The Silk Tree (19 page)

‘This is bad,’ Yi whispered. ‘Never had this happen before. Wonder what’s going on?’

There were frightened conversations, spreading confusion – would Emperor Wen Hsuan soon make an appearance?

A massive gong sounded. Then the personal bodyguard entered and formed up, halberds and swords gleaming. Finally the Emperor stalked in, glaring about him before ascending to his throne.

‘The Great Lord, Ruler of all under Heaven, the mighty and ever-victorious, Emperor of Northern Ch’i.’

The stillness was so acute that Nicander could hear his own breathing.

‘Summons his palace to hear vile and dreadful news.’ The herald was so nervous his scroll trembled as he read. ‘Signifying such foul omens that he deigns to speak to his liege subjects himself to allay their fears.’

The Emperor stalked to the front of the dais and looked out in terrible deliberation over the mass of his people, first to one side, then the other. Then he spoke in a heavy, intimidating growl.

‘I would have you know that an odious and abominable plot against ourself, the Son of Heaven and intercessory with the gods – has been thwarted.’

There was a tremulous hush.

‘Which was revealed in time by the selfless loyalty of one man – Chancellor Hao! Who brought to us proof of the plot, knowing it would cause us the utmost grief, but out of his duty to the Dragon Throne felt it necessary to acquaint us with its contents.’

Hao stood silent, head bowed, hands in his sleeves, the picture of rectitude.

‘I have it here!’ the Emperor roared, waving a grubby sheet. ‘Treachery, betrayal and filial impiety enough to make heaven itself weep!’

He lowered it, letting the tension build.

‘Kao Yeh! Crown Prince! Step forward and make your obeisance!’

At the front of the assembly there was a brief confusion and a chubby figure came forward and prostrated himself before the Emperor.

‘Rise up! Come before me.’

The Emperor thrust the sheet violently at his son. ‘Read! So all may hear!’

As he did so Nicander could tell what it was – a soulful attempt in verse at a bewailing of his situation, being the inheritor in due course of the greatest rank on earth but at the present time to be made to suffer under the tyranny of a despot.

‘This is yours?’

It would be useless to deny – Chinese writing was as individual to the writer as a portrait of them.

‘It is, Father – that is, Most Excellent and Wise Emperor of All Under Heaven.’

Without a doubt it was the result of a drinking bout which had young
men competing in witty writings into the early hours. Nicander wondered if it contained clumsy attempts at levels of meaning which had been overlooked under the influence of the wine, but which now held a sinister significance.

It had to be Hao’s doing. To secure the trifle would have taken planning and guile. The prize was obvious: complete trust by the Emperor and therefore power over the entire court.

‘Then be it on your own head,’ the Emperor snarled. ‘To seek to usurp the prerogatives of the mandate of heaven – this is an act of treachery and filial ingratitude that may not be forgiven.’

He glowered at the hapless prince. ‘You have one course of redemption and one only.’

‘Sire?’

‘Master Feng!’

From somewhere close by the mute dwarf scuttled out.

‘Offer the chalice to Prince Kao Yeh!’

A dark-green jade cup was thrust under the prince’s nose.

‘No!’ he stammered. ‘I’ve done nothing wrong—’

Yi leant close to Nicander. ‘It’s poison!’ he hissed.

‘Take it!’ roared the Emperor, shaking in fury.

‘I-I can’t, it’s not fair, I didn’t—’

‘Seize him!’

There was a brief struggle as the prince was forced on his back on the front of the dais in full view.

His voice distorted into a shriek which turned to a bubbling squeal as the dwarf carefully emptied the cup into his mouth, deftly stepping back when his task was done.

The Emperor waited impassively until the last despairing spasms and contortions were over, then resumed his throne and declaimed, ‘Thus dies a vile and treacherous usurper! By this let it be seen and known that there are none – not a one – who may seek to defy their emperor’s majesty with impunity!’

Then he stood abruptly. ‘We see among you those with base treason in their hearts! But it is in vain, for let it be known – such perfidy
will
be found out. I have given special powers to Chancellor Hao to go among you and root you out! Know and tremble, for no mercy will be seen for any who cry against their emperor!’

Back in the privacy of their quarters Yi didn’t waste words. ‘That’s it! Not staying another fucking minute in this crazy place. I’m away!’

‘But – you’re Beastmaster. Where—’ Nicander said lamely.

‘I’ll admit it was a good screw, but better out and away, than here with that mad bastard on the loose.’

‘How about us?’ Nicander spluttered. ‘You can’t just …’

‘Watch me.’

