“Help!” the guard cried, prising himself free.
“Hurry up!” Liu growled.
The key clicked, the lock opened, and Guan Shi was out. Above them, the alarm bell in the prison tower rang, and ten guards marched into sight. Chao tossed the keys to another cell, and the prisoners who had stolen their own keys burst out.
“Come on, before the guards are done with those louts,” Guan said, running for the door.
Liu ran after him, but when he flung open the door, four armed guards were waiting. Spears thrust at her. She dodged left and jabbed right, Chao whirling like a dancer with swords for arms, and Guan fighting with a spear he had wrenched from a guard’s grip. The prison guards were used to dealing with unarmed prisoners and petty criminals. They had no chance against three people who knew what they were doing, and were beaten so black and blue they envied the guards who had been drugged to sleep.
Liu, Guan and Chao fled the battle between prisoners and guards, and made their way back to The Black Turtle.
“You can’t stay a moment,” Chao whispered as they hurried through the streets. “The inn is the first place they’ll look, and if they find you at my place twice then the inn will be burnt down and I’ll be locked up too.”
Guan nodded. “Even if I lived two lifetimes I couldn’t repay either of you. Liu, go back home. You’ll be safe there.”
“Not safe from the tyranny of servitude. Take me with you. Aunt Na expects me to be a maid or a prostitute. I’d rather be a vagrant by myself than that, so I may as well travel with you.”
The Black Turtle was near, and Guan halted. “I don’t like this, but I do owe you my life. Go back home, if only to retrieve whatever possessions you left there. Be back within an hour, or I’ll have to go without you.”
Liu grinned, and ran through the streets, leaving Guan and Chao alone.
Roaming Tiger returned to his room at the inn, packing up everything quickly. The Silent Monk entered his room, with a letter in hand.
“I never thought to give this to you before, but a letter from Tiangjin came late in the day.”
Guan nodded. “It must be from little brother. I was going to see him anyway, but let’s see what he’s written.”
He unfolded the letter and by candlelight digested the contents. Because his brother was also a wanted man, and to hide his destination, he burnt the letter after reading it. “Two pieces of good fortune today, and it isn’t even dawn! Song found Lin Mei. She’s safe and well, and he’s invited me and Sun to join him.”
“That’s wonderful, but please hurry. If the guards find you here, we’re both done for!” Chao said.
Guan clasped his hands and bowed his head. “I can’t thank you enough, old friend. When things have settled down, I’ll write to you.”
“I’d like that.”
Guan hacked off the end of his stolen spear and walked to the door, makeshift staff in one hand and pack over his shoulder. “But don’t think I’ve forgotten you still owe me a rainbow trout.”
We leave Guan and Chao to join Liu Shanshan. A day on her feet and a night prowling the street had left her legs aching, but her heart exhilarated. Drawing near the house, Liu was wary. There was no sound of snoring. She crept close to a window and heard voices murmuring.
“Your honesty and loyalty stands you in good stead,” a familiar voice said. “Lord Ximen is aware of your service, and I’m sure he’ll reward your relatives with imperial appointments and official contracts, in addition to the silver provided for you personally.”
Liu raised her head and opened the shutter just a crack. In the kitchen was Aunt Na, and standing opposite her was the general with a port-wine stain on his cheek. Liu lowered her head and bit her lip.
“Thank you, general. My brother may have been rotten, but I’ve always been a law-abiding citizen.”
“Roaming Tiger’s escape was a great embarrassment, to have him caged again is a good day for the law. Speaking of which, I should be off. Without me to supervise, the beheading can’t take place.”
“What about the wretch’s brother? Aren’t you worried he might try and rescue Guan Shi?”
The general laughed. “Not at all. But if you hear anything else I need to know, useful information will always be rewarded.”
Footsteps approached the door, and Liu hid herself in a nearby alleyway. The general left the house and strode off towards the prison.
No wonder Aunt Na has a bucket load of silver laying about, Liu thought to herself. The bitch told the soldiers what had happened with me and Guan and sold us down the river! But once the general discovers what happened at the prison, he’s sure to close the gates. There’s no time to lose.
