Catching Shadows

Chapter Eight: Secrets and Suspicions

A/N: I wasn't sure I was going to update this story, but I got some more reviews over the weekend so here it is! You know what to do to get me to write more! And to everyone so far who has read, 'thanks for the dedication' is NOT a comment! Constructive criticism will be well appreciated :)

Chapter Eight

 Four days.

She had spent her first four days at the Xiu house and Choi still wasn't able to believe so much time had passed. Every day was hectic from start to finish, with meals to prepare and clothes to mend and floors to clean, not to mention dressing Madam Xiu and little Xiaolian morning and evening. All in all, Choi was so exhausted when she got to bed she barely had time to think, let alone listen to Lanying's endless chatter. The round-faced cheerful girl never seemed to get tired, no matter how much work she had to do.

Also it had been four days in the same house with Liang. Choi had seen him a couple of times out in the garden with Madam Xiu hovering over him like a mother hen, but every time she had simply turned and walked the other way. Their last encounter had hardly been friendly, and Choi was in no hurry for a repeat performance.

Sometimes, when she was sent to the market, Choi would look around, hoping Suyin or Huan Jie were there as well, but each time she had been disappointed. She was nearly at the end of her first week staying at Ting Guang House now, and she couldn't wait till the time came for her to go home.

Liang was getting better too. The gashes on his side and chest were healing rapidly, and he could get up now, much to his relief. Bedrest didn't agree with him, and the sooner he could leave this house and get back to the temple, the better. Besides, he had the uncomfortable feeling that Lord Xiu and his eldest son didn't quite trust him; although they were friendly enough, they were very guarded whenever they spoke to him, and Liang's outburst that first night hadn't improved the situation any.

Thwack! The knife hit the center of the board sharply, and Liang smiled. Now that he was almost better, he had been given back his knives, and he was relieved to find his injuries hadn't marred his aim.

"Well done," a voice called out, and Liang turned around. Wei Li and Shao Li were approaching, both of them carrying swords. Behind them were Dong Li and Li Yuan, also holding weapons. The four brothers practiced every now and then in this spot, and they must have come for that purpose.

"How did you do that?" Dong Li asked, eyes wide with admiration.

Liang shrugged. He had first learned to do it on the streets, when carrying a knife was an absolute necessity if you wanted to survive from one day to the next, and his aim had gotten better with practice. Still, he decided not to answer Dong Li's question.

"We practice here every afternoon," Wei Li said, smiling. "I could use a partner. I've sparred against my brothers too long for me to win with any honour."

Shao Li rolled his eyes. "Don't listen to him. My brother likes to think he's amusing." He ducked as Wei Li's hand reached out to connect with the back of his head, and the two brothers scuffled for a moment before breaking apart, laughing.

"So, what do you say?" Wei Li asked.

Liang nodded. It had been a while since he had practiced with a sword, and he knew Wei Li was no unaccomplished swordsman. It would be definitely be a challenge.

***

Choi crossed the courtyard, Xiaolian's small hand clasped in hers. The little girl was chattering away happily, and Choi was listening, a smile on her face. She had never had a little sister, and Xiaolian's sweet nature was enough to win over anyone.