by Ino Lee
“What kind of place is this?”
“We are the Hunters of Shunnan. This is our home.”
“Interesting place for a home.”
“Years ago the Stone Forest was chaotic and dangerous. Thieves. Murderers. Koon Gee. Now we are in control and it is a better place.”
Wong wondered what she meant by in control. Were they a self-serving ninja clan that controlled a valuable territory, or covert rangers that protected the land? Perhaps they were something in between. Tae probably did not want to reveal too much about them, not knowing who he was, either.
“I did not know there were ninjas in the Stone Forest.”
“We are a bit secretive about ourselves. Being ninjas works well to intimidate those who would cross us. The less people know about us, the better.”
“I can relate.”
“Like two people sleeping in the middle of the Stone Forest?”
He smiled. “The less people know the better.”
She laughed delicately. A moment of awkward silence followed. Deep down inside, they both wished they could trust one another.
“Tell me more about yourself,” she said. “What do you do? How is it that you fight so well?”
“I’m a weaponsmith. Been around weapons all my life, so I make it a point to know how to use them.”
She believed what he said. “You do have some interesting weapons.”
“Perhaps I can make you something as payment for your hospitality.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I do like gifts.”
“What would you want?”
“What can you make?”
“How about a slingshot?”
“A slingshot?”
“Yes, in case you decide to use it against me.”
She laughed. “Would I need to? I hope not.”
“In case I’m napping in the forest again.”
“I think there are bigger things to worry about in the forest than nappers.”
Wong thought about what she said. “If you don’t mind me asking—how bad is it out there?”
Her mood turned solemn. “Bad. We’ve found occasional pockets of Koon Gee hiding in the Stone Forest before, but now they’re everywhere. There are too many. Two villages have been destroyed already and many have been killed. Last night was just a small part.”
Kai lost his appetite and stopped eating. Her news was bitter information for him to hear. He thought it would be safer now with the destruction of so many dark ninjas the night before, but in reality, many more searched for him. They brought mayhem and destruction to the entire area.
Wong spoke. “Don’t worry. The danger will pass. The creatures will be drawn away.”
Something about the way he talked perplexed Tae. It was if he was stating fact, not opinion, and though he said it authoritatively, there was a sad and reflective tone in his voice. If the danger were to pass, that would be a good thing. Why the heavy heart? She looked over at Kai, who had stopped eating and was just staring into his bowl. It was though a huge burden had been placed on their shoulders. But what had she said? She had merely told them about the troubles of Shunnan. There was much more going on than she knew about. Why was he really wandering through the Stone Forest? How is it that he could fight off an entire legion of dark ninjas without blinking an eye? And why were they after him in the first place?
She would get to the bottom of it.
“You said last night that the dark ninjas were after you. Why would they be after you?”
“Because of me,” Kai stated glumly.
Wong quickly jumped in. “I killed some of them earlier and they didn’t take to it kindly. Kai blames himself because he’s the one who wanted to go through the Stone Forest in the first place.”
“To get to Guilin?”
“Yes, to visit family.”
“And you’re his father?”
“Uncle.”
Tae thought his answer sounded reasonable enough, but was still convinced he was hiding something. She did not view him as a threat, however, unlike the villains that often passed through their territory. Perhaps it had something to do with Kai.
Trying to lighten the mood, she put a hand on Kai’s shoulder and nudged him to eat more.
“Come on Kai. There’s plenty more. I thought you said you liked my cooking.”
Kai looked at her and tried to put on a happy face.
“I’m full now,” he said politely.
After finishing their meals and cleaning up, they prepared to meet with the ninja’s leader. The thought of sneaking away crossed Wong’s mind more than once. He did not completely trust them and the longer they stayed, the more danger they put them in, anyway. Dodging more questions did not appeal to him either, but he felt he owed them something for the protection they offered during the night. Perhaps he had a soft spot for Tae too, and the prospect of sneaking away made him feel guilty.
He thought more about what he would say when he met their leader and sighed.
“I am Master Chen, head of Shunnan.”
Wong and Kai stood in a private room before him with several other members of the order in attendance. Tae stood off to the side.
Chen seemed relatively young, which Wong had not expected. Chen’s face looked battle tested, his hair partially gray with age, and his arms were thick and strong. He wore a sheathed long knife on his side and had probably seen many years of battle.
“I am Wong and this is Kai.”
Chen acknowledged them. “I will make this quick, for Tae has told me you are eager to get moving.”
Wong nodded.
“Explain to me then. You are sleeping in the middle of a demon-infested forest and then manage to slay a good portion of dark ninjas?”
“Yes.”
“Why were you there?”
“I was on my way to the Province of Guilin.”
“And you decided to go through the forest?”
“Yes.”
“You would bring a child through the Stone Forest at a time like this?”
Wong did not like his aggressive tone. “I heard it was nice this time of year . . . lots of flowering rock lilies.”