‘Could you first free us as slaves?’ he ventured.

‘No. You belong to Hao. Ask him.’

‘Beastmaster, sir,
please
—’

‘Out of m’ way, I’ve got things to do,’ Yi said irritably and hurried to his room. Soon they could hear sounds of furious activity.

‘You have to take us with you,’ Nicander called out in despair.

‘No!’

‘You can have the silver sycees the Emperor gave us.’

‘Piss off, I’m busy.’

‘Sir, please, we’re—’

Yi stormed back to confront them. ‘Wasn’t I clear enough? I’m off, you lot are on your own. Do your act how you like, why should I care? Hao will find another beastmaster, it’ll then be his worry, not mine.’

‘We’re marked, you know that?’ Marius muttered darkly as Yi left. ‘Any trouble in a city, it’s always “get the foreign bastards” first.’

‘It’s the Emperor who’s going to do us, believe me. One night he’ll not like the act and have our heads sliced off just for the fun of it,’ Nicander retorted.

‘And without Yi we’ve got big bother. No one to stir the crowd, get ’em going, like.’

‘Look, forget the act. If we can’t find a way to get out of here …’ But they had been over it all before and seen no solution. Why would now be any different?

In the early afternoon a messenger came. ‘You are summoned before the Grand Chamberlain,’ he announced loftily. ‘He wants you to tell him what you’re going to say at the next act, that it won’t offend the Emperor.’

At the residence of the Grand Chamberlain they were ushered in to a little courtyard. Nicander sensed something was wrong – but couldn’t put his finger on it.

Kuo arrived with the faithful Wang. ‘I’ve asked you here to detail for me the substance of your next act before His Effulgence,’ he said, rather more loudly than necessary. ‘We should, I suppose, go somewhere quiet to discuss this – we don’t want to give away the plot to others now, do we?’

They proceeded to a small building. ‘This is my sanctuary, my place of meditation.’

Inside it was dark, lit by two lamps only on a high writing desk, but it was warm and enfolding.

Kuo went familiarly to the desk while Wang motioned them to a carved bench opposite, glancing outside before closing the door.

‘Now. My apologies for bringing you here under false pretences,’ Kuo said. ‘The matter, however, is critical and pressing. I’m bound to say, to my infinite sorrow, that the Emperor has now transgressed the rules of conduct for a ruler far beyond those laid down for him by the ancient sages. I believe
him now to be past redemption, remote from enlightening by any moral precept.’

He held as still as a statue for long moments and Nicander thought him lost to the world. Then he continued, ‘Therefore my loyalty to his misrule is now withdrawn, for how can I lend my hand and heart to acts abhorrent to the meanest? It would make me complicit in them and that I cannot bear.’

‘Master, why are you telling me this?’

‘You are right. This is none of your concern. Only inasmuch as at this point I must place my life, and that of those I hold dear, in your hands.’

At first Nicander thought he had misheard. ‘Your l-life?’ he stuttered.

‘I am about to make you both a proposition. One that if it came to the ears of Chancellor Hao or the Emperor would undoubtedly result in my summary execution. If you do not wish to hear it, you must go now.’

Every instinct screamed at him to leave instantly – not to get involved in a life and death palace intrigue as a lowly player in whatever plot was unfolding.

Before he could say anything, Kuo quietly added, ‘I should perhaps tell you that the proposition will be to your undeniable advantage in your present situation.’

Nicander froze. If he left now it would be to abandon the only chance that had presented itself to them.

‘Please go on, sir.’

‘Should I provide you with a means of escape, gold, documents and so forth, would you undertake to be gone from here – with my daughter whom I would place in your protection as holy men I do trust?’

Nicander caught his breath. From anyone else but the all-powerful grand chamberlain the words would be incredible.

‘Master, I – we’re honoured in the trust you have placed in us. Do pardon while I explain the matter to my brother monk.’

He turned to Marius whose eyes lit up as he spoke. ‘Take it! Go – what’re you waiting for?’

Nicander held his gaze and whispered, ‘I have deep worries. We’ll be caught up in all this plotting up to our eyebrows, is one. The other is that do you want a woman, high-born at that – and they’re the worst – around our necks while we’re trying to get away? If we go with this, then whatever else we come up with has to be thrown aside, we’ll only get one chance!’

‘I say yes!’ snarled Marius. ‘Woman or not, I want out of here as I need air!’

‘I don’t like it! We’d be—’

‘We’re going! Tell him!’

Nicander realised if he didn’t agree, Marius would go on his own and be damned to all else.

