effort to attend this meeting.
We have a tradition in this village of drowning
young girls twice a year as a sacrifice to the Eternal
God. Give me one good reason why girls who are
born plain for no fault of their own should be forced
to die in the flush of youth? Would you be so cruel as
to allow your own daughters to be drowned?”
Silence greets my opening speech in the village hall.
I know that most people who live here are orthodox
and respect tradition. They dare not defy the counsel
of village elders. I have no alternative but to use a
strategy that will convince them of the seriousness of
my intentions.
“There is something I would like to make very clear
once and for all,” I tell them firmly. “If people in
this village still persist in perpetuating their
infamous tradition, they are likely to end up like this
table.”
Having said that, I take out my daggers and bang
them on the table in front of me. As the villagers look
on in amazement, the table is smashed to pieces. All
that remains in its place is sawdust.
CHAPTER 16
The following day, we set off for my hometown. I
have never felt happier. After being away for several
years, I am going home at last. I have won the
contest that matters to me most and my true love is
with me. The scar on my face does not bother me at
all.
When my parents see me on their doorstep, they have
difficulty recognizing me. Although I have been
transformed into a pretty girl, I have a scar on my
face and my hair was cut to very short. When they
do realize who I am, they are thrilled to have me
back again. Having spoken to Stepso, my parents
seem to like him very much and regard him as a
member of the family.
I tell them earnestly how hard I have toiled in the
past few years to excel in the martial arts. I explain
that it was purely for the purpose of empowering
myself to eradicate the abominable tradition that
snuffed out the lives of young girls for no reason
other than their lack of looks. My parents can hardly
believe that I have been declared champion of
martial-arts experts in the recent competition. To
convince them, I show them the pair of daggers I
found in the well and also demonstrate what I am
able to do with my combat skills. They are really
impressed by my ability to jump up and touch the
ceiling before landing on the ground.
The following morning, I visit the village
representative on my own. I do not want to embroil
my parents in any kind of controversy. The
representative is shocked when I tell him of my
resolve and thinks I must be out of my senses to
contemplate abolishing a centuries-old tradition.
When I show him my certificate stating that I have
been crowned champion of martial-arts experts in
the recent competition, he mellows noticeably and is
all courtesy. I tell him that as the spokesperson for
all the martial-arts experts in the country, I demand
that a meeting be convened that evening, inviting all
the residents of the village to attend. This is to offer
them all a chance to debate whether the tradition of
sacrificing young girls to the Eternal God should be
stopped forthwith or allowed to continue. The village
representative acquiesces immediately to my request.
It is not clear, however, whether he really believes
such a tradition should be abolished or is afraid of
the consequences of non-compliance.
That evening, I address the crowd of villagers before
me.
“My fellow villagers,” I say, “I am pleased to note
that you have made an effort to attend this meeting.
We have a tradition in this village of drowning
young girls twice a year as a sacrifice to the Eternal
God. Give me one good reason why girls who are
born plain for no fault of their own should be forced
to die in the flush of youth? Would you be so cruel as
to allow your own daughters to be drowned?”
Silence greets my opening speech in the village hall.
I know that most people who live here are orthodox
and respect tradition. They dare not defy the counsel
of village elders. I have no alternative but to use a
strategy that will convince them of the seriousness of
my intentions.
“There is something I would like to make very clear
once and for all,” I tell them firmly. “If people in
this village still persist in perpetuating their
infamous tradition, they are likely to end up like this
table.”
Having said that, I take out my daggers and bang
them on the table in front of me. As the villagers look
on in amazement, the table is smashed to pieces. All
that remains in its place is sawdust.
 |
| |
 |