Reza chuckled. “So when you went north, the General used these things to terrify the Mongols?”
“It certainly startled them, but as to terrifying them, I’m not so sure,” Talon said, his tone thoughtful.
“You had some adventures while north. Tell us about the hunt for the dragon, Talon,” Jannat begged him.
Talon shot a look at Rav’an, but her face was bland. He sent her a small frown, wondering if she had broken her word and told Jannat.
Rostam, who had been playing with a set of carved wooden soldiers in the grass, looked up and said in a loud voice, “Please, Papa, tell us about the dragon! Lun and I have a Crane kite. It’s beautiful.”
“I didn’t go up there to hunt a dragon, just to see one,” Talon mumbled.
“Well, did you see one? We all want to know. Even the crew is waiting to hear all about it, Talon,” Reza demanded. “They wanted to stuff it and take it home, but you didn’t bring one back. I can tell you, they are disappointed!”
“I did see a dragon,” Talon said evasively. Rav’an’s lips curled into a barely suppressed smile.
“What was it like?” Rostam demanded eagerly.
“Was it huge?” Jannat asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
“It was big, yes, very big, and white all over.”
“White!” exclaimed Reza. “I thought they were all red, like we see here everywhere in Guangzhou.”
“That’s because the Chinese believe the color red is for good Joss. They paint everything red,” Talon said, beginning to sweat. “Anyway, I hope you are all going to wear your best for the dinner that Hsü wants to have in our honor. It will be held in a week, I believe,” he told them, desperate to change the subject.
Reza and Jannat continued with their game of dominos. Rostam went back to his toy soldiers, and Talon glared at Rav’an, whose face was going pink with suppressed laughter.
He scowled. Hsü had a lot to answer for, Talon decided.
*****
Talon and Rav’an, accompanied by Jannat, Jiaya and Lihua, made a protracted visit to a porcelain work shop to observe the process of making these exquisite items. Rav’an and Jannat, who had a very good eye for details, picked some of the very best from the pots, jars and plates laid out in front of them. At last they had several bales of pottery, which Jiaya assured them would be very carefully packed to withstand the rough passage of a sea voyage.
Well satisfied with his purchases, Talon suggested a walk for one last lingering look at the city where they had lived for over six months. As they ambled along the road that led out of the walled city, they came to an area where the streets were narrower and the houses less well maintained. Talon glanced around him towards the gates. The crowed street ahead was full of men, women and children all going about their business, avoiding the rickshaws and the palanquins that took up the center of the street.
He caught a glimpse of a man in the crowd who seemed to be watching Talon with an unmistakable look of hatred in his black eyes, but when he realized that Talon had observed him he turned and hurried away. Talon was trying hard to remember where he had seen this man before; seeing the bridge ahead of them jogged his memory.
It was the same man who had tried to kill Hsü while he and Talon had been walking across the bridge all those weeks ago!
“Reza, come with me,” Talon said sharply, and he began to run. Reza with a surprised exclamation chased after him. “Stay there with the guards, Rav’an. We will be back very soon!” he called as he ran after Talon.
“What is it, Brother?” he demanded when he caught up with Talon, who was searching a narrow street for his quarry.
“I noticed someone watching us and remembered that he was the one who tried to kill Hsü when we were on the bridge. He ran down here somewhere, I’m sure of it.”
Reza glanced down the street, which appeared to be empty of people, except for one old man sitting outside a doorway enjoying the little sun coming over the buildings. Smoke surrounded him, and the by now familiar smell of opium. Otherwise the street was empty; laundry hung on poles outside almost every second floor of the houses, but no one else was to be seen.
“Come on, we’ll go down and see if he is somewhere along here,” Talon said, and drew his sword. Reza did the same and they cautiously entered the narrow alleyway. The sounds from the main road dimmed as they went further into the alley.
Without warning there was a loud flash and a bang, followed by many more bursts of small explosive crackling, snapping sounds that detonated all around their feet. Flashes and acrid smoke increased the complete surprise of the two men, who jumped back away from these vicious, noisy things erupting all around their legs. Surprise shook Talon, but he gripped his sword and tried to make sense of the commotion and bitter smoke. Just in time, he saw his quarry rushing at him through the smoke with a huge sword raised to strike.
He was so off balance from the many explosions, he only just managed to dodge out of the way of the first downward slash, which might have finished him. He brought up his own weapon and hammered back at the other’s with all his strength and then kicked out hard. The edge of his boot struck his attacker’s kneecap, eliciting a high-pitched shout of pain.
Before the man could react, Reza pounced and hammered the pommel of his own weapon onto the man’s head. He slumped onto the ground among the ashes and debris of his explosive devices, unconscious.
“I thought you might want to keep him alive for Hsü to talk to, Talon,” Reza said with a grin. He glanced around them at the mess on the street. “Pedar Sag! Those are terrifying! He very nearly succeeded in his plan! I was completely distracted by those noisy things.”
“So was I; something to remember,” Talon said with a grimace as he sheathed his sword. He reached down and dragged their would-be assailant to the side of the road, and then he cut a piece of string from a laundry line, letting the clean clothes fall into the road. He rapidly tied the prisoner’s arms behind him, then hauled him to his feet.
