Temple: A New Journey Begins
Please see the disclaimer on the Synopsis page.
The four men prepared to make the journey to the temple.
"It is much closer on foot from here," Caine stated. "If there is any activity we would not want to let them know of our presence by driving to the temple."
"Are you going to wear that?" Sam asked turning to face the man in the dark shades.
"I always wear this when I go visit ruined temples," Kermit quipped.
"I don't think you're going to be needing those sunglasses though," Vance stated. "It's going to be pitch black out there."
"What would you suggest, a pair of goggles?"
"Enough," Caine stated. "It is time to . . ."
Caine suddenly froze then raised from the house leaving Vance and Sam with puzzled looks on their faces.
"Where is he going?" Vance questioned.
"You wouldn't understand. It's a Shaolin thing," Kermit replied and went back to making preparations.
"You're just going to let him suddenly leave without as much as an explanation?" Vance argued.
"Look, knowing the Caine family the way I do, someone is in trouble. I've seen it before. He'll be back."
"Let it go, Vance," Sam stated. "If Kermit says he'll be back, then I believe him. Caine can take care of himself."
"Yeah, but if someone is in trouble, who could it be? Remember, Sally did give us that warning."
"We better go check on the monks," Sam said, concern rising to the surface.
The three men went to the shrine only to find it nearly devoid of people. Many of the monks had retired for the night, sleeping in the barn in which a portion had been converted into a guesthouse. Only two remained, and neither one looked like they were in any danger. Plus, Caine was no where to be found.
"Where's Caine?" Vance queried.
***
Sally was being slowly smothered. The assassin's cloak felt like a shroud of death. She struggled to be released from its confinement. Terror filled her being as she realized that this was probably going to be her last night on earth.
"Let her go."
The voice was familiar and new at the same time.
"Help me," Sally cried weakly.
The assassin spun around at that moment and turned. "So, you finally show your face, Shaolin."
'You are a woman," Caine's eyes narrowed.
"Very perceptive," the assassin chided. "Now meet your destiny."
As the assassin pushed her victim aside, two small red-handled knives shot out toward the Shaolin priest. Caine caught them just in time, before they could slice across his face.
"Your family has been a thorn in my side for far too long. My father's soul has known no peace since your grandfather murdered him years ago."
"Who are you? We have never met."
"True, Shaolin. And we will never meet again after tonight."
Sally watched from behind the bar as the two combatants circled each other. She had never seen such a fight before. She watched as the female assassin kicked at the young priest, but Caine agile as a cat, blocked her blows with ease. The woman in black tried to use what weapons he had hidden inside her garments, but each time, the weapons were ineffective. When those were spent she removed her gloves and exposed long sharp nails that looked like they had been dipped in liquid metal to give them added sharpness and strength. Something about those nails disturbed Sally
"Caine, look out, don't let her scratch you."
The woman slashed at Caine but he continued to elude her, just barely missing getting scratched by inches, his shirt bearing the brunt of what would have happened to his flesh if she had connected.
It wasn't long before Sally could see that the woman was beginning to tire. She could not keep up this pace for too much longer. Sally could see that the woman was breathing hard. Slowly she backed up, trying to rally her strength. Sally took that moment to act when the would-be assassin bumped against the bar.
Crash!
Sally grabbed a bottle from under the counter and brought it down on the woman's head, effectively knocking her unconscious.
Caine bent down and pulled the mask from the woman's face.
"That's the woman who came in here earlier, but I don't know her name. Who is she?" Sally asked.
"My father spoke of a woman who once tried to kill my grandfather, claiming that he had murdered her father. Her name is Xia. She is the daughter of Tan. My grandfather fought him in a duel of honor. Tan lost. You said that she was the one who came in your bar earlier today?"
"Yes."
Something caught his attention and Caine examined the unconscious woman's fingernails and hands. Her left hand bore a distinctive brand.
"There is traces of poison under her nails."
"What? Poison?"
"I believe I now know who was killing the monks and for what purpose."
"I'll call the police."
Caine pulled a piece of paper out of his pocket. "This is Kermit Griffin's cell phone number. Call him. He will know how to handle the police. I must go."
"First, let me get something to tie her up," Sally rose and headed toward the back of the bar. As he bent down to search for something to bind the unconscious assassin's hands, she stated, "You should stay and talk to the police. They're going to want to know what happened here. I found some duct tape. That should hold her."
When Sally stood up, Caine had disappeared.
Continues with Part 23
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
Synopsis / Previous Part / Next Part
Back to Temple Tales / Contact
Alisa