Sagwa stared at the high ceiling. Tears welled up from his eyes. They overflowed the close-fitting onyx mask.
The mandarin stepped off the dais. He walked stiffly, clumsily, as if his old joints were unaccustomed to movement.
He stepped up to Sagwa's side. Remo listened for a heartbeat. He heard one. Just one. Then, no more. He wondered if he was mistaken.
Wu Ming Shi looked down upon his servant.
"You can no longer serve me," he said coldly.
"I am sorry," said Sagwa plaintively.
"Silence!" The mandarin Wu Ming Shi took two steps toward Remo. His black button eyes were cold and venomous.
"You are worthy, for a white man," he said.
"Suck eggs," Remo said.
No emotion flickered over those vellum features.
"Finish what you have begun," he told Remo.
Remo hesitated.
"One blow! To the face! Now!"
It was as if Remo stood apart from his body. He turned to Sagwa. One hand drew back. It struck the chauffeur in the face. The black mask broke in sympathy with the skull beneath.
All the tension left Sagwa's body as if he had been unplugged from the universe.
Remo straightened. His expression was furious.
Wu Ming Shi called over to the Master of Sinanju.
"Now that my servant is no more, I have need of a strong one like this," he intoned.
"It is no concern of mine," Chiun said coolly.
Wu Ming Shi turned to Remo. "You are my slave from this moment on."
"Make me," Remo spat.
"Bow."
Remo, face grimacing with exertion, fell to one knee.
"No, the full bow. Both knees. Forehead touching the floor."
Remo fell into the position. His forehead touched the cold stone floor.
He was so surprised he said nothing. He felt like a human puppet manipulated by unseen strings.
Chiun padded over. His sandals stopped at Remo's left hand.
"This is remarkable," Chiun said.
"A depressive alkaloid known as Burundanga," Wu Ming Shi said sternly. "It produces complete hypnosis in its victims, making them susceptible to any verbal commands. Should I order this man to step in front of a speeding car, he will do so without hesitation, although his brain will scream in protest until the last synapse dies."
"He responds to your voice?"
"Clearly."
"Stand," Chiun said suddenly.
And Remo stood.
"He knows no loyalty, it seems," Chiun said to Wu Ming Shi.
"The drug is not so specific. A flaw. But perhaps I will overcome this with certain refinements of the alkaloid."
Chiun nodded. "Drugs are no substitute for ability-or loyalty," he said. "I wonder if you will ever learn this."
"I will miss my Sagwa," Wu Ming Shi said slowly. "For he amused me, he who once considered himself so far beyond my power that he dared to make of himself a mere movie star." His eyes left the body to fix Chiun's gaze with his own.
"We have much to discuss, you and I. But not now, for I fear this excitement has put a strain on my heart. I must rest. "
Chiun bowed. "This former servant of mine was recalcitrant. I would enjoy having his obedience until we speak."
Wu Ming Shi considered this in silence. "I will hold Zhang Zingzong as a guarantee," he suggested.
"So be it," Chiun said. To Zhang he instructed, "You will do as this man bids. No harm will come to you, for this is a man of his word."
Zhang Zingzong hung his head in meek submission.
"Fang Yu will show you to quarters," Wu Ming Shi announced.
Fang Yu approached and said, "Come."
The Master of Sinanju looked down at Remo.
"Rise, O slave, and follow me," he said imperiously.
Remo Williams came to his feet as if in a dream. The Master of Sinanju padded by him. Remo fell in line behind him, going through the bronze door and into the incense-filled corridor.
"This isn't funny, Chiun," he hissed.
"These are not funny times," Chiun retorted. "You should never have followed me here."