The leopard slid back on the ground away from Feng’s motionless body. Dorian rose into a fighting stance as the cat began to circle him slowly, limping from the knife still protruding from its back leg. Lady Helena had always told him that an injured animal was the most dangerous.
The leopard pounced, giving Dorian little time to avoid the sharp claws flying towards his face. He dropped to one knee, grabbing the leopard out of the air and continuing its momentum to throw it against the side of the house. Dorian rolled to his feet with blood dripping from deep scratches on his arm.
The leopard was dazed and her face lit with an impulsive idea. She covered the distance to the pig’s pen and threw the long pitchfork used to collect their manure in the air. “Wàiguó rén, catch!”
Dorian jumped into the air and snatched up the weapon. As he landed, he thrust the three metal prongs through the cat’s ribs as hard as he could. The leopard struck out with its claws but he bounded backward. The blow fell short. The beast was pinned against the wall and unable to get free. Its thrashing gradually slowed as it died, blood-mad and spitting until the end.
CHAPTER 21.
J
AMES PATRICK MCDONAUGH
“James Patrick McDonaugh was a man beyond reproach. He was a selfless fighter in Her Majesty’s service and a loyal husband to the end. Admired by everyone who met him, he died fighting to protect the city and the people he loved. I could not have asked for a better constable.” Inspector Clarke took his seat next to Van Helsing.
Constable Cunningham rose to speak a few words during the funeral mass and Van Helsing leaned in. “A little concise, don’t you think?”
The beautiful young woman from McDonaugh’s photograph broke down in tears in the second row. A dark-haired man in an expensive Italian suit quickly began to comfort her.
Inspector Clarke spun his bowler in his hands. “And I meant every word.” He shot a quick look at the second row. “If only his wife had the decency to attend her husband’s funeral alone.”
Van Helsing nodded. “He deserved better. Did you tell anyone how he died?”
Inspector Clarke shook his head. “I couldn’t have said that he had shown amazing courage fighting a werewolf, now could I?”
“No. I suppose not.”
The men rose and crossed themselves as the portly Irish priest gave a final blessing over the body. Van Helsing regarded the pale body of the man laid out in the coffin. McDonaugh looked at peace. His body was washed and dressed in white clothing, with his face freshly shaved. He looked strange with a rosary in his hand instead of his axe and the silver cross around his neck instead of his chain. Van Helsing had stitched the man’s neck wound closed himself.
With the mass ended, Inspector Clarke placed his hat back on his head to several frowns from the departing congregation. “It wouldn’t do to cause a panic among the people in the city. Particularly now that the threat has been eliminated.”
Van Helsing genuflected as the two men exited their pew. “One of the threats.”
The Inspector froze in his tracks. “What do you mean one?”
The Doctor reached into his waistcoat and removed a long, vicious-looking long claw. “I took this from the base of an oak tree in the woods. It is much larger than the claws of the female Vârcolac. We killed a female, but there were also signs of a male marking its territory.”
The Inspector’s eyes quickly calculated what this might mean. “Then there’s another of those creatures out there?”
The wolf hunter returned the claw to a pocket in his waistcoat. “Yes, but the signs were old—as if he had moved on from that area. Perhaps the female had tracked down his old lair. The male could be anywhere by now.”
The two came upon Lady Helena, adorned in a stunning black lace dress. She wore a black sunbonnet and short veil on her head, cut more for an evening dining in Paris gardens than for mourning. “Doctor. Inspector. A terrible business the young Constable’s death.”
Van Helsing inclined his head. “As you say, my lady. I wonder if I might impose on you further with a few additional inquiries about the letter you wrote?”
Lady Helena smiled sweetly. “I would love to, Doctor. Unfortunately, I will be leaving for Wales this afternoon.”
The Inspector’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Visiting some family there?”
Lady Helena unfolded an oriental fan and began fanning herself. “If only. No, I am afraid my health has taken a turn for the worst.” She coughed weakly. “I have heard tales of a Romani healing woman, famous for her skills in medicine and communing with the spirit world.”
