Wings of a Flying Tiger

by Iris Yang

  Chapter 41

  Two days passed. No sign of Jasmine. What happened to her? Danny and Daisy had discussed it countless times but couldn’t find an answer. Doctor Wang had said the village was hard to find. There was no well-defined road, only a narrow footpath known only by the locals. No outsider knew an American pilot was in the area, so most likely she hadn’t run into Japanese. But why hadn’t she returned? Had she fallen? Did she twist her ankle? Even if something had delayed her, Doctor Wang should have been there by now. Or Shitou should have been there. Or Linzi, if he’d already finished making the phone call in Anning to Colonel Bai or Birch.

  “I should go to the village,” Daisy said.

  They were standing near the edge of the cave, looking out at the valley. A thick mist hovered above the tops of the trees.

  “Yes, let’s go,” Danny answered.

  “No, I should go.”

  “I can’t let you go alone.”

  “Danny, don’t argue with me.” She stood toe-to-toe with him. Almost a foot shorter, she had to tilt her head back to look at him. Her slender body seemed so frail before the broad-shouldered man, but she didn’t budge. “Don’t make me repeat what Jasmine said. You know she was right.”

  Danny shook his head, his eyes hollow from lack of sleep. Whether he liked it or not, he knew that Daisy was right. He wasn’t healthy enough to climb down the cliff. And his presence would only add danger. Nevertheless, he didn’t have the heart to let the teenager leave without protection. He looked up at the gray sky that lay like a thick blanket over the mountains. “Something isn’t right. She should be back by now.”

  “We have to find out what happened. And soon we’ll run out of food. But going with me won’t help.”

  Danny cursed his incapacitated leg for the hundredth time. His head hung between his hunched shoulders. An overwhelming sense of helplessness engulfed him, and the sky mirrored his mood.

  “Relax,” said Daisy. Her lips arched with a trace of a smile. “I’m just going to check it out. I’ll be right back.”

  She picked up a magenta-and-black patchwork bag and slung it over her shoulder. Spinning back, she pointed to the container near the fire pit. “Don’t forget to drink, three times a day. There’s enough for two days.” She’d prepared the herb earlier in the morning.

  “Wait,” Danny shouted and bounced a few steps closer to her. Gravel crunched beneath his boots. “Be careful!” He grabbed her arm and fixed an unblinking stare on her. “Look for signs. If you see anything out of the ordinary, come back! We’ll find another way.” He squeezed her arm, trying to inject some sense into her. “Don’t do anything foolish. You understand? Your safety is most important.”

  A beam as bright as summer sunshine blossomed on her lips. “Don’t worry.” As she started to leave, she turned. Quickly, she took something out of the patchwork bag. Thrusting it into his right hand, she took his left hand to cover it. She raised her head and met his gaze. Her almond-shaped eyes filled with affection. A moment later she rushed off. “You said you’d accept it,” she called out before disappearing down the cliff.

  Danny opened his hands. His mouth made a perfect O. She’d given him a red sachet. This one wasn’t as elaborate as Jasmine’s, and it seemed to have been done in a hurry. A white daisy was displayed on one side and an airplane on the other. Had the seventeen-year-old girl slept at all last night? Or had she already made the sachet before they’d come here?

  Chapter 42

  Daisy was more than determined, but her anxiety grew as she drew closer to the village. A cool mountain breeze rustled through the green leaves. Branches creaked and sighed, and she shivered and clutched her bag closer to her chest. She wanted to turn back and run to safety with Danny. But she didn’t turn. She needed to know what had happened to Jasmine. And she had to get the needles, the medicines, and more food. Moving forward was her only option.

  Daisy loved the stories Danny had told them. The Flying Tigers’ bravery inspired her. Now it was her turn. She had to be strong. She ignored her nerves and walked quickly. The wind blew grit in her face, so she closed her eyes for a moment. Then, crossing her arms and hugging her elbows, she pressed onward.

  It was noon when she reached the village. Immediately, she knew something was wrong. No children playing; no sounds of laughter or music from Shitou’s flute; no one working in the terraced rice paddies. The silence fell heavy on her.