“We need to get out of here, Reza. The noise is bringing a crowd.”
Curious people were emerging from the houses nearby; they were beginning to point and shout. A babble of loud Chinese followed them.
They hustled the still groggy prisoner out of the alleyway back onto the crowded main street. Hsü’s guards, who were clustered protectively around Rav’an and Jannat, looked at them with surprise as they walked up with their prize.
Talon quickly explained the situation to them in halting Cantonese, whereupon they nodded and took charge of the prisoner.
“We should go home now,” Talon suggested to the others.
*****
When Hsü came home, he had the situation explained to him by both the guards and then by Talon, whom he came to see directly after the guards’ report.
“You think this is the same man who tried to kill me, Talon?”
“I am sure of it, and if I had not been sure before he attacked us I certainly am now,” Talon remarked. “These things that he threw at us had us so surprised he might have killed us both.”
Hsü nodded. “They can be very effective when used in that manner,” he murmured, and led the way to the stables where the prisoner was being held. He was bound to a pole and had not been treated gently by his guards, but he was alert. Hsü launched into a long discussion with him. The questioning went back and forth, too rapidly for Talon to follow. However, from the changing expressions on the man’s face, he could read something.
Eventually Hsü turned to him and explained.
“His name is Lin Chong. He used to work for the Chief of Police, Hua Rong. He blames you for the death of Rong, but I told him I knew that someone else killed his chief, as you were away when that happened. He has no one to work for now, and is a danger to others. Should I kill him? What do you think?”
Talon gave Hsü a thoughtful look. Then he shrugged. “You could kill him, of course; but he probably knows all there is about what is going on in this city, in the harb
or, and the lower ends of society. He might be useful to you.”
Hsü smiled and wagged his head. “You have read my mind, Talon. I shall suggest to him that he should work for me in future, and I shall reward him well for his services, better than Rong ever did. I will need some eyes in the streets as time goes by, and who better than this villain here?”
He then launched into a long series of questions to Lin, who registered first alarm, then surprise, and finally nodded his head vigorously with a crooked attempt at a smile. He tried to bow to Hsü, despite his bonds.
Hsü barked a command to the two men guarding Lin; they stepped forward to cut his ropes and then stood back with their hands on the hilts of their swords.
Lin immediately dropped to his knees and banged his head on the sand, saying something Talon could not follow.
Hsü spoke to him again, clearly warning him, then told him to stand. Lin was escorted away between the two suspicious guards.
“Well, you and I seem to be in agreement about how we should obtain information from the streets, Talon,” Hsü remarked.
“I have used beggars in the past to my advantage, Hsü. They are hiding in plain sight, but they see everything on the street.”
Hsü laughed. “I knew I should not underestimate you, Talon,” he said. “Thank you for bringing Lin to me. I shall not be able to let my guard down with him for a while, but we shall see how useful he becomes.”
*****
A week later, the ship was laden, the crew members were aboard, and it was docked at the Meng warehouse, ready to sail. That evening was to be the last for Talon and his family and friends at the residence. Hsü had insisted upon a farewell dinner, so everyone was present, including Yosef and Dar’an, who were dressed self-consciously in their new Chinese costumes.
Hsü presided over the meal; next to him was Lady Meilin on his left side, who kept a frozen face throughout the meal. Talon wondered unkindly if it was the powder layered on her face that prevented expression. Then there was Lady Lanfen, who beamed at the visitors as they filed in to be seated. Lihua was also present. At the bottom of the table were the two boys, by now firm friends.
They were served the best that Tem Pau could devise in the way of Chinese food. They started with an appetizer, served on a lacquer tray, that consisted of tit bits that required skill using chop sticks. No one present failed that test. Then there were lotus eggs with barbecued pork slices, preserved cabbage cooked in a meat sauce, followed by what Hsü called Dragon and Phoenix ham. There was a bewildering array of other dishes that everyone was encouraged to sample.
Hsü had a gleam in his eye when he spoke. “Pau wanted to do an all fish meal, but I told him that you would be eating fish for a month or two, so no fish today.”
They all laughed; he was speaking Arabic for the benefit of all. “I did ask if there was a chance for some Durian, because I know how much you like it, Reza.” His eyes twinkled. Reza’s mustache bristled and he made a comical grimace, while Talon snorted with amusement.
After the meal, when the remains of the food had been removed, Hsü raised his hand for silence. The babble of conversation ceased as everyone looked towards him.
“I have two announcements to make. The one is that my office of governorship has the blessings of the Emperor and I will be taking up my duties very soon. In fact, I have done so all ready.”
Everyone applauded at that piece of news; they had known of his successful bid, but now it was confirmed.
“I have another announcement to make, and I am very proud to do so.” He paused and looked at his older son with affection. “My son Fuling has passed the Seventh grade Exams that will permit him to become an administrator; and should he one day pass the First grade, he can even become a governor of a province in time!” He lifted his wine cup and toasted a beaming Fuling. There were cheers at this from everyone at the table. Fuling gave them a tired but happy smile and toasted his father.
