Chapter 26:
Keeah stood on the docks casting a look at the various vessels that were moored there. Though her expression was calm, she was feeling a little lost and helpless inside .She knew the journey to the island of Fa Sang would be treacherous and difficult and she needed a crew who would stand beside her till the very end .The money she had with her could easily purchase a crew but she was also sure that that particular crew would stab her in her back at a moments notice.
A faint mist floated over the cold sea and the sun had already begun his journey towards the west. The cold was increasing with the coming of dusk .The streets were fast becoming empty as the people scurried indoors for the warmth offered in the cups of sake and the arms of the brothel women. Besides the streets of Nobu were not safe at night .Of course it wasn't safe during the day as well, but it was comparatively safer ...whatever that means.
"This is hopeless "It was Sotisku .His nose was slightly red from the cold and his breath rose in a mist in front of his eyes."All of these ships look the same."His voice was frustrated.
"As do all the men "Suraco added rubbing his numb fingers together "They all look unscrupulous. "
Keeah frowned "This is Nobu Suraco .Do you wish to find an honest man here?"She looked at the ships drawing her cloak around herself "And yes all the ships look the same."
"So what now? "Suraco pursed his mouth "We have to hurry Princess .Now that Hotohori knows that we are in Nobu he will try to stop us."
"Suraco "Keeah peered at him "Are you still mad about my decision to give Hotohori back his sword?"
"Me? Angry?" Suraco said stiffly "It was your decision Princess .Who am I to say anything? Besides it's not like you ever listen."
"Suraco "Keeah laid a hand on his arm "Brother. Please do not be angry."Her eyes held that silent appeal that Suraco was never able to withstand "I know that you are displeased with my decision ...but Hotohori is my prey "Her eyes held a strange cryptic gleam that Suraco was unable to decipher "And I will allow no body to change that."
"You are sounding scary."Sotisku cut in dryly "Did you realize that?"
"Oh! Sorry. "Keeah blushed "Suraco...?"
"I am not angry "Suraco smiled, gently squeezing Keeah's hand "Now about our journey..."
"Pardon me."
Instinctively Keeah spun around her hand on the hilt of her dagger .She looked at the source of the sound .It appeared to be a man so heavily swathed in a woolen cloak that his features were obscured.
He moved towards them soundlessly. There was something about the way he walked, so liquid and graceful.There was somethingalmost feline inhis movement .
"I am sorry for interrupting your conversation."His voice was deep and smooth like velvet."I believe that we could be of use to each other."
"Indeed."Keeah raised her eyebrow "Would you care to remove your hood kind Sir?"
The man chuckled "Not here my Lady .If you be so kind to follow me."
Keeah stared intently at the hooded figure for a while "Very well."She said at last.
" What!" Suraco and Sotisku yelled.
"This way then."The man turned and started to walk away.
"What are you doing?"Suraco hissed at Keeah as they followed the hooded man."I will tell you that recent events have made me rather apprehensive of hooded men."
"Suraco, its not him."Keeah said quietly.
"How can you tell?"
Keeah was silent for a long time. Then she spoke "I just know."She looked at him "Trust me. Please."
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Hotohori and Liang exited the building into the cold streets Nobu .The cold seeped in through their threadbare cloaks and a mist seemed to settle on the nearly empty streets. Dusk had treaded softly into the city, her red and gold train painting the sky in dull shades of crimson. Hotohori absently flung his cloak over the threadbare rug that covered him.
"Ya lied to me."
Surprised Hotohori turned around. Liang was standing with his head bowed .His hands were balled into fists.
"Do ya take me for a fool? "Liang's voice was heated "Ya killed them bastards before meself could blink .Yer no rookie bandit .Ya fight like a soldier."
"Liang."Hotohori cut into Liang's heated tirade "Yes, I am a soldier and no, I did not come to Nobu to become a pirate."
