commonplace. To Master Feng Wei Long (Reply)

My Dearest Master Feng,

For some time now you have been asking me to give up using my training in the service of governments, as your students did, and focus on loftier goals. While I cannot say that I’ve given up all government service, I do find myself in a position I think you will appreciate.

I have been given a school. The circumstances are somewhat unorthodox, even by your standards, so I will not bore you with them. Suffice to say that there are a few whom I must teach and the rest are mine to do with as I will. In particular am charged to work with orphans.

I write you, then, recalling the conversation we had before I fled China. You despaired of the ability of those in America to find training in the ways of taming the dragon because so many of the native traditions were destroyed, or had become unwilling to teach outsiders. Of course I understand their position; my grandmother felt the same way. But I daresay I can offer a solution that will make your burden lighter.

I implore you to tell me how you find your young men and women for training, how you call us to you, that I might do the same here. I recall all too vividly how distant I felt between the passing of my grandmother and the moment I stumbled into your temple. Please give me your guidance that I might reach out to the god-touched in America the same way.

Most sincerely and humbly yours,
Eden Santiago
Matron, Applegate Home for Foundlings

Mirrored from Jack-a-dreams.