Chapter 10
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung – Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Miu Kiu Wai – Cheung Fu (Tiger)
Charlene Choi – Yung Ching Yee
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk – Yeung Gam Lai aka The Fair Nun
The bidding stopped at fifteen hundred pounds, Official Cheung was smug with pride when he won the final bet. The woman in charge showed them their room. Sum Mong was ready to attack if he laid a hand on her. He smiled and stared at her with special interest “You are even more beautiful up close.”
“Thank you.” She pushed the smile out as she poured him a cup of ready wine.
He drank the cup without tearing his eyes from her, making her more annoyed “Shall we?” he pointed to the bed.
“Wait…” She stopped his hand from traveling to her waist “How about we play a game first?”
The man leaned in closer, showing his fowl breath “Sure. I will let you have it this time. What game would you like to play?”
“Memory.” Sum Mong smiled.
“How do you win?” he grinned.
Quick as a hawk, she pulled her dagger and placed it over his neck “You tell me what you remember and I won’t slit your neck like a pig.” Her eyes glaring dangerously.
The man quickly cowered into a mouse “Yes…yes…I will tell you everything I know. What would you like to k now?” he asked.
“The man named Fung that you had soldiers escort to Wong Chow. Do you remember him?” she asked, pressing the knife closer.
“Yes…yes…they left three days ago.” The man answered “But his sentence will be carried out the minute he gets there.”
“What sentence?” She asked.
“Death. For charging at an Official.” He said “And you will too.”
Sum Mong pulled the dagger away “I’m looking forward to it. I hear you get a great meal before the death sentence.” She mocked. Getting up, she opened a walk way “Get on the bed.” She ordered.
“Excuse me?” he asked.
“You heard me.” She nodded her head again. This time he obliged and lied on the bed as she asked. Sum Mong cut a few strands from the curtain and tied him to the wooden pieces of the four corners on the bed. Then a silver pendant with the words ‘door’ carved. She had seen it before on Officials “What is this?” she took it off his belt.
“That is given to all Officials by the King. With it, you are able to go through the towns without search. It is a crime to steal it.” He warned.
“Thanks for the reminder.” She placed it hanging at the side of her belt “Shall I call your wife to pick you up?” she mocked with a laugh and headed for the window when the doors barged open, she turned to see a male and two women staring at her.
“A pretty little thief.” Kit Sing smiled crookedly “Be a good girl and give me that pendant.”
Sum Mong recognized the girl with the veil “I’m not the only thief.” She then jumped through the window and somersaulted on the ground with ease. Turning her head, she saw the three looking at her in surprise. She smiled and ran off down the streets.
“Chase her.” Kit Sing instructed when Ah Yin pulled him back.
“She can’t jump.” She pointed to Ah Yin.
He smiled “If you don’t mind, hop on.” He turned his back and Ching Yee did not hesitate as she got on easily “We’ll meet you down there.” He winked at Ah Yin and took off towards the street. Ah Yin bit her tongue from lashing at him as she followed.
Sum Mong reached the forest and turned to make sure the three was not following her. When the coast was clear, she stopped at a tree to catch her breath. She spun her head up when she heard whooshing sounds above the trees. Getting up, she tried to run again when Kit Sing jumped in front of her “What do you want? I found the pendant first!”
“We can make this easy…or we can make this hard.” He threatened.
Sum Mong backed away and turned when footsteps got closer behind. She saw the girl with the veil and another one completely out of breath “I will not give this to you.”
“Then we’ll do it the hard way.” He came at her like thunder as she blocked and carefully moved away with each turn and block.
“Will he hurt her?” Ching Yee asked “Maybe she needs the pendant to save a life?”
Ah Yin observed his movements “He has no intention of hurting her, he only wants to take the pendant.”
Each time he reached for the charm, she would spin away and attack. He realized she was even more experience than he anticipated. Pulling out his sword, the reflection to the metal flickered against the moonlight. Sum Mong smiled “Could not do it without the sword?”
She pushed his weak spot as he placed the weapon into its case and tossed it on the ground “I am still a gentleman.” He flicked a brow up and came at her with bare hands.
“Idiot.” Ah Yin shook her head.