Liu returned to the window, but Aunt Na had gone. She entered the house quietly, found the silver, and slipped it into her brocade bag. Before Aunt Na could return, Liu left the house, spat against the door, and ran to The Black Turtle. She found Guan Shi waiting outside.
“You forgot something,” he said as they walked towards the gate.
Liu frowned. “I’ve got my staff, my scroll, and some silver. What did I forget?”
“Your hair. You look like a six year old.”
“A jail-breaking, staff-wielding six year old.” Nevertheless, she tied it back in a quick ponytail before remembering what she’d heard. “Old Purpleface is in town. It was my aunt who gave you away, that’s how they found you. I told you she was a bitch.”
Guan sighed. “That is bad news. Ximen has a hundred fools for servants, but Ba Renzhong isn’t one of them. We need to skip town before he discovers I’ve escaped,” he said, upping his pace. “There was a message for me at the inn. We’re going to Tiangjin to meet my brother and his lady friend, Lin Mei. At least he’s enjoying better fortune.”
As they neared the gate, Guan started affecting a limp, and Liu supported him like a loyal daughter. Once they were out of sight of the guards, they both returned to normal.
“Maybe. Purpleface said he wasn’t at all worried about Guan Song coming to save you.”
“You know, Ba Renzhong has a real nickname. They call him the Purple Demon.”
Liu snorted. “These nicknames are stupid.”
“Maybe they are, Wandering Phoenix. Maybe they are.”
What happened when Roaming Tiger and the Jade Lion were reunited? Read on, if you would know.
Part 6 – In Tiangjin, the Tiger and the Phoenix find more than they bargain for
On the road to Tiangjin, Liu learnt a little more about quarterstaff techniques from Guan. Soon her footwork was elegant as a leopard, her attacks ferocious as a bear. But she still found it almost impossible to get near to Guan Shi’s level of skill when they sparred.
Along the way, she went to wash in a river and bumped into Su Feng, a farmer’s son. He was taking his father’s donkey to Xuzhou, and led the animal down to the river to have a drink.
“Hey, Shanshan. I heard about your father’s farm. Sorry about what happened,” Feng said.
Liu wrung her long black hair out. “Thanks, Feng. But didn’t you know I’m an outlaw now? If you get caught talking to me they’ll beat you up.”
Feng waved a hand at the empty road. “Unless the birds and rabbits have turned informant, I think I’m safe. Anything I can do to help?”
“Liu!” Guan yelled from the road.
“I’d better go. Look after yourself,” Liu said.
“You too.”
She dipped her hands in the river and splashed Feng’s clothes, then ran for the bank before he could retaliate. Guan had packed up the tents and was tapping his toe.
“What’s the matter?” Liu asked.
Roaming Tiger nodded at Su Feng. “What were you talking about with that boy?”
“Nothing.”
“What did you give away about where we’re going?”
“Nothing,” she snapped.
“What do you think he has between his legs?”
“Nothi– you’re unbearable!”
Guan
Shi laughed. “There is a serious point, Liu. I almost lost my head because Na would sell her own niece down the river. I’m not saying be paranoid, just be wary.”
Liu shook the last drops of water from her legs and put her boots on. “I’ve known Su Feng since I was a little girl. We don’t have anything to worry about from him.”
Together they wandered down the road towards Tiangjin. When they camped for the final time before reaching it, Guan decided to tell his apprentice a little about the city.
“You probably know that Tiangjin is the biggest city in the province.”
“Just because I’m from a farm doesn’t mean I’m some empty-headed bumpkin,” Liu interrupted.
“I know. Just make sure you don’t wander into the wrong area by mistake. Most of the city is like anywhere else, but a whole district belongs to Ximen. There are over a thousand soldiers in the city, and it’s where Ba Renzhong lives as well. If we get spotted, we’re going to be in serious trouble. Keep that temper of yours in check,” Guan warned her, wagging his finger.
“I don’t have a temper,” Liu protested. “I just don’t stand for any nonsense.”
Guan Shi raised an eyebrow.