  Then she smelled it. A strong putrid odor pervaded the normally fresh air. She wrinkled her nose. The sickening stench was foreign to her. Is this the smell of death, she wondered?

  Again Daisy thought about turning back. But if she did, they would never know what had happened. Danny said courage is doing something when you’re scared half to death. Fighting back the urge to flee, she tiptoed toward Doctor Wang’s house.

  When she stepped into the herbalist’s front yard, she stopped abruptly. Her hands flew to her mouth to stifle a scream. Her eyes opened wide. She wanted to run. But she couldn’t move her legs; fear locked her in place. She was so afraid to look, yet her gaze was glued to the pile of bodies that lay before her.

  This was the first time Daisy had witnessed Japanese atrocities up close. She’d been sheltered by her parents in Chungking. When her mother died, the mortician had done such a good job that she looked as if she were in a deep sleep.

  But this village now wore the look of unending misery. Dozens of bodies were scattered in the spacious yard. The people had been shot or stabbed to death. Dark blood was splattered everywhere; some of it had flowed into wiggly lines before drying. The absolute terror on their faces was frozen in time: some of their eyes stared sightlessly into space; others had their mouths agape as if in the middle of a scream. Flies had picked up the scent and were buzzing madly. Maggots were feasting on the dead. The entire place reeked of rotten flesh and congealed blood. Daisy almost fell backward, reeling from shock. In spite of the offensive odor, she drew in one deep breath after another.

  She caught sight of familiar faces. Doctor Wang, the kind and tough herbalist, sprawled face-up, a single stab wound to his left chest. Partly on top of him, Shitou, the boy with a ready smile, lay face down, his back riddled with wounds, his flute still pinned around his waist. Little Fatty, the three-year-old boy, lay nearby, his head smashed. His Tiger-head shoes were still on his feet, but they had failed to protect him or his family.

  Is this real? For a moment, Daisy wondered if she was dreaming. She dug her fingers into her eye sockets, trying to pull herself out of the nightmare. Only a few days earlier they had celebrated Danny’s birthday in this lovely yard. Everyone had been in high spirits. Music, singing, storytelling, cheers, and laughter still lingered in the air, and she could still recall the sweet fragrance from the strings of white flowers on the big tree, and the delicious aroma of all the food. Now the people were gone, and the tranquility of the village was forever shattered.

  Is it possible? Remembering that day brought hot tears to her eyes. The warm memories threatened to overtake her, making her shake even harder. Daisy felt paralyzed. The sight of surreal terror gripped her heart. She staggered sideways, tripping on Mutou’s body. Several candies were scattered around him; a couple of pieces were still in his hand. His belly was ripped open; his intestines spilled out.

  She shrieked at the top of her lungs as she frantically scrambled back onto her feet. A few moments later, her face white as chalk, she threw up. The little breakfast she’d eaten splattered on the ground. Even after she emptied her stomach, she continued to retch.

  “Daisy!”

  She jumped. The call terrified her. Whirling around, she saw a young man in a blue cotton shirt and gray trousers running toward her. Mud and drops of dark blood stained his patched clothes. “Ge!” She tumbled toward him, collapsing in her big brother’s protective arms.

  “I’m here; you’re safe.” Birch hugged her tightly.

  A cry broke from her frail frame. Daisy could hardly breathe. Birch stroked her back
and rocked her in a gentle embrace.

  “What…happened?” she asked after her cries subsided a little. Tears stained her ghostly white cheeks.

  “The Japs came—”

  “But why? Why kill everyone?” She couldn’t understand such senseless brutality.

  “They were looking for the American pilot.” Birch smoothed his sister’s hair and hurriedly asked, “Is he okay? Is he safe?”

  She gave a series of little nods. Tucked under her big brother’s strong arms, she hid her face on his chest.

  “Take me to him, Daisy. We have to leave here as soon as we can.”

  Reluctantly, the terrified teenager left her brother’s shelter. Like an obedient child, she followed him as he half-led, half-dragged her.

  Suddenly she stopped. “Where is Jasmine?” Still sniffling, she turned to scan the bodies and narrowed her eyes. She was petrified to find her cousin among the dead, but where else could she look for her?

