It's there, Anh! Hei Lei growled. I can feel it.
Anh lifted Hei Lei's tail for what must have been the hundredth time that day. With his fingers he felt under every talon before releasing his tail. There's nothing there.
There is! Look again! Hei Lei urged.
Hei Lei, Anh groaned. Cinnabar isn't found this far north!
It was in the rocks by Dragon Lake, I'm telling you.
It was probably algae or something. There hasn't been any rain or wind here in weeks. Anh slumped back onto the wall of the cave. He squinted as he thought of a diagnosis. Look, do you feel tired at all?
No.
Then it's confirmed! It's not cinnabar.
Then why am I so itchy! Hei Lei roared.
Anh was about to argue once again that it couldn't possibly be cinnabar when Minh Huyn rose from where he and Bai Xue had been dozing. It's likely, considering you were fishing at Dragon Lake, that you walked through stagnant algae. His groaned slightly as he bent over. The wound to his shoulder and chest had healed, but he struggled with muscle aches since. It has a tendency to irritate, that algae.
Told you. Anh smirked.
Hei Lei huffed, and curled himself into a ball on a boulder. Anh took the opportunity to go outside and sit with Lu Yu. The other dragons weren't privy to her and Danzi's stone, but that didn't stop Anh from asking Lu Yu all about caring for dragonlings. The first dragonling born in 400 years was a big deal even by Dragon Keeper timelines.
What do dragonlings eat? Anh asked.
Milk for the first for months of their life. Then we introduce them to insects. Grubs are bes!.
Anh's face twisted a little at the thought. I suppose bugs are easy game compared to large animals.
Lu Yu tinkled at the thought. You realize the dragonling wont hatch for at least 50 years?
I know. Anh said. But I don't intend to knock off before then. If I live anywhere as long as Minh Huyn does, then that gives me years with them.
Lu Yu stretched out. Her purple scales were a stark contrast against the green grass. She wasn't a dragon that could camouflage into her surroundings, nor did she have the gift of shape shifting like Danzi. It was why she and Gao Zi began training with Anh and Hei Lei three years ago.
It got Anh thinking. If the egg is purple, does that mean the dragonling will purple too?
Lu Yu looked behind them and around to be sure they were alone. She felt into her reverse scales and produced the purple egg. Anh's eyes widened with wonder. He had seen the egg a few times now, yet each time still felt as though it was his first time seeing it. It was a deep shade of purple, with milky veins snaking across its surface It was small, just the size of a stone like the ones he and Bong sometimes skipped over Dragon Lake. But it held within it the potential for something truly extraordinary. One day the egg would hatch, and something magnificent would emerge from within. It was a thought that filled Anh with excitement, for he knew that whatever came out of that egg would be unlike anything they had seen before.
Anh had been so lost in thought that he had forgotten what they were talking about. I think it will be purple, like me.
Huh, what? Anh said breaking his sight from the egg. Then he remembered. Oh! Right. A purple dragon.
They went on a moment longer staring at the egg before Anh sensed an incoming presence. Bong and Jiang, he said as Lu Yu tucked the egg away. The pair came into sight a moment later from above. Bong waved as they landed nearby the hut. Anh rushed over to help Bong unload Jiang's back of their packs.
"How was the trip?" Anh asked. They had run out of medicine for Minh Huyn a few days ago. The members of the Haven looked to Anh originally to jump at the opportunity to travel back to Tinkling Village. He had declined though, much to Hei Lei's joy and the remainder of the Haven's confusion.
One of the packs was a two man job. They took a handle each and headed inside the hut. Bong had a slight sweat forming on his brow. "It was good. Hot, but!"
That wasn't terribly surprising. Spring had come to the Qin Empire with a fire in her belly. "Does the village have enough water to get through the spring and summer?" Anh asked.
Bong shrugged, as he dug out a hidden pear from the pack. "Dunno. Didn't ask." He took a bite of the pear and began stocking the cupboards with the medicine and foods. "Your girlfriend asked about you."
There it was – he knew it was coming. Anh's stomach twisted into a knot at the thought of Yara. He hadn't said goodbye to her after leaving abruptly. That was over a month ago now. "How is she?" Anh said quietly.