"Oh."Liang stiffened "Me dad was right. Meself is a fool. Meself thought we're gonna be friends .I bet Shinwa ain't your real name .I bet ya had a lot of fun at my expense."He chuckled bitterly "Thanks for saving me butt back there anyway but ya and me gotta go on our ways now."
"Liang, I had fun."Hotohori ran a hand through his tousled hair "I like you .I cannot imagine the last time I had such a carefree time as I had with you ...well at least up to the time we ended up in those shackles ...Please do not be angry with me .I have not many friends and I do not want to lose the very few I have."
"Well, ya shouldn't have lied to me."Liang grumbled, thawing considerably upon hearing Hotohori's words.
"The deception was necessary."Hotohori said gravely.
"Why?"Liang was curious.
"Its a long story."
"I like long stories."
"Well, I do not like telling them standing in cold deserted streets."Hotohori rubbed his hands "Lets find my people, then I will tell you everything over a cup of tea."
"Tea!" Liang was repulsed "Ya want meself to have tea."
"Well ...you can have sake..."
"Good."Liang linked his hands with Hotohori forgetting all past differences "Lets find yer people then."
"And get you some clothes as well .The ones you wore are torn."Hotohori stiffened as his eyes rested on the torn knee of Liang's pants. Even in the failing light he could see the dull sign on his left knee "By Suzaku! You are seishi!"
Liang flushed "Well, now ya know."
"Liang "Hotohori gripped his shoulders "Nothing could be more propitious than our paths colliding. No wonder I was feeling that I could trust you're from the beginning."
"What are ya talking about?"
"Come on .I will tell you everything."
"Remember, I am still the boss."
"Very well."Hotohori laughed loudly "Come on."
"There you are." A female voice caught Hotohori's attention. Hotohori turned sheepishly at the two figures that approached him "We've been searching for you."
"Are you all right?"The second figure asked Hotohori in artic accents.
"Very well."Hotohori grinned sheepishly."I am sorry to have worried you."
"Its all right "The voice was colder than before.
"Well who rammed the stick up yer ass?"Liang cut in "The bloke says he is sorry. Give him a break." He turned towards Hotohori "Who's the gray eyed ice block?"
Hotohori saw Menesku's gray eyes flash angrily and suppressed the desire to chuckle."This is my freind Liang."He turned at Menesku "This is Liang ...and he is a Suzaku seishi."
Menesku's eyes widened "Really?"He ran a cool apprising eye over Liang "Him?"
Liang flushed under Menesku's eyes "Yeah .Ya gotta problem?"He turned towards Hotohori "Meself says that lets ditch the ice block and the wench."
"Excuse me."Chulivey bristled.
Liang ignored her .He put a friendly arm around Hotohori's shoulders "As me self was saying since we are gonna be a gang, meself is gonna be the boss and ya can be me self's second in command. Them ice block and the wench..."He waved his hand towards Menesku and Chulivey "...can be the unimportant underlings."
Hotohori saw Menesku's eyebrow twitch. Chulivey was purple with the effort to suppress her laughter "I had not realized that we were opting for a change in career."Her voice quivered.
"Neither had I."Hotohori admitted grinning "But enough of this now. Lets go home .I have a lot to tell you."
"I can imagine."Menesku said stiffly.
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Lee was pacing in front of the fire."I can't believe it. Hotohori just ran off without a word .I cannot believe that he would do something so irresponsible."She turned towards Faraco "Why don't you say something?"
Faraco gathered his cloak around himself watching the light dance in Lee's sparkling eyes. 'Does she realize how beautiful she looks when she is angry.' He frowned ' Wait. That did not come out right. Especially since I am going to be at the receiving end of her temper.'
He cleared his throat "Lord Hotohori must have a very valid reason for his action."He smiled up at Lee "He is well able to take care of himself."
Lee flopped down in front of Faraco "I cannot believe that you support Hotohori's rash actions."
