Free Eagle by Jeff Stone Page B

the skiff.
    “You've lost a lot of blood,” Hok said. “You're weak. Lie still and relax. I want to go search for some
dang gui
—angelica plant—to make a blood tonic for you to drink.”
    Ying shook his head slowly. “No. Tonglong will be looking for us. We need to hide.”
    “We will deal with Tonglong when he confronts us. The problem right now is your well-being. You need medicine, so I need to find you herbs.”
    “Just leave me here,” Ying said. “Save yourself.”
    Hok rolled her eyes. “Save the drama. You sound like Fu. I will help you until you can help yourself.
    Besides, I have nowhere to go. I don't want to put the others in any more danger than they are already in. Charles will remind Fu, Malao, and Seh to go to Paw-Paw's house, but I've decided to stay clear of there for the time being.”
    Ying thought for a moment. “If you insist on helping me, I will need dragon bone.”
    Hok shook her head. “I will find you some real herbs. Powdered dragon bone has no medicinal value. Street vendors hawk it for ridiculous prices to take advantage of sick people.”
    “How would you know?” Ying challenged weakly.
    “The teachers back at Cangzhen told me, including Grandmaster.”
    “Grandmaster did not want you to learn the truth,” Ying said. “He wanted to keep the dragon-bone secrets to himself.”
    “Do you know what dragon bone is?” Hok asked. “It's a rock. Dragons no longer exist. They walked the earth so long ago, their remains have turned to stone. You might as well consume powdered boulders.”
    “You are wrong,” Ying said. “The dragon's essence is still alive in it. I've felt it.”
    “It is all in your mind, Ying, and you are wasting vital energy arguing with me. Get some rest.”
    “Find some dragon bone and you will see for yourself,” Ying urged. “I … dare you.”
    “Stop with the challenges,” Hok said. “They are childish.”
    Ying scowled weakly.
    Hok glanced at the pouch of coins tied to Ying's sash. “I'll tell you what. Earlier this morning, I heard signs of civilization upstream. After I make some real medicine for you, we will head that way and I will attempt to purchase some dragon bone. Hopefully, no one will be on the lookout for us. Will that make you happy?”
    Ying nodded slowly. “Yes. You will see.” “We will both see,” Hok said. “Now go back to sleep. I have things to do.”
    Ying woke beneath a large willow tree. The sun had set, and it was nearly pitch-dark around him. It took him a moment to realize that he was in the skiff and that it had been beached in a different location. He heard water lapping gently against the boat's wooden sides. Hok sat in the bow, humming softly.
    “We've moved,” Ying muttered.
    Hok stopped humming. “Yes. I couldn't find any
dang gui,
so I shoved off and we headed upstream to the village outskirts while you slept. I have something for you.”
    Hok leaned toward Ying and held out a small terracotta crucible. She lifted the tiny lid, and Ying saw a fine powder inside. Dragon bone.
    “This was all I could find,” Hok said. “I had to get it from a black-market vendor. All the legitimate vendors said they no longer carry it because the Emperor has placed too high a tax on it. I imagine this is only enough for a few weeks if you consume it daily, but it cost more than half your coins.”
    “It is worth it,” Ying whispered. “You will see. Now I need you to find me a snake.”
    Hok shook her head. “I know you want to mix the dragon bone with fresh snake blood. I won't do it.”
    “You … have to,” Ying said.
    “I don't have to do anything. I didn't even have to get this. In fact, I probably shouldn't have. It took me so long to find, I ran out of time to get you proper herbs.”
    “Dragon bone is all I need,” Ying whispered. “It is a rejuvenator. It helps the body repair itself at a rapid rate. They say it even helps the old stay young.”
    “People say lots of things,” Hok said. “This