Sum Mong waited for the perfect time to pull out her dagger as she slashed at his arm, cutting the edges of his shirt “You!” he cried.
“I’m not a gentleman.” She mocked and attacked him again. When it seemed she had the upper hand, Ah Yin decided to intervene as she released the rope. It warped Sum Mong’s weapon hand as she was pulled back. Kit Sing took the chance and took a hold of her other hand. Sum Mong thought fast as she twisted the dagger and cut through the material freeing her hand. She used the help of a tree as she kicked it and flipped back and out of Kit Sing’s grasp “Nice try. Two against one.”
Kit Sing grinned as he raised his hand, through one finger was the dangling pendant “Thank you.”
“That’s mine!” she yelled “Very heroic of you people! I need to save a life!”
Ah Yin rolled the rope back as she approached them. Placing a hand out, Kit Sing handed it back to her. To Sum Mong’s surprise, she gave her back the pendant “Sorry, we only wanted to test you.”
Sum Mong was unsure if they were only playing with her mind. She took the pendant back carefully “Test me for what?”
“We thought you were working for some mountain thieves. They used the same dagger.”
“This?” she glanced at it strangely “I found it on the way into town.”
“Since we all need to use the pendant, how about sharing it?” Ah Yin made a proposition.
Kit Sing crossed his arm “Whom are you trying to save? Maybe we’ll help in exchange for its use.”
“A friend of a friend’s.” Sum Mong replied.
“Must be a good friend for you to go through all that trouble.” Kit Sing observed.
“Perhaps.” She replied with a small smile on her face. She looked up at the sky “It will be sun rise in a few hours, we should rest before we leave tomorrow.”
“I am not tired.” Ah Yin replied.
Sum Mong tilted her head and nodded to Ching Yee, who had sat down by a tree and fallen asleep “But she is.”
They found a small cave alongside the hills not too far away and sat inside to rest. Kit Sing looked around “It’s cold tonight, let me make some fire.” He left the cave and walked to the woods to get branches to burn.
Ah Yin ignored him since he was obviously talking to her, Ching Yee had fallen asleep within seconds from lying on the ground. Sum Mong could not help but be nosy “You two are not friends?” Ah Yin sat down across from her and shook her head “Then why travel together?”
“Because of her.” She nodded to Ching Yee “If it wasn’t for us, she would not be alone.”
“I see.” Sum Mong nodded “He likes you.”
Ah Yin’s eyes popped open “I could care less.” Sum Mong smiled knowingly “What?”
“Nothing.” She replied.
“How do you know?” Ah Yin asked.
“From a third person’s point of view, I can tell. Plus Si Hing always said I had an eye for tension. But this type of tension is rare.” She analyzed.
Ah Yin smiled underneath “You have a sworn brother?”
“Yes. He is great, always watching out for me like a real brother.” She smiled thinking of Keung.
“I am an orphan.” She offered the information. Something about the girl made Ah Yin feel at ease.
“So am I.” Sum Mong smiled “Si Fu picked me up when I was only five. How about you?”
“I was too young to remember.” She sighed.
She felt for the girl “Can I ask you something?” Sum Mong tilted her head at Ah Yin, who in turn nodded “Why do you always have a veil on?”
Ah Yin’s eyes turned distant “My master once told me, beauty can cause men to go mad. How many men have left their wives for a beautiful woman. How many Kings have concubines that fight for his attention? All because he was tempted from a pretty face.” Her eyes narrowed “There are no good men. Only men that show of interest but when they find another that catches their eyes, it’s forget the old and on with the new.” Ah Yin noted the strange look Sum Mong gave her “My master was a victim of a broken heart. I only learn from her mistakes.”
“So you believe all men in this world are bad or are only faking to be good?” Sum Mong asked.
She nodded “Yes.”
“It’s a shame.” Sum Mong smiled sideways.
“Why?” Ah Yin was curious. Although she grew up without friends, she’s always believed her Master’s words to be true. But here was a girl she barely knew for a day that could make her question her own beliefs of love.
“To live life with such a negative outlook…I don’t know if I could do that.” She shrugged her shoulders “I think there are many good men out there, if you concentrate on hating men, you have built a barrier to keep love from entering. A person without love is not a person.”
