Page 21 of The Wind Dancer
“The Shadow Walkers’ guild...” she continued. “Will they give you the title of master? Or will they decide that you are much too free?”
It was a simple question, but it said much. She knew that my fate in the guild was uncertain. She knew more than she should, but who would dare oppose the queen of the Lower City? No fool would dare incur the wrath of her and her children and grandchildren, who would raise their weapons for her in a heartbeat.
“That depends on them,” I replied cautiously.
She grinned as she put the cup down on the counter.
“Of course. But if they choose the latter option, know that there are always many exits. Good people rarely stay idle. Especially if they move through the shadows as deftly as you can.”
I bowed respectfully again. She offered me patronage, and I believed she truly meant well, in her own way. I also knew it meant she wanted me to be a useful tool for her own goals.
“Think about it, Feng Lao,” she said finally. “Time always places everything where it belongs. And be careful, my boy. It would be very sad if someone ruined that pretty face of yours.”
“Thank you for your advice, mistress.” She just shrugged, taking another sip of tea.
“Now go. Zhao ordered food for you, too.”
I nodded and went to the far table, where there was enough food for five.
The air was filled with the lovely scent of spicy noodles with meat, fresh herbs, and flatbread. A jug of rice wine stood nearby, its surface sparkling in the lantern lights. Zhao silently poured me a cup and pushed it toward me. I took the first sip, which stung but was refreshing. Then I took my chopsticks and bowl and started eating my noodles. They were hot, spicy, and made me feel all warm inside. They gave me strength after such a difficult night.
I was taught that eating right wasn’t about luxury, but about necessity.“A hungry warrior is a dead warrior,”my mentor would say, and then he’d have me memorize which foods were key for building strength, and which I should avoid. I smiled, remembering how he’d refuse luxurious delicacies if he saw no benefit in them.
Zhao was silent, carefully picking up his noodles with his chopsticks. But I could feel his gaze, studying me. He ate slowly, not because he wanted to savor the taste, no, he was waiting. But he could never beat me at this game. After a bit, he put down his chopsticks, picked up a cup, took a sip, and, giving up, said:
“They were looking for you.”
I didn’t stop eating, but I gripped my chopsticks a bit harder.
“Who exactly?”
“Multiple parties, three of them at least, and they didn’t seem to be related.”
“Can you give me more details?”
“Some of them reeked of guards, but they knew better than to start things here. Others are foreigners.” He took a sip of wine. “Complete outsiders, they tried to pretend they’re local, but the devil is in the details.
I looked up. It was worse than I expected. If separate forces were all looking for me, this was going to be far more complicated.
“We sent them on a wild goose chase,” Zhao continued, ripping open a flatbread. “You have to be careful. When they don’t find you where we sent them, they’ll start digging deeper.”
I nodded. The groups probably weren’t even sharing a goal, but I could still get caught in a nasty crossfire. Whether it was over the amulet, my mentor, or something else, this was going to be tough.
“Who did you cross?” Zhao looked up at me, slowly dipping a bit of the flatbread into the sauce. “Will it bring problems to the streets?”
I didn’t answer right away. Because I didn’t know.
He probably had his suspicions, but he didn’t want to press the issue.
“I’m not sure yet,” I finally said. “It might be nothing more than a scuffle.”
“Or maybe you’re bringing a big mess,” Zhao grinned, but there was no humor in his eyes. “If the streets run red with blood because of you, those in charge of Lower City will wonder why they should put up with you. Your old man can’t cover for you anymore.”
It may have sounded like a threat, but I knew him. He was trying to warn me, to keep me safe.
I reached down and took out a gold coin. Its polished surface reflected the lantern light. I flipped it between my fingers, then placed it in front of Zhao. I didn’t feel sorry for the money at all. The kind of friendship forged in the streets was worth far more than gold. And such loyalties were never free.
“This is for your help. And for any future information you get me.”
