Stronger Than a Bronze Dragon Read online

  Yellow light from the cyborg’s eye fills my vision. I tense, wondering if he can hear my pounding heart or detect the sheen of sweat forming on my brow.

  Finally, he releases my arm. “This is not your village. Leave the law enforcement to the professionals and return to your home.”

  “Yes, sir.” I exhale.

  “And do not put that mask back on. You might be mistaken for the thief again.”

  “Of course. I’m sorry, sir.”

  The soldier waves me off and runs down the alley to join the others. I tug at the scrap of cloth around my neck. That was too close.

  How did I fail to hear him approach? He couldn’t have been among the group that was chasing me initially … He would never have believed me if so. He must have been searching on his own and happened to be there when I dropped down in front of him.

  I’m so tired that I’m starting to make stupid mistakes. Next time I won’t be so lucky. And I still need to get back to the viceroy’s palace without being seen, since I’ll need a few things before I can head off for Baiheshan with Tai.

  Surely Tai must be out of the city by now. Deciding I’ve bought him enough time, I head back toward the palace.

  Candlelight flickers across the page as I write a letter to Viceroy Kang explaining that I’ve gone after the thief myself. Which is true, if not the whole story. Hopefully he’ll accept my explanation that since the River Pearl was given to him by my village, it’s my duty to ensure that he gets what he was promised. I’m glad I don’t have to say all this to him in person; it’s much easier to lie on paper, even though drawing each character is a laborious task. I’m sure I’ve made mistakes, but I don’t have time to correct them. Even when I try to read back my own writing, the characters seem to twist and flip. I keep the letter as short as I can.

  Discomfort gnaws at me. Kang won’t be happy when he reads this note and discovers that I’m gone. It shouldn’t make a difference since he won’t marry me without the pearl anyway, but he seems to desire complete control over me, and I fear he might take his wrath out on Dailan and refuse the alliance even after I return.

  He’d let all of Dailan fall to the Ligui for the sake of his pride.

  I add in a deferential sentence begging him to forgive me for any impertinence and assuring him that once I return, I’ll be the obedient bride he deserves. Writing those characters leaves a foul taste in my mouth, but it may be the only way to salvage this situation and get my village the protection it needs.

  I end the note with: I swear on my father’s soul that I will return with the River Pearl. As proof, I’m leaving behind my most precious possession: the jade pendant he gave me.

  I pull the carved stone out of my tunic and lift it over my head. Immediately, I feel as if a part of me is missing. I’ve worn that pendant every day since I was a baby. I can’t remember ever not wearing it. Kang won’t appreciate what it means to me, but Headman Su will. And he’ll certainly be called upon when the letter is discovered.

  Guilt stings me as I imagine how distressed he’ll be in the morning. I’m leaving him to deal with the viceroy’s wrath—I’ll be long gone by then.

  I only hope the Ligui will stay away from Dailan until I’m able to bring the River Pearl back, or that the Guard will be strong enough to keep them from killing anyone else. Each day my village remains vulnerable will be my fault for choosing to take this journey with Tai. If the creatures do strike again before it’s over and someone dies, will that blood be on my hands?

  I glimpse the mirror across the room—the one that held a reflection of me in Lady Jiangzhu’s wedding ensemble. My stomach twists. I can’t go back to being her yet—I can’t. If her existence is to consume the rest of my life, then I should at least be allowed one final chance to claim glory as Liang Anlei.

  Though I try telling myself that helping Tai save his people is the right thing to do, I can’t pretend I’m going purely out of generosity. Already, my blood is humming with excitement. I picture myself cutting down Mowang in the Courts of Hell and triumphantly leading the people of Baiguang to freedom, and a grin creeps onto my lips. This may be Tai’s quest, but that doesn’t mean I have to stand by and let him be the hero. Like Warrioress, I could be the one to conquer evil and stand victorious.

  I’m not giving up my chance at that, even if it means putting Dailan at risk. It’s only for a little while—merely a week, if Tai’s estimate is correct.