Ah Yin lowered her eyes away “I do not believe in love.”
“Until you see it.” Sum Mong smiled “Good night.” She settled on the ground and closed her eyes.
She could not put her mind to rest as she got up and walked out of the cave. Kit Sing had just returned as he passed her, nodding a smile he walked inside to build a fire. After he was done, he joined her outside “What are you thinking of?” he asked curiously.
“Not you.” She answered almost curtly.
Kit Sing laughed “Why do you despise me?”
“Must you ask?” she raised her brows.
“Because of the callus story? Ah Yin, I thought you wanted me to make up the story since you are so insistent on hiding your true face.” He grinned.
“I do not care what you tell people about me. I just do not like you.” She said, her eyes turned away.
“I can accept that.” He nodded “But you know, it takes more energy to dislike a person than to like them.”
Ah Yin snickered “Do you waste your time making up these sayings?”
“Time is meant to be wasted. All I know is that I have lived my life happily, while you obviously hated every minute of it.” He was quick to judge but she knew he was right “Have you had a day where you lived with a smile on your face?”
“No.” she answered without thinking.
“My point exactly.” He turned to the cave “I am going to rest. Whatever you do, don’t run off or I will have to look for you again. Good night.” He grinned and left her in silence.
Chapter 11
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung – Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Miu Kiu Wai – Cheung Fu (Tiger)
Charlene Choi – Yung Ching Yee
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk – Yeung Gam Lai aka The Fair Nun
Keung and Ga Lung were halfway to Wong Chow when they stopped at a small town to rest. Without Sum Mong, the mediator, the two did not have much to say. Both knew the art of being polite but there was an awkwardness in the air “So…you two grew up together?”
“Yes…yes. Si Mui was only five.” Keung offered the information.
“You know what’s funny? I don’t even know her name.” Ga Lung laughed.
“She’s very mysterious about her personal information.” He hinted for Ga Lung not to continue asking.
He understood with slow nods “I see.” When the food came, they both sighed with relief and began digging in. Happy to have a diversion.
Keung ate a bun slowly while he tried to eavesdrop on two men with swords that walked in. They looked like thieves in his eyes “Say, Kwok Hing, are you still going to Wong Chow?”
“Yes. Of course I am.” The man answered.
“Even with the mysterious disappearances? There was a story of a female in white roaming around killing everyone that attempts stealing or looting of any kind.” The man whispered.
He laughed at his friend’s fear “She only kills the kidnappers and thieves of the town. I am going to the Official’s home. I heard she hates anyone that works for the Imperial Kingdom.”
Ga Lung raised his eyes and noted Keung’s shake of the head, they did not need to cause more attention to themselves “Waiter!” he waved to the young guy.
“Yes Sir?” the guy was ready to serve.
“Get me a bag of steam buns to go.” Keung watched as the guy scurried into the kitchen. He turned to Ga Lung “I think it’s best to stay low. We’ll travel around the towns.”
“You are the leader.” Ga Lung nodded.
**************
After a couple of miles of walking, Ching Yee had given up. Her legs were burning as she stopped at a tree trunk. The girls stopped to check on her “Hey!” Sum Mong called after Kit Sing as he kept walking. He turned to see her waving him back.
“We could have lost him!” Ah Yin hissed.
Sum Mong laughed “Sorry, I didn’t think about it.” When Kit Sing returned, she advised “You forget Ching Yee does not know martial arts. She gets easily tired.”
“You…can…go…first.” Ching Yee said, she was short of breath.
Kit Sing shook his head sternly “You’re young and healthy, there’s no reason to get tired so soon. We haven’t even passed the Green Forest yet. There’s another ten miles.”
“Ten?!” Ching Yee shook her head “No, go…go without me.” She brushed them away.
He laughed while turning his back “Hop on. I can take you for one mile but you will have to walk after that.” She grinned and climbed on happily. He began walking ahead “There’s a small river a couple of miles ahead, we’ll stop there to refill on water.”
Sum Mong shrugged as she turned to Ah Yin, who was staring after Kit Sing. Her eyes showed something unfamiliar to Sum Mong “Ah Yin?” it broke her concentration “What is it?”
