Chapter 71: Master’s seal.
Lee stared at the strange person in confusion and surprise. And then it hit him – it was not the foreign looks or the contents of the guy's speech that threw him off.
It was the manner he was talking in, the choice of words and the posture – the guy acted like a grownup while still being a twelve year old child. Now Lee finally understood how Tess and Freeda felt around him, and for a split moment felt nostalgic.
The potato head seemed to not notice Lee's reaction as if it was a faked one, and said, "For the two of us it's much easier. Even though it can't be done endlessly, we could simply start over, right? Since no one is being born around here we'll be right back where we started. In fact, we didn't waste too much time, did we? How old are you? Nine, ten?"
"How ..." Lee involuntarily blurted.
The guy clearly wasn't talking about philosophical theories on reincarnation – it was obvious he knew Lee's most treasured secret and the implication was he had a similar ability.
"No need to play games with me, pal. I knew who you were from the day you arrived at the fortress. You waved your right hand around as if you wanted to show off the master's seal on purpose ... and I was so angry at you ... but only at first." The potato headed guy said.
He looked closely at Lee and continued, "When from the next day on you became barely noticeable, it was clear you had a goal – you were looking for me! Well, not exactly me, but for one of us. You were wondering if there's another guy who passed the master's challenge and wanted to team up in order to get out of here. Am I right? Although I must say the choice to put the seal on your right palm is an unorthodox one. I have mine on the chest, right on top of my heart – as a symbol of the eternal devotion to the master."
Then he pulled up his shirt, showing off the dirty, but well trained young body, and in the middle of his chest there was the familiar yin-yang symbol, similar to the one Lee had on the palm. The guy had not washed in years, but the symbol was clearly discernible, even the little runic marks within were surprisingly clear.
Lee glanced at his own palm as if verifying he wasn't seeing things, but the guy jumped to his feet and said, "Anyway ... your little buddies are getting restless. We'll talk another time. My name is Oruftanzoff, just so you know."