Inspector Clarke’s eyebrows raised slightly. “A healing woman you say? Do you happen to know her name?”
Lady Helena’s face took on a cautious expression. “I think it was…Shuvani…Shuvani Ingraham, the matriarch of the Kalá tribe. Her vardo has been seen near the Oakwood in southern Wales.”
Van Helsing nodded. “Then I wish you a safe journey and hope that you find the answers you seek.”
The Inspector seemed lost in thought as Lady Helena expressed her thanks and quickly took her leave.
As they exited the church, Van Helsing turned to the Inspector. “I will not rest until this second Vârcolac is found and destroyed. Will you help me hunt it?”
The Inspector glanced back at the coffin. “You have my full support and all the resources of Scotland Yard at your disposal. I daresay, there is nowhere in England that the creature can hope to hide.”
CHAPTER 22.
A
WALK IN THE FOREST
Shen had softened towards Dorian since the night the Englishman had saved her father’s life. Feng continued to heal as the three worked the fields together. They spoke about many things, including hardships of the past and dreams of the future. Shen continued his lessons in Chinese with a newfound kindness and patience. Where before she had been coarse towards Dorian, she was now gentle. Where before she had been spiteful, she was now generous. Dorian and Shen continued to spend time alone together from sunrise until the evening meal.
Shen insisted that Dorian sleep in the Wū instead of with the pigs. Despite his protests, she had him take her room. Shen slept near her father as she cared for his wounds. The old warrior had been feverish for the first few nights after sustaining his injuries. He would wake in the middle of the night calling out for his dead wife. Shen was instantly at his side, comforting him until he fell back to sleep.
* * *
One night a week later, Shen fed her father a mixture of broth and shaojiu to dull his pain. Afterwards Feng fell into a deep slumber. Relieved that her father was finally resting comfortably, Shen suggested they let him sleep and go for a walk in the night air.
She looked beautiful that night and wore a simple waistcoat with half-length sleeves and a short collar. The fabric was inexpensive, but beautifully decorated. Intricately embroidered golden fish leaped in and out of blue water as red cranes tried in vain to catch them.
The pale moonlight was dazzling as it wove among the bamboo trees, lighting their path in front of them. They had only walked a short way from the farm when Dorian suddenly realized that something was wrong. Shen’s expression changed into a look of pure terror.
Dorian whirled about to see if another leopard had emerged from the forest. But there was nothing except crickets and mist. “Shen, what is it?”
He tried to reassure her that she was safe, but she only backed away from him with a look of fear in her eyes. “Stay away from me!”
Dorian was bewildered. He was appalled that she could think he would ever hurt her. “You don’t mean that? Shen, I love you. You are safe with me.”
But she only screamed in horror. He reached out to take her in his arms, but his hands were slick with blood–Dorian awoke with a start.
With a sign of relief, Dorian looked outside and saw that the moon was not full. It had only been a dream. His heart still racing with fear, he decided that he needed to leave. Soon. Before his dream becam
e a reality and the beast inside him regained control. He could not risk hurting Shen or her father.
Wordlessly, Dorian rose and started gathering food and clothing. He had only promised to stay until the wheat planting was finished. Now he needed to put as much distance between himself and the farm as possible.
He was rolling up some clothes when Shen appeared. “Wake up, Wàiguó rén. I thought we could go for a swim this morning now that the planting is—.” She cut off at the sight of Dorian’s half-packed bag. “Are you are leaving?”
Dorian’s shame would not allow his eyes to meet hers. “Shen, I…”
“You weren’t even going to say goodbye?” Her eyes blazed with sudden hurt.
Dorian dropped his bag to the floor and moved closer to her. “I wanted to. I was afraid of hurting you. It is time I rejoin the army. We both knew this day would come. I can’t stay here forever. It’s nothing more than a fantasy to think otherwise.”
