Page 64 of The Wind Dancer
“Interesting.” This time, the single word sentence conveyed actual surprise. He didn’t expect such a request from the Shadow. And it provided an opportunity for maneuvering. After a moment, he concluded:
“Help him. The cult has become too powerful, and it is time to weed it out. Anything else?”
“They’re hunting Feng Lao because he has some kind of amulet. Neither Feng Lao nor the elder we interrogated know what it is. But they hired mercenaries to get it.”
“He seems too useful to let them have him. Find out what the amulet is, and prevent the cult from getting their hands on him. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And do you think he gave you all of the information?”
Mei Lin shook her head. “No. He’s cunning, just like his mentor. Considering he accepted the deal so easily, I think he knows more. Much more.”
Her mentor smiled faintly, but there was no warmth in his gaze.
“The Master Without a Face would not be himself if he left everything in one place. He loved to make things into puzzles and riddles, only ever giving the truth in little bits and pieces so that you would spend decades trying to find the whole thing. Meanwhile, he would be watching, waiting for the perfect moment to deliver the fatal blow. I’m sure he instilled a similar mindset into his student.”
“Do you think Feng Lao has access to other hiding places?” Mei Lin asked.
“Absolutely. But he doesn’t trust you yet.” He paused, studying the girl’s face. “Agree to his condition. Earn his trust. Get your hands on the log, help with the cult, but stay vigilant. If he’s looking for the rest of the legacy, he’ll lead us to it. And he will not be able to help himself. As my brother’s student, he would inevitably search for it.”
“And if he tries to hide the truth?” Mei Lin knew she wouldn’t like the answer, but she couldn’t help but ask.
“Then remind him that the Secret Chancellery does not forgive deception. But as long as he is useful, he may live.” His voice got quieter, but somehow more dangerous. “If he is that good, then show him that he can work with us and we’ll hunt down Jian Wei’s killers as well. Make him understand that this world isn’t meant for loners.”
“Yes, Mentor. May I tell you something?” The mentor’s heavy gaze pressed down on her, and then he nodded.
“I assume it is related to Feng Lao?” The old dragonblood smiled for the first time during the entire conversation.
“I value your insight highly, mentor. Brother Yu had forged a great blade. It still needs to be perfected and...” She paused for a moment, but then continued. “He might make a good magistrate. Strict, but fair, able to peer into the darkest depths of the criminal world and crush it from inside. But to do this, he has to make the right choice.”
Mei Lin bowed her head, hiding a slight smile. She had noticed a trait in her mentor a long time ago. He always preferred to use people rather than just killing them. And she presented the information in just the right way to give Feng Lao a chance to survive...
CHAPTER 18
I couldn’t help but look at Mei Lin a bit longer when she wore the black silk. She was so beautiful and so deadly. She was moving without any rush, and with a precision that showed absolute confidence. She slowly smeared abrasive paste on the blade of her sword, and then carefully rubbed it with a rag, polishing the metal.
“What will you do if you receive an order not to harm the nobles involved in this?” I asked, watching as the paste slowly disappeared, leaving behind a polished surface.
Mei Lin didn’t raise her head, but the corners of her lips twitched, making a barely noticeable smile.
“I am a Claw Lord. There are only two people who can give me such an order: my immediate superior and my mentor,” her voice was level, as if she was discussing guard shifts, and not the opportunity to kill the filth that the laws deemed untouchable until now.
The blade reflected the flickering lantern light. I noticed a strange meditativeness in her work. It looked less like she waspreparing for battle and more like performing a ritual that she trusted more than anyone.
“And what does that mean?” I asked, keeping my voice level, to avoid sounding too curious.
“My mentor already approved our agreement. When will you give me the log?” she replied calmly, still moving the rag over the blade.
I shuddered. How did she contact him? If he really gave her approval to help me, then he was either in Cloud City or... Or this was dragonblood magic again.
“You have an amazing gift for throwing me off balance,” I said, leaning against the wall. “It’s scary.”
She just grinned, finally lowering the sword.
“I’m just doing my job, Feng Lao. So when will you give me the log?”
“Tomorrow.”