“Nothing.” Ah Yin nodded “Let’s go.”
She grinned knowingly “I know.”
“Know what?” Ah Yin decided not to look at her in the eye, she somehow managed to read her thoughts without trying. It was peculiar to Ah Yin and she internally thought the girl was psychic.
“You’re jealous.” Sum Mong saw Ah Yin turn her eyes away “Ahh, I knew it!”
“I do not even like the guy, why should I be jealous that he’s giving Ching Yee a piggy back ride?!” she snapped.
Sum Mong laughed “You even know the reason of your jealousy!” she teased “But don’t worry, it is our little secret.” She winked. Ah Yin gave up, she knew the more she talked the more reason for Sum Mong to believe otherwise “So, tell me more about your childhood.”
Ah Yin smiled “There’s not much to say.”
“Well, tell me about your Master. What happened to her? Why does she have a grudge against all the men in the world?” She found it intriguing of her new friend’s life.
Ah Yin shook her head “She was very secretive when it came to her past life. But she did tell me a story about a man that she once loved. He was from a wealthy family, she was a traveler and could not settle in one place. At first he agreed to go with her but his family forbade them to get married. She was devastated when he obeyed his father’s request and she left him one night in an angered moment. After a few days, she cooled down and decided to return to him. She wanted to discuss the issue. She walked into a funeral going on. All eyes turned to her like she was the enemy, she didn’t know what had happened except that everyone called her a murderer. Confused, she asked the man that she loved for answers. He too called her a killer and said he didn’t want to see her again.”
“How hurtful…but she’s innocent.” Sum Mong wrinkled her brows “How could he not believe her?”
“Exactly. She was beyond hurt, her heart was torn. He didn’t trust her words and he accused her of killing his father. For months she tried to find the true culprit but no one was the least bit suspicious of killing a man for no reason. She began to wonder if indeed she was a killer? Possibly sleepwalking?” Ah Yin snickered “It drove her to madness. All the promises he made were broken. Within a month, he was married to a young girl that lived in the same town. She was the prettiest girl around and came from a well off family, which fit their stature.”
“Did she stop the wedding?” Sum Mong asked.
She shook her head “No. On the day of their wedding, she went to the nearest temple and became a nun. With no hesitation, she gave her life to Buddha. But with the hatred in her heart, the nuns didn’t want to keep her. She then traveled the world and help those unfortunate. She’d kill men that did anything wrong and has never regretted a day of it.”
“I’d be afraid to meet her.” She said with a shiver “She sounds ruthless. Was she tough on you?”
Ah Yin smiled “Not at all. She loved me like her own child.”
“That’s rare.” Sum Mong smiled “Si Fu was very nice to me too. And Si Hing was a brother I never had. Every time I was caught doing something bad, he would take the blame so I wouldn’t be punished. Still Si Fu never had the heart to punish us, especially when Si Hing stood up for me. You could say I became fearless after that.”
“I’d like to meet him one day.” Ah Yin thought he sounded bold and very kind hearted.
“Yes, one day soon. They should be halfway there.” Sum Mong agreed.
“They?” Ah Yin questioned.
“Si Hing is traveling with a friend I just made.” She grinned “You know him too.”
Her brows lifted “I do?”
“The man that paid on thousand pounds to see your face. Unfortunately he never got to.” Sum Mong triggered her memory.
Ah Yin snickered “Him. He’s only a rich boy that used money to get his way.”
“How quick you make assumptions of people. He is a very noble man and he is kind at heart. Thoughtful and he is righteous. When the guards came, he would not run with Si Hing and I, he believed he did nothing wrong and would not be prosecuted…” Sum Mong stopped babbling when Ah Yin chuckled.
“Looks like you have a crush.” She teased.
Sum Mong blushed naturally “Maybe. But I am not afraid to admit it.” She flicked her head at her in a playful way. Looking ahead, she saw that Kit Sing had stopped by a tree to rest his legs. She quickened her steps to catch up.
“Lam Dai Gor, you must be tired.” Ching Yee began massaging his shoulder and neck “Ching Yee is not the lightest person in the world.” She laughed.
Kit Sing hummed, he was lost in the comfortable action. Ah Yin was disgusted “Men and women should have a distance.” She said causing Ching Yee to nod and backed away.
