“You possess dragon bone, Ying?” LoBak asked.
“Enough to last me several years,” Ying replied. “Why?”
“You will need it for your mother's treatments. I can supply you with the other ingredients, but dragon bone is difficult to come by, as I'm sure you know.”
“You sound as if I will be taking her somewhere,” Ying said.
LoBak nodded. “It may be wise for you to leave as soon as she can walk without assistance. The local official I just mentioned is a man called HaiZhe and—”
“Jellyfish!” Fu interrupted.
“That's right,” LoBak said. “You know of him?”
“Yes,” WanSow said, finishing her drink. “I fear he might soon be looking for me.”
“Your fears are well founded,” LoBak said. “He has mentioned your name several times. It seems General Tonglong has laid his hands on a veritable dragon's hoard of treasure that HaiZhe has been after for many years. The man giving HaiZhe the news heard about it from a group of fishermen who'd spoken with Tong -long's crew just this morning. They were docked in a village to the south.”
“Did they happen to mention a little boy?” Hok asked, her voice anxious. “ShaoShu stowed away on that ship.”
“Oh, dear,” LoBak said. “ShaoShu did seem a little too curious for his own good while he was here with you. Fortunately, there was no talk of a stowaway. What is he up to?”
“He is trying to help us, I suppose,” Hok said. “I was thinking maybe we should stay here in case he happens to sneak away to try and find us. This was the last place I saw him.”
“We don't all have to stay here,” Charles said. “Those of us who can leave should do so.”
“But is it safe to leave?” Hok asked. “Now that HaiZhe knows about the treasure, he'll be searching high and low for it, and for WanSow.”
“That's why we should get moving immediately,” Charles said.
“I agree with Charles,” Fu said.
“What do you think, Malao?” Charles asked.
Malao shrugged. “Don't look at me. None of this sounds like fun.”
Charles sniffed. “There is something else we need to consider. What about Tonglong?”
Ying popped his knuckles, one at a time. “Tong long will get what's coming to him. Trust me.”
“What are you going to do?” Charles asked. “No offense, but don't you have other priorities?” He nodded at WanSow.
“I will stay and help WanSow—” Hok began.
“No,” Ying said in a firm tone. “I will take care of her myself, and I will deal with Tonglong in time. All of you can do as you see fit.”
“Why even worry about going after Tonglong?” Charles said. “I mean, won't the Emperor eventually take care of Tonglong?”
Ying scoffed. “Tonglong works for the Emperor, remember? I am sure the Emperor has no idea what Tonglong is up to. He will build himself into an unstoppable force; then he'll overthrow the Emperor.”
“Do you really think so?” Hok asked.
“Count on it,” Ying said. “I know Tonglong well. He double-crossed me, and he'll double-cross the Emperor. I think he would even double-cross his mother to get his way.”
“Well, somebody has to stop them,” Fu growled. “Remember what AnGangseh did to Seh?”
“Look, everyone,” Charles said. “This has gotten too big for any of us to handle. Perhaps I should discuss the situation with my friends on Smuggler's Island? You can come with me, if you'd like.”
“That might be best,” LoBak said. “I know the island you speak of, and it is far more secure than my shop. I suggest all of you leave with Charles when WanSow is ready to travel.”
Hok sighed. “I hate to keep imposing on you, Charles, but maybe this would be best. I would like to go with you, and I want to help WanSow. This plan allows for both. Besides, the longer we wait here, the greater the chance we might get word about ShaoShu. What do the rest of you think?”
“Fine with me,” Fu said.
“Me too,” Malao added.
“Not me,” Ying said. “I think you three should go with Charles, but I will take my mother into the mountains to heal where the air is clear and the earth's chi is strong. I also have a few things of a personal nature to sort out.” He exchanged a knowing look with his mother.
“Are you sure?” Hok asked.
“Yes,” Ying said. “I have made some mistakes in the past, and I need to fix them. I am sure our paths will cross again.”
“I hope they do,” Hok said.