The next day they reached Tiangjin, and Liu marvelled at the height of its walls and the multi-storied towers that scraped the sky and pierced the clouds. The pair adopted the father-and-daughter act for the gate guards, until they were inside. Liu gawped at the magnificent buildings and the size of the streets.
“It’s a pagoda forest,” she murmured.
“Just be careful. The predators in this urban jungle can be just as lethal as tigers and wolves,” Guan said.
“Now I’ve got some silver, could we spend some buying prayers for my brother and father?”
Guan stroked his moustache. “Of course. I know just the place, where the monks are pious and noble. And know how to keep a secret.”
Through the streets they walked, stopping in a market square to get a bite to eat. Liu was about to take some money from her brocade bag, but Guan stopped her and paid with a few coins himself.
“If some thug had seen the glint of silver, we might have found ourselves set upon when we were in a quieter part of town,” he explained.
Liu patted her staff. “Good. I could use a workout.”
Guan raised his eyes to the sky. “Do you think the thousand soldiers of Tiangjin won’t notice a big fight in the middle of their city? We have enough problems without hoodlums attracting attention.”
“Oh. Right.”
Liu held her staff in one hand and a quarter of a melon in the other, biting out huge chunks of the pink fruit and spitting out black seeds. City folk with skin pale as white jade shot disparaging looks and condescending words her way. She spat a seed at one man and it struck his forehead. The man muttered a curse and hurried on his way.
Temple after temple they passed, clouds of incense and the aroma of sandalwood flowing out into the street. Eventually they came to a smaller temple surrounded by a wall. Guan slipped the two brawny monks at the gate a few coins, and the Phoenix and the Tiger walked into the temple grounds. Guan didn’t go inside right away, but walked the perimeter, rolling prayer wheels.
“When we get inside, I’ll find Father Kui, the abbot. You can be totally honest with him when it comes to your family.”
Liu spun the wheels after Guan, and then the pair of them strode over the raised step at the temple’s door and went inside. Countless red pillars rose to support the high ceiling, and the mingling clouds of incense and candle smoke was thick in the air. At the far end of the temple was a golden statue of a many-armed deity, cross-legged and reading a book, arms spread out behind him like a peacock’s feathers.
“Wait here a moment. I’ll go fetch Father Kui,” Guan whispered.
Liu nodded.
Whilst he was gone, she wandered through the temple, admiring the artwork carved into the walls and enjoying the fragrance of the votive candles. The echoing of footsteps approached; Guan had found Father Kui.
“Good day, child,” Father Kui said. He was a short, round fellow with a ruddy face. “I understand you wish to pay for prayers for your sadly departed family?”
Liu nodded, but her throat clenched and her eyes watered. Not a word could escape her lips.
“Her brother, Liu Tong, and father, Liu Meng, were unjustly killed,” Guan said. “If you could pray to soothe their troubled souls, we would be more than happy to make a donation to the monastery.”
Father Kui bowed his head. “Of course, we always welcome contributions from the virtuous.”
Liu delved into her brocade bag and withdrew two of the little silver ingots.
The abbot’s eyes widened as he palmed the silver. “Your generosity is appreciated, child. I’ll light the votive candles now, and keep the flames burning for two months. During that time, prayers will be chanted for Liu Tong and Liu Meng at dawn, midday and dusk. I’m sure that will make their spirits rest easier.”
“Thank you,” Liu Shanshan said, wiping a tear from her eye.
Father Kui bowed to her, then Guan, and walked away to light two candles.
“Whereabouts are we going to find the Jade Lion?” Liu asked.
“The letter said Lin Mei’s house is just by the Serene Gardens. They’re pretty near Ximen’s district, so we’ll need to be extra careful. Are you feeling alright?”
Liu glanced at the two candles. The first blew out, and the abbot relit it. “Not really. I think I should have gone back to the farm, buried Tong and Meng.”
Guan squeezed her shoulder. “It’d be the first place the soldiers would’ve checked. Come on, let’s go find Song, then we can get out of here.”
They walked out of the temple’s tranquillity and back into the bustling streets of Tiangjin. After three li or so of walking, Liu asked a question that had been troubling her.
