บท 257: Servant of the Axe - Shi Xinyi Lives

Chapter Type:  Character Interaction

The general lived in a small tent, for now.  It rested on a raised platform, and I could see the planks cut to make walls with.  Whatever shortages there were of lumber elsewhere, there seemed to be an abundance locally.

He finished signing three dispatches, handing them off to couriers.  They took off at a dignified trot, not running but also not taking their time.

"So," he whined in a nasal voice, "tell me all you know of Shi Xinyi."

I cleared my throat.  WHO?

Oh, him.

"He came among us like a thunderbolt, challenging entire units to come at him.  I have heard his mother was sentenced to guard a gate for daring to win a contest.  Not much else, to be honest."

"And tell me this – was he taken alive?"

"That is my understanding, but not something I saw with my own eyes."

"And now the part that matters.  I have been offered to trade your life for his."

"Hardly a conundrum."