The look of death that every woman carries in her repertoire passed over her face like a cloud. “Fine. Leave. Your usefulness has long since gone.”
“Shen, you don’t mean that. Could we still part as…friends?” He lifted his hands as if to embrace her.
Shen burst into tears and ran outside crying.
Feng appeared in time to watch his daughter’s flight. “I take it you are leaving us?”
Dorian bowed his head. “It seemed like a good time with the planting done and you fully recovered.”
Feng returned the bow. “Are you sure you cannot stay until the harvest? Your strength would be useful and my daughter and I have grown very fond of you.”
Dorian considered what it would mean to stay here briefly. Then he shook his head slowly. “I am sorry, but I must return to the army. I have been gone for far too long already.”
Feng nodded and strode from the room. He reappeared a moment later with his bow in his hand. “Please, take this with you for protection. It is the least I can offer in thanks for saving my life.”
Dorian’s eyes moistened at the gesture from the greying old warrior. He spoke to Feng formally, “Nǐ zūnzhòng wǒ, dàn wǒ bìxū jùjué. Wǒ bù huì jiāng wǔqì cóng tā de wǔqì huò qí nǚ'ér zhōng fēnlí chūlái—You honor me, but I must decline. I would not part a warrior from his weapon or his daughter from its protection.”
That brought a smile to Feng’s lips. “You have learned well. I will tell my daughter of your dedication to her teachings. She will miss you. You are always welcome here.”
The two men clasped arms. Then they parted ways. Dorian reached the edge of the bamboo forest and paused to look back at the farm. A tear fell from his eye at the thought of leaving Shen. But he cared for her too deeply to endanger her life further.
After a long moment, he turned away and began walking. These last few weeks had been the most peaceful and happiest days of his life. Suddenly an arrow cut across his path and sank into the ground. “Feng, I…”
Shen emerged from behind a tree. “I have been learning to shoot. She discarded her functional but simple self-made bow and walked over to stand in front of him, staring him in the eye.
Dorian put his bag on the earth. “Shen, I am so glad you came back to say goodbye.”
She slapped him with such force that he felt his skin vibrate in pain. Before he could recover from the shock, Shen was kissing him fiercely. The two melted together in an embrace hot with all of their pent up frustration and desire.
Dorian put a stop to things before reaching the point of no return. “Shen, I must go. It isn’t safe for you if I stay here.”
She reluctantly released him. Some of her former cold detachment returned to her gaze, but the warmth of their kiss had ignited a fiery passion inside her.
Her expression thawed. “I will try to understand. But you must tell me your real name and promise me that you will return when it is safe.”
Dorian kissed her once more, long and hard. “My name is Dorian Gray. I swear that one day I will come back to you. You will hold my heart until I do.”
CHAPTER 23.
T
HE VALLEY OF ZHAGJIAWAN
Dorian ran straight through the night and on through most of the next day. He passed through wide valleys and by the scattered farms carved out from bamboo forests. He paused only briefly to eat some of the food he had brought before running on at a speed faster than any normal man could achieve, desperate to put a safe distance between himself and his love.
The English and French armies were not hard to find. They had left a trail of smoldering villages in their wake. After almost a week, he finally caught up with the army on the outskirts of the capital city of Peking. After twenty minutes of convincing a doubtful Lieutenant that he was not a Chinese spy, he finally gained an audience with the newly promoted Lord Commander Crawley.
“Good Lord, is that Dor—Er…I mean Midshipman Lynch? We had given you up for dead.” Lord Crawly slapped him on the back.
Dorian beamed. “I nearly was. After the battle of Canton, I lost track of the army. I must have suffered a head injury and became completely disoriented. I returned as soon as I was able. It is good to see you again, my friend.” Dorian pointed to the three gold bars on the Commander’s shoulders. “I see you have done well for yourself.”
A haunted look passed over Lord Crawley’s face. “More like staying alive when all other officers were killed. These damn Chinese sharpshooters have been picking off our officers like hens. Very dishonorable, if you ask me.”
