Choice

"That made everything make sense." Zhang Heng nodded. "But the same question as before: why did you show me this day?"

Fabrikot still did not answer directly. He merely blinked. "...Someone wishes to see you."

"Who?"

"Your most loyal servants and followers."

"I don't remember having any servants or followers," Zhang Heng said.

"There are many things you do not remember, but that is all right. Take it slowly. One day, you will remember everything." Fabrikot said, "We can help you."

"What is the price?"

"What?"

"In the stories you told me, everyone who dealt with you had to pay a price. That was true for the natives on that South Pacific island, and it was true for the residents of this town as well..."

"No, no, no. You are different from them..." Fabrikot shook his head. "We do not wish to obtain anything from you. Rather than help, this is more our duty."

"You're quite considerate. Like a server at Haidilao," Zhang Heng said.

Ignoring the puzzled look on Fabrikot's face, he rose from the ground. Though the stench in the sea breeze had grown much stronger than before, it could not completely conceal the scent of those half-human, half-fish, half-frog creatures.

Zhang Heng could sense people rapidly approaching, and there were quite a few of them. They were coming from four different directions, neatly cutting off every route of escape.

Zhang Heng drew the Winchester from his back and pointed it at Fabrikot in warning. "Since you like staying in holes, you'd better stay obediently in that hole."

Fabrikot raised a hand to show that he would not move recklessly.

Zhang Heng then glanced toward the distant breakwater. He knew the people Fabrikot wanted him to meet were probably behind that wall—or, more precisely, on the black reef