The Emperor's Seal by Amanda Roberts

Author:Amanda Roberts [Roberts, Amanda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Red Empress Publishing

Thirteen

They came across a cave that was deep and dark. Even though the sun was shining brightly, they could not see very far in. They would need torches.

“Are you sure this is the right cave?” Jiayi asked.

“No,” Zhihao said. “He said a cave to the west, but there are many caves in this area. We will have to start checking them one by one.”

Zhihao collected their ropes and tied them together. He then tied one end around a tree and held it as he started into the cave.

“What are you doing?” Jiayi asked.

“This way I won’t get lost,” he said. “And I’ll have something to grab onto in case I fall. Eunuch Lo, you come with me, in case something goes wrong. Jiayi, you stay here for now. I’ll yell or send Eunuch Lo back for you once I determine it’s safe.”

Jiayi couldn’t help but feel a little annoyed at being left out, but she nodded. Zhihao was the person in charge, after all.

Zhihao lit two torches and the men entered the cave. It wasn’t long before they and their torchlight were absorbed into the darkness.

Jiayi stood at the edge of the cave, watching intently. She didn’t even hear the footsteps behind her.

“Well, well,” a familiar voice said. “I was hoping to see you again.”

“Marcus!” she gasped as she turned around.

“The one and only,” he said with a sweeping, exaggerated bow. “So, what brings you out here?”

“Just…exploring…” she said.

“Now you and I both know that isn’t true,” he said. “There is no way Teddy would be out here in the middle of nowhere without a solid lead on something specific.”

“You…seem to know him quite well,” she said.

“Probably better than you,” he said. “And you’re supposed to be his sister.”

Jiayi looked away. It was clear from his tone that he didn’t think she was Zhihao’s sister. There was no reason for her to reply. Lying further would only make her look like a fool, but telling him the truth could compromise her position.

“You don’t have to tell me who you really are,” Marcus said. “But I would love to know what you are looking for.”

“You know I can’t tell you that,” she said.

“I can make it worth your while,” he said, holding up a gold coin.

“I don’t need your money,” she said, which was a lie, but seemed to be the right thing to say.

“Then what do you want?” he asked. “You seemed awfully interested in my…business dealings.”

Jiayi thought for a moment. She had hoped for a chance to meet with him again and talk more about his business or find out if he could help her get out of the country. Was she now going to be too scared to take that chance?

“I want to leave China,” she said quickly. “Go to England. Or America. I don’t care which.”

“That’s…a tall order,” Marcus said, rubbing his chin.

“I can pay,” she said. “Or, well, I can barter. I have…items I can sell. Or you can sell for me.”

“Like what?” he asked.

She reached

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