His eyes snapped open “You could not let anyone enjoy a minute of life can you? Do you get satisfaction from making everyone uncomfortable? Ching Yee is innocently nice and I would never think of taking advantage of her.”
“Say your true thoughts.” Ah Yin dared him.
He stood up and looked down at her “Those are my true thoughts. And if you would open your mind for one second, maybe you will realize that since the moment we met, I wanted nothing more than to be your friend.”
“Funny, I don’t recall that. You have ruined my plans too many times and this journey would not have happened if—”
“SHH!” Sum Mong quieted the fighting. Raising a finger to her lips, she pointed west “Listen.” It was the galloping of horses “We don’t have to walk.” She grinned happily. She noticed the thumping had slowed down and stopped nearby. She waved for the group to follow her as she skittered past the trees and hid under a bush as did the rest “Imperial guards.” She hissed.
“Won’t we get into trouble?” Ching Yee asked fearfully.
“My point exactly.” Sum Mong grinned.
Ah Yin pointed across the way “They’re stopping to rest.”
“I’ll cause a diversion.” Kit Sing offered. He got up and somersaulted into the center of the group of five men “Gentleman, I’d like to borrow a few of your horses.”
“How dare you!” one guard got up and pointed angrily “Do you know who we are?”
“Dogs that guard a large home?” Kit Sing quipped easily.
Ching Yee giggled loudly at the answer. She suddenly covered her mouth when one of the guys turned to the voices behind the bush “Come out!”
The three girls stood up in unison. Sum Mong stepped out, her hands behind her back “We will pay you for the horses.”
“Nonsense! We need them to travel. We are on an important journey to Wong Chow and any delay will be the death sentence.” A guard informed.
“Do not talk with them, we should be on our way.” Another nodded as they began climbing on the horses.
Ah Yin did not have the patience to argue as she spun her rope that tied around one man’s leg. Giving it a tug, he fell to the ground and scared the horse away. Kit Sing stepped toward the runaway horse “Don’t scare them!” he warned. Ah Yin did not listen as she pulled at another man causing another horse to run away “Stop!” Kit Sing ordered. Stubborn as she was, she snapped at the third man trying to get away. Kit Sing worked fast to keep the last two horses from bolting. Controlling the reins, he yanked them back before they could run.
Sum Mong quickly rushed over to help him “Wooh…shh…calm down.” She coaxed and to her soft tone, they relaxed. She turned to see Ah Yin tying the men together with her rope.
“More horses means more attention to us. The horses are white and have the Imperial seal on them.” Ah Yin pointed to the brand “We will be stopped before we even pass the next town.” She eyed Kit Sing, who had nothing to say “Ching Yee, you ride with me.”
Sum Mong raised a hand “Wait. I’m not riding with him. We barely know each other.”
“I sure am not going to ride with him.” Ah Yin said coldly.
Kit Sing laughed “And I thought that was your true intentions.” He nodded to the youngest girl “Ching Yee, you can sit with me.” She turned to Ah Yin, who gave no reaction as she climbed the horse and raised a hand to help Sum Mong. He helped Ching Yee on the horse and climbed on. Without waiting, he yanked at the reins and barked at the horse to move. The girls followed after that.
Chapter 12
Andy Lau - Chu Ga Lung
Noel Leung - Cheng Sum Mong (Dream)
Julian Cheung – Lam Kit Sing (Star)
Ruby Lin - Ah Yin (Sparrow) aka Flying Sparrow
Nick Cheung - Miu Tak Keung (Courage)
Miu Kiu Wai – Cheung Fu (Tiger)
Charlene Choi – Yung Ching Yee
Maggie Cheung Man Yuk – Yeung Gam Lai aka The Fair Nun
The four rested at the ravine Kit Sing had advised was there. Sum Mong was refilling their leather water bottles when she glanced over to check on Ah Yin. A smile slowly covered her face when she saw him offer her some water “No thanks.” She didn’t bother looking up. Using her hands, she cupped the water and turned to him as if expecting him to go away.
“I was trying to be a gentleman.” He said with sarcasm.
