The Ring of Earth - Chris Bradford [66]
Jack had yet to achieve this. But he thought it was possible. He’d experienced the power of ki, his own spiritual energy, during his meditation training as a samurai. So he knew what to strive for. Kuji-in, however, was on a far higher level and would need a lot more practice.
Out of nowhere he felt a hot rush and a burst of energy. It was very brief – like a bolt of lightning.
‘Are you all right?’ asked Miyuki.
Jack opened his eyes.
‘You shook like a tree in a storm.’
‘I’m fine,’ Jack replied, his body tingling all over.
‘You just channelled into the Ring of Sky,’ explained Soke, walking over to check on their progress. ‘It can be a bit unnerving first time, but you’ll learn to control it. Even a brief connection can be useful, though, giving you a vital burst of energy in times of crisis.’
Soke beckoned the other students together in front of the temple.
‘Now I wish you to focus on Sha, healing. This is the hand sign,’ he instructed, clasping his hands together, his fingers interlaced, the index finger and thumb both extended. ‘Of all the kuji-in, Sha is the most worthy of your attention. The ability to heal is far more valuable than the ability to kill.’
He formed his students into a semi-circle overlooking the village.
‘For the time being, concentrate on self-healing. Once you’ve mastered this, you can bestow your healing properties on others.’
One by one, the students settled into their postures and began their meditation.
‘On haya baishiraman taya sowaka …’
The chanting of the Sha mantra echoed out across the valley as the sun slowly set over the mountains. Jack could smell a mix of jasmine and sandalwood incense drifting upon the breeze, and soon fell into a deep trance. The peace and serenity of his surroundings seeped into him, easing his mind, body and soul.
By the time the sun dropped behind the mountains, Jack felt reborn.
39
MOVING TARGET
‘Welcome to my hideout,’ said Tenzen proudly.
Jack gazed around in awe at the grotto, its high ceiling glimmering with quartz and crystals. He’d been surprised enough when Tenzen had led him to a waterfall in the mountains for his shuriken training. But then he’d been astounded as Tenzen had stepped through this cascade and into the hidden cavern behind. The bright sunshine filtering through the waterfall made the grotto appear light and airy, though the cavern receded into darkness.
‘How far back does it go?’ Jack asked.
‘These mountains are riddled with caves, tunnels and passageways,’ replied Tenzen. ‘I’ve yet to fully explore them.’
‘Who else knows about this place?’
‘It’s my secret. But I know I can trust you not to tell anyone.’
‘So why bring me here?’ asked Jack.
‘Target practice,’ he replied, handing Jack three shuriken.
‘What’s wrong with the posts back in the village?’
‘They don’t move, and samurai do,’ replied Tenzen, walking over to a small log resting upon a ledge. ‘We need a more realistic test for your shuriken skills. You can hit stationary objects almost every time, but can you hit a moving target?’
Tenzen pushed the log off the ledge. As it swung across the grotto and back again, Jack saw it was attached by a rope tied to a stalactite in the ceiling.
Taking careful aim, Jack threw his first shuriken. It didn’t even come close, clattering into the rock wall behind. As the log continued its arc, Jack took a second shot. Again the throwing star missed, this time disappearing into the grotto’s black hole. He cursed in frustration. With all the training Tenzen had given him, Jack thought he’d mastered this skill.
‘Anticipate the target’s movement,’ advised Tenzen, giving the log another push.
Following the sweeping trajectory of the log, Jack flicked his third and final throwing star. It flew through the air, just ahead of the target and … shot past.
Jack watched as his shuriken rebounded off the cave wall and vanished into the waterfall. A second later he was knocked off his feet. Jack sat up, dazed and confused. Then he saw the offending log spinning above