“Go away,” a firm voice said through the latticework.
“No,” Tsung replied. “Open up. I am alone. The night sky is overcast, but I am certain you can see well enough to know I speak the truth.”
“We cannot afford to take any chances by letting strangers or questionable guests inside,” the voice said. “Least of all you. There are soldiers about. We believe troops are gathering in the area. You might be part of it.”
“Don't be ridiculous,” Tsung said. “I am alone, and the girl is unconscious. Come see for yourself.”
The person behind the latticework shuffled over to the great doors, and after a series of bolts were disengaged, one of the doors opened a crack.
Tsung took two steps back, and the door opened farther. An elderly monk poked his bald, wrinkled head out. He scowled at Tsung.
Tsung raised his bushy eyebrows and glanced at Hok hanging over his shoulder.
The old monk sighed and approached Tsung, reaching out to touch Hok's face. He lifted first one eyelid, then the other. “Dream Dust,” he said.
Tsung nodded. “That's what I think, too. It was Major Ying's doing. He and his number one soldier, Tonglong. They destroyed Cangzhen, you know.”
“So I've heard.”
“This girl might have information about the attack,” Tsung said. “I have information to share, too. I did some spying on Major Ying and Tonglong.”
“I am more concerned about healing this child,” the old monk said. “What is in this for you?”
“You know how I feel about Major Ying. If he shows up here and attempts to destroy Shaolin like he did Cangzhen, I want you to crush him. My information will help you. I'm assuming hers will, too.”
The old monk ran a hand over Hok's robe. “She does appear to be from Cangzhen. Their robes are noticeably different from ours. It seems I will have to trust you. I will call a meeting immediately. Take the girl to the female guest quarters at the back of the main dormitory and meet me in the banquet hall. She will stay with us as long as she wishes, but you will not. You will leave as soon as the meeting has concluded.”
Tsung nodded and shifted Hok to his other shoulder. “I will make sure the girl is comfortable before joining you. It shouldn't take long.”
“You're right,” the old monk replied. “It shouldn't take you long at all. People will be watching you throughout the compound. Once you step inside, you will be locked in with more than a thousand warrior monks. Do not attempt anything foolish.”
Tsung waved one hand casually. “I wouldn't dream of it.”
The old monk stared hard at Tsung. “Come inside, then. The sooner you are out of here, the better.”
Hok woke with a start from a long, deep sleep. She was nauseous and her head ached. She sat up in a strange bed and rubbed her weary eyes.
She found herself in one corner of a very dark room. Only a few stray rays of moonlight crept in through old wooden shutters, but Hok swore she saw tendrils of smoke in the air. Was she dreaming again? She didn't think so. She glanced around for clues to her whereabouts and saw nothing of significance. However, as her other senses began to clear, she started to hear and even smell things that made her heart race.
Hok identified the distinct clang of wood against metal as staffs clashed with broadswords outside her room. She also recognized the rotten-egg smell of burned sulfur in the air, which went hand in hand with the BOOMs! that rang out continuously, usually followed by pain-filled screams. If she had to guess, she would say that soldiers were fighting warrior monks outside. She must be at Shaolin Temple, like Tsung had talked about.
Hok glanced down and was alarmed to see that she was only wearing her undergarments. She didn't recall taking off her robe. She scanned the room again, but saw no sign of her orange robe and pants.
Next to the bed was a small dresser. Hok hurried through the drawers. The only clothing inside was a red silk dress, so she stood and slipped it on, quickly pushing the knots of thread along the right side of the dress into the loop fasteners.
Hok straightened the dress's short sleeves and flipped up the high traditional collar. Her hand brushed against her collarbone, and she paused. She hurriedly ran her fingers under the collar until she caught a single silk thread, lifting it until a tiny jade crane popped free. Hok sighed and tucked the crane back into the dress.
A tremendous BOOM! thundered outside Hok's window, and the building shook so hard, dust drifted down from the rafters. Hok knew she was going to have to leave. She took a step on unsteady legs, and the door flew inward on its hinges.
A huge soldier filled the doorway. His armor glimmered in the light of the torch burning in his hand.