Hsü became serious. “My guests, it is with a heavy heart that I must bid you farewell and wish you a safe journey to the country you call home. We have learned much from you, and I hope that you in turn will remember China with kindness in your hearts, even if your stay has not always been tranquil and safe.”
Talon smiled and said, “Of that you should have no doubt, Governor. We will always carry fond memories of this family, Guangzhou and China. We leave with heavy hearts.”
Hsü nodded and then said, “There is one more thing.”
He motioned to one of the servants, who signaled to someone beyond the door. A small procession of servants came in, carrying some articles that left the visitors openmouthed with surprise.
Hsü stood up and went to the leading servant. He lifted up a sword of the Nippon style that was sheathed in an exquisitely worked lacquer scabbard. He gave a small bow and presented it with both hands to Talon, who jumped to his feet to accept it, also with both hands, too overcome to speak.
“You, my friend, have earned this,” Hsü said with a sincere smile. “These have come from Japan. They were made by the sword smiths at Bizen, a region now famous for the very best swords. That is why they took so long to arrive. They arrived just in time. I do not think you will be disappointed in their quality.”
Now Talon understood the evasive behavior of his host. He smiled, wanting to embrace Hsü, but knew that would be a breach of manners.
Hsü turned to Reza. “Reza, may I also present you with this gift, because you too have earned it; you defended my family in its darkest hour.” Reza bowed very low as he received his new weapon.
The other surprise was that Hsü presented smaller swords to Rav’an and Jannat, saying,” You too are warriors, so it is only appropriate.”
There were presents for all. Yosef and Dar’an also received swords, all of the Nippon make. All of the recipients were speechless with gratitude.
Lady Meilin presented Rav’an and Jannat with silk robes that took their breath away. They hadn’t expected anything from this aloof lady, who was probably relieved that they were finally leaving. Lady Lanfen, not to be outdone, gave them each hair combs of jade and ivory set in gold; while Lihua, with tears in her eyes, gave them a complete set of dominos made of ivory.
Rostam received a brand new kite from Lun, who was very unhappy at his leaving, and a printed poem Lun had managed to negotiate, from the old man on the street, with his own pocket money. He also received from Lady Lanfen, who had taken a liking to him, a small figurine of two leopards, carved out of white jade, standing on a rock of green jade.
It was time to say goodbye. There were tears from the women and wet eyes all round as they left the room and went to their beds that night. The ship had to leave very early in the morning on the tide.
*****
The next day, Hsü, his two sons, and Lihua were there to see them off.
“You will find two small chests that I have delivered to the ship for you to open when you are out to sea, Talon. Please remember that this is home to you. If and whenever you decide to come back and see us, bring a ship full of cargo and we will buy it off you.” Hsü’s eyes twinkled. “Who knows, I might have found a dragon for you by then.” They both laughed.
“I wish you all good fortune with your new post as governor, my friend. One day perhaps we will come back,” Talon told him.
“We will miss you,” Hsü told him. There were genuine tears in his eyes.
They embraced hard, and then, when Talon had jumped aboard, the vessel was poled away from the dock by workers. The crew let the main sail fill and belly in the light wind from the North, then the ship began to move slowly down river to join the other traffic. They waved until the figures on the quayside were too small to see. As they watched the teeming harbor go by, the boat sailed past the mud flats of the artificial island to the east of the city walls.
Talon didn’t wait to reach the sea to find out what was in the small crates. He discovered that one contained a beautiful set of Go. The other was a surprise, an
d much larger. It contained a small dragon of white jade, about one pace long and five hands high. He laughed. Hsü had had the last word, of course.
*****
No one on the ship noticed the small crowd of curious people standing on the mud flats to the East below the city walls, nor the two prisoners kneeling in the mud, their hands tied behind them, waiting for the executioner’s sword. One of the last things Wu po-ku and Lu Buwei ever saw was an elegant, ocean-going Arab ship sailing by.
Here Captain! dear father!
This arm beneath your head;
It is some dream that on the deck,
You've fallen cold and dead?
—Walt Whitman
Chapter Thirty-Two
A Good Captain
Their journey to Kalah Bar across the Chinese seas was uneventful, and once they entered the straits of Salaht the captain relaxed somewhat, saying that they could stay close to the coast of Malaya all the way to Kalah Bar. He kept a weather eye on Al Zabag to the port side of the ship, just in case there were pirates lurking in those mangrove swamps. The winds were benign and they made good time up the straits, only occasionally having to tack to make headway. There was only one nagging concern in Talon’s mind.
How would they be received when they arrived in Kalah Bar? They needed to dock there to collect fresh water and supplies for the long leg across the Indian Ocean to Sarandib. He also wanted to take on spices and peppers to carry with them to Muscat. The man Sing might have something to say about that.
He decided that they would not dock on the island as they had on the outward journey but instead go to the mainland harbor of Kalah Bar, located in the state of Kedah. Captain Dandachi agreed with him. They wanted no trouble with the sinister Sing, and Kalah Bar seemed far enough away to avoid any trouble from the island.
The Dragon's Breath Page 50