Snake (Five Ancestors #3)(18)
Author: Jeff Stone

Sniff, sniff. “That’s our shipyard,” Gao replied. “We have several barges that we use to transport goods to and from the stronghold.”

Seh looked back at the small craft heading their way. “Why don’t we take one of those larger boats instead? I don’t think all of us can fit on that small one.”

“You’ll be fine,” Gao said. “We only deploy the bigger boats a few times a year. Besides, most of the boatmen aren’t even there right now. They’re inside the stronghold helping with a construction project.” Sniff.

Seh watched the small boat, silent, until the hull scraped against beach sand.

Sniff, sniff. “Time for you to be on your way,” Gao said. “I have to leave, too. I need to check on our pitiful excuses for sentries. It was nice meeting all of you—especially the famous bear tamer Malao!”

Malao giggled.

“Wait—” Seh said, but Gao leaped over a row of bushes and disappeared.

The pit of Seh’s stomach began to tingle, and the snake shivered. Something wasn’t quite right. Seh focused on the boatman as he fussed about the boat. Seh realized what was bothering him. Though there was only one person on board, he sensed chi from at least two people—possibly three. That didn’t make any sense.

“Let’s go!” Malao said. He leaped aboard the boat and sat down.

The boatman ran a callused hand over his short black hair and frowned. “This isn’t the most stable craft, young man. I suggest you not make any big movements like that once we’re off the beach.”

“Sorry,” Malao said. “Come on, Fu!”

Fu grumbled and climbed aboard. He sat down and looked at Seh. “Well?”

“Something doesn’t feel right,” Seh said. “I’m not sure this is such a good idea.”

“Oh, don’t be like this,” Malao said. “You’re a snake. All snakes know how to swim. You and your little snake friend will be all right.”

“That’s not what I’m worried about,” Seh said. “I sense something. Something in the water.”

Fu looked hard at the boatman. “Is there anything in the water my brothers and I should be worried about?”

“Not at all,” the boatman replied. He stepped out of the boat onto the beach.

“See?” Malao said to Seh. “Let’s get going. Stop being so paranoid.”

Seh sighed. Perhaps I’m just tired right now, Seh thought. Or maybe the water is somehow reflecting the boatman’s chi.

“Come on!” Malao whined.

Seh climbed aboard, and the boatman banged his fist three times against the side of the boat. Seh shot him a suspicious glance.

“For good luck,” the boatman said. “We boatmen are a superstitious lot.” A large fish rolled farther out in the lake, and the boatman pointed to it. “See?” he said. “A good sign. We’ll go now.”

The boatman climbed aboard and shoved off, taking his position at the rear of the boat. As the boat began to skim across the muddy water, Seh felt his heart rise up into his throat. His stomach began to turn.

“Wheee!” Malao said. “I’ve never been on a boat before!”

Seh looked over the side and saw that the boat seemed to be riding dangerously low. He glanced at the boatman.

“We’re fine,” the boatman said.

“We’re better than fine!” Malao said. “Faster! Faster!”

Seh groaned. He sat back and closed his eyes. Between his queasy stomach and Malao’s silliness, he didn’t think things could get much worse. Halfway across the lake, Seh discovered he was wrong.

“I have to pee,” Malao announced.

Seh opened his eyes and looked at Fu.

Fu shook his head. “Put a cork in it until we get to the island, Monkey Boy.”

Malao pouted. “I can’t.”

The boatman cleared his throat. “If you have to go, little one, I suggest you go now. Over the side. We do it all the time. If you wait for the island stronghold, you’ll have to use an actual toilet. Mong likes to keep his island clean, so you can’t just go anywhere. The closest toilet is way up at the top of the mountain. It’s a long walk up there. Believe me.”

Malao grinned. “I’ve never peed in a lake before—”

“Just get it over with,” Fu growled.

Malao giggled and stood. He stepped up to the side of the boat, untying his sash. It was a small series of movements, but the boat rocked nonetheless.

“Be careful!” Seh snapped.

Malao giggled again. “This doesn’t bother you, does it, big brother?” He began to rock the boat by leaning from side to side. “I guess you’re not a water snake—”

“Stop it, Malao,” Seh said. He felt sick.