Flags snapped in the wind. Murong Jin stood on the battlements, the giant characters "Murong" billowing behind her. Silver armor, hand on the stone, her eyes narrowed at the Turkish camp.
They were deployed in two wings, a classic snake formation, protecting the central command. Perfect for the open plains.
"General." Lieutenant Luo Bai approached. He was a veteran, a survivor of the vanguard's defeat. He had ridden back as soon as he heard she was rallying the troops.
"Luo Bai. Look."
He followed her gaze. "Snake formation. Not ideal for a siege."
"Correct."
"A trick?"
"They're learning from us." She smiled grimly, turning to Zhen, who was climbing the stairs. "What did you find?"
"The commander is Satu, the Khan's First Warrior. He studied strategy in our dynasty as a boy. Bold, but cunning."
"And his background?"
Zhen shook his head. "Nothing. It's like he popped out of a rock. No family, no history."
"Nothing?" Her fingers tapped the stone. "Zhen, I want a portrait."
Portrait? Luo Bai raised an eyebrow. Is she planning to marry him?
Zhen looked at the enemy camp. "By tomorrow night."
"Be careful."
He paused, then smiled. "We've faced worse."
"This time feels different." She walked up to him, looking into his eyes. "Zhen, you know you all mean more to me than my own life."
"Same here." He put a hand on her shoulder. "We'll be careful."
"I just…" She smiled. "Never mind. The Vermilion Bird Camp doesn't know fear."
Zhen smiled back. He had always treated her like a little sister.
Night fell over Wuchuan. Outside, fifty thousand Turks waited. Inside, silence. Tomorrow, or the day after, they would entrust their lives to cold steel.
Murong Jin stared into the darkness. She should defend Wuchuan to the death. Winter was coming; the Turks were nomads, they wouldn't stay long.
But a bad feeling gnawed at her. The surprise attack, the prolonged siege… they had provisions for a long war. Unless they planned to make Wuchuan their home.
"Still awake?" Zhen appeared behind her.
"You went out." She didn't turn. "The portrait?"
He looked down. Silence.
"Failed?" She smiled. "It's fine. I just wanted to see what a genius looks like. I'll see him tomorrow on the battlefield."
"Jin." He hesitated. "We will always be by your side."
She froze. This wasn't like him. Zhen was calm, reserved.
"I saw General Murong in the Turkic camp tonight." He gritted his teeth. He had to tell her. Better now than a shock on the battlefield.
She stiffened, leaning against the wall for support.
"Jin."
"Is he… alright?" Her voice trembled.
"He and Zuo Xunxiao are alive. Unharmed. Just captured."
"Good." She let out a breath.
"What will you do?" He saw her pale face, the panic in her eyes. If only Xue Liulan were here.
She straightened, forcing herself to be calm. "They took him to break my will. If I panic, I fail his teachings."
"Jin." Zhen's heart ached. She was no longer the little girl he knew.
"Tomorrow, fires at the third watch, food at the fifth. We fight with our backs to the wall."
"Yes, General."
She watched him go, then curled into a corner, weeping silently into her cloak.
"Beat the drums!"
The war drums thundered, shaking the walls.
The Turkish formation opened. A rider galloped out. "My general wishes to speak with General Murong!"
She turned to leave. Luo Bai blocked her. "General, it's dangerous. You are the commander."
"It's fine." She smiled. "Zhen, guard the city. No matter what happens to me, do not open the gates."
"Yes, General." Zhen frowned, worried.
"Don't worry. They won't take my head that easily." She mounted her white horse. "Luo Bai, with me."
The gates opened. Five hundred cavalry rode out, flanking the silver-clad woman.
"I am Murong Jin!"
"Good. The rumors were true." Satu sat in a chariot, golden armor gleaming, a heavy saber by his side.
She bowed slightly. "I thank the General for his praise."
"We Turks don't stand on ceremony. Murong Jin, I respect your courage. Surrender to me, and I will give you a high command. We have never had a female general. I will make an exception for you." He stood.
She looked at him, then at his saber, sneering. "The men advising you in your tent aren't worthy of my surrender. Do you think you are?"
"Murong Jin, don't refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!" a man beside Satu shouted.
Her eyes went cold. "Luo Bai. Between the eyes."
Thwack. An arrow grazed her shoulder and struck the man dead center in the forehead. He fell without a sound.
Satu started. He recognized Luo Bai. "Still alive, boy?"
He grabbed a bow, drew, and fired. The iron arrow screamed through the air.
"Careful!" She spun her silver spear, deflecting the arrow with a clang. It buried itself inches deep in the rocky ground.
Luo Bai gasped. "Thank you, General."
She smiled, but her arm was numb. Such strength.
"Not bad." Satu laughed. "I must have you."
"You seem confident." She was wary. He had her father. That was his leverage.
"Naturally."
"I'm afraid you'll be disappointed. I never serve a defeated general." She spun her spear. "Satu, I'll say it again. You are not worthy."