He turned to Kuo. ‘Sir, we’ll do it.’

The sudden easing of the man’s body told its own story. ‘You cannot believe how grateful I am that my daughter will be clear of this … this gathering whirlwind, and you have my eternal thanks for it.’

In a voice charged with emotion he continued, ‘The details be pleased to leave to myself. It must be very soon, I fear. Do hold yourselves ready, for it will happen fast and without chance of return.’

‘How will we know—?’

‘We cannot be seen meeting again. The next time will be on the night of your departure. The signal will be a messenger requiring you to present costumes for my approval. Bring one, but I have to tell you that of your belongings you will only be taking what you have on your person.’

‘I understand, Master.’

‘Then I will bid you good night – and again, please know you have my most earnest expression of gratitude!’

Marius was beside himself in glee. ‘We’re on our way! No more poncing about, soon we’ll be as free as birds!’

‘You haven’t thought about this much, have you, Marius?’

‘What’s to think? We’re away out of it, thank the gods.’

‘Has it ever occurred to you that this doesn’t really add up? It’s starting to smell – something isn’t quite right. Answer me this: why is it that we, slaves –
and holy men too, let it be said – are being asked to conduct a high lady out of here? Why not a dedicated band of warriors, a tight crew of compulsors or whatever they call them here. Why us, who stick out as foreigners?

‘And another thing. Why is Mr Kuo and his doggy assistant staying? You’d think he’d want to be gone, surely.’

Was it that they were to be sacrificed as cover to a larger plot?

The next afternoon an imperial herald arrived. ‘Where’s Beastmaster Yi?’ he demanded.

‘Oh, he’s indisposed.’

‘Message from His Celestial Majesty. Performance tonight – he wants it clear it had better be funny, he’s got guests.’

‘Yi
sheng
is not well. Can we not—?’

The herald gave a cynical smile.

‘Without him …’

There was no response from the man.

‘Message from the Grand Chamberlain,’ a voice piped up behind him.

‘Get away, young ’un,’ the imperial herald grunted. ‘Emperor before Grand Chamberlain, mate.’

‘Oh, let him deliver his message,’ Nicander said in desperate hope.

‘Master Kuo wants you to present your costumes to him for approval,’ the youth said. ‘Right now, he means.’

‘Ah, yes. Of course.’

His heart began pounding but Nicander managed to tell the imperial herald that the Emperor’s wishes would be obeyed for the performance.

Their escape was on!

In the matter of belongings there was no difficulty. They had lost all they owned to the pirates and apart from their sycees had little to show for their time at court.

At the Grand Chamberlain’s residence they were quickly brought inside and the gate firmly shut.

A servant hurried them to the meditation chamber. Kuo was leaning on his staff, serene and calm. Wang stood close by.

‘This night you shall be made free. Are you prepared?’

‘Master Kuo. There are things that are not clear to us. For instance—’

‘All will be revealed to you in good time. I must first ask you – will you truly do this? As a father, the placing of my daughter in the protection of another is a matter I cannot take lightly. Do you both give me your word that you will stand by her until she reaches sanctuary?’

Satisfied with their response, Kuo continued, ‘This is the plan. The Emperor will be exceedingly angry at her departure – we are both confined here under penalty of death, but more important, she would be seen as a focus for any popular rebellion, and would be hunted down mercilessly throughout the kingdom. It is my fervent desire that my dear daughter is safely quit of a land that is fast descending into a pit of chaos, therefore I ask that you conduct her to the only place where I can be certain she will be, heart and soul, safe from his reach.’

‘Where is this, sir?’

‘Out of China to the lands beyond the mountains – to your own country.’

‘B-but …’

‘In this way you will not only be able to depart from here, but also gain the means to return to your native soil. This is my assurance that you will have every reason to stay by her.’

Nicander fought a torrent of doubts. Just how realistic was Kuo being – did he know where the Byzantine Empire actually was, seeing that nobody here was aware it existed? Had he taken into account the pirates, outer barbarians, the incredible distances?

‘Master, how do you plan we do this?’

‘I desire you should journey to Chang An, where my brother is a merchant. From there caravan argosies of silks go west, into the setting sun to Ta Ch’in as of old. The precious cargoes are passed hand to hand, but where goes the silk, so may a traveller, I’m persuaded.’

‘It will probably cost much, sir. A very great deal, I fear. And if—’

Kuo fumbled for a chest on a nearby table and laid his hand on it. ‘In this coffer is enough to see you through to Chang An. There my brother will make arrangements for you to draw upon his account with his agents along the route. He is a well-established man and may be relied upon.’

