Snake (Five Ancestors #3)(12)
Author: Jeff Stone

“Should we go back and look for Pussycat?” Malao asked as he released the vine high in the air. He tucked into a tight somersault and landed in front of Seh, still talking. “Or do you think Fu will sniff us out?”

“He’ll sniff us out for sure,” Seh said, wrinkling his nose. “When was the last time you washed your feet? They stink.”

Malao looked down and wiggled his dark-skinned toes. He giggled.

Seh shook his head. “Climb back up there and keep an eye out for Fu. Keep an eye out for Ying, too.”

“Ying?” Malao said. “He won’t be bothering us anytime soon. Did you see the way that guy Tsung took him down? I’ve never seen a hold like that.”

“Yes, Malao, I saw it,” Seh said. “Now please get up there.”

“Oh, no,” Malao said, folding his arms. “I’m not going anywhere until you answer some questions.”

“We don’t have time for games,” Seh said.

“This isn’t a game,” Malao replied. “I want to know what’s going on.”

Seh glanced about. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“Come on, Seh,” Malao said. “Tsung talked about Hok being a girl. Fu and I had no idea, but you did. How long have you known?”

“Long enough,” Seh replied.

“How come you never told us?”

Seh shrugged. “It was none of your business.”

“None of our business?” Malao said. “Hok is our brother! I mean … sister. How could you keep that a secret?”

“If Hok wanted you to know that she was a she, she would have told you. I found out by accident.”

“What kind of accident?” Malao asked. “What other secrets are you hiding?”

“None.”

“I don’t believe you. What’s going on with Tonglong?”

“Tonglong?” Seh said. “Nothing. I don’t know anything about him. Do you?”

“I know that he looks just like you,” Malao said. “And that he winked at me back at Shaolin.”

“He winked at you?”

“Yes,” Malao said. “Right after he took the fourth dragon scroll from Ying.”

“Tonglong took a dragon scroll from Ying?” Seh asked. “Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Malao said. “You still have the other three, don’t you?”

“Yes,” Seh said. He patted the folds of his robe and his sleeve slid up toward his elbow. The beauty snake’s brilliant blue head poked out.

“Hey!” Malao said. “What’s that? Another secret?”

“It’s just a snake,” Seh said. “It was wounded, and I helped it. It likes hanging around, and I can’t seem to get rid of it.”

“Oh,” Malao said. He looked into the trees. “I wish my friend the white monkey was around. I haven’t seen it since it led me and Fu to Shaolin.”

“Would that be the same white monkey I saw with the monkey troop?” Seh asked. “The group that attacked the bandits?”

“That’s right,” said Malao. He scowled. “Those bandits are mean.”

“You’d better get used to them,” Seh said. “I’m trying to get them to help us. I had hoped to get the Shaolin monks to help us, too, but that’s no longer an option, unfortunately.”

Malao suddenly grew quiet and lowered his head. Seh thought he saw tears welling in Malao’s eyes. “Seh, do you think what Tsung said about Hok is true? Do you think that she really… you know … died during the attack?”

Seh patted Malao’s fuzzy head. “I don’t know what to think. If anyone can take care of herself, though, it’s Hok. You know that.”

Malao sniffled. “I guess you’re right. So, you don’t know anything about this guy Tonglong?”

“No,” Seh replied. “He is the biggest mystery. I didn’t get a clear view of his face back at Shaolin Temple, but his chi felt strangely familiar. Still, I’m certain I’ve never met him before. I don’t know what to make of it.”

“Me either,” Malao said. “So, what are we going to do next?”

“I was thinking we should—” The snake on Seh’s arm suddenly shivered and retracted its head beneath Seh’s sleeve.

Malao looked at Seh. “What’s wrong with him?”

“Shhh,” Seh said. “Someone’s coming.”

A moment later, Fu burst through a tangle of bushes, panting heavily.

“Pussycat!” Malao said. “It’s about time you showed up.”

Fu growled. “I heard you two … talking … about where we’re going … next. Tell me.”

“We’re going to the bandit stronghold,” Seh announced.