"Oh, wonderful." Bong said with a mouthful of pear. "She remarked on your utter bravery facing her father and knew deep, deep in her heart that you were just out there waiting to whisk her away from Tieze Senior and bring her to a palace filled with silks and talons and all the peppers you can eat."
Anh pursed his lips. "Right."
"She's concerned, Anh. As am I! She thought maybe you were sick. When I said you were just fine, she then cried saying 'But that makes no sense!' She then indulged me that you visited her father and then took off without saying goodbye." Pear juice dribbled from his mouth as he glared at his younger cousin. "Why did you leave without saying goodbye to her, Anh? That's poor form. Even I know that."
Anh groaned bringing his knees to his face. He should have gone to Tinkling Village with Bong. Yara deserved an answer for his sudden departure, even if it shamed him. "It's stupid, Bong."
"Nothing can be that stupid." Bong said placing a hand on his shoulder.
Yeah, like Anh hadn't heard that reassurance before. "I asked Tieze Senior if I could marry his daughter."
He could hear Bong's cheeks fill with air in an attempt to stifle his laugh. Anh peeked up at him. His face was rounder than usual. In conjunction to his bald head, he looked like a dumpling. Anh rolled his eyes. "Oh, go on!"
Bong let go of his breath. He curled into a ball and hugged his stomach as he filled the hut with his maniacal laughter. "Oh my!" He wheezed every so often. "Oh my Heavens, what a joke!"
"Come off it!" Anh pleaded, which only made Bong's howls louder. It only stirred Anh up. "It's not just because he said no, Bong! He knew about my father."
Bong's laughter came to a sudden halt at that. He sat up slowly looking at Anh. "What does he know about Uncle Feng?"
"Everything." Anh said coldly.
Bong bit his lip and looked downcast. "Oof." He said.
"Oof." Anh concurred.
They went back to restocking the cupboards. Bong had brought Anh back some peppers and beef cheek for Minh Huyn's famous pickle. They worked in silence, and when they finished Bong turned to Anh again. "I mightn't know much about women, Anh. Hate Tieze Senior all you want. But you shouldn't punish Yara for it."
Anh frowned at Bong. "I'm not punishing her?"
Bong shook his head. "You are, though. Stop being a chicken shit and talk to her. Tell her the truth."
Anh leaned back against the cupboard with his arms crossed. He knew Bong was right. He had been avoiding Yara, trying to distance himself from the pain of rejection and the shame of running away like a coward. He had been doing Yara a disservice by cutting her off without an explanation. He owed her the truth, no matter how difficult it would be to face her again. His heart was heavy with the knowledge that he had hurt Yara by his silence. But he knew that he had to make it right, no matter what the outcome might be. He just hoped it wasn't too late.
Anh took a deep breath and nodded at Bong. "I'll do the next run to Tinkling Village."
Bong grinned at him. "That's the spirit. And hey – you won't have to wait too long."
Anh was about to ask what Bong meant when he remembered! "The Conqueror Liu Bang will be visiting the village shortly." He said.
"They anticipate his arrival next weekend." Bong nodded. His face then contorted into a grimace. "Oh! Jiang and I may need your help."
"What for…?" Anh said with a raised eyebrow. Bong looked like a terribly guilty child as he stood there with his head down. "Oh, spit it out!" Anh said.
"Okay, okay." Bong said with a deep breath. "Lord Cao has asked that we and the dragons perform for the Conqueror – sorry. His Imperial Majesty – outside the gates of Tinkling Village."
Now it was Anh's turn to laugh. "That will never happen!"
"No, no! Okay, perform wasn't the right word choice there." He scratched his neck. "Uhm. He just asks that the dragons perform a flyby the morning after the Alliance Banquet. They won't even need to come into the village, just," he waved his hands above his head. "fly above the town and then leave. Lord Cao said it would give the Chu an impression of good fortune."
"It'll give the dragons another reason to hate on the humans." Anh mumbled.
Bong bobbed up and down with his fists by his side. It was a nervous habit of his. "Jiang and I already agreed. Just try and help us?"
His cousin had already listened to Anh's woes about Yara. He did owe it to him. He rolled his eyes and hesitantly agreed. When they presented the idea to the rest of the Haven at the cave shortly after, it went as well as they'd expected.