A tidal wave of hope threatened to undo Nicander’s cool while he rapidly brought Marius up to date.

He turned to Kuo, ‘Sir, you may rely on us, too.’

There was one last detail. ‘My country is not renowned for its charity, sir. If your daughter—’

‘She will be given the means to subsist there independently as a lady of nobility. Your mission will be accomplished the day you set foot on your native soil, for you will understand it can never be permitted that my daughter finds herself reliant on the charity of holy men, however well disposed.’

Against all reason … a miracle was happening! In a very short time they would be free – and on their way …

Nicander felt a gush of warmth toward the older man. ‘Master – what will happen to you? I mean, after—’

‘Do not concern yourself. I am condemned the instant it is known that both you and my daughter have fled. I shall leave at the same time with you, but part to go elsewhere. My plans are well advanced. Master Wang and I together will fly at the utmost speed to a sanctuary I long for with all my soul, the Temple of Shaolin, where I ask nothing more than to end my life in the contemplation of the sublime.

‘Timing is crucial. In a short while it will be dark. As the Hour of the Snake is sounded we leave, going by separate ways to meet again with my
daughter and her lady-in-waiting – at the imperial stables. There, we will be told what to do. Have you any questions?’

‘What is the nature of our journey once we are outside these walls?’

‘In the chest are all requisite passes and documents. In these you are holy men accompanying a lady on a perilous journey, for you will be hiring a conveyance to take her on an urgent visit on my behalf to her uncle in Chang An, who lies sick.’

‘A lady on her own? Will not this—’

‘You are holy men accompanying her, it is a well-understood custom. However, at this point I must remind you that under no circumstances should you admit to coming here from over the mountains. You will be suspected of being a spy and would never be allowed to leave China.’

‘Then where do we say we’re from?’

‘Some kingdom or other, it doesn’t signify. Only that you do not come from far parts of the west.’

‘Yes, Master. Your daughter. She’s a … lady and we are both men. Do you not think that—’

‘You are men, but holy men. I understand your concern over her female needs but rest your fears; she will be accompanied throughout by her lady-in-waiting, Lai Tai Yi, who is a most loyal and determined individual.’

‘Ah.’

‘The chest will be in her charge, for you holy men should not be burdened with the cares of this world.’

‘Only one more question, sir. Could you be clear as to who exactly you consider to be in command for the journey?’

‘My daughter has been instructed to take wise direction from which of you shall be foremost in the making of decisions.’

He motioned to Wang. ‘Now, might I suggest you prepare by putting on these monkish robes? They will allow those of my country to know you as holy men and will give you a certain protection. The divines in China shave their heads, but your beards identify you as foreign. These are not unknown, passing
to and fro from Tibet and the outer world on their search for knowledge and you will have no trouble.’

He reflected a moment then added, ‘And I’ve been giving some thought to your Chinese name. I rather fancy “Ni K’an Ta” for you, sir. It is by way of meaning “One who is able to distinguish great ventures”. Is it to your liking?’

‘Indeed, Master.’

‘Then so shall it be, Ni
hsien sheng
. Now your friend. How does he like, “Ma Lai Ssu” do you think? It has the meaning “Earth god who tames wild horses”. Will you explain to him?’

While Marius – Ma
hsien sheng
– gloried in his new name, Nicander said gravely, ‘Master, we thank you with all our heart! If we could ever—’

‘You have lifted a burden from me that has been monstrous these last months, and I go rewarded by being the instrument of restoring two brave and worthy seekers after truth to the land of their birth.’

A stone chime sounded softly.

It was time.

‘Are we then ready? You gentlemen to the left, Master Wang and I go to the right. Then let us depart!’

In a thrill of hope they stepped out into the stillness of the night. Over in the palace there was the usual revelry and Nicander imagined the explosion there would be when the Emperor called for his performers.

He and Marius walked as quickly as they could to the stables, close by their own quarters.

They entered the dank and stifling building and stood in the darkness listening. There was a creak and the door at the end opened. Four figures; two men, two women. Nicander recognised Kuo and Wang, who motioned them into the courtyard.

There, the rising moon provided just enough light to make out features. Wang was holding the chest. One woman carried two bags. The other, standing tall and still, was the Ice Queen!

‘I may have omitted to make introduction. This is my daughter, the Lady
Kuo Ying Mei. My dear, this is Ni K’an Ta and Ma Lai Ssu.’

Taken aback at the identity of his charge, Nicander nevertheless managed a bow, returned with a distant inclination of the head.

