“My father hates to waste time,” Seh replied.
Seh and Long walked over to the largest tent in the camp and found the bandit leader sitting cross-legged in the center of a threadbare carpet that filled the space from wall to wall. NgGung, Sanfu, Hung, and PawPaw sat on either side of him, and Mong motioned for Seh and Long to sit in front of the group. Seh glanced out of the corner of his eye and caught Long looking his father over.
Seh could not blame him for staring. His father was gigantic. Mong’s shoulders rippled beneath his robes, reminding most people of a python swallowing its prey. He was also pale and strangely hairless. Not only was he bald, with no eyebrows to speak of, but there was not a single hair on the backs of his hands or even his forearms.
While Mong’s appearance was imposing, he gave off a positive energy that immediately put a person at ease. Seh felt Long begin to relax, and he watched as Long bowed respectfully.
“Welcome, young dragon,” Mong said in his deep, powerful voice. “Do you remember me?”
“Yes, sir,” Long replied. “I recall seeing you at Cangzhen Temple. Grandmaster never said much about you, but NgGung told me a great deal on our trek here.”
Mong nodded. “Are you well? I understand that you have been injured. Tales of your fight at the Shanghai Fight Club have made you a hero. Defeating a man armed with pistols and a knife while you were weaponless is extremely impressive. Congratulations.”
“Thank you,” Long said, sounding somewhat embarrassed. “I have nearly recovered from my wounds, thanks to PawPaw and my sister, Hok.”
“Very glad to hear it,” Mong said. “Let us get down to business. I have had a discussion with your companions here, and of course your temple siblings told me a great deal upon their arrival weeks ago. You have a task ahead of you, and the road you must follow is an obvious one. We need to get you to Xie as soon as possible. Are you still willing to go?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Excellent. Here is how things will unfold. NgGung will outfit you with any necessary supplies, and you will travel with him on foot to the city of Kaifeng. He knows how to find the man, Cang, whom you were told to seek. Cang has very good relations with the local politicians and has not had to give up his horses to Tonglong’s troops. Cang will give you the best horse you can imagine for the remainder of your travels. Your journey to Tunhuang will be difficult, but I have faith in your skills. You are young, resilient, and strong, and you have already proved your resourcefulness in hand-to-hand combat, if things should come to that.”
Long nodded.
“Once you locate Xie,” Mong said, “tell him that he must commence to the Forbidden City immediately with his armies to reinforce the troops there. Xie was the Emperor’s personal bodyguard, so the palace staff should listen when he speaks. We will have only one chance to stop Tonglong. I shall meet Xie at the main gates of the Forbidden City one week before New Year’s Eve to discuss whatever battle plan he sees fit. My forces will be ready at that time, and I hope to have between three thousand and five thousand trained men and women by then.”
“New Year’s, sir?” Long said. “That is months away.”
“From what I understand, Tonglong’s main body of troops is pushing ahead at a steady pace, and its current rate of movement will put him at the Forbidden City just in time for the New Year celebrations. I believe that a New Year takeover is Tonglong’s goal. It would be highly symbolic and in keeping with Tonglong’s flair for the dramatic. Is all of this clear to you?”
“It is, sir. What should I do after I give Xie this information?”
“Stay with him. We will likely move again soon, and I, for one, will be difficult to find. Any more questions?”
“No, sir.”
“Go with NgGung, then. You will leave immediately.”
Long’s eyebrows rose. “Immediately, sir?”
“Is that a problem?”
“I was hoping to see my temple siblings. Seh informed me that they are on a reconnaissance mission to your former stronghold. Do you know when they might return?”
“Not for several days,” Mong replied. “You will have to wait until we all reach the Forbidden City to see them again.”
Long sighed. “I understand. Please give them my regards.”
“Of course.”
Long stood and bowed to the group. Seh and NgGung stood, too.
“Follow me, boys,” NgGung said, and they followed him out. NgGung hurried across the camp. Seh found that he and Long had to jog to keep pace with him. For a man with such stubby legs, NgGung sure moved fast.