Do you like stories with mystery and suspense? Strange and “wyrd” ones? Well, if you do, keep reading and enjoy Eggcentricsagas. If you are just joining Eggcentricsagas, you might want to start from the beginning: A La Mano: Part 1-The Treasure
Once inside the apothecary, my senses were again inundated with wondrous sights and strange smells. Stimulated, Mr. Fu rustled in the basket and pushed his head out of the lid. I set his basket down and surveyed the interior as I inhaled the aroma of exotic herbs and incense.
Polished to a high shine, the golden wood floors were gleaming in the light at the front of the store. Farther back, I could see a counter separating a customer from a man with a long, braided pigtail. He was facing a large, almost floor-to-ceiling apothecary chest made of lacquered wood burnished with a glossy red finish and shiny metal hardware. I watched as the proprietor removed some contents from one of the drawers, closed it and, turned back to his work surface. He then measured an allotment of special herbs by using a hand-held scale with a weight.
Jim leaned in and whispered to me, “That’s Dr. Wu.”
Curious, I took a couple of steps forward to better observe all that was before me. Dr. Wu was in a yellow skull cap and a matching silk Mandarin jacket fastened with turquoise-colored frog closures. I watched as he dispensed the herbs and wrapped them in a sheet of brown paper. He placed the bundle in a colorful bag, took the customer’s money, and then bowed his head. The tiny, ancient woman acknowledged his respect by bowing in return and then scuttled past us without so much as a look.
Dr. Wu came out from behind the counter to greet us. I had expected a wizened, old coot but was met with a fresh-faced gentleman; he had an undefinable age and air about him.
Jim introduced us. Dr. Wu smiled and bowed his head deeply towards his black Chinese slippers. Jim then explained the reason for our visit. Dr. Wu went over to the basket and gently petted his former companion. Mr. Fu recognized his old owner as he looked up with loving eyes and weakly wagged his tail.
Dr. Wu stood and faced us. “It’s her cooking. Something must be done about it,” he informed us somberly. I briefly wondered why he had given the dog to the Tilsby household in the first place but a light giggle interrupted my thoughts. I glanced over to ascertain who had made the noise. Near a side entrance, behind some potted bamboo, the head of a beautiful girl peeked out at us.
Dr. Wu also looked over. “Daiyu! Stop skulking about. Come and fetch Mr. Fu and take him upstairs.” He turned back to us, “We will keep him for three days. He will either get better or he won’t. I can’t promise you anything.”
We all watched as the girl moved quickly and gracefully on her small feet in their embroidered slippers. She retrieved the basket and disappeared out the door keeping her eyes modestly downcast.
Jim and I thanked the herbalist and left. As we returned to the trolley stop, I aired some of my puzzlement. “I thought Dr. Wu was a necromancer.”
Jim chortled and responded, “He’s a druggist. Some would say an alchemist.”
“Alchemist? Aren’t they the same thing? You know, hocus pocus?”
“No. I think he studied medicine in China and that he was also a monk at one point.” Jim paused. “I really don’t know his history. He’s a bit of a mystery,” he said and then smiled at me.
“How did he earn the reputation of being a sorcerer?”
“I asked him about that very thing one time. He told me that his successful treatments seem like magic to people. His thinking is that knowledge and intuition as well as good luck goes a long way.” Jim grinned again. “Dr. Wu is intelligent enough to know that putting on an act and a costume helps business too.” Then he became serious. He studied my face. “In my opinion, people’s speculations are based mostly on superstition and misconception. If people think he has supernatural powers, then they believe in him and the herbs are more effective.”
I pondered this statement and doubted my friend’s assertion. After having met Dr. Wu, I knew he was different somehow. I wondered what effect his magical Chinese herbs would have on Mr. Fu.
Next: Part 10- Coming to an End