  Birch hesitated before taking Daisy by the elbow and pulling her back. “She is…gone,” he said in a tormented whisper. His expression turned grave.

  “Gone? Where did she go?” Daisy stared at him, incomprehension in her eyes. She couldn’t accept the true meaning of that sorrowful word.

  “I’ll tell you later. Now we have to go!”

  “Wait,” Daisy pulled her brother toward the house where she’d lived. “We have to pick up the medicines—”

  “No, we don’t have time to use—”

  “When we rest. Please! It won’t take long. Danny is in pain!” Her voice was strong, pleading, and full of affection.

  Birch’s eyes searched hers. Something told him that his sister was no longer a little girl, that she was growing up to be a fine young lady. With a nod, he followed.

  Danny’s room was in total disarray. The mosquito netting was torn from the bed. The pillow, sheet, and blanket were scattered on the floor. The muted green-and-blue paintings were ripped in the middle. One of the wooden chairs had lost a leg. Pieces of broken china were strewn everywhere. The medicine bag lay sideways under the table.

  Daisy bent down and picked it up. “Do you know how to use…?” she asked as she raised an acupuncture needle.

  Birch shook his head.

  Never mind. Caring for Danny was now imperative. She had to take over for Jasmine. The thought of her older cousin brought tears to her eyes again and threatened to overcome her, but there wasn’t time to be weak. She replaced the needle inside the bag. The Magic White Powder was all-important. Gauze would be useful too. She collected enough herbs for three days and put everything inside her patchwork bag.

  Now they could leave for the mountain hide-out.

  Chapter 43

  One look at Daisy and the young man with her made Danny’s heart skip a beat. A bad feeling came over him.

  In his twenties, the Chinese man was handsome and athletic. He was dressed in farmer’s clothes. But his sharp eyes, stern expression, and erect posture conveyed the message that he was a man in uniform, not a plain farmhand. His bulging pants pocket and the waistband were other suspicious giveaways. The newcomer was startled for a few seconds when he glanced at the murals on the cave wall.

  “Danny,” Daisy greeted him in a rare small voice. “This is Birch Bai, my brother.” She spoke plainly, without her usual sweet smile. Her eyes seemed red and puffy.

  The two men shook hands and tipped their heads in curt bows. There was no hint of warmth. Birch did not smile. His face gave away nothing.

  Knowing Daisy, Danny might have expected her to bounce up and down when she introduced them. She’d shown such excitement whenever she’d mentioned her brother, and from all he’d heard, Birch was a brave pilot. Presumably, they had much in common.

  “Where is Jasmine?” Danny asked.

  Daisy opened her mouth, but no sound came out. She looked at her brother for help. Her innocent eyes glistened with tears.

  “We have to go,” said Birch, ignoring Danny’s question. His strong legs were braced slightly apart. “We don’t have much time. The Japs could be here any minute.” Now that they knew an American pilot was in the area, they would search high and low for him. They wouldn’t give up easily. A Flying Tiger was invaluable to them. Birch knew that. He’d already seen some of them while trying to find his sister, his cousin, and the airman. If it weren’t for his knowledge of the area, he might not have eluded them.

  “Where’s Jasmine? I’m not going anywhere without her!”

  “We must leave now,” Birch said, speaking sharply.

  “Are you crazy? I can’t—”

  “I’m sorry, Danny.” Birch softened his voice. “There is nothing we can do for Jasmine now.” Taking a deep breath, he continued, “I’ll tell you everything once we’re safe.”

  Danny threw back his head and released a roar of frustration. “Like hell I’ll leave without—”

  “Listen to him, Danny,” pleaded Daisy, gripping his right arm. “My brother never promised anything he didn’t do. He always keeps his word. Trust me. Trust him. Really, there is nothing we can do…” A single tear seeped out of the corner of her eye. Her pale lips quivered.

  “Please,” said Birch, “let’s go before someone else gets hurt.”

  Danny finally understood. He saw it in their eyes. Jasmine is gone! And he had to move quickly before someone else got hurt. No time to grieve now. Through trembling lips, he managed to say, “You will tell me the first chance…”

  Birch gave a firm nod. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

  “Which way are we going?” asked Daisy.

