The rain finally eased by morning. Linhua awoke waterlogged, its alleys
soaked and its market squares gleaming with puddles that reflected grey
skies. Beneath the damp hush of dawn, two figures slipped past the outer
walls, unnoticed.
Taotao trudged behind Ju Xian with a heavy satchel on his shoulder and
sarcasm in his mouth.
> "So let me get this straight," he said. "We're leaving a city full of food,
shelter, and taverns… to walk miles toward a ruin that may or may not be
abandoned. With no horses. And no plan. Except 'don't die.'"
Ju Xian didn't even glance back. "That's correct."
> "Wonderful. Do you offer refunds on kidnappings?"
> "You weren't kidnapped."
> "Then why am I still here?"
She didn't answer. The road curved along the base of green hills, thick with
mist. The path was quiet — too quiet. Even the birds seemed cautious.
As they walked, Ju Xian adjusted the scarf around her neck and finally
spoke.
> "The temple belonged to a sect of apothecaries. My mother trained there
once. It's not in use anymore, but the underground chambers were used to
hide fugitives during the last war."
> "Fugitives like us?"
> "Exactly."
> "Sounds dusty."
> "So's your future if we get caught."
They paused by a fallen tree to drink from a stream. Taotao eyed her
carefully.
> "You're not like most noblewomen."
Ju Xian took a long sip. "That's because I never wanted to be one."
> "Then what do you want?"
She stared into the water, her reflection distorted by ripples. "To live on my
own terms. To stop being a pawn in someone else's game."
> "And if the game fights back?"
Ju Xian stood. "Then I fight harder."
They continued through the woods, the trees growing thicker. In the
distance, the spire of a ruined shrine peeked through fog.
Taotao gave a low whistle. "Home sweet hideout."
> "We'll rest there," Ju Xian said. "And plan what comes next."
Behind them, far beyond the trees, the gates of Linhua closed with a deep
groan — and a patrol captain knelt beside muddy footprints that led into the
hills.
> "Send word," he ordered. "They're heading east."