I'd rather have my teeth slowly pulled out each day for a year than perform for the Conqueror. Hei Lei spat.
Lao was stroking his beard as the dragons debated. What kind of performance does he want?
Well, Bong fumbled. It's not really a performance… It's more like a fly by.
No. Gu Hong said shaking her great, red head.
Absolutely not! Tun glared at Bong and Jiang. His confrontation with the Chu Army had left an adverse impression on him concerning humans. Anh shifted uncomfortably knowing he was partially responsible for that. He had rejected Tun when he arrived at the Haven, and his first interaction with humans had been at Anh's beckoning.
Lao looked up at Danzi who motioned the idea rejected.
Anh turned to Bong. "Whelp. We tried."
Bong's eyes were downcast as he bobbed again. "Lord Cao's going to kill me." He pouted.
That evening, all was quiet within the Haven, and dragons and Dragon Keepers slept soundly. As the moon hung high in the ink-black sky, a soft breeze whispered. Anh was dreaming of dancing shadows on the walls when a tiny tendril of unease lingered. Anh could feel a prickling sensation creeping over him, tugging at him in his dreams until it became an undeniable presence.
He woke with a sudden jolt. The air in the hut crackled with an electrical charge causing the fine hairs on his skin to stand on end. His Second Sight urged him to come to his senses. A stranger was in the Haven. His face was contorted and weathered, his intention foul. "Dragon hunter!" Anh cried, swinging his legs over the edge of his bed.
Lao Longzi, who slept in the bunk next to him rose quickly, followed by Bong and Minh Huyn. The prickling sensation intensified on Anh's skin. Looking at the others, he knew they felt it too.
"Where?" Lao demanded of Anh.
Anh closed his eyes and tried to connect to the invisible thread between him and Hei Lei. Hei Lei was safe – for now – but he was asleep and unknowing. He kept searching until he felt the twang of the stranger. "He's climbing up the Serpents Tail."
The Dragon Keepers ran towards the source of the disturbance. Serpents Tail was where the water from the brook casted off the cliff face of the mountain. It was a waterfall of 300 metres in height, but as flat as a wall cast down. But behind the waterfall were the footholds that lead to the front entrance of the cave where the dragons slept. Soon, all four keepers felt the presence of the hunter nearby. Each man called to the dragons in his mind, waking them.
Hei Lei! Anh urged as he ran towards the cave. Wake up! He was met with a growl, heard with his ears and not his mind. Hei Lei – wake up!
There had better be a good reason why you are waking me from my slumber with the dragon of the lake. Hei Lei grumbled. The dragon of the lake, whom though Hei Lei had never met, was allegedly renown for her beauty.
Does a dragon hunter count as a good reason? Anh quipped.
Hei Lei hesitated to respond immediately. Fine.
The dragons roused awake. Anh watched as Danzi flew from the caves opening and stood at the ready by the brook for the hunters ascent. His scales cast a stunning luminescence. Tun came to his side, as did Hei Lei and the Dragon Keepers. Minh Huyn guarded the entrance of the cave. Even though he was blind, his qi was powerful and he could sense where danger lurked.
Anh climbed onto Hei Lei and they flew over the cliff face. They circled several times over the cave below where the water streamed, trying to gauge a good look at the hunter and gain an advantage on them. There may have been footholds behind the waterfall, but they were far apart from one another and ancient. Many had disappeared all together. Anh was praying the hunter had slipped when he didn't see him through the dark water.
Hei Lei's eyes, however, were much stronger than his. He's ten metres from the top!
Danzi swooped down over the waterfall with Lao Longzi on his back and dove into the stream. Anh held his breath as they closed in ready to attack. The falls were so loud that he couldn't hear anything unless it was in dragonspeech.
A figure was chucked from the falls. Anh caught his breath. It's Lao!
Hei Lei dove head first into the chasm and caught him in his claws a few metres short from the rocks below. Anh reached down to pull him up. Are you okay?
Do I look okay! He spat as he clambered onto Hei Lei's back. They flew to where Danzi and the hunter were battling. Anh realised this was no ordinary hunter if they were out lasting a beast like Danzi; they were a necromancer. Danzi had his claws etched into the rocky sheath. His wing had a great gash on it from where the hunter had pierced him with an axe.
