Relying on his still-small stature, Young Yichao slipped past the guards and reached the slave cellar. A Han s…
Relying on his still-small stature, Young Yichao slipped past the guards and reached the slave cellar.
A Han slave, seeing the sword in Young Yichao's hand, reached out to block it, his chains clanking loudly.
The blade pressed against the slave's neck. Almost simultaneously, a tall shadow rose behind Young Yichao, a silver spear aimed at the back of his neck. None of the three moved.
"I'm here to rescue you." Young Yichao flicked his blade, and the iron chain snapped.
The shadow chuckled, withdrew his spear, and pierced another man's shackles.
Two gleaming weapons moved through the cellar, bringing long-awaited freedom.
The two righteous warriors climbed onto the roof together. Wine from a jug the stranger tossed made Young Yichao grimace at its bite. With a flick of his spear, the stranger scattered the remaining half toward the night sky, halting Young Yichao's impulse to ask his name.
They had no names, for they shared a single identity, illuminated by the same courage and loyalty.