by Snake
Seh slowed to a stop and stared up at Malao, silhouetted in the evening sun. They had been running from Shaolin and the fight between Ying and the Emperor's leopard-style master, General Tsung, for less than an hour.
“Don't tell me Fu has fallen behind already,” Seh said. “Where is he?”
“How should I know?” Malao replied. He grabbed a thick vine and began to climb down. “You're the one with the creepy ability to sense other people. I only realized Fu wasn't behind us anymore because I haven't heard him complaining in a while.”
Seh frowned. As he waited for Malao, he slipped one hand inside the folds of his robe. The three dragon scrolls he'd swiped from Tsung were still there. The snake on his wrist crawled higher up his sleeve, out of sight.
“Should we go back and look for Pussycat?” Malao asked as he released the vine high in the air. He tucked into a tight somersault and landed in front of Seh, still talking. “Or do you think Fu will sniff us out?”
“He'll sniff us out for sure,” Seh said, wrinkling his nose. “When was the last time you washed your feet? They stink.”
Malao looked down and wiggled his dark-skinned toes. He giggled.
Seh shook his head. “Climb back up there and keep an eye out for Fu. Keep an eye out for Ying, too.”
“Ying?” Malao said. “He won't be bothering us anytime soon. Did you see the way that guy Tsung took him down? I've never seen a hold like that.”
“Yes, Malao, I saw it,” Seh said. “Now please get up there.”
“Oh, no,” Malao said, folding his arms. “I'm not going anywhere until you answer some questions.”
“We don't have time for games,” Seh said.
“This isn't a game,” Malao replied. “I want to know what's going on.”
Seh glanced about. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”
“Come on, Seh,” Malao said. “Tsung talked about Hok being a girl. Fu and I had no idea, but you did. How long have you known?”
“Long enough,” Seh replied.
“How come you never told us?”
Seh shrugged. “It was none of your business.”
“None of our business?” Malao said. “Hok is our brother! I mean … sister. How could you keep that a secret?”
“If Hok wanted you to know that she was a she, she would have told you. I found out by accident.”
“What kind of accident?” Malao asked. “What other secrets are you hiding?”
“None.”
“I don't believe you. What's going on with Tonglong?”
“Tonglong?” Seh said. “Nothing. I don't know anything about him. Do you?”
“I know that he looks just like you,” Malao said. “And that he winked at me back at Shaolin.”
“He winked at you?”
“Yes,” Malao said. “Right after he took the fourth dragon scroll from Ying.”
“Tonglong took a dragon scroll from Ying?” Seh asked. “Are you sure?”
“Positive,” Malao said. “You still have the other three, don't you?”
“Yes,” Seh said. He patted the folds of his robe and his sleeve slid up toward his elbow. The beauty snake's brilliant blue head poked out.
“Hey!” Malao said. “What's that? Another secret?”
“It's just a snake,” Seh said. “It was wounded, and I helped it. It likes hanging around, and I can't seem to get rid of it.”
“Oh,” Malao said. He looked into the trees. “I wish my friend the white monkey was around. I haven't seen it since it led me and Fu to Shaolin.”
“Would that be the same white monkey I saw with the monkey troop?” Seh asked. “The group that attacked the bandits?”
“That's right,” said Malao. He scowled. “Those bandits are mean.”
“You'd better get used to them,” Seh said. “I'm trying to get them to help us. I had hoped to get the Shaolin monks to help us, too, but that's no longer an option, unfortunately.”
Malao suddenly grew quiet and lowered his head. Seh thought he saw tears welling in Malao's eyes. “Seh, do you think what Tsung said about Hok is true? Do you think that she really… you know … died during the attack?”
Seh patted Malao's fuzzy head. “I don't know what to think. If anyone can take care of herself, though, it's Hok. You know that.”
Malao sniffled. “I guess you're right. So, you don't know anything about this guy Tonglong?”
“No,” Seh replied. “He is the biggest mystery. I didn't get a clear view of his face back at Shaolin Temple, but his chi felt strangely familiar. Still, I'm certain I've never met him before. I don't know what to make of it.”