Clear the water, Anh! Lao demanded.
Anh focused his qi on the water to cast in another direction. It would have been a simple request at any other time, especially if he was angry, but right now, his anger was mixed heavily with fear which made the water choppy.
Hold it! Lao said. With a clearer view of the hunter, Lao summoned his qi and flicked his arm. It was knocked the hunter violently into the cliff face, causing him to slip. The hunter managed to grab a hold of another foothold, however, and looked up at the trio. Energy flew from his fingertips and sent Hei Lei spinning.
Hold the waterfall! Lao said.
Anh's fear gave way to pure anger. He disobeyed Lao and instead sent the waterfall streaming directly onto the hunter, causing him to slip down the mountain again. Hei Lei, shaking his head from the dizziness immediately dove down the falls to follow him. Lao cursed, balling his fist. He drove his arm back and then brought it forward as if punching the air with qi. But what it did really was place more pressure on the hunter as he landed in the rocky chasm below.
Hei Lei landed on a boulder and Anh and Lao jumped off him. The hunter had landed on a bed of large, sharp rocks. He was twisting and spasming, but the impact hadn't killed him. Not yet.
Hei Lei growled as he towered over the figure. May death come slow to you, scum.
Anh could see him clearly now; his face, and his heart. The mysterious hunter's eyes burned with a fervour that was fuelled with a twisted purpose. Anh's heart pounded in his chest seeing the threat the hunter intended to bring to the dragons. Though he lay here dying, the hunter's every movement still betrayed an insidious desire to extinguish the dragons.
Lao Longzi clasped the collar of the hunter and eyed him. "Who are you?" He asked.
The hunter wheezed. He opened his mouth as if to say something, but instead spat pathetically into Lao's eyes. The hunter wasn't going to talk. Lao dropped the hunter and turned to Hei Lei. Kill him.
Let him rot. Hei Lei snarled.
Do it now.
Anh gritted his teeth. Hei Lei was quick and smooth in piercing the man's flesh with his claws, delivering the fatal blow. Anh shook as he watched the life leave the hunters eyes. He had seen death before, and he wished it on the hunter more than any other. But to see Hei Lei take it so quickly sent shivers down his spine.
Hei Lei carried the pair back to the Haven above before returning again with Tun. They dumped the body of the hunter at the feet of Danzi, whose wing was being mended by Minh Huyn. The axe was iron, Minh Huyn said gently pressing his fingers along the wound. But it will heal just fine. You are lucky it wasn't deep.
Luck is not in our favour. Danzi said peering down at the dead hunter. There was a heavy thought lingering on everyone's minds, but only Hei Lei had the gall to say it.
He knew the secret passage behind the Serpents Tail. He heaved.
Danzi nodded. And the way through the canyon to reach the cave.
But how? Bong asked with a pouted lip. The way is secret. We each swore to guard the way when we came to the Haven.
Unless you were followed? Lao Longzi said turning to Bong and Jiang. Did either of you sense anyone tracking you when you returned from Tinkling Village? Jiang shook her head. Bong claimed his Second Sight hadn't warned him of anyone following.
The dragons broke out into murmurs as whispers of how the hunter came to find the Haven filled the air. Hei Lei's voice was the loudest. Someone gave away our secret! There must be consequences!
Yes, Danzi agreed. Yes, we can agree on that. But we don't know who or how the secret was spread. For all we know, it could have been a Dragon Keeper long now dead.
It could have been Yu Feng. Tun spat.
Anh turned and glared at the sandy dragon. It wasn't him. He seethed.
Then who was it? Tun said meeting Anh's scowl. Name any other Dragon Keeper who was exiled or left the Haven?
Anh stormed towards Tun, seething. Is there something you want to say, Tun?
Tun was silent for a while but did not break Anh's eyes. Tell me, Yu Anh, bastard of the banished. You seem certain it wasn't Yu Feng. Why is that?
He didn't know if he was being honest. But he wasn't about to let Tun of all dragons accuse Yu Feng, even if he was underserving of such a stance. I know in my heart. Anh said turning.
Tun wasn't finished, however. You spend a lot of time drinking in Tinkling Village.
Anh snapped back, You're accusing me now?
Tun shrugged. I'm merely pointing out a fact.