Faraco sighed, looking into Lee's eyes "I do not support his actions .I ...was only trying to make you feel less worried."
"Well it did not work."Lee pouted angrily.
Faraco's gaze intensified, his heated gaze lingered for a while on Lee's lips before rising to meet her eyes."Then tell me what will "His voice though quiet was oddly intense.
Lee froze, a heated blush rising to her cheeks, momentarily forgetting her worries."Fa...Faraco?"
' Why are you looking at me like that?'
A loud rap on the rickety door broke the spell and both Lee and Faraco jumped up, startled. Faraco lifted his nose up and sniffed.
"Its them."Try as he might he could not keep the tinge of dissatisfaction out of his voice .He rose up to undo the bolt that held the door in place.
Lee raised a cold hand to her heated cheeks and desperately tried to calm her heartbeat.' How dare he fluster me like that!' She tried to feel angry.
' Though I kind of wish we were not interrupted.' The voice in her head sounded disappointed.
Lee blushed vividly ' Bad Lee...' She scolded herself ' What were you thinking?'
The door opened and their remaining party came in .Lee immediately forgot everything as the open door brought with it a cold draught that chilled her to her bones .Her teeth rattled and she held her cloak desperately to herself .She saw Hotohori come in and though she was very angry with him she was too cold to show her anger .It was when the door closed and the room had regained some of its warmth that Lee decided to make herself heard.
"Where were you?"She stood in front of Hotohori and tapped her foot lightly in what she hoped was a threatening manner "What were you thinking? Do you realize how worried we all were?"
Hotohori looked at her. Lee's face was flushed and there was the hint of a dying blush on her cheeks. His eyes narrowed dangerously.' Just what happened here?' His eyes wandered to Faraco ' I don't think I want to know. But I wish I were here to put a spoke in his wheel.'
Lee saw Hotohori's eyes were distant .She stepped up and laid a hand on Hotohori's arm "Hotohori are you listening to me? You could have been hurt or captured..."
Hotohori's eyes flashed red .One hand and closed cruelly around Lee's wrist .For a while Lee seemed to be superimposed with the image of another woman, one with fathomless eyes and a mocking smile.
" Are you demon at all that you are so easily tamed? "
Lee stared up into Hotohori's eyes, suddenly a little scared as she saw his eyes flash red and black "Ho..Hotohori?"
The grip on her hand tightened and Lee felt drawn in by the changing colors in his distant eyes fearing and reveling in their intensity. She heard a loud voice.
"Let go of the midget bro ."
The voice seemed to penetrate through Hotohori's haze .His eyes were not distant anymore they were focused on Lee .He let go of her hand as if burned.
"Lee "His voice was stricken "Have I hurt you?"
Lee nodded. Hotohori voice tearing at her heart "No. No."
Hotohori's face fell .He looked at Lee's pale face and felt his heart wrench ' what were you thinking Hotohori? You scared her.' He pursed his mouth ' What is wrong with me?'
"Lee " He took her hand "I really am sorry."
Lee looked into Hotohori's eyes and smiled "Hotohori, I know you will never hurt me."She felt happy to see his shoulders relax a bit."But you look very preoccupied. What's on your mind?"
"Lots."It was that voice again .She turned to see a man with amber eyes regarding her casually .The man ambled up to them and addressed Hotohori "Come, ya and me have a lot to discuss .Ask the midget to run along and get us some food."
Lee eyebrow twitched "Midget? Did you call me a midget?"
The man ran a bored eye over her."I could call ya wench."
Lee could feel steam come out of her ears.' Granted we are not that tall ' The voice in her head fumed ' Well I never...'
"Who is he?"Lee turned towards Menesku.
"Our new boss apparently."Menesku's voice was heavy with sarcasm.
"Huh?"
"Please."Hotohori ran a hand through his messed up hair."Everybody sit down. Liang "He turned towards his amber eyed companion."This is Lady Lee. I would greatly appreciate it if you accord to her the respect she deserves."
