Taming Poison Dragons by Tim Murgatroyd Read Free Book Online Page A

officers chuckle, indicating that words have passed concerning my weakness.
    ‘Naturally, you shall join us to dine?’ I enquire. ‘You and your esteemed officers.’
    He grunts, barely able to hide his satisfaction. I have traded my renunciation of him for the village’s safety.
    *

    I leave the square, accompanied by Wudi, who carries my scrolls of Po Chu’i’s poems and parasol. As we shuffle up the hill, I turn. Soldiers are scattering round the streets and lanes of the village, seeking the fattest billets.
    Youngest Son lolls like a lord in Father’s ebony chair, my chair. Though I cannot see his expression, there is exhilaration and pride in the way he grasps the chair’s arms, surveying his men as they scurry like ants. Anger is an emotion I can ill afford.
    ‘Did it go well, Wudi?’ I ask.
    He scratches his chin.
    ‘No one’s drawn a sword yet,’ he says. ‘Not yet.’
    He is right. I have bought only a little time.
    ‘Did you discover where the Imperial cavalry are hiding?’ I whisper, though there is no one to hear us except the crickets.
    ‘In the side valley beyond Shady Wood,’ he says, quietly.
    ‘A good place. They are clearly well-led. But Youngest Son will be aware of it. General An-Shu must want these men badly. He has sent an officer who knows the district and at least two companies of his best men. Why are the Imperial cavalry so important to him? I still do not see why they came to Wei at all.’
    Wudi shrugs, as if to say, If you don’t know, how should I?
    ‘Wudi,’ I say. ‘Are you prepared to risk another son?’
    ‘I only have two left,’ he says, dryly.
    ‘If you are, send one of them to warn the cavalry.
    Tell them they should hide their traces and let their horses loose. Tell them to conceal themselves in the caves behind Heron Waterfall and not to come out under any circumstances, until they are told it is safe. Your son must show them the little entrance. The caves were discovered after Youngest Son’s banishment, so he will not search there.’
    Wudi scowls.
    ‘Is it wise to get involved, Lord?’
    ‘I believe so, in the long term.’
    ‘It shall be done as you wish,’ he says, reluctantly.
    By the Goddess of Wei Valley, I hope I act wisely.
    Certainly she must be angered to have her wells and streams polluted by such a rabble. Yet my actions, perilous to everyone around me, are based on the words of Thousand- li -drunk, a notorious madman: General An-Shu will never become the Son of Heaven. Remember that in your dealings with the cavalry who escaped. Yet stranger changes of dynasty have occurred.
    If my judgement is right, then my son, for all his fine uniform and whiskers, is to be pitied. If I am wrong, he is to be pitied a hundred times more.
    As I enter the gate of Three-Step House, a solitary scream rises from the village below.
    Three-Step-House is subdued. Even the sounds of chopping from the kitchen lack their usual vigour. The maidservants who did not accompany Daughter-in-law to Whale Rocks Monastery go about their work as if they have already been dishonoured, unmarriageable without a huge dowry to tempt future parents-in-law.
    Eldest Son comes to my room. At once it is clear he has been drinking. Well, we are all acting out of character. If I’m sober, why shouldn’t he be drunk? Perhaps wine might discover hidden courage in him. Yet I am ashamed for him. Some are fired by wine, others made ignoble.
    ‘Did you see him, Father?’ he asks, miserably. ‘What did he say?’
    ‘Only that he is hunting rebels and deserters.’
    ‘Did he mention me, Father?’
    ‘No. You must be calm! Drink as much water as possible and sleep for an hour. All will be well if you follow my instructions.’
    He wrings his hands. A pitiful sight. And worrying.
    ‘He’s angry with me,’ he says. ‘Though it is not I who took away his inheritance.’
    I realise then, he is not to be relied upon. His brother always had too much influence over him. Above all, Eldest