‘He’s hiding in the closet of our room.’
Gigi isn’t pretending to be scandalised this time. ‘Aiya! Ah Lang, go get him. We still have four more days on the train – he can’t spend the whole time stuck in a cupboard.’
Ah Lang heads off immediately.
‘I can’t believe he ran away,’ I say.
‘When we were waiting for you and Tony that night, Lord Aengus told us a bit about his family. He’s lost three of his brothers to war. As a result, the Dagda is extremely protective of his remaining children, preferring them to stay close. Lord Aengus’s love of travel has caused a lot of friction with his father, who doesn’t understand the appeal.’
Ah Lang returns with Lord Aengus and Tony. Seeing him sets off a fluttering of nerves in my gut. Panic. But instead of fleeing, I freeze and my thoughts turn to soup. I force my gazeto Lord Aengus, catalogue details. Shiny hair. White teeth. Blue eyes. Slowly my mind comes back to me. He’s filled out, and is wearing the blue robe that matches his eyes. He notices me staring and flashes me a blinding toothy smile.
‘Beautiful golden treasure, Lady Jing, noble, precious and fragrant Lady Gi, this unworthy one offers my saviours manifold gratitude for their kindness in freeing me from the confines of that awful closet.’ He bows low, then sits with a flourish, eyeing the cards on the table. ‘Is that Da Lao Er? I haven’t played since the last time I saw Brother Zhu. May I join you?’
‘Of course,’ Ah Lang says. ‘Tony? You in?’
‘Sure,’ he says, his gaze landing on me like a challenge.
I forget how to breathe and stand frozen, not knowing what to do.
‘Jing and I are in, too,’ Gigi announces, taking my arm. Once we’re seated, she gives my hand a squeeze under the table.
Ah Lang deals the cards.
‘I guess things didn’t go well with your father,’ Gigi says, as she plays the three of diamonds to start the round.
Lord Aengus lays down a three of hearts. ‘Once he saw me, the game was up. I had to tell him about my illness, which meant he asked when I got it, which made him even angrier. He’s convinced I can’t take care of myself, and getting sick to him is proof I should never travel again.’ He shakes his head.
‘Won’t running away make it worse when you do see him?’ Gigi says.
Lord Aengus nods. ‘Probably. But as soon as I get home, he’ll ground me and I won’t be able to leave again. Better not to go home at all.’
‘That’s not a solution,’ Tony says, playing a pair of eights. ‘Have you thought of talking to Mémère?’
Surprised that he’d suggest the Durands, I glance up and accidentally catch his eye. His gaze bores into me, hitting mewith the force of his anger. My face heats and I drop my head to break the connection, and to hide the tears welling in my eyes.
The conversation moves on to Brother Zhu, a topic Lord Aengus can’t get enough of. Meanwhile, Ah Lang wins every single game. When he casually tosses out a straight flush, we all groan.
‘I’m out,’ I say. ‘Can’t handle the humiliation. Nine straight losses.’
‘Ah Lang always wins at Da Lao Er,’ Gigi says. ‘It’s most peculiar; I’m convinced he cheats.’
‘Petal, you know I would never,’ Ah Lang says, looking wounded.
‘He and Brother Zhu are the best Da Lao Er players I’ve ever met,’ Lord Aengus says, ‘though, I can’t understand how Ah Lang is so good at bluffing yet so bad at keeping secrets.’
Ah Lang rubs his neck sheepishly, but Lord Aengus only chuckles.
‘How about a game of kanhoo?’ Ah Lang suggests.
‘No more cards, Ah Lang,’ Gigi says, giving Ah Lang a little frown. ‘You’ve been playing Da Lao Er every day since we got on the train. You said you’d get out your pipa.’
He pinches her cheek fondly. ‘I did.’ He turns to Lord Aengus. ‘How about a duet? We could all head to the lounge for drinks.’
‘That sounds a lot better than spending another day hiding in your room and jumping in the closet every time the door opens.’ He turns to Tony. ‘Do you really think I can talk to Mémère? Can I trust her?’
Tony claps Lord Aengus on the shoulder. ‘You can trust her. These past few days she’s been helping me get used to...’ He blows out a long breath. ‘Anyways,’ he continues, ‘she gives wise counsel. And since she seems to be fairly well acquainted with the Dagda, she might have some useful insights.’
‘Excellent.’ Lord Aengus stands, straightening his robes. ‘I shall go and find her now. I’ll meet you in the lounge car shortly.’ He’s in much better spirits now he doesn’t have to hide.