Liang looked into Hotohori's eyes for a while before smiling "Ya serious?"
"Yes."
"Why are ya so serious all of a sudden? If the wench if dear to ya then 'course meself will treat her well. But remember what my Pa says. Them women, nothing but trouble."
Hotohori's lips twitched "Liang. Please. Have a seat."
"Don't mind if I do."Liang took a seat.
"Lady Lee "Hotohori smiled at the still fuming Lee "Please sit down and I apologize for Liang's behaviour ."
"Hmph "Lee sat down glaring at Liang.
"Liang. Remember you told me earlier that Shinwa wasn't my real name .You were right."Hotohori took a deep breath "My name is Hotohori."
Liang stared for a while "Hotohori? Prince Hotohori?"He broke out laughing, "I may not have any manners but I am not stupid ya know."
"That ...is a matter of opinion." Faraco said hotly. Nobody called Lee a midget or wench and even if Hotohori had passed that over he would not let it pass.
Liang stopped laughing and glared at Faraco before turning once more towards Hotohori "Yer not serious."
"Liang .I am dead serious .I am Prince Hotohori."
"Well..."Liang seemed at a loss of words "Damn. Meself seriously need sake .If yer really the Prince what are ya doing here? Nobu ain't the place for the Prince of Konon."
"Its a long story..."
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Keeah followed the figure through the winding streets of Nobu .The light was nearly gone and the wind had picked up fiercely. Fine snow had started to fall settling like sifted cotton on the nearly deserted streets .The cold seeped in through their heavy cloaks and sunk its teeth into their flesh .He led them outside the walls of Nobu into the frozen desert that surroundedthe city.At a distance the dark outlines of the mountains that surrounded Nobu were painted across the darkening skyline.
"P...Please te...tell me we a..are not walking in...to a trap ."Sotisku muttered through chattering teeth .
Keeah flashed Sotisku a reassuring smile and followed after the figure .The figure turned and led them to a solitary rock structure .Keeah had noticed these abstract rock structures scattered whimsically outside Nobu .Though entranced by the art of Nature she had noticed nothing special about them .
The figure bend down and pushed aside some snow to reveal a cleverly camouflaged crack in the rock face .It was not very wide but a grown man could manage to squeeze through it .
"This way ."The man bend down and entered the crack .
"Will we follow ?"Suraco asked .
Keeah did not answer .Instead she bend down and followed the hooded man .The crack was narrow but it widened out soon enough .She had expected the passage to be dark but the walls gave off a strange green glow that suffused the passage with a soft green light .Very soon she was able to stand up .She found the man waiting for them .She looked around .They seemed to be in a large cavern . Clumps of green crystal embedded carelessly in the walls of the cavern gave off the strange green glow that lit the cavern .
"Strange "Suraco pretty much summed it up .
"Follow me ."The man said "Please watch your step .The rubble here is pretty loose ."
He started down a long winding path .It appeared to be a natural staircase that led downwards .But Keeah noticed that there were steps cut in the slope .She paused a bit .There were strange rock structures along the slope .Keeah noticed that they occurred at regular intervals .She paused bending down in front of one such structure .Strange white creepers had covered it .She pulled apart the creepers .
' By Seiryuu .This looks like a lamp stand .' She ran a hand over the strange inscriptions that were carved into it .Time had eroded much of it but even then Keeah could understand that they were of amazing detail .But she couldn't make it out properly in the minimal light .
"Light a torch Suraco "She said quietly .
"We should not tarry my Lady ."The man said .
"In a moment Sir ."Keeah took the lit torch from Suraco's hand . She blinked .Once again she saw the hazy outline of a figure . It was a woman . She seemed to be wearing a trailing fur cloak and carried a lamp in her hand .She applied the flame to the brazier and at once all the lamps came to life flooding the cavern with light . Keeah blinked again .She was gone ...