Enough of these accusations. Danzi glowered. They will do us no good.
I say, Hei Lei said circling Danzi. From now on, we place a guard duty each night. Circle the Haven. Check the cave, the canyon, the falls and the woodlands for any foul play.
Danzi grumbled. We can't live in fear of this, Hei Lei.
And if we continue to remain lazy and content? Hei Lei argued. What if in another ten years a hunter approaches and slaughters us all? What if this happened in the winter while we hibernate?
While we're at it, Tun said. How about we stop playing with these humans every other month.
What does that have to do with anything? Lao Longzi demanded.
Each time we visit the humans and get drunk on women and money, we place ourselves in a precarious position. Tun said shooting a hateful glance at Anh. These people are hungry now! Humans we think who are friends now will forget that fact when there's no food to eat.
It was then it dawned on Anh who gave away the secret.
Tun continued as Anh attempted to calm his heart down. We visit and do their dirty work, but all that does is place us in their line of sight if they ever decide to turn. He kicked at the hunters corpse. The Keepers didn't even sense this one until they were up Serpents Tail. Imagine how close we are to danger in the towns and villages before we ever know it? We'd be lamb for the slaughter.
The towns and village's provide us with food and medicine in exchange for our help. Lao Longzi argued. He pointed to Danzi's wing. Without human intervention, Danzi's wing could become infected.
We survived for thousands of years without their intervention. Hei Lei snorted.
And you died in the thousands without them! Lao said through gritted teeth.
The tension in the air was palpable as the dragons exchanged heated words among each other, their emotions ran high. Danzi listened attentively but his expression remained grave.
Danzi cleared his throat, silencing the escalating argument. We cannot allow fear to dictate our lives. We have coexisted with humans for centuries at a distance, and it is true that there have been hardships along the way. But we cannot forsake all human contact and sever our ties with them based on one wrongdoing.
Hei Lei's eyes blazed with anger as he interrupted. Are you blind to what just happened? We cannot deny the danger we face. The Haven is no longer as secure as we once believed. We must take action to protect ourselves.
Danzi nodded, acknowledging Hei Lei's concerns. Yes, Hei Lei, I understand. But if we respond by closing ourselves off completely to humans, we risk losing the benefits that humans bring.
Hei Lei's voice trembled with a mix of fury and despair. We should not have to rely on them. We are dragons! He roared. Powerful and independent! We should not be subjected to the whims and vulnerabilities of humans.
Danzi ignored Hei Lei, as he turned to the group. His eyes surveyed each face. We will bolster our defences and take precautions - but we will not isolate ourselves. We will continue to engage with the towns cautiously, ensuring our safety and their goodwill. It is through dialogue and trust that we can create a harmonious coexistence together.
Hei Lei's frustration was evident as the dragons and their Keepers reluctantly accepted Danzi's decision. Anh could see him gritting his teeth, unable to defy their leader's wisdom. Anh himself was surprised to hear Danzi was open to keeping the bonds between them and humans open. He said a silent prayer to himself, thankful that Danzi's choice was for the greater good of their kind, even if it clashed with her own desires. This debate wasn't over, but Danzi's decision would stand for now. The Haven would continue its delicate dance with the human world, forever balancing the risks and rewards of their interdependence.
The hunters body was removed and many of the dragons, plus Minh Huyn, retired for a late sleep-in. Anh, however, could not bring himself to sleep, and spent the morning by the brook mulling over again and again if his deduction was right. Each time he thought maybe there was another way, his heart told him otherwise. There was no denying it.
Anh threw his hands over his head. Tun was right.
You spend a lot of time drinking in Tinkling Village. Tun had said.
You're accusing me now?
I'm merely pointing out a fact.
It hadn't occurred to him straight away, but when it did Anh felt the weight of the world crash upon his shoulders.
It was him. He gave away the secret location, three years ago in Tinkling Village. It was New Years Eve, and he was drunk and happy and rambling. He told Yara.
Yara…
Anh shook his head. There was no way. She wouldn't have shared it with another. What need would she have to share it? Unless…
Anh thought of the different reasons. Hunger? They were hungry a few years ago, drinking water with bark to get by. War? Was it a way of bringing wealth back to the village after selling it to the Chu?