“Me either,” Malao said. “So, what are we going to do next?”
“I was thinking we should—” The snake on Seh's arm suddenly shivered and retracted its head beneath Seh's sleeve.
Malao looked at Seh. “What's wrong with him?”
“Shhh,” Seh said. “Someone's coming.”
A moment later, Fu burst through a tangle of bushes, panting heavily.
“Pussycat!” Malao said. “It's about time you showed up.”
Fu growled. “I heard you two … talking … about where we're going … next. Tell me.”
“We're going to the bandit stronghold,” Seh announced.
“What!” Malao squeaked. “You never said anything about that! No way! Hung will kill me. And then he'll eat me!”
Malao slid one hand inside the folds of his robe. Seh saw that Malao was carrying his carved monkey stick.
“No one will harm you as long as you're with me, little brother,” Seh said.
“No,” Malao said. “No, no, NO!”
Fu looked at Malao. “Are these the same bandits you told me about?”
Malao nodded.
“I don't know, Seh,” Fu said. “I know some people who might be able to help. The governor of this region—”
Seh raised a hand. “This isn't up for discussion. We're going to the stronghold.”
Fu locked eyes with Seh. “Since when did you become the leader?”
“Do you know how to find the Governor?” Seh asked.
Fu didn't reply.
“There you go,” Seh said. He looked at Malao. “What about you? Do you know how to get anywhere from here?”
Malao looked at the ground.
Seh straightened up. “Mong, the bandit leader, gave me detailed directions to his stronghold. Like it or not, we need their help. So that's where I'm going. You two can follow me, or you can wander around together until Ying catches up with you. It's your choice. I'm done talking.”
“Fine,” Malao said. He looked at Fu. “Maybe we're done talking to you, too. And maybe we'll follow you, but we won't talk to you. Not a single word. Right, Fu?”
Fu nodded.
“Oh, grow up,” Seh said.
Malao clamped his hands over his mouth.
Seh laughed. “I could only be so lucky.” He shook his head and began the long walk toward the bandit stronghold.
More than a week later, Seh's luck was still holding out. Like before, he traveled at night and slept during the day. Malao and Fu did the same, following in Seh's tracks, sometimes as much as a It behind. Seh occasionally heard a distant complaint from Fu or a giggle from Malao, but he only joined them when he saw the thin tendrils of smoke from the cooking fires Malao made at daybreak with his fire stone. Soon after eating the mushrooms and other items Malao had picked along the way Seh would head off alone with the snake. The snake would uncurl itself from his arm and disappear to hunt or poke around on its own, and Seh would meditate, then sleep.
Malao and Fu had remained true to their word and hadn't talked to him the entire time. They talked to each other, though, and Seh sensed that something had changed in both of them. Maybe they were growing up.
Seh decided it was time to say something to Malao and Fu. He wouldn't admit it to them, but he was beginning to feel left out and a little lonely. He decided mealtime would be the best time to do it.
Halt! Who goes there?”
Seh stepped out from behind a large elm tree onto a wide, well-worn trail. In the early-morning half light, he saw a man with a spear. Seh stood still and the snake slithered up his arm, out of sight.
Seh stared hard at the man. He knew he was close to the stronghold. The man was probably a guard. Mong had told him to be firm with the perimeter guards and not show weakness. Mong had also said if he needed to provoke the guards for any reason, all he had to do was call them peasants. They hated being called peasants.
Seh's fine silk robe was no longer in perfect condition, but it still looked much nicer than the simple cotton robe this man was wearing. Seh reached into his robe and pushed the scrolls around his body, then tightened the sash so that the scrolls were secured in the small of his back. If he had to fight, the scrolls wouldn't get in the way.
Seh cleared his throat like he had seen some of Grandmaster's wealthier guests do. “My name is Seh,” he said. “I've come to see Mong.”
The spearman shook his balding head. “Your name is ‘snake’ and you're looking for someone named ‘python’? What do I look like, a zookeeper? Be on your way.”