' Not again .Hmm...I wonder .' Keeah frowned as she applied the flame to the brazier . At once all the lamps in the cavern burst into flames .The cavern were flooded with warmth and light .
"Bloody brilliant ."Sotisku gaped .
"How did you know ?"The man's voice was confused ."Never mind ."He turned "Come ."
"Where are we going Princess ?"Suraco said slowly "What is this place ?Have you ever seen anything so ...wondrous ?"
"No ."Keeah frowned "Look ."
The green crystals embedded strategically on the cavern walls reflected the flames from the brazier . It lit up the entire cavern . It would seem that the winding path led to a settlement of some kind or it had been a settlement at one time .Now it was deserted ,the silent carcasses of the houses were standing as silent witness to a time of former glory .
"Wow !"Sotisku gasped "Do you hear that ?"It was unmistakable roar of the ocean" We are near the ocean ."
Keeah felt her world suddenly grow blank .The walls of the cavern seem to revolve all around her . She grasped her head to make it stop whirling .She could hear screams echo in her ears .She heard the cry of men mad with bloodlust and felt the smell of blood waft up to her nose .She forced her eye open.
She saw the path she was standing on slick with blood and piled with the bodies of the dead and dismembered and shadowy shapes that moved through the fleeing crowd their swords rising and falling with a butcher's precision .
Keeah winced .This was no war .It was a massacre .The cavern was lit in a macabre red glow and Keeah watched with mesmerized horror the red flames lick greedily at the once beautiful houses of this underground settlement .
' Princess ...'
Keeah's suddenly felt her world shift back into focus .She realized that she was on her knees and even in this cold her back was wet with sweat .
"Are you feeling okay ?"It was Sotisku .
"Actually ...I am feeling a bit faint .I have not eaten for a long time ."Keeah lied casually .
"You are a bad liar "Sotisku huffed handing her a sweet bun "Here eat ."
Keeah slowly bit into the bun . "I really am all right ."
Suraco rested his eyes on her face ."If you say so ."It was clear that neither Suraco nor Sotisku had bought her lie .
"I was not wrong in my assessment of you ."The hooded man said "You might have rudimentary psychic powers .Maybe you sensed what happened here decades ago ."
"Did you now ?"Suraco was interested .
Keeah was silent ."Maybe we should get to business sir ."
The man sighed ."Very well ."He led them to a somewhat habitable house in the deserted village .The room was strangely warm .A large fire burned in a cracked brazier that gave the room both warmth and light .
The man turned to face them "Welcome to my temporary abode ."
"So why exactly have you put up here ?"Suraco looked around . A thick layer of dried moss had been spread on the floor to form a make shift seat .
"You see sir , my appearance would attract a lot of undue attention ."The man removed the hood from his face "I am not exactly human ."
For a while they stared . He had spoken the truth . His broad shouldered well-muscled torso supported a head that justified his saying that he was not exactly human . His nose was broad ending in a very feline like snout .His upper lip was curled up like a cat and alert almond shaped cinnamon colored eyes surveyed them .If one noticed carefully they could see the golden flecks in his eyes and the way his eyes glowed in the dark .His skin was very dark phasing in to a light gray around his mouth and chest and some markings could be seen on his velvety skin .A mop of shaggy black hair framed his face like a lion's mane .
He chuckled "I told you that I attract a lot of attention ."
Keeah flushed "I did not mean to stare so rudely .But ..."She struggled with words "I have never before encountered any of your kind .Truth to be told I don't even know what manner of creature you are ."
"I know you have never seen any of my kind before human "The man smiled showing sharp canines "In fact ,I had never seen your kind before either ..."He gestured at the moss "Won't you please take a seat ?"
"Very well ."Keeah took a seat and patted the place beside her . Sotisku and Suraco took their usual place beside her .
"I believe that you have a lot of questions "The man said somberly "I will attempt to answer them ."
"You bet ."Suraco muttered .