Anh didn't want to admit to himself there was another reason, but he couldn't stop the thought. Had he hurt her that much when he left that she sent a hunter out?
No. He rocked back and forth. No, that couldn't be it. None of those reasons make sense. He'd have sensed it, he'd have read it in her heart if it was for food, or money. He would have known if she was false. None of it made sense.
Anh stayed by the brook all day, forgoing breakfast and lunch. He had to find out if Yara had told anyone. What's more – he had to confess to the Haven it was him who told her. Neither tasks were going to be easy feats. Danzi had warned him that Hei Lei walks a fine line when it comes to humans. Today that line was almost crossed.
Yu Feng had been exiled by Hei Lei. Rightfully so. Anh shivered at the possibility, however, that his betrayal of their location would lead to his banishment, too. Or worse.
Dinner that night in the hut was one of Minh Huyn's specialties - stuffed chicken. As eldest, he was entitled to the first bite. He felt around the plump bird and ripped off the chunky leg Bong had been eyeing off. Bong whimpered softly as Lao then went for the other leg.
Anh took a deep breath ready to speak, but Lao halted him. "You're doing that thing."
"What thing?" Anh asked.
"That hands in pockets thing." Lao said with a twirl of his fingers. "You do it when you're nervous."
Anh pulled his hands from his pockets. "Yeah. Well." He sighed. "I've been thinking about Lord Cao's proposal."
Bong stared at Anh wide eyed with a chicken wing in his mouth. "Thba fla bah?" He said.
Anh nodded. "The fly by."
"The dragons decided no." Lao said licking his fingers.
Anh leaned over the table, his voice low. "That was before the hunter came here. I understand the dragons' hesitation, Lao, but I've been thinking about it. The conqueror – Emperor…Liu was it?" He asked Bong.
"Pfeeror Gaothszu." Bong confirmed.
"What?"
"Emperor Gaozu." Lao huffed.
"Gaozu, right. Well. We keep being reminded that he's different. That he's not like the previous Emperors who turned a blind eye to the injustices people and dragons face. If Emperor Gaozu's big crack with this new empire is fairness, then that has to include one's where dragons are protected. Right?"
Minh Huyn smiled. Lao raised an eyebrow, sceptical but intrigued. "And how does a mere fly by convince an emperor of that?"
Anh's eyes sparkled. "Imagine the sight, Lao." He danced his hands over the candles, casting shadow puppets over the room. "The dragons soaring through the skies, casting shadows over the city. It will be a display of strength. The people will witness it, the emperor will witness it, and they will realize that we are not to be trifled with."
Bong chimed in, his mouth still half-full. "Thba fla bah bill do that?"
Anh turned to Bong, his tone full of determination. "Yes, Bong. The dragons will show everyone that we stand together against the hunters and necromancers who seek to harm us. The emperor will see that they deserve justice and protection. That the townsfolk and the empire need dragons for rain and work. And building on that, we can ask him to persecute those who seek to destroy the dragons or bring them harm."
Anh watched on as Lao and Minh Huyn pondered his words, contemplating the potential impact of such a display. Lao rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "It's a bold move," he finally admitted. "If the dragons agree, it might just catch the emperor's attention and sway him towards our cause."
Anh nodded, a glimmer of hope in his eyes. "Exactly, Lao. We have an opportunity here to forge a stronger alliance with the emperor and ensure our future safety. It's a risk, but one worth taking."
Lao's expression softened. He glanced at Minh Huyn who continued on smiling and then back at Anh. "Very well," he said, a determined smile playing on his lips. "I'll talk to Danzi. If he agrees, then we'll organize the most spectacular fly by the empire has ever seen.''
With newfound determination, Lao set off towards the cave, ready to present Anh's proposal. Anh's heart leapt when after a few hours, Lao and Danzi returned, having come to an agreement. We fly at the Emperors Inauguration next week. Danzi said.
Anh looked to Hei Lei who was standing at a distance by the falls. Their eyes met and Anh's heart sank. Not just for Hei Lei, who he knew was upset by Anh's change of heart on the fly by, or the fact that he was being forced into performing for the humans. His heart sank for the matter, that this time next week he and Hei Lei will face their greatest challenge together when Anh confesses his betrayal to the Haven.