Lord Crawley dismissed the Lieutenant who saluted sharply before leaving. “Why on earth did you come back to the army? You were free to make your own life.”
Dorian’s mind raced back to his farewells with Shen. “Something felt wrong…I have nowhere else to go. Will you take me back?”
Lord Crawley gave him a queer look, which vanished with a laugh. “I think I understand. We could certainly use your marksmanship against the Chinese marksmen. But we can’t put you back amongst the men—I mean, I’m inclined to give you a very dangerous solo mission. Are you up for it?”
Dorian knuckled his forehead with a smile. “Anything for you, Commander.”
Lord Crawley returned the salute with a grimace. “This assignment will leave you isolated from the army. I could be sending you to your death.”
Dorian stood up straighter. “I know you wouldn’t ask it of me if it weren’t important. I won’t let you down.”
Lord Crawley nodded once as if deciding on something. “Then get yourself cleaned up and back into uniform.”
* * *
Dorian had never had a more luxurious shave. He reclined in a comfortable chair for the first time in weeks and savored the familiar scents and sounds of the English camp. Soldiers roasted salted mutton over their cook fires and sang a lewd version of “The Amber Witch”.
Lieutenant Purcell insisted on removing Dorian’s grimy beard himself. He made quick work of a sharpened razor and a warm bowl of soapy water. “Thank God you are alive, Dorian. I searched for you for two days after the battle. I feared you were dead. I am so happy to see you sound and unharmed.”
Dorian laughed. “It is good to be back. Everyone seems to have been promoted, Lieutenant. I am not sure you should be seen shaving the likes of me.”
Lieutenant Purcell beamed with pride and handed Dorian a towel. “If you had been with us, you would have been promoted as well. But what is this I hear about a special assignment from Lord Commander Crawley?”
Dorian dried his face and stood up. “Later. Right now, I need a strong drink while you tell me everything that has happened.” The two men talked for several hours about the army’s march towards Peking. The minor battles along the way had hardened the infantry, but their greatest challenge was yet to come…
The next morning, Lieutenant Purcell outfitted Dorian with a fresh uniform and a Marini-Henry breech-loading lever-actuated rifle. It fired a .460 caliber cartridge a distance of up to 400 meters, which made the weapon accurate
over long ranges: the perfect weapon for picking off sharpshooters. The Lieutenant loaded his pack with extra rations, a good knife, several meters of rope, plenty of water, and additional ammo. The two men embraced.
“I’ll see you again Dorian.”
“Not if I see you first, Purcell.”
Dorian waited until the cover of darkness fell before departing the English camp. He set off towards where the Qing forces were encamped around the town of Zhagjiawan. The Chinese army was a mixture of twenty thousand infantry and ten thousand cavalry under the command of General Sengge Rinchen. Rumor had it he was descended from Genghis Khan. The General and his elite Mongol cavalry were infamous for their brutality and fearlessness. The man was an Imperial Commissioner who had received the assignment from the hand of the Emperor himself.
Dorian’s mission was to neutralize the threat of any Chinese snipers positioned in the Zhagjiawan valley to clear the way for the impending French and English advance. He focused his mind on his task and reached out with his senses into the night. Drawing on inhuman speed and agility, he moved through the valley like a tiger stalking its prey.
The first Qing soldier he spotted sleeping in a towering fir tree while he was still two hundred yards away. Dorian’s exceptional night vision all but guaranteed an easy shot and the man was completely oblivious to his approach. After all, what sniper would be able to fire in the dark of night?
Dorian paused as he aimed at the peacefully slumbering man. The image of Shen and her father appeared in his mind as he prepared to take this simple soldier’s life. He needed to kill the man, but he felt strangely reluctant. It seemed cowardly to murder someone while they slept, but he was only following orders. Then again, the Chinese soldier had similar orders to kill English and French officers.
Box Set: The Wolf of Dorian Gray Series: Books 1-3 Page 27