"We could start with your name and where you are from ."Keeah began .
The man looked at her "Certainly .But it should be a fair trade .I would also like to know of your people ."
"Agreed ."
"I am Taasha from the tribe of Bast .I come from Ubasti ."
"Ubasti ?"Suraco frowned "Never heard of it ."
"There are many things you do not know human ."Taasha chuckled .It was a pleasant sound coming from deep within his throat "You had never believe in the existence of Fa Sang ,yet now you search desperately for it ."
They looked up startled .Keeah's eyes flashed "How did you know we were searching for Fa Sang ?" Her hand rested lightly on her dagger .
Taasha's eyes gleamed with amusement ."You were discussing it while standing on the docks .Never fear, your voice was low enough for a human ear .It just wasn't low enough for a Bast berserker ."
He paused "One of the many reasons I prefer to stay here .It is too noisy and smelly in Nobu ."
"I second that ."Sotisku agreed .
"Thank you human ."
"Its Sotisku ."
"So...tisku "Taasha repeated the name tentatively before looking expectantly at Keeah .
"I am Keeah ,daughter of Emperor Kaminari of Kutou ."Keeah began "This is Suraco ."She smiled at Suraco "And this is Sotisku ,my chief advisors and friends ."
"So ,you are the alpha of your pack ."
"Alpha ?"Keeah looked up startled "Well ..."She paused for a while "I suppose I am .Why ?"
"Since I wish to become a part of your pack ,I want the approval of your alpha ."He looked at Keeah "In this case you ."He briefly exited the chamber and reentered a moment later carrying a huge fish in his strong arms .He deposited in front of Keeah ,letting the light dance on its silver scales "I hunted this earlier .It is still fresh ."
Keeah must have looked as stupidly surprised as she felt .Taasha sighed and tried to explain "I am good hunter .I can provide food for the pack in difficult terrain ."He paused "Every pack needs a good hunter ."
"I think ...I understand ..."Keeah said slowly "But why do you want to join us ?"
Taasha looked at her " I wish to go to Fa Sang ."
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The building was like any other house in Nobu .But once a person entered through its rickety doorway the scene changed .It was almost as if they were transported to an alternate reality .The walls were covered with rich tapestries and the floors covered with soft carpets .Large fires burnt in fireplaces and the air was heavy with perfume .
A figure entered the house from the street bringing with him a cold draught .For a while the fires dimmed a bit before blazing into full heat once more .The man contemptuously brushed some of the snow from his shoulders before looking around studying the surroundings at his leisure .
"Sir .Would you care to state your business here ?"
The man turned towards the burly servant who addressed him "I am here to see your master ."
"I am afraid Sir that Master Sung is occupied at the moment .Would you care to partake some refreshment for the time being ?"
The man smiled wryly "Tell your master that Izuke is here .He will see me ."
The servant's eyes widened a bit "Very well Sir .I will see what can be done ."
"Please do ."
Izuke watched the servant walk up the stairway cleverly situated behind one of the tapestries . He smiled a little easing down on one of the soft cushions that were littered on the floor .Nobu had not changed .It was still cold and corrupt .
' Perfect ' Izuke grinned observing the young woman who was pouring him sake from under hooded lashes .' And Sung's house is just as I left it .' His gaze roamed boldly over the woman ' Overflowing with women and wine .'
He lifted his hand to touch her face "What is your name woman ?"
She favored him with a ridiculously coy look from under her lashes "Ski ,my Lord ."
' Vulgarly coy .Disgusting .' Izuke pressed a small kiss on her wrist "That's a lovely name for a lovely lady ."
"My Lord ."She tittered fluttering her lashes.
"Sir ."Izuke turned his head towards the servant "Master Sung will see you now ."
Izuke favored Suki with a lopsided smile "Later my Lady ."He bend down and lightly touched her painted lips before straightening up and following after the servant .
