Snake (Five Ancestors #3)(36)
Author: Jeff Stone

When Malao had finished his farewell, he followed Seh to the bun vendor’s shop to meet Fu and Sanfu. Sanfu gave them each a tattered gray peasant’s robe to change into to help them blend in, and the bun vendor loaded up a sack with enough buns for several breakfasts.

“We’ll skip lunch while we’re traveling,” Sanfu explained as he threw the sack over his shoulder, “and eat like the Emperor at supper time.”

By the time they thanked the bun vendor and stepped outside, everyone that remained in the village had gathered in the square to see them off. Goodbyes were exchanged, and before the sun had risen, they were on the road to Kaifeng. It was nothing more than a well-worn trail at this point, but Sanfu assured them it would widen twentyfold by the time they reached the gates of the region’s capital.

“We should break into two groups,” Sanfu said as the sun came up. “Malao, since you and I are both still hobbling about, I suggest you travel with me today.” He tossed a small pouch to Fu. “Fu, you and Seh go on ahead. The pouch contains enough coins to get us all a nice meal and lodging for the night. Sometime around sunset, pick a place for us to stay. Feel free to order up some food while you wait for Malao and me.”

“I think I can manage that,” Fu said with a smile.

Sanfu looked at Seh. “There are some unscrupulous types all along this road, and the innkeepers are no exception. Be careful. If any place seems the least bit suspicious, leave and find another one. It is much better to be safe than sorry—especially out here.”

“I understand,” Seh said.

Fu didn’t seem to be paying the least bit of attention. He licked his lips as if in a dream. “Do you think the inns will serve chicken?”

“For a price, they’ll serve you just about anything,” Sanfu said.

“What are we waiting for?” Fu said. “Come on, Seh!” He clapped his hands once and raced up the road, reciting a menu fit for the Emperor. “Savory smoked chicken livers, pheasant feet, lark’s tongue—”

Seh shook his head and followed, grateful that he didn’t hear Fu list Greasy Goose.

The road to Kaifeng made for easy travel. Seh didn’t have to dodge thorns or tree limbs or sinkholes. He didn’t even have to check for landmarks or continuously watch the treetops for the white monkey. All he had to do was follow the road. It was incredibly boring.

After walking the entire day they had only passed a handful of travelers, all of whom were headed in the opposite direction. None offered a greeting.

The trail they had started out on had grown to an actual road wide enough for four people to walk side by side. Ruts were worn into the center, where carts of various sizes had passed, making for uneven footing. Seh wondered how Sanfu and Malao were managing with their injured legs.

The plan was for Seh and Fu to find a place to eat and rest, but so far, the few ramshackle places they’d had seen had all given Seh a bad feeling. Even the snake on his arm had seemed leery of them, so he hadn’t bothered to enter any. Another one was coming into view, and the pit of Seh’s stomach began to tingle. Seh shook his head. More bad feelings.

“What about this one?” Fu asked.

“I don’t think so,” Seh said. He looked at the freshly painted sign, its gold characters shimmering in the late-evening sun. The Divine Dumpling Restaurant & Inn.

“What’s wrong this time?” Fu snapped.

“It’s a little too inviting.”

Fu rolled his eyes. “It’s getting late, and I’m starving. We’re going in.” He pushed his way past Seh and barged through the ornate wooden door.

Seh glanced around. Something didn’t feel right, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. Against his better judgment, he followed Fu inside. The restaurant’s interior didn’t make him feel any better. It was even more inviting than the exterior. It was small but elegant. Five delicate tables were covered with fine cloth and surrounded by ornate chairs. The dark wood walls and floor were spotless. The entire place felt sterile. There were no customers.

Fu was already sitting at a table, his feet resting on an empty chair. “What do you think? I sure know how to pick them, don’t I?”

“I don’t like it,” Seh replied.

“Whatever,” Fu said, glancing at the menu board. “House Special Dumplings. Yummm. I wonder if they’ll have meat in them—”

“What kind of question is that?” interrupted a shaky, high-pitched voice. “Of course they have meat! Unlike any you’ve ever tasted—guaranteed.”

A frail old woman stepped out from behind a red curtain at the back of the restaurant and headed for Fu.

“How are they prepared?” Fu asked.

“In a delectable chicken broth,” the woman replied.