Seh didn't move.
“I said, be on your way” the man repeated.
Seh folded his arms. “I know your game, and I'm prepared to fight for information. One new thing you'll know for every solid blow, right?”
“What are you talking about?” the man said. “The only fighting I do is to the death. Everything else is child's play. You do not want to cross hands with me, boy.”
Seh smirked. This man was too arrogant. It had been Seh's experience that people who boast of their skill have little. Seh took a step closer. “Tell me how to find Mong.”
The man raised his spear. “I don't know anyone named Mong.”
Seh stared deep into the spearman's eyes. The man's pupils narrowed and his eyes darted to one side. The man was lying.
Seh approached the man.
The guard raised his spear higher and shook it. “Don't make me use this!”
Seh found it amusing that he was being threatened with a spear. Everyone at Cangzhen had learned to use a spear, but no monk of any age could match Seh's skill with the weapon. He was an expert at using one as well as taking one out of the hands of an opponent. If he could provoke the man to attack, Seh thought he could disarm him. Perhaps then the man would be more cooperative.
“Why don't you give that to me?” Seh said, pointing at the spear. “I wouldn't want you to hurt yourself.”
The man scowled.
“Well?” Seh said.
The man hesitated.
Seh scoffed and waved his hand, turning away. “Cowardly peasant.”
“Who are you calling a peasant!” the man shouted. He thrust his spear at the back of Seh's neck.
Seh sensed the spearman move and heard a subtle whoosh of air. He tilted to one side and the spear tip passed harmlessly over his shoulder. Seh grabbed the spear shaft with both hands and lunged forward, pulling the spearman off balance. The man hung on tight with his arms extended, and Seh kicked straight backward. He connected solidly with the spearman's armpit.
The spearman howled and released the weapon, staggering away from Seh. The snake on Seh's arm shivered, and Seh saw two more men running down the trail toward them. One carried a broadsword, the other a bow with an arrow already nocked. They stopped next to the disarmed spearman.
“I do not wish to fight,” Seh said, dropping the spear. “I only want to talk to Mong. My name is Seh.”
“I don't care what your name is,” the swordsman said. “No one talks to Mong. I suggest you turn around and go back the way you came.”
Seh shook his head.
“I'm sorry,” the swordsman said, stepping toward Seh. “Perhaps you didn't understand what I just said. Maybe I should ask my broadsword to explain it to you? People never seem to misunderstand it.”
Seh bent down and picked up the spear. He glanced disapprovingly at the heavy gray robes worn by the guards. “Broadswords are peasant weapons,” Seh said. “I don't speak peasant, so I doubt I would understand it any better than I do you”
The swordsman's face flushed. “You shall pay dearly for that!” He rushed toward Seh with his broadsword held high in one hand, his other arm defensively in front of his chest. This man knew how to fight. Seh had to be careful.
Seh gripped the spear at its center balance point with both hands, his lead hand in an overhand grip and his trailing hand in an underhand grip. When the swordsman was within range, Seh raised the spear high and thrust its razor-sharp tip down at an angle toward the man's stomach.
The swordsman stopped short and swung his broadsword down in front of his body, knocking the spear tip straight down—exactly as Seh had hoped. Seh used the spear tip's downward momentum to help swing the entire spear end over end in a powerful circle. The tail end of the spear struck the swordsman on the ear and the swordsman sank to his knees.
Seh dropped the spear and dove forward, catching the swordsman's throat in the crux of his elbow. Seh began to squeeze.
A moment later, the swordsman went limp.
Seh loosened his grip slightly, his arm still locked around the swordsman's drooping head. Seh noticed the snake was shivering violently on his left bicep. Seh flashed a stern look at the archer and the spearman.
The archer raised his bow and drew his nocked arrow.
“Put your bow away,” Seh said. “Your friend's sleep is only temporary. But if I feel threatened, I'll snap his neck like a rotten tree limb.”
“Go ahead,” the archer replied. “That scoundrel is no friend of mine. His temper is far too short. Our camp would be better off without him.”