  I leave the finished letter on the desk with my pendant then approach my trunk and grab my father’s sword. I don’t know if its magic will work in the Courts of Hell, but it’s better than nothing. And there’s a chance that Tai and I will encounter Ligui during the journey. I also take my clockwork pistol. Though only a few bullets enchanted with the same magic as my sword remain in its chamber, it could prove useful.

  After changing into a new tunic and braiding my hair, I secure my sword to my back with a leather strap and stick the pistol into a holster on its side. I feel ready to take on every demon Hell has to offer.

  I slip back out into the night.

  By the time I reach the East Forest, the sun’s first rays have faded the sky into a grayish blue. Getting out of Tongqiucheng took longer than I’d expected since Kang’s men were still combing the city for the masked thief.

  Now that I’m here, I realize I have no idea how to reach the lake. Uneasy, I stalk through the trees searching for anything that might guide my way—a sign, perhaps, or a well-worn path. I keep my sword out before me. Though daylight has begun broaching the darkness—and though I’m not far beyond the area guarded by Kang’s bronze dragons—I can’t be sure the Ligui won’t strike. They’ve been unpredictable before.

  Also, the person I’ve come to meet could easily choose to attack me.

  Since it’s hard to see through the forest’s dense shadows, I risk shifting my sword into one hand to grab Anshui’s spectacles. They’re the only thing I brought other than my weapons. When I place them on my nose, the magic in the glass makes the woods look as if the dawn’s pale light has already fallen through the leaves. Every way I look, all I see are trees, trees, trees. Since Kang’s men were searching the forest immediately outside the city as well, I didn’t dare stop until the last buildings at the edge of the city were well out of sight.

  Now, I realize how foolish an idea that was. I should have stolen a map. In fact, there are probably lots of things I should have done to prepare for this journey instead of just grabbing my weapons and leaving a note. I can figure this out … The lake can’t be too far.

  My feet crunch against the forest floor, and the air is heavy with the scent of summer leaves.

  “I see you’ve decided to help me.”

  Hearing Tai’s voice, I whirl to find him leaning back against a tree with his long legs crossed at the ankles. Though he appears unarmed, he’s probably concealing a weapon somewhere on his person. After the dirty trick he played on me last time, I wouldn’t be surprised to learn he was using his carefree demeanor to mask his intentions.

  But at least he showed up. I approach, still gripping my weapon. “What I’ve decided is that I’ll do what it takes to get the River Pearl back, even if it means putting up with you.”

  He clutches his chest. “And here I was thinking you were pursuing me for the handsome face you made me reveal to you.”

  I roll my eyes, wishing I were witty enough to come up with a biting retort.

  “What’s that device you’re wearing?” He cocks his head.

  “Spectacles that help me see in the dark.” I can’t help adding, “My little sister made them.”

  “She must be a genius.”

  “She certainly is.”

  Tai’s gaze turns to my sword. “Put that away. It’s too light out for Ligui now. Unless it’s me you’re planning to kill?”

  I’m tempted to threaten him into handing over the River Pearl; there’s no reason I shouldn’t be its keeper instead of him. But these woods are dense, and he obviously know
s them better than I do. If he runs from me and vanishes into them, I’ll never find him.

  I shove my sword into the strap on my back. “Happy now?”

  Tai pushes off the tree and gives me a wary look. “Follow me.”

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  THE HIDDEN SHIP

  Morning reaches across Huimaohu, igniting sparks upon the lake’s rippling surface. The crisp air smells of damp earth and lively greenery.

  Sleepiness grapples my mind with sticky fingers, and I suppress a yawn. I can’t believe how long this day has lasted, how many twists and turns it’s taken. It was supposed to be my wedding day, the day that sealed my fate forever—instead I’m setting out on a quest worthy of Warrioress.

  I find it funny that I once thought that I’d rather go to the Courts of Hell than marry Kang, and now I’m doing exactly that.

  Tai pushes aside the tall grasses and wades into the water. I pause on the lake’s shore, searching for the stolen vessel he claims to have hidden here. I thought he’d covered it in foliage, but from the way he’s heading into the lake, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Unless he just feels like going for a swim.

