Page 46 of Yoshi (Land of Jade & Fire #1)

Chapter 46

Kazashita

“ K azi!” Irie’s panicked cry sent a tsunami through my chest.

I’d spent the afternoon in a tavern a few blocks from the market square, buying ale for men who might point me toward a taichou brave enough to risk the seas. At the old woman’s cry, three cups froze halfway to lips. I turned in time to find the aged woman running across the road toward me.

She gulped in air as she doubled over and gasped.

“Irie? What happened?” I asked, standing and gripping her shoulders.

Her words came out in spurts between labored breaths. “They . . . took him . . . Kazi. They took . . . Kaneko.”

“What do you mean? They took Kaneko? Who took Kaneko?”

She nodded, and tears began to flow. “ Wakō broke into my shop and dragged him away. He tried to fight them off, but there were too many.”

“Where did they go? Did you see which direction?”

“I don’t know. He shouted for me to run, to find you, so I did. I didn’t see where they went after I ran out the back.” Irie threw herself against my chest. “Kazi, I was so afraid. I thought they were going to kill us.”

“You are all right, Irie. You are okay.” I wrapped my arms around and pulled her close. “Do you remember anything that might help me find them? What they looked like? Anything they said?”

“I . . . I don’t know. It all happened so fast. I don’t think so.”

I pulled back. “Do you have somewhere you can go? A friend’s home? Somewhere they will not find you?”

She nodded.

“Good. I doubt they will be back. They got what they came for, but it is better to be safe.”

“What will you do?” she asked.

“I am going to find them. If they’ve hurt Kaneko—”

Irie cupped his cheek, and her lips pursed. “Go. Be careful and bring him back.”

Men scattered out of the way as I raced out of the tavern.