“Try harder.” She said shortly. Her eyes like daggers against a cloth “I suggest you stay far from me. I have been known to attack for no reason.” She turned her head and lifted her veil at he mouth so she can drink.
He sighed “There is no antidote for your sickness.” He got up and stepped over to Sum Mong who was closing a bottle “Would you like some water?” he had made a cup out of a large leaf.
“Is it clean?” she wrinkled her nose.
He laughed “I washed it twice.” He handed to her as she gladly took a gulp. Smiling, he walked over a few feet to check on Ching Yee, who was cleaning her face, which was full of dirt since the minute they saw her “Ready?” his smile faded when she looked up to him. Eyes innocent and her skin as fair as a young maiden. She was adorable “So this is your true face.” He crossed his arms playfully.
“Ugly?” She winced “I know, I must look terrible.”
“Actually, I was thinking of the complete opposite.” He bent down next to her “Can I tell you something?” she nodded “If I had a sister, I would hope she be just like you.”
Ching Yee grinned “Really? I wish I had a brother like you too.” She gushed.
Kit Sing laughed “That’s not hard.” He took her hand and walked her to the less rocky area “Knee down.” He pointed. She obliged without question “I, Lam Kit Sing, today take…”
“Yung Ching Yee.” She smiled as he continued the vow.
“Yung Ching Yee as my sworn sister. Although we are not born on the same day, we hope to die together if fate insists. If there is fortune, it is to be shared and pain then I will take it all.”
“Lam Dai Gor!” she protested from his last words.
“Eh.” He raised a finger “That is a brother’s job. I could not let you endure the pain with me.”
Ching Yee smiled “Thank you.”
Kit Sing tilted his head “We are family now, you don’t need to be so polite with me.” He stood up and helped her with a hand.
Sum Mong turned to Ah Yin, who had witnessed the whole scene “If you stare any longer, you could very well burn a forest.” Ah Yin looked away suddenly embarrassed. She laughed and walked over to her “What do you think they just did?”
“I don’t care.” Ah Yin mumbled.
She ignored her “Hmm, if you ask me, I think he just promised to be her husband.” Ah Yin snapped her head at Sum Mong, who then laughed, “I thought you didn’t care?”
“I don’t.” She said stubbornly and stood up turning to the two “Let’s go!” she hopped on the horse and lowered a hand at Sum Mong. Without waiting for the other two, she snapped the reins as the horse sprinted away.
“Wooh! Do warn me before you do that!” Sum Mong cried while tightening her grip on Ah Yin’s waist.
**************
Ga Lung was use to traveling by horse or carriage as he quickly grew tired. Keung turned when he noticed he was no longer next to him “If we travel like this, we’ll never get there and your bodyguard will have lost his head.”
“I do not travel often.” He said with little breath.
“I’ll go find some water.” Keung knew Sum Mong would scold him had she known he had mistreated her new friend. He found a small river and used a leaf he picked up on the way to form a cup. Holding it carefully so water did not spill out, he returned to the sound of galloping horses. Quickly ducking down in a bush, he heard voices.
“What are you doing here?” one soldier demanded for Gal Lung to speak up.
Calmly, he answered “Traveling.”
“Where to? This road takes you to Wong Chow. Why are you going to the city?” another questioned.
Angered that Imperial soldiers behaved that way to what they believed to be a civilian, Ga Lung made a mental note to tell his father of his findings “I am visiting family.” He replied.
“What family surname?” the head soldier asked with suspicion.
Ga Lung made one up “Wu.”
“There is no such family. You are liar!” one guy pointed “Arrest him!” he nodded for the other two to take Ga Lung into custody.
“This is an outrage! When was it a crime to visit a town?” Ga Lung asked.
“You are suspected for the recent kidnappings and killings of the innocent people.” It was a huge accusation but Ga Lung knew he only had one choice.
“I want to see your superior.” He said haughtily.
The guards laughed “Cheung Dai Yan will sentence you. You’re going to jail where you belong!” They threw him on the horse roughly as he lied on his stomach while the horse trotted away.
Keung stood up from his hiding place “This is getting out of hand.” He tossed the leaf aside and used his Chi to help him leap ahead of the soldiers. He was one step ahead of them a day later when he reached the city.
