Vol 1: Part 5

Richard Ashton watched as the door closed behind the short fused maverick that he took under his wing. He looked around at the other four that had gone quiet. "Jester, was always one to shoot first ask questions later." He chuckled.

No one laughed with him. "Let's end this meeting here then." Richard said softly as he felt the mood die.

As people filed out of the room. Stanley seemed to hang back a little as if he had something to say, but thinking better of it he also walked out.

Richard watched silently as everyone left lighting up another cigar he lent back in his chair, running a hand through his graying hair, debating whether or not he should make a phone call.

Róngyù walked down the lavish hallway the green walls were adorned with various art works with statues of dragons decorating the place, between each painting were red painted pillars.

He made his way towards the two doors at the end of the hallway, his bare feet barely making a sound against the varnished wooden floor, as he pushed both of the heavy gold laced doors open stepping through as the steam dragged him in.

Róngyù walked purposely into the white porcelain tiled bathhouse. The room was a large rectangle. It was rather hard to see through all the steam, but Róngyù found his way by listening to the voices that bounced off the high echoey ceiling.

He eventually found his way to the steaming pools edge handing his towel to the attendant. Róngyù stepped in, and submerged his body into the warm water. The others stopped their conversation as they watched him.

Róngyù raised an arched eyebrow. "So, what is so important that I got summoned immediately?" He asked as he looked over the other faces in the pool.

A muscular, middle aged man with graying hair in the middle opposite Róngyù replied. "A war with the Ashton family has broken out, and I think everyone will want to get this over with as quickly as possible." His voice boomed as it bounced around the marble pillars.

"Excuse me? Would you mind repeating what you just said. I think I may have misheard you." Róngyù said in disbelief.

"We are going to war with the Ashton family." The man said in a relax jovial manner.

"Why? I thought we had agreed to avoid them since it would be more beneficial to work together rather than destroying each other in a pointless war." Róngyù asked placing a hand over his forehead.

"We did, but last night changed that."

Róngyù felt a headache coming. "And what pray tell happened last night?"

"It seems that during the deal both parties couldn't, shall we say see eye to eye, and blood was unfortunately spilt." The man said wistfully with a wolffish smile as he danced a hand through the curling steam.

"Láng, I hope you know what you are doing. Would it not be rather shameful to loose our honor, and holdings here, just because of your rash judgement. Whilst war can be prosperous just like water it can carry a boat, but also overturn said boat." Róngyù interjected as he took his head out of his hand. Letting the warm water soak away his growing stress.

"Leave it to me young pup, I have everything under control. It will be just like back home soon we will be living like kings." Láng smiled as he dropped his hand back under the water.

"That is what I am worried about. Even a dragon finds it difficult to kill a snake in its lair." Róngyù warned as he stepped out of the pool.

"Are you doubting my abilities?" Láng whispered a slight glimpse of murderous rage could be seen in his glare.

"Of course not. I am just reminding you that things are different here, and need to be dealt with the honor." Róngyù replied as he took the towel that was handed to him, and walked out of the room.

"Honor what a laughable notion, honor doesn't save you from the hail of bullets. " Láng sneered.

"Absolutely boss." Li Shan parroted nodding his head. Li Gai grunted in agreement.

"Shut up." Láng commanded both of them.

Maybe the pup had a point the rats, and pigs he had at hand wouldn't be able to kill a snake, but they would be worthy cannon fodder. Láng began to silently chuckle as he contemplated who would give the coup de grace.