The Tekhen of Anuket
The Tekhen of Anuket
Sparks flew from the iron door handle as it crashed against the stone wall. Feng Zhudai stalked into the cell. He held a flickering candle high, glaring past its dim light, into the shadows. Baiyu looked up, eyeing his old nemesis impassively. It was difficult to keep a calm face when he burned to know why Zhudai had come. Did he want to simply gloat at his captive or was he angry because the outlanders had escaped him again?
Baiyu waited. He was good at that. Zhudai was not. Even during their childhood together, Zhudai had feverishly pushed ahead in their studies and games; ever eager to prove his superiority without taking time to truly absorb what was already before him. Magic, calligraphy, swordplay, martial arts, politics – Zhudai was a master of all but understood none. They were like clothes; costumes he put on when needed and left off when he thought they were useless.
It was an interesting thought. One that required careful consideration. Baiyu smiled to himself. Now was as good a moment as any. In this dank prison he certainly had ample time to think and little strength to do much else.
“They have made a mistake.” Zhudai’s contemptuous comment cut through his prisoner’s contemplation.
Baiyu blinked, hoping his face didn’t betray the stab of fear he felt at those words. When he had sent across time and space to find rescuers, he’d expected to bring someone...older and more experienced than the two teenagers his magic had drawn into this realm. They were so young, so frightened and so very unsure of themselves. Had they truly made a fatal error?
Zhudai paced forward, just two tigerish, smooth steps. His long, black hair was tied in a complicated knot on top of his head, his triumphant face harshly-shadowed by the candle. He held his black and gold silken robes off the hay-strewn stone floor with fastidious fingers.
Still Baiyu refused to be drawn into talk. Let Zhudai reveal all in his eagerness to prove himself to his old rival.
“The girl has neglected to hide herself and her companions from me as she did with the Roman boy. In her haste, she has forgotten that I have seen her with my own eyes and can therefore Far-see her as well.” Zhudai barked a mirthless laugh. “And, I know where they have gone – Egypt.”
Baiyu could not stop the few muscle movements of his face that betrayed his concern: clenching of the jaw; flaring of the nostrils and eyes. Zhudai saw and laughed again.
“It will not be long now, my friend,” he said, his dark eyes half-lidded. “Your rescuers will be captured and, with your help, I will become an Immortal.”
“I will not help you,” Baiyu returned, his own voice low and strained.
Zhudai’s smile turned pitying. “No, you mean you will not help me voluntarily.” He turned away and grasped the door. Looking back over his shoulder, he shook his head. “Surely you know I never expected you to give your help? I will take what I need. You will not live past the ri shi.”
Baiyu raised his chin, schooling his face back to calm. “Pure gold does not fear the smelter.”
Zhudai made a noise of irritation and stalked out.
Behind the closed cell door, the smile slid away from Baiyu’s face.