Seh blinked. He wasn't expecting a response like that. He scanned the morning shadows for something that might help him get out of this situation. He knew he was no match for a man with a drawn bow. Not at that distance.
Next to the archer, the spearman glanced into the trees. The pit of Seh's stomach began to tingle, and he heard a familiar voice.
“Hey! Why don't you pick on somebody your own size?” It was Malao.
The archer glanced up. “Where did you come from?”
Malao began to giggle.
“What's so funny?” the archer asked.
Malao giggled harder and pointed at the man.
The archer's face darkened. He aimed his bow at Malao. “Why you little mmmpf—”
The archer's remaining words were shoved back into his mouth by Fu's meaty hand. Seh watch as Fu stepped out of the shadows and snapped the archer's head back far enough to throw the man off balance but not break his neck. The spearman's eyes widened, and he backed toward the unconscious swordsman.
Fu tossed the bow, arrow, and quiver into the trees. The archer attempted to stand, but Fu pounced on his chest.
“Don't you EVER point that thing at my little brother,” Fu growled in the archer's face. “Do you understand?”
The archer nodded.
Seh took a step toward the spearman, and the pit of his stomach began to tingle again as a spasm ripped through the snake on his arm. Seh spun around, expecting to see Malao behind him on the ground. Instead, he saw a medium-sized man with big brown eyes, a large nose, and strange, droopy ears jump out from behind a bush. The man landed on all fours and raised his head, sniffing the air.
Sniff, sniff, sniff. “Let's see….” Sniff, sniff. “A snake, a tiger, and a …” Sniff, sniff, cough! “Whew! A monkey? What fun!”
Seh grimaced. “Who are you?”
The man stood, grinning, and folded his hands like a Cangzhen monk. “I am Gao. Welcome to the stronghold, my brothers.”
I can't believe we came all the way back here because of a stupid dream,” Captain Yue said.
Commander Woo looked up from the morning campfire. “Lower your voice!” he
whispered. “Don't criticize Major Ying's decisions or his dreams. You've seen the kind of mood he's been in since we left Shaolin.”
Captain Yue yawned and examined the sleeve of his ornate silk robe. “I don't care anymore. I'm thinking about ending this assignment. My uncle—the Emperor—promised me adventure and excitement. So far, all we've done is trudge through the forest in a big circle. Now we're back at Cangzhen, right where we started. This is ridiculous.”
“Major Ying has his reasons for returning,” Commander Woo said. “As Major Ying's third in command, you're in no position to question him. And as his number two, it would be my responsibility to stop you. Besides, where would you go?”
“My uncle's summer palace isn't all that far from here,” Captain Yue said. “I'm sure I could find it easily enough. If my leg weren't still injured from that encounter with the Drunkard, I'd be on my way right now.”
“You aren't going anywhere,” Commander Woo said. “I outrank you and—”
“Oh, please,” Captain Yue interrupted. “It's not like you could stop me. Your leg is much worse than mine. Tell me again, how was it that you hurt yours?”
Commander Woo stood on his good leg. “Listen to me, you—”
Ying emerged from the shadows beyond the campfire. “That's enough!” he hissed. He looked at Commander Woo. “You should know better than to argue like this out in the open. What if the men heard you?”
Commander Woo sat down and lowered his head.
Ying looked at Captain Yue and the grooves in his forehead deepened. “I promised your uncle—the Emperor—I would personally keep an eye on you. You will go nowhere until I say so. You and Commander Woo had better be ready to strike camp the moment Tonglong arrives.”
“Yes, sir,” Commander Woo said. “Do you expect him soon? He's followed the young monks from Shaolin, right?”
“Yes,” Ying replied. “I expect he'll meet us here in the next few days. He rode that demon horse of his, which will speed his travel considerably.”
Commander Woo nodded.
“One more thing,” Ying said. “I need you to find a green tree snake for my drink tonight. The blood from the brown ground dwellers you've been using lately doesn't seem to taste as good with the powdered dragon bone.”