  “What are you doing?” I ask.

  “You’ll see in a moment.” Tai continues until the water reaches his knees.

  I rake my gaze over his clothing, searching for the outline of a concealed weapon or the River Pearl, which he must be carrying. But he wears his tunic and trousers loose over his svelte figure, and I’m unable to make out anything for certain.

  Tai lifts both hands and draws them across the air in a twirling pattern that almost looks like a dance. Sparks appear around him like a hundred brilliant fireflies, and the air shimmers. Moments later, a small ship glows into existence. A single mast rises from its bronze body, and the scalloped edge of the lone pale yellow sail gleams under the waking sun. Wide propellers poke out of the water.

  I step into the lake, marveling at the shining vehicle. “You stole this from the viceroy?”

  “I did.” Tai looks up at the ship with a self-satisfied smile.

  “How?”

  “I obtained an invisibility potion from a spellmaster. All I had to do was sneak into the shipyard, toss the potion onto the ship, and fly off. The viceroy never even missed it … It’s nothing compared to the rest of his fleet, and the shipyard supervisor was too scared to let him know it vanished.”

  “You used an invisibility potion?” I frown. Such magic couldn’t have been easy to come by. Though simple magic-powered devices are commonplace, the rarity of ingredients needed for more potent spells means they’re wielded only by the powerful; Dailan’s spellmasters certainly wouldn’t have been able to craft a potion that could hide an entire ship. It seems unlikely that Tai simply “obtained” one. “You stole that too, didn’t you?”

  Tai throws on an exaggerated look of indignation. “How dare you? I’ll have you know the whole plan was the spellmaster’s idea to begin with.”

  “Is this the same spellmaster you claim can make you a sword that can defeat Mowang?”

  “Yes, that’s right.”

  “Why is such a powerful person helping you?”

  “My cause is noble.” He winks.

  I cross my arms. “Your cause may be, but you aren’t—thief.”

  His quick laugh sparkles through the air. “I never claimed to be anything but what I am.”

  Water soaks my trousers as I approach the ship. “How long ago did you steal this?”

  “It’s been almost three years, though I was searching for a way to free my people even before then. Considering all the trouble I went through, I find it funny that the answer turned up in my hometown.”

  “I thought you said your hometown was Baiguang.”

  “I said my people lived in Baiguang.” He grabs a rope hanging over the ship’s side. “It’s where my mother’s from. I was born in Tongqiucheng. When I was little, Mother used to take me to visit her family in Baiguang.”

  “Is she among those Mowang captured?”

  “No. She died when I was six.”

  Though he tosses out the words casually, I’m sure there must be some grief behind them. I know all too well how deeply the loss of a parent can cut. I should say something. But no matter how many times I’ve had to offer condolences, I’ve never quite figured out how to stop being awkward at it. Somehow, my words come out wrong, and I always feel like my face isn’t as sad as it should be. Just because I don’t know how to express sorrow like everyone else, though, doesn’t mean I don’t feel it. “I’m … sorry to hear that.”

  “It was a long time ago.” Tai turns his gaze toward the rope. “I don’t know about you, but my feet are getting cold.” He jumps out of the water and grabs the rope. As he climbs, his eyes keep darting toward me as if he’s worried I’ll attack.

  I get the feeling he chose that moment to board the ship in order to keep me from asking any more questions.

  After he pulls himself onto the deck, I climb the rope after him, my palms burning from the friction. Then I realize I’m rising faster than I ought to be. Puzzled, I look up to see Tai pulling the rope.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Giving you a hand.”

  “I don’t need your help!” I glare at him. This is why I hate working with men—they always assume I’m the weak one. As a member of the Dailan Guard, I always avoided being partnered with men when possible because even though I beat several of them during our training duels, they could never acknowledge that I was as good as they were. If it’s going to be the same way with Tai, then this will be a long journey indeed. “Don’t you dare treat me like I’m weak!”