They searched him and when they saw his sword, the guard pointed to a table on the side “Relieve your sword and you may enter the city.”
Keung nodded as he followed orders and placed the weapon with a guard “Name.” He said in a monotone.
“Why?” Keung asked.
“Do you not want your sword when you leave the town? How will you retrieve it if you do not leave a name?” the guy said rudely.
“Miu Tak Keung.” He replied shortly and walked through the tall wooden gates. He saw the busy town ahead with vendors busy reaching out to buyers of all kinds. He smiled “Si Mui would love this place.” A slow smile disappeared as he wondered how she was doing. There had been no sign or message from her. And if she knew Ga Lung was taken away too, she would surely be upset. Sighing, he decided to rest in a hotel before heading out to the Official’s courthouse to free Ga Lung and his bodyguard.
When the soldiers that took Ga Lung reached the courthouse, the stopped the horse outside and yanked him to the ground. Coughing, he pointed at them “You will pay for this.”
They laughed at his weak threat and pulled him by the arm, his legs too weak to walk as they dragged against the ground. He was dropped like a potato in front of the court room. Ga Lung managed to pull himself up and saw Offical Cheung walking into the room “Dai Yan, this is one of the thieves we found along the way.” A guard boasted.
“State your name.” The man raised a brow at Ga Lung.
He snickered with a laugh “Chu Ga Lung.” He said without hesitation.
Official Cheung slammed a square pallet on the table “Nonsense! How dare you speak of lies!”
“It is my name.” Ga Lung eyed him with authority as he pulled his legs straight and stared at the man in defiant.
“Do you tell me that you have the same name as the first Prince of the kingdom?” the man laughed into hysterics.
Ga Lung pulled out his gold medallion and presented it in the air “No, I am he!” he growled.
The Official was at lost for words as he scurried like a mouse from his chair and waved for all the guards to kneel before the Prince “Your highness!” they greeted simultaneously.
“Hmph!” Ga Lung snapped the medallion into his hands “My father, the King will surely hear about the way this office is ran. By an official that flaunts his power in vain and soldiers that are not properly trained. Do they teach you to disrespect civilians and treat them like trash? Not to mention the boundless accusations without finding the truth? Tell me, soldier…” he stepped over to the man that accused him “Am I a killer and a thief?”
“No, Sir! I should die!” he bowed his head.
Ga Lung whipped his arm behind his back and stepped towards the Official “My bodyguard, a man named Fung was escorted here days ago. Release him this instant!” he commanded.
“Yes, yes…Chung! Release him.” The official barked “Your highness, I beg you please do not report me.”
“Do not speak!” he snapped angrily. They waited in silence until he turned to see the guard helping Fung, he had whip marks against his body and his face was pale “Fung!” Ga Lung rushed over to hold up the bodyguard that has become his friend.
“Your highness…” he was ready to kneel when Ga Lung refused the gesture.
“Don’t. You do not need to. You have been through much pain.” He shook his head “Who did this?!” he cried.
The guard was quickly on all fours “Your highness, please forgive us. I did not know he was your bodyguard. We thought he was a thief.”
“Even a measly thief does deserve to be beaten to death! Official Cheung, be ready to meet my father in the next month. He shall hear about all of this.” He vowed “We will rest here tonight and I am expecting some friends to come. They do not know of my identity and I hope to keep it a secret. My life will be in danger and if anything happens to me, your head will be the first to fall.”
“Yes, yes…” he nodded vigorously “Chung, take the Prince—” Ga Lung snapped his eyes dangerously “I mean Chu Gung Zhi to his room.”
“Please…” he pointed towards the back hall while assisting Fung on one side.
Outside the courthouse, Keung had heard the whole thing. His eyes widened in shock “The Prince…” he whispered more to himself. Knowing that Ga Lung would be safe, he left the place and back to his hotel to await for Sum Mong’s arrival.
That night after dinner, he paced his room. It was unsettling that he knew the true identity of Ga Lung. Why did he have to lie to them? There were too many questions unanswered and knowing there was only one way to get them. He took a cloth and wrapped it around his face. He would sneak into the Official’s home and ask Ga Lung himself.
SIUBINGLIBRARY 2004