Kuo spoke urgently, ‘We must not delay. Master Wang, is …?’

‘This way, everyone!’

They hurried over to the stalls where a large cart hitched to two horses waited. It was filled with animal dung.

‘Aboard quickly, please!’ the driver hissed, his eyes showing white.

Wang ducked under the cart and pulled a bolt. A trapdoor swung down. ‘Get in!’ There were gasps from the ladies.

Kuo was first, disappearing up into some recess. He was followed by the reluctant women and then it was Nicander’s turn. He scrambled under the cart, then looked up – nothing but darkness. Guiding hands pulled him over to the side where he wedged himself in, gagging at the smell. Marius followed, then the chest.

Wang shot the bolt, gave a muffled farewell and they jerked into motion.

‘Only a short distance and then he will let us out,’ Kuo said in a shaky voice, adding that this was the usual run for the dung cart to the village, done at night to avoid offending smells while the palace was at work. The regular crew had been told that they were given leave to drink the Emperor’s health that night and trusty men had prepared and loaded the vehicle.

It was well thought out: an internal box under the dung, invisible from the outside.

The cart slowed, then stopped. The tension was unbearable.

But soon it started swaying forward again. After a few minutes Nicander sensed a definite downward angle.

‘We’re through the gates!’ Kuo’s voice came weakly. ‘Only a little while to the river.’

They heard a horse drawing near and the cart stopped. There was a knock, then the bolt slid across and the trapdoor swung free with a sudden intoxicating blast of clean night air.

Wang helped them out and they stood disoriented for a moment.

Behind was the black mass of the city walls, studded with lights. A little way in front of them glittered the river gliding past in the moonlight.

‘This way, quickly!’

He led them to a meadow. In the dark it was difficult to make out shapes and he frantically looked about. ‘There! A boat waits!’

They made their way through the thick turf, stumbling against grass clumps. Out of the dimness came animal noises as they pressed on in a fever of excitement.

Halfway across they heard sounds from the direction of the city walls: distant cries, a powerful war drum starting an urgent beating.

‘We’ve been discovered! Go for your lives!’

They ran – the boat was not a hundred yards away up the river by the bank. A figure stood nearby.

A line of torches flickered to life along the city walls and a trumpet bayed out.

‘No!’ screamed Wang as their boatman, now just fifty yards away, panicked and shoved off without them.

‘The slivey bastard!’ Marius shouted and waded into the water, making for the fast-moving boat to intercept it.

It came on but he was up to his neck and the man had not seen him. As it passed by, a hand shot up and seized his ankle, pulling hard. The man gave a despairing cry and toppled into the water. Marius lost no time hauling himself in. He found the steering oar and brought the boat safely in to nudge into the shallows.

‘Move!’ he roared.

Falling over each other they scrambled aboard. The women disappeared into a shelter aft while Kuo and Wang squatted in the middle.

Marius seized one of the boat oars, gesturing to Nicander to take the other. Wang clambered up to the steering oar.

‘Go!’ Marius bellowed. They heaved mightily and the boat came off the mud.

Nicander stroked in time with Marius and the boat swung to face downstream.

They began to move out and away. Wang found the main channel and soon the banks were slipping past. Dare they hope?

Nicander did not have Marius’s brute strength but with his best efforts he pushed and heaved, his lungs bursting, the ill-balanced oar a burning weight.

As they slid around a curve in the river, to their horror, they saw a squadron of cavalry on the bank. A challenge came to pull in.

Orders cracked out ashore. Half the soldiers reined in, extracted their crossbows and opened fire while the others kept pace. Bolts hissed past, some skittering in the water nearby. Two made a solid thunk into the hull.

‘Keep down!’ Marius gasped. Wang steered the boat away but another squadron came into view on the opposite bank. There was nothing for it but head midstream.

The river widened; they were out of range. But the cavalry squadrons either side cantered along effortlessly, waiting for their chance.

Nicander felt sickened. They would never lose their pursuers, and at some point the river would narrow or become shallow enough for horses, and then …

‘The Four Pheasants Gorge – we cannot go around now!’ Wang said grimly.

‘What do you mean?’ Nicander gasped.

‘Ahead, around the bend the river narrows through a cliff chasm, goes over rocks. We cannot go on!’

They would be forced to land the boat.

On the banks the two squadrons slowed to a trot, the glitter of unsheathed steel appearing as they waited to see which side their prey would choose.

They heard the first dull roar of the gorge, a dark cleft through an escarpment of broken rocks that stretched across from either side. Flecks of white showed at its maw.