“Why don’t we just kill Ximen? He’s a murderer, a liar, a thief, he oppresses the people. We’re leaving the province anyway, so why not do the people a favour before we go?”
“Absolutely not,” Guan growled. “He is a wretch, but a wretch related to the imperial family. The imperial court would be forced to send in the army for punitive justice. If we weren’t immediately caught, tortured and executed then a thousand farms would be burnt down. Ash might be a good fertiliser, but if the farmer’s dead who can reap the harvest?”
It was a long time before they came upon the Serene Gardens. The gardens were arranged in a variety of styles, with a cherry blossom tree sprawling over a rolling lawn, densely packed black bamboo in another sector, mushrooms sprouting from sawn logs in another. There was a sea of gravel in which polished stones arose in the pattern of a constellation. Beneath the cherry blossom there was a beautiful woman practising tai chi. Hair like midnight, willowy limbs and porcelain skin had gathered a small crowd of admirers. Liu watched the graceful movements, and turned to see Guan staring.
“Hey, Roaming Tripod! We’ve got a lion to hunt, remember?” she said.
He cleared his throat. “Not all men think with their trousers, Liu. I’m trying to work out if that’s Lin Mei. She matches the description, but we’ve never actually met.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Liu asked. She strolled into the garden and approached the mysterious woman. “Hey, are you Lin Mei?”
The woman stopped halfway through a movement. “Yes. Who are you?”
“Forgive my impetuous apprentice. I’m Guan Shi, Song’s elder brother. It’s a pleasure to meet you at last,” Roaming Tiger said. “This is Liu Shanshan, also known as Wandering Phoenix.”
Lin Mei skipped to Guan and wrapped her arms around him. “Future brother! It’s wonderful to see you.” She hugged Liu. “And little sister. Won’t you both come to tea?”
Liu squirmed free. “We’re just here to find Guan Song, then we’re gone. Where is he?”
Guan sighed. “Forgive Liu, she’s yet to master the art of patience. Of course, we’d love to sit down for a
cup of tea with you and Song.”
“Super. Guan Song’s visiting a friend so he won’t be back until dusk, but I can keep you entertained in the meantime.”
Yes, Liu thought to herself, you look like the kind of woman who’s accustomed to entertaining men whilst Guan Song’s away.
Wandering Phoenix and Roaming Tiger followed Lin’s swaying hips as she led them out of the garden. Liu tugged on Guan’s robe to draw him a few paces back.
“I don’t trust her,” Liu whispered.
“What’s wrong with her? She’s very nice.”
“I don’t trust nice people. Someone who smiles so much reminds me of a crocodile.”
Guan cocked his head. “We’ll see how the Jade Lion is later today. Keeps your eyes sharp.”
Lin Mei’s house was only a short distance from the garden, in sight of the imposing wall that surrounded Lord Ximen’s district. Inside, Lin Mei busied herself in the kitchen preparing the tea, leaving Liu and Guan at the table.
“Are we leaving tonight?” Liu asked.
Guan shook his head. “We’ll buy some things in the market tomorrow, then leave. Guan Song is the blood brother of a commander to the west, I’ll suggest we go there.”
Lin Mei returned bearing a lacquered tray engraved with gold, upon which were three cups and a teapot.
“That’s really fancy. You must be rich,” Liu said as Lin Mei set the table.
Lin Mei smiled. “Fate has been kind to me.”
Guan chatted politely with Lin Mei, but Liu got bored sat down for so long and went into the back garden to practise her quarterstaff technique. Liu parried phantoms and battered shadows, sweeping her staff one moment and jabbing the next. When the sun started to set, she went back inside.
“Where’s Guan Song?” Liu asked, laying on the floor and putting her hands behind her head.
“He probably just got chatting. You know how easily distracted he can be,” Lin Mei said. “After all that exercise, you must be thirsty. Have some tea.”
Someone thumped the door. Liu sat up, and grabbed her staff.
The Demon Attacks (Wandering Phoenix and Roaming Tiger Episode 2) Page 3