The narrow staircase led him to Sung's quarters .The servant paused before a door "Please ,Master Sung is waiting for you ."
' I am sure he is .' Izuke pushed open the door and entered .
He had expected to find Sung like this .Sitting amidst the silken sheets propped up on several cushions his gaunt hand resting on the smooth brown thigh of his newest pleasure slave .The air would be heavy with smell of opium and the light would be too little .Two of his personal bodyguards would stand behind his seat naked blade in their hands .Izuke always felt that he was being granted audience to a monarch .In a way Sung was a king .He was the uncrowned King of Nobu and all its nefarious activities .Nothing happened in Nobu without Sung's permission .
He bowed a little "Sung ."
Sung raised his pale face towards Izuke .In some ways his face reminded Izuke of a mask ,lined with the misdeeds of years .He smiled ,showing yellow teeth "Izuke .Welcome ."
Izuke noticed a man on the floor .His back was torn and bloody and little whimpers were coming from his throat .One of Sung's men stood behind him a heavy whip made of horsehide in his big hands .
Yes ,Sung was holding court and meting out justice .
' Justice .Indeed .' He took a seat " Sung ,I hope I have not interrupted anything important ."
"Not at all ."Sung signaled .Izuke watched dispassionately as the whip came down with a dull crack . Sung turned at Izuke "I hope you will excuse the noise .You see I positively abhor loss .Today morning I had two splendid acquisitions and by afternoon I lost it .It is so hard to find good help these days ."
"Indeed ."Izuke said calmly ' Two slaves actually escaped Sung's strong house ! How very interesting.'
The man was whimpering as the whip came down with amazing rhythm .Izuke thought that the man did not have the strength to scream anymore .Sung took another sip in his cup "Tricked .By a girl no less ."He addressed himself to whimpering man "How did you achieve that Master Loki ?"
"Mercy ."Loki's voice was a broken whisper .
"Mercy ?"There was a sardonic gleam in Sung's eyes "Is that even a word ?Do you know of any word called mercy Izuke ?"
"Stop ."
"Stop ? Did you ask me to stop Izuke ?You have become soft ."
"No Sung "Izuke said coolly "He has vital information .Therefore he is of little use if he is dead ."He looked into Sung's eyes "There is a lot of money involved ."
Sung's eyes narrowed .He raised his hand .The whip stopped .The man collapsed in a pool of his blood ."Revive him "He gestured "And clean this mess ...What is this about Izuke ?"
' Don't you want to know ?' Izuke's eyes were brooding .Silently he brought out an emerald and placed it in front of Sung .
Sung picked up the emerald studying it carefully "Beautiful .But Izuke ,one emerald hardly interests me now ."
Izuke chuckled "It is part of a necklace as thick as that gold chain around your neck woven with rubies and diamonds ."
Sung gave a small start ."You are lying ."
"Am I ?"
"Show me the necklace ."
"Sung ,you insult my intelligence .Do you expect me to bring something so precious in Nobu .But that emerald is very precious .It will cover your costs ."
"Izuke ,those two men killed my men .They have not left Nobu .I will not allow them to leave Izuke ."
"Tail them ,gather information on them .But do not interfere with them ."
"Why ?"
"Consider it ...an investment ."
Sung pondered on it for a while "Izuke you interest me ."He turned the emerald in his hand "Care to divulge the details ?"
"Since when have you started to care about details Sung ? Ask no questions .Just do the job ."
"Izuke you wound me .Have you so little trust in me ?"
"You are wrong Sung .I have absolutely no trust in you .But you are one of the best in the business ."
Sung grinned "You have not changed Izuke ."His voice was silky "Tell me then ,just what does this job entail ?"
Izuke leaned back ,his eyes thoughtful over the sake cup "For starters you could tell me what is going on in Nobu ."
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Yusagi : I am soo happy .That's happy with a capital H .Thanks for the reviews .And yes I still have some really irritating typos and I am trying to edit them .
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