Tae bit her lip, sensing tension.
Master Chen looked at him sternly and judged that he was not going to be forthcoming with information.
“Fine then. Let me tell you about a rumor that arrived a day ago from the villages in the south. It says there was a mark so strong in the village of Dailan that it now causes the Koon Gee to flood the land. Have you heard of this?”
“I have.”
“It also says that a boy and a Shaolin warrior, the Weapons Master, travel from there . . . and where they go the Koon Gee follow.”
Master Chen paused to gauge his reaction. Wong looked away.
“There is more,” he said sternly. “It says they are after the boy.”
Tae gasped.
Surprise filled the room. It seemed as though most of the attendees were hearing the rumor for the first time. The news took Wong by surprise too. He hadn’t anticipated word spreading so quickly.
Chen could tell he hit a nerve.
“Usually I do not entertain rumors and find they are the ramblings of scared old village folk. But here you are, a smug warrior, a boy, and forest full of Koon Gee.”
Wong thought about his next move and bristled at being called smug.
“You know,” Chen said, “there are some that would have the boy killed, to end the threat to the land.”
Wong eyed an exit, and then matched up everyone in the room for each of his weapons. He was short a few and wished he hadn’t left behind the extra throwing disc—but then again, he couldn’t use it on them, could he?
Master Chen continued. “But that is not the way of the Shunnan Ninjas. We are protectors, just like
you. I merely seek the truth. The Shunnan is besieged and so it is our concern. We are not your enemies. Perhaps we can help, but that is up to you.”
Wong sighed in relief. They were the good guys. If rumors were already rampant, he might as well tell them the truth; after all, the Hunters of Shunnan were in danger too, and his secret was exposed. He did not like having to skirt around the issue anyway.
“The rumors you heard are true.”
Tae’s heart dropped. She looked at the expression on Kai and then on Wong. It was the same look they shared that morning at breakfast. And now she understood why. What would the Koon Gee want with such a little boy? She thought about how innocently he approached her in the kitchen that morning and how adorable he looked as he gobbled up his breakfast; to think that Kai was in such danger was unbearable. She felt suddenly guilty about her mistrust and suspicion, when all Wong was trying to do was protect Kai.
Wong continued. “Kai bears a lo-shur mark. I’m bringing him to the Shaolin Temple where it can be dealt with, but we have to get moving. The longer we stay, the more likely the Koon Gee will be drawn here. Every second puts you in greater danger, and you are not equipped to handle the danger that will come.”
He felt like himself again.
“You are the Weapons Master?”
“Yes.”
“And the boy carries a mark?”
“Yes.”
“Why would the Koon Gee mark a boy?”
“There is a prophecy of one who will bring about their destruction. They think it’s him.”
“Why do they think it’s him?”
Wong sighed and lightened his tone. “I don’t know. He was born at the right time. Maybe they saw something in him, so they mark him and take no chances. It doesn’t matter why. All that matters is that they have, and now I need to get him to the temple as soon as possible.”
Master Chen stopped to digest the information. The room grew still, hanging on his next word.
“Then you must leave at once. And I will go with you to share this burden.”
The other ninja members instantly erupted in protest. They said Shunnan still needed its leader. Hordes of the enemy were pouring in through the forests and villages were being destroyed all around them. People were being slaughtered and villagers needed their help. They were failing as it was, and losing their leader would leave them even more hard-pressed.
Wong was stunned by his offer and liked the thought of traveling with more company. The Koon Gee had gathered forces quicker than he had expected and another fighter would come in handy. Still, he felt guilty for the trouble they were in and knew it would get worse.
“A force still hunts us from the south,” he said. “A dagwai scout was tracking us and has not turned up yet. To get to us, whatever force was out there will pass through the Stone Forest.”
“More of the Koon Gee creeps in from the west too,” shouted another. “They will pass here if they are hunting them. We cannot handle things as they are now!”
“Nonetheless, I will not leave them alone to carry this burden!” Chen retorted. “There is importance to this, can’t you see? Lo-shur are not in the habit of marking mere children.”
Wong changed his mind and decided he liked Chen after all. He was sharp and to the point. His no-nonsense approach instilled confidence in those around him. He could see why The Hunters of Shunnan were reluctant to lose their leader, especially at such a difficult time.
“Thank you, Master Chen, for your generous offer, but I can tell your people need you. I should be fine once I get to Guilin. There are people there who can help me and I’ve already sent for the Shoukui.”
“You’re passing through Guilin? Good. I am sure you are well known there. I have connections in the House of Ju Lai. I will lead you there. The Stone Forest is difficult to navigate.”
“I have close friends in the House of Han. I appreciate your offer, but you do bring up a good point. I won’t ask for you to come, but if you could spare someone to help me get through the Stone Forest, I–”
“I will go with you to Guilin,” Tae interrupted. “I know every inch of the Stone Forest.”