  Tai opens his mouth as if to reply, then arches his brows. “Fine.”

  He releases the rope, and the force of the drop causes me to lose my grip. Startled, I yelp and land in the lake with a splash. Tai’s laughter rings in my ears.

  Hundan! Irritated, I pick myself up and wipe the water from my face. I scurry up the rope and onto the deck, where I find Tai leaning against the wheel.

  He grins. “Have a nice swim?”

  His mocking lights my fury, and before I know it, I’ve yanked off one soaked shoe and lobbed it at him.

  “Hey!” He dodges, and the shoe bounces off the wheel. “You’re violent when you’re mad!”

  “So don’t make me mad.”

  “But it’s so much fun.”

  I pull off the other shoe and raise it threateningly.

  “All right! I’m sorry!” He holds up his hands. “Truce?”

  “I accept your surrender.”

  “I am ever grateful, Lady.” He clasps his hands in an exaggerated gesture of thanks.

  I huff. “Don’t we have a demon king to fight?”

  “Of course.” Tai scoops up the shoe I threw at him and hands it to me. “Now, if you can keep that to yourself for a few minutes, I’ll launch the ship.”

  I resist the urge to hurl both shoes at his smug face. “Can you tell me where we’re going yet?”

  He rubs the back of his head.

  “I’ll tell you once we’re airborne.”

  It takes every ounce of discipline I have to slip my shoes back onto my feet.

  The ship’s wheel is a lot more complex than I expected. Red and brown buttons bedeck its bronze surface, and four gauges stand before it, rising on metal poles from the wooden deck. Tai approaches a set of controls with protruding levers and blinking lights that curves around one side of the wheel. He takes a moment to bind his hair into a knot—like those I’ve seen in paintings of warriors from centuries ago. I watch closely as he presses the controls to start up the ship’s engine, causing its propellers to spin in the water and lift the vessel. I don’t like that I’m alone with him on a ship I can’t operate.

  Tai narrows his eyes against the brightening sun, which highlights the striking planes of his face. Wind blasts a few stray wisps across his forehead.

  A flash of light catches my attention. Whirling, I glimpse somethin
g bronze coming into view over the treetops. Only a distant sliver is visible, but I see enough to know it must be one of the mechanical dragons that guard Tongqiucheng.

  I gasp. “The patrols are coming! Hurry!”

  Tai curses and reaches for a crank. Before he can grasp it, the oncoming dragon opens its metal jaws and spews a fiery blast in our direction. The blast hits the deck, sending us both hurtling through the air. A scorching wind engulfs me. I seize the wheel to catch myself, and it jerks to the right under my weight. The ship turns abruptly in response and I nearly fall over.

  We’re still ascending and I’m nearly eye level with the mechanical dragon. Though some distance lies between us, it’s quickly closing the gap. Its jaws open a second time, revealing the blaze of the next blast glowing in the depths of its metal throat, a fire stoked by the machinery within. Heart pounding, I yank the wheel in hopes of maneuvering out of its path. The ship lurches, tilting to the left. It’s only because I’m gripping the wheel that I’m able to remain upright.

  “Turn the blue crank!” Tai, who was thrown across the deck, struggles to find his balance on the pitching ship.

  I spot the crank on the control panel. “What does it do?”

  “Just turn it!”

  “Why—” A second blast hits and knocks me forward. I desperately cling to the wheel as the spokes dig into my chest, surprised the ship’s still flying. Considering the kind of firepower I’ve seen from Kang’s bronze dragons, I’m guessing those on board this one aren’t trying to destroy us—only stop us. The viceroy does want the thief alive after all.

  Tai races to the controls and grabs the blue crank with both hands. “Why didn’t you listen to me?”

  I scowl. “Why didn’t you tell me what it was for?”

  Tai gives the crank a shove, but it only makes a quarter rotation. It must be heavier than it looks. The sounds of clunking gears and hissing steam rise from below, and a silvery sheen glitters around us. “It activates the invisibility spell, okay? The magic also muffles any noises the ship makes, so no one will hear us either.”