The thought was poison, but he couldn't stop it from spreading through his veins.
He stripped off the final layer of clothing and stepped into the water. The heat was almost painful against his abused skin, but he sank deeper anyway, welcoming the burn. Better to feel this than to feel.…..that other thing. That weakness.
He ducked his head under the water, scrubbing at his hair with rough hands. Days of travel had left it matted with sweat and dirt and probably blood. When he surfaced, gasping, water streamed down his face and into his eyes.
Focus, he commanded himself. You have a job to do. A warlord to kill. A conspiracy to unravel.
His thoughts roamed to Li Feng, still out there in the wilderness, gathering intelligence. Thought about General Wei, who had lost an eye protecting him. Thought about the Xiongnu and their inevitable attack.
Three to four weeks.
Not much time. But enough, if they were smart about it. If they planned carefully. If they—
