I stand there unmoving for what feels like ages...
Gone? Gone... The letter is gone.
The words spiraling and echoing in my brain, drowning out the distant shouts and the metallic scent of the fight still lingering in the air.
-How?- my voice sounds so detached from the present, yet the venom in it makes Qin Luo flinch -I searched every corner and turned everything upside down... Whoever that man was, he took it with him-
My mind races, no ordinary man would do such a thing... Only someone who knew exactly what they were looking for would have came to steal something that wasn't supposed to exist. He knows about this order and understand the weights of it, General Wu surely wouldn't have told anyone unless they were trusted soldiers... A few names come to mind that fit the description.
-Surely he's not working alone, to steak such a thing it means he has a use for it- I mutter -Regroup with Tian XuWen and meet me at the main tent, now-
Before Qin Luo can even move I'm already going around the camp, looking at the darkest spots. The flicker of of campfires and lanterns hide more than it reveals... No suspicious movement meets my eyes, it means that whoever the thief is, he already knew what to do after stealing. Where to go and who to work with.
The men behind me are slowly fading away from the previous spot, a tense silence embraces the camp and some men stand still watching me, full of doubts... But what was before such an important matter is now the last of my problems.
...
A figure slips between the dense forest, a black cloak over the head to hide his face and the faint light of the torch in his hand revealing his jaw.
The man stops in front of the other one and looks around -There's nobody here, you can show your face- upon hearing those words he removed his hood, revealing his young face that looks so similar to that of General Wu. The breathing is heavy half from the run and half for the anxiety of his actions.
He leans toward a tree and reaches an hand toward his heart -Gosh I am so scared... Miss Ying is really threatening from upclose- the other man simply sighs at his words, coming forward as the insignia of a Colonel shines under the moonlight.
A man just slightly over 30, sharp eyes as someone used to giving command, a well-groomed beard on his chin and slightly tan skin -You have it?- his voice low but urgent.
General Wu's nephew pulls out the letter from his robe, hidden under the thick layers as the most precious treasure -Here... But I'm afraid she managed to ready, will that affect the plan?-
The other man shakes his head -It was inevitable, all that matter is that this is now in our hands...- Wu Zhen smiles a bit -You really predicted her steps well, finding it ourselves was difficult but letting her do the job for us solved the problem!-
The Colonel pats his head as if the young man was a puppy as he talks -Here best quality will be her biggest disgrace this time. Always searching for justice but it doesn't always exists, this time she hit her nose against reality as we human known it... And that is only a hunting ground for the strongest, we must not let ourselves get swallowed if we want to survive, am I right? You did well in asking me for help instead of someone else-
The boy nods happily, feeling as if he just received some sort of validation. Another man comes with steady steps, his built strong and the face pale as the moon with a scar right above his lips -We must go back my Lord-
Wu Zhen opens his eyes wide -We're not gonna open it?- but the Colonel, Han, shakes his head -Not yet, we're far from the camp which is the perfect place for a deal to avoid them following you... But you never know what might be lurking in the dark, there could be enemies or patrolling groups, I'll read it in my tent and call you when it's time to move to the next step of the plan-
The boy bites his lips nervously and the bearded man rests am hand on his shoulder -Don't worry, my men are loyal to this Army and to your Uncle. I can guarantee that-
The tall guard comes closer with the torch risen high, giving a sinister yet alluring aura to his face, highlighting the high cheekbones -I suggest that we go first to avoid getting caught, I'll create a free path for you to return to your tent My Lord-
Han nods -You stay here a few more hours, make sure that there aren't any more people around when you come back... We want this plan to succeed right? Do that for me then-
Wu Zhen nods with sparkling eyes -You can count on me!- after his words the two men begin their journey back, the guard locks eyes with him for a brief moment and the young boy feels a shiver run down his spine... Something cold touches the back of his hand and he looks down confused, upon seeing the guard pass him a knife secretly he looks up again but they have already moved past him.
After seeing them disappear between the trees he seats down on a chunk of wood -What a gigantic mess... And my uncle who only wanted to help our family, if only he knew his loyalty would lead to an internal strife of such proportions he wouldn't have murdered General Cai...- he looks down and sighs.
Immediately a hand comes over his mouth and his eyes almost burst out for the shock, he starts shaking around to free himself but another hand comes holding a knife, aiming for his neck with struggles.
He immediately remembers the one knife the guard lent him and while wriggle around to stop the other man from reaching his neck he grabs the small weapon, thrusting it through the tendons in the hand covering his mouth. The man behind him lose his grip and the boy runs free, turning around to face him... The unknown aggressor is wearing an armor that belongs to the enemy's faction and his face is covered by a black veil.
He moves forward, Wu Zhen dodges and uses the enemy's inertia to grab his arms from behind. Without giving him an opportunity to break free he stabs the man's shoulder, forcing him to lose his own weapon. Then he throws the armored soldier on the ground and turns him around, blocking his body between his things to ensure full control over the obviously stronger man... Without a second thought he lowers his hand and cuts the man throat, after a few moments gasping for air he finally stops breathing.
The boy's hands behind to treble once the adrenaline rush fades away and the knife used to deal the final attack falls on the ground, beside the man's face, cutting one side of the dark veil covering his face... He trembles for a few seconds but then remembers his current situation, there could be more enemies nearby.
He grabs again the knife, stretching even more the fabric that comes undone revealing the man's face.
Wu Zhen freeze -W what is the meaning of this...?- he stands up and distances himself from the body, stumbling on some rocks in fear -Why is a man of our Army trying to kill me?!-.