Bao guided them along a narrow trail that cut through the forest. The trees gradually thinned until the stone walls of a city appeared ahead. Soon, the tall gates of Niyang City came into full view.
Tian slowed his steps as they approached. The gates towered above them, built from thick dark stone reinforced with iron bands. Guards stood along the large wooden doors that remained partly open for travelers entering the city.
They stopped several steps at the side of the wall, away from the entrance.
Bao turned to them. "We have arrived at Niyang City."
He pointed toward the northern side of the gate. "There are several inns there. You can rest safely."
Tian's eyes brightened. The thought of a proper bed after sleeping on the ground made him grin.
"That sounds perfect," he said. "Thank you, Mr. Bao."
Kirin inclined his head. "We appreciate your help."
Leon gave Bao a brief nod.
Bao waved his hand. "It is nothing." He bowed deeply toward Tian once more. "I will take my leave now. Please take care, Your Highness."
After straightening, he turned and walked back toward the forest path.
Tian watched him disappear between the trees before looking at Kirin.
"So… what now?"
"Let's enter," Tian said quietly.
Kirin suddenly raised his hand. "Wait."
He quickly pulled Tian toward the side of the stone wall while Leon followed. They pressed themselves against the shadowed corner just as several soldiers stepped out through the gate.
The three remained silent.
Two soldiers walked past them while talking.
"Did you hear? The governor issued an order this morning."
"Yes, about the three criminals from HanYang palace. They said one wears royal robes, one has golden hair, and the other carries a sword everywhere."
Tian froze.
"The reward is high," the second soldier continued. "They must be dangerous."
Their voices faded as they moved farther down the road.
Kirin rubbed his chin slowly. "I knew it."
Tian stared at him. "Criminals? I thought they would welcome us."
"Most likely the city governor works under Wuxian," Kirin replied.
Tian's shoulders dropped. The thought of not sleeping in a bed after reaching the city made him frown.
Leon looked at Kirin. "What should we do? Should I kill the guards outside the gate?"
Kirin shook his head. "That will only make things worse."
"Then what do we do?" Tian asked.
Kirin lifted his gaze toward the high city wall. A grin spread across his face.
"We go over it."
Tian blinked and took a step back. "How are we supposed to climb that wall?"
"Don't worry, Tian."
Kirin stepped away from them.
A small puff of light appeared.
Poof.
His tall figure vanished.
In his place floated a small round creature covered in soft white fur. Two tiny horns curved from the top of his head while small golden eyes looked up at them.
His body drifted slightly in the air.
"Tadaa," Kirin said proudly.
Tian stared for a moment before a laugh escaped him.
"You turned into a bunny again…" Tian teased again. "No, actually you look like a giant plushie," he added.
"Plushie?" Kirin tilted his head.
"Can I touch you?" Tian asked.
Kirin looked surprised but nodded. "Sure. But I am not a bunny."
Tian reached out and lifted him carefully. Kirin continued floating even after Tian released his hands.
Tian poked his cheek, it sank slightly, he poked the other side. Then he began squishing both cheeks.
Kirin squirmed in the air. "Tian, you are enjoying this too much."
Leon cleared his throat loudly behind them.
Tian glanced at Leon and cleared his throat. "Oh. Right."
He released Kirin.
Kirin floated away from them and moved toward the tall wall. He studied the top carefully.
"I'll check first," he said.
Tian and Leon watched him rise slowly along the stone surface. His small form drifted higher until he reached the top of the wall.
He moved along the edge.
Tian followed him with his eyes as Kirin floated farther away from the main gate. After several moments, Kirin stopped.
Tian and Leon remained still below.
Soon Kirin floated back down toward them.
"This is the best spot," he said quietly. "The guards cannot see this section from the gate."
He turned to Leon. "You go first. If there is trouble on the other side, you can handle it."
Tian nodded in agreement.
Kirin grabbed the back of Leon's armor and slowly lifted him upward. Leon stayed steady while they rose above the wall. Within seconds they disappeared over the edge.
"Hah, he's small yet strong." Tian exclaimed.
A moment later Kirin floated back down.
"Your turn."
Tian took a breath.
Kirin grabbed him under the arm and lifted him carefully. The ground moved farther away as they rose along the wall.
"Whoa!"
Soon they passed the top.
The city appeared beneath them.
Kirin lowered Tian behind a large house near the inner side of the wall. Leon stood nearby already checking the surroundings.
The street ahead was busy. Several market stalls lined the road while people walked past carrying baskets and goods.
Leon turned toward the house beside them. Clothes hung from a line near the wall.
He stepped over quietly and took two pieces of cloth. He returned and handed one to Tian.
"Here, Your Highness, use it to cover your face."
Tian wrapped the cloth around the lower half of his face.
"What about Kirin?" he asked.
He looked down.
Kirin was still floating in his small form.
Kirin folded his tiny arms. "One of you should carry me. If the three of us walk together like this, it will attract attention."
Tian lifted the edge of his robe. "I'll carry you, come here."
Kirin slipped underneath and hid beside his waist.
When they stepped out from the shadows, Tian walked normally with Leon beside him. While Kirin remained hidden under Tian's robe.
Leon scanned the street while they moved through the crowd. After a short walk he spotted a small inn down the road.
They entered.
A middle-aged man stood behind the counter and greeted them. "Welcome. Are you from the Governor's residence?"
"We are travelers," Leon replied calmly.
The owner nodded. "How many rooms? And how long will you stay?"
"One simple room," Leon said. "Two nights."
"Payment first."
Leon took out several coins and placed them on the counter.
The owner counted them and nodded. "Follow me."
He led them up a wooden staircase and down a short hallway before stopping at a door. He opened it and stepped aside.
"This will be your room."
As he turned to leave, his eyes briefly fell on Tian's side.
The cloth of Tian's robe bulged slightly.
For a moment the bump moved.
The owner frowned but said nothing. He simply shrugged and walked away down the hall.