The guard disappeared into the darkness of the military camp, his heavy boots crunching against the dirt. Minutes dragged by like hours. Su Long stood rooted to the spot, holding the silver-cornered ledger firmly against her chest, while An Li shifted anxiously beside her, her eyes darting back toward the distant, glowing lights of the settlement.
"What if he doesn't believe us?" An Li whispered, her voice trembling slightly. "What if Bao Li's men reach him first?"
"He will see us," Su Long replied softly, her face calm and set. "A military general inspecting a border region cannot ignore official seals."
A moment later, the guard returned, his face neutral. He looked at Su Long, then at An Li. "The General has agreed to hear your case. However, only the woman holding the ledger may enter the tent. The other must wait outside under guard."
An Li hesitated, looking worriedly at Su Long. "Su Long..."