Master Chen was about to protest, but Tae promptly cut him off.
“Wong is right. Shunnan needs its master. And you are right too. He should not bear this burden alone. It is important.”
“Then I will send Bo Hong or Jung,” Chen retorted.
“I was the one that found them, so I should be the one that sees it through. I am the best fighter, so it would be foolish to send anyone else. Even you are getting too old for this, Uncle.”
Chen appeared flabbergasted. Wong also thought to say something, but Tae raised a hand at him.
“No! As good a fighter you think you are, I’m coming with you.”
“That’s not even what I was going to say,” Wong said. She ignored him. He turned to Kai and whispered, “He’s her uncle.”
Master Chen grumbled further while Tae approached Kai.
“Kai, would you like me to come with you?”
Kai looked surprised at her direct question. She raised her eyebrows and he nodded.
“It is decided then. I will get ready and we will leave at once.”
She looked Master Chen and Wong once in the eye and dared them to protest. They said nothing and she left the room, quickly closing the door behind her, punctuating the suddenness of her decision.
Wong and Master Chen were dumbfounded.
“You should have said yes when I first offered,” Master Chen finally said.
Wong grinned in response and then deadpanned.
“I’m not smug.”
13
FINAL PREPARATIONS WERE made for the journey to Guilin. Besides Tae adding a bow and quiver to her arsenal of weaponry, they packed lightly, with only a few provisions, knowing that Guilin was no more than a day or two away.
Master Chen saw Tae off with a worried look in his eyes, knowing full well the danger she was putting herself in. She was one of his top pupils, though, and besides himself, he knew of no other ninja who was more capable of handling the task. He embraced her.
“Take care of yourself, Tae. Come back safely and remember your training.”
“Thank you, Uncle. Guilin is not far. I’ll be back soon. And don’t worry—” She made a fist and rapped him on the chest. “—I learned from the best.”
Chen looked at Wong sternly and warned, “You better not let anything happen to her or there will be hell to pay.”
Wong smiled and shook the master’s hand. “I promise. Take care of yourself too.”
Finally, Chen stooped down to Kai and said, “Goodbye Kai. Slay many Koon Gee.”
They walked away as the master waved them on. Tae looked back several times, an uneasy feeling growing in the pit of her stomach.
As they proceeded out of the stronghold, Wong admired the architecture he had not been able to see clearly the night before. Small to mid-sized structures with arched roofs and slate-lined walls dotted the grounds. They were scattered around the larger building they had just left, which was similar in detail but engulfed by a large limestone mass. The color and pattern of the surrounding rock appeared to be the inspiration for the design of the buildings.
“Nice place,” Wong said.
They approached the outskirts of the compound and were quickly surrounded by forest. All signs of the Hunters fell away. Tae led the way and together they traversed through the thick tangle of forest and rock that was the Stone Forest.
The path they took was intricate; they climbed over rocky ledges, under passageways hidden by foliage, and through large and winding caverns. Though progress was slow, Wong noted how much more difficult it would be for the Koon Gee to follow without such a guide. He should consider himself fortunate—except of course for the fact that enemies could be hiding behind any
one of the many crooks and crevices that appeared all around them.
“It must be difficult to patrol the Stone Forest. So many places to hide.”
“Yes. It definitely keeps one on their toes.”
“No face paint today?”
“Only when I’m hunting. Plus, I wouldn’t want to terrify you,” she joked.
“Thank you for guiding us. We don’t mean to be a burden.”
“It was my choice. You shouldn’t have to do it alone.” She took care stepping over a gnarled root. “Someone’s got to look after Kai, anyway.”
“Forgive me for not being more forthcoming. It’s not easy to explain. It’s hard to tell how people will react.”
“To a child in need?”
“To one that draws the Koon Gee.”
“I’d like to think that people would understand.”
“People are afraid. They’re not all fighters like you and me. They’d blame Kai for it, just as Master Chen said.”
“You don’t know that.”
“I do.”
Just then, they noticed movement in the trees ahead. It was actually Kai who noticed it first and froze in his tracks. Wong unsheathed his sword.
“Wait,” Tae said, as multiple figures stepped out of concealment and into the light. They were dressed in ninja garb and held onto bows with arrows poised to shoot. One had on blue face paint, the other, red.
“Tae, is that you?” a voice called.
“It is,” she replied. “Bo Hong?”
The blue ninja approached. “It’s me. What are you doing out here?”
“We’re going to Guilin.”
“Guilin? Through here? Are you crazy?”
“It’s complicated. We have no choice. What can you tell me about the Koon Gee?”
“Nothing good. It’s gotten worse. There are still packs of dagwais and dark ninjas running around. They’ve attacked another village. And I think there’s something else out there too.”
Tae responded with a questioning glance.
“We’ve heard deep, bellowing echoes from afar, like large animals calling to one another. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever heard. And it’s frightening–”
