Chapter 143: Hunt for the Carriage Driver

The accountant wrote in his notebook. He had been processing orders the Light Wheel Carriage company for the past 3 years and was hoping that soon, he would get an office in the expanding business and would not have to d his work in the open amongst the uneducated and unwashed masses. Shadows were cast on his page as he wrote.

“Hello?” he heard a female voice say.

“If you want to hire a carriage, speak to the scheduler.”

“I am not looking to hire a carriage.” The woman said.

“Then you’re either lost or wasting my time.” He said, looking forward to the day he would not have to deal with such issues in his new comfy office.

“Please sir,” the woman said, placing her finger on the paper he was writing on, “I’m sure you can spare a minute or two.”

He looked up and the look of annoyance was quickly replaced by one of fear. Before him were two members of the Red Dragon Sect, a woman and a man behind her.

“F-F-Forgive me! I didn’t know I was in such estimed company!” he said, stumbling to his feet and sending some papers off his desk. “Forgive me for that too. Please, what can I help you with.”

“It is very simple, and it won’t waste any of your precious time.” The woman said.

“Please, any of your requests would not be any waste of time.” The man said. “How can I help?”

“We want to find the man who drove that carriage two weeks back,” she pointed at one of the carriages that were lined in a row.

“I-I don’t know but I can ask for you.” He said before running off. He turned on his heels and ran back to them. “Please excuse me wile I get the head carriage driver.”

The woman nodded her approval and he bowed a few times before running off again.

He came back a moment later with a scroll in hand. “This is all tehinformation I have of the carriage driver including his address.” He said, handing the woman the scroll.

“Very good,” she said as she took the scroll. “We’ll take our leave now.”

“Thank you! Thank you! Any other request, you are more than welcome to come back.” The accountant said, bowing multiple times.

She turned and began to walk away, followed by his male companion. She then abruptly stopped, her hand resting on one of the carriages. “They’re quite sturdy, aren’t they?” She turned back to look at him, a smirk on her face that sent shivers down accountant’s spine.

There was a flash of white light and all the carriages were on fire.The accountants quick mind was already calculating the costs of replacing the burning fleet of carriages and he already knew, it would be a long time before he got his office.

Wang Ton peeked from the window of the inn, he and Zen were in. Wang Ton had rented a room with two beds with Ton seated at the bed nerest the the window.

“Are these Brown Feather Guild people that dangerous?” Zen said, staring at his father from his own bed.

Wang Ton said nothing.

“How do you know the Brown Feather Guild?”

“Who says I know it?” he said, pulling the curtain back.

“You did.” Zen said. “Back in the alley when you were fighting that kid who wanted to take Shibi and after. You said if they knew you were here they’d kill us.”

Still Wang Ton said nothing.

Zen’s eyes widened. “You used to be in a rival guild! That’s why they would try to kill you if they knew you were here.”

“Why don’t cultivate like your monkey.” Wang Ton said, lying down on the bed.

Zen smirked, guessing he was right. He looked at Shibi who was meditating in the corner and sighed before joining him.

“Wake up. Wake up!”

Zen’s eyes opened. He yawned and stretched. “Why so early.”

“It is not early.” He said. “Get ready. I have business to make.”

“You want me to come along?” Zen said, sitting up.

Ton nodded. “You’re too much trouble, so I have to keep an eye on you at all times.”

“Alright, let’s get prepared, Shibi.”

“The monkey stays.” Ton said.

“But what if that boy tries to get him again?”

Ton smirked, “Then you better hope its peanut sized brain I smart enough to know not to leave this room. It will be safe as long as it stays in here.”

Zen and Shibi exchanged frowns.

Wang Ton led the way inside the luxurious house. There, they were et by a potious man with grey hair and a woman by his side. They wore fine clothing, contrasting Ton and Zen’s simple clothing.

“Wang Ton, good to see you.” The man said.

“Master Shan. Mistress Shan.” Ton bowed at them both.

“You will have to forgive me Wang Ton.” Shan said. “I could not meet you yesterday.”

“Please, master, no apologies needed.” Ton said. “I brought this for you.” Ton produced a storage stone. It was a mid grade yellow stone. He touched it and on his palm appeared a bronze shining casket.

Shan accepted the casket from Ton and opened it. His wife yelped in amazement.

“These are lovers spawn!” she said, looking at the two flowers within the casket. “I absolutely adore them! Thank you Master Wang! I shall put these n a safe place.”

Ton smiled and bowed.

“Please,” Shan said, leading Ton and Zen away.

They sat at a table.

“I’m surprised you knew of my wife’s favourite flower.” Shan said, leaning forward. “Only someone who had lived in this town for long or very well researched could have known that.”

“You honour me, Sir.” Ton said.

Servants bought food. Zen licked his lips and looked to Shan who nodded his permission and Zen began to eat, his loud chewing providing the background noise to Ton and Shan’s conversation.

“Your name sounds familiar, Wang Ton.”

“You must be confusing me with someone else.” Ton said. “I am not that well known. However, I would like to speak of our business. Time is not on my side.”

“Yes, you would like to purchase the iron I dig up from my mine.” Shan said. “I will sell you the materials you need.”

“I will be working near your mine in the days to come.” Ton said. “I was hoping you would allow me and my son to catch a ride with the caravan of miners and equipment you will be taking there.”

“Using me to save on transport costs?” Shan smiled. “You are quite a savvy businessman. I will be leaving 2 days from now. Be prepared by then.”

“Thank you.” Ton said.

They left Shan household and walked quickly in the street. Zen wanted to return to Shibi to ensure the Scorch Ape was alright while Ton wanted to be out of the public.

“There they are.”

Zen heard the familiar voice but kept moving.

“There they are!”

The teenage boy stepped in their way.

“Oh no,” Zen said under his breath.

“Come on, I found them!” the teenage boy beckoned someone over.

“Yes, coming Young Master Bua.” A thin man said as he walked over, his movement fluid as if he was floating on air. The thin man stopped before Zen and Wang. His eyes narrowed then widened then slit with a sneer. “What do we have here? Wang Ton.”

“Excuse me, Sir. You have the wrong man.”

Ton tried to go around the man, Zen made to follow but the man floated into their path.

“You can’t fool me, Wang Ton.”

“You know this guy?” the teenager, Bua said.

“Yes.” The thin man said. “He and your father have an agreement. He is not to ever step in this town. Clearly he has broken it.”

“Why am I not surprised that he has no face.”

“This is Bao Bua’s child?” Wang Ton said in surprise.

“Yes, Jua Bua, and it is quite concidence that the one person you insult is his son.”

“I won’t be staying here long, Zi Fu.” Ton said. “There’s no need to tell Shu Bua anything.”

“Oh but you see, there is.” Zi Fu said as he floated past them. “If I didn’t, I would not be a very good guild member.”

“Hey Zi Fu, we’re just going to leave like this?” Bua said following after the old man. “This is not over.” He turned back to them before running after the old man.

Wang Ton sighed.

“What does this mean?” Zen said.

Wang Ton looked at him with worry. “It means we are in deep trouble.”