Page 106 of Half Dead

No. No, I did not. “Right it is.”

The landscape along this part of the path was more desolate than anyplace we’d encountered so far. Dry, cracked earth. No sign of any creatures, living or dead.

Save a single tree.

One tree where nothing else seemed to live, let alone thrive. This had to be it.

Bruce inhaled sharply. “Ailanthus. The tree of paradise. It’s beautiful.”

I started toward the tree. “Hardly paradise considering where we are.” Coughing, I waved a hand in front of my nose. “What is that stench?”

Bruce’s mouth hitched up at the ends. “The tree’s flowers emit a particular aroma.”

“You’re lucky you’re already dead because the smell might kill you.” I covered my nose and mouth. “Shouldn’t it smell sweet and fragrant? This is noxious.”

Bruce gazed at the tree in awe. “Ailanthus is special because it can grow under the most adverse conditions.”

“Like a palm tree.”

“There is disagreement as to whether a palm tree qualifies as a tree.”

I groaned. “I’m not in the mood for a botany brawl. Let’s just agree the comparison was fair.”

As we approached the tree, a splash of color caught my eye. My gaze shifted to the treetop where an enormous golden bird sat. Its feathers were as bright as the sun. The creature seemed to share characteristics with other birds. Its head resembled that of a golden pheasant and its body was shaped like a mandarin duck’s. The most significant feature, however, was its peacock-like tail.

“Is that a phoenix?”

“The Huang.”

I brightened. “Hey, like your name.”

Bruce smiled. “It’s a good omen.”

“Because he might immolate at the right moment and take me with him?”

His smile stretched across his face. “Because the Huang is known to only sit where a treasure is buried.”

“The ‘X’ in phoenix marks the spot.” I took cautious steps toward the bird, not wanting to frighten him. “Gods, you’re a real beauty, you know that?”

The Huang seemed to understand the compliment because he began to preen. I inspected the area under the tree.

“If you’re hoping to find a shovel, I doubt you will be so fortunate.”

I looked at him. “Why? I found you, didn’t I?”

Bruce contemplated the phoenix. “I hope he doesn’t sense my dragon.”

“Will it be a problem if he flies away?”

“I don’t wish to bring you bad luck now that you’ve made it this far.”

Bruce was right; there was no sign of any tools. I’d have to tackle this problem the old-fashioned way. I kneeled on the ground and started to dig in the dirt with my hands. Nana Pratt would be proud of me.

I tossed a glance at Bruce. “I don’t suppose you can help.”

“I would not even if I could. The tablet should stay hidden.”

“Then why help me find it at all?”

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