  “Through Dead Man’s Pass.”

  “No! You know I’m afraid of heights. I can’t do it.”

  “We have to,” Birch insisted. The other way wasn’t passable for a Westerner, especially an injured American. Even for the Chinese soldiers, it was dangerous. Three soldiers sent to assist him had died along the way. If it hadn’t been for one of them who stopped a bullet, he wouldn’t be alive.

  Daisy opened her mouth to protest, but then swallowed what was on the tip of her tongue. She rubbed her hands up and down her arms as if she were suddenly chilled. Birch tucked an errant strand of her hair behind her ear and skimmed a knuckle down her jaw. “Don’t worry, I’ll help you. I’ll carry you piggyback and you can close your eyes. Everything will be all right.” His gaze turned tender. Trying to put her at ease, he offered a smile. “We’ll be safe once we get down the other side of the mountain.”

  Chapter 44

  Danny was an excellent hiker and rock climber. Jack had joked that they could race up a hill on one leg with their eyes closed. Danny didn’t know how hard it would be to close his eyes, but he already knew that it was challenging to rely on one leg. He still couldn’t put any weight on the injured leg, so how was he supposed to hop several thousand feet up a mountain? Sweat formed across his forehead, cascading down his temple. His brown hair looked like it had been washed. His clothes were soaked. If not for his top-notch shape, mental toughness, and determination, he wouldn’t go far.

  Wherever the path was wide enough, both the brother and the sister supported his arms. Occasionally, Daisy raised her small hand and wiped the sweat dripping into his eyes with her soft fingers. She felt sad for Danny. He had to work hard, but more importantly he had to fight his sadness over Jasmine’s death. I’ll love you, Danny, as much as Jasmine. I promise! she shouted repeatedly in her mind. She was more determined than ever to safeguard this Flying Tiger. Whenever the path narrowed, she dropped away and walked behind them.

  Then the ledge became very narrow, only a couple of feet wide as it followed the contour of the cliff edge. With a sheer rock wall on one side and a drop of several hundred feet on the other, Birch moved ahead of Danny to give a helping hand. He grasped the American’s right hand to stabilize him. At the same time, he had to make sure their arms and legs didn’t bump the rock. He kept his eyes glued to the path.

  “Wait!” shouted Danny after they’d gone a few ya
rds. He tightened his grip and tugged on Birch’s hand, preventing him from backing up further. A hole in the path loomed a step away. Birch was so focused on helping Danny that he hadn’t noticed it as he dragged his feet backward. It would be a disaster if he tripped. He lifted his head to give an appreciative smile.

  Danny nodded.

  They inched forward. Once past the ledge, Birch sat Danny down on a rock and went to his sister.

  Daisy had turned pale. “I can’t do this,” she stammered. Her voice tinged with fear and frustration. “I’m going back,” she announced, retreating a few steps. Her knees quivered, and she wound the hem of her lilac shirt around her finger. “I’ll go down from the cave…and use the main path. I’ll meet you at the bridge.”

  “No!” Birch yelled. “We can’t split up. It’s too dangerous.”

  Daisy recoiled at the thought of crossing this narrow shelf hundreds of feet above ground.

  “Don’t look down,” ordered Birch, extending his hand to his sister. A couple of loose rocks tumbled down as he moved.

  Daisy couldn’t take her eyes off the long descent. A gust of wind suddenly threw her off balance. His hand shot out to catch her.

  “Look at me, Daisy,” Birch urged. “Hold on to my hand. I won’t let you fall. You know you’ll be safe with me, don’t you? Take one step at a time.” He hated to make his beloved sister suffer in any way, but the path was too narrow for him to carry her on his back. “Whatever you do, don’t look down. Look at me!”

  Daisy nodded but was still reluctant to venture a step. Her legs began to buckle, as she stole a glance over the edge. The canopy of green trees seemed so far down.

  “Try sideways,” said Danny. “That way you don’t have to look down.” Sitting on the rock, he fidgeted, all pins and needles, as anxious as the man on the ledge.