Honour, She Obeys by L S Slayford

Author:L S Slayford [Slayford, L S]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mythos Publishing
Published: 2020-05-28T22:00:00+00:00

Twenty

Mulan pulled down the cap to cover her face; not only did it offer protection from the mid-morning sun, but hopefully it would stop any of the guards posted around the front of the palace from recognising her.

Two days had passed since Kang and her friends were taken away. Two days since she’d managed to escape the mansion. Two nights of living rough, huddling for warmth in back alleys, trying to stay out of the way of any guards.

She’d spent the first night huddled in the bend of the stream, the reeds and the sound of the water giving her much needed protection as she waited for dawn. Thankfully, none of the guards had spotted her. As soon as the dark cloak of night had pulled back, Mulan had made her way back to the city, finding a merchant family only a mile away. With a few coins, she’d discarded her armour and helmet, swapping it for a cap and their young teenage son’s clothes. At least they were more comfortable than the soldier’s garb she’d worn. Once inside the city, she’d thanked them and hurried away before they could ask her to stay.

A loud rumble caught her attention. It took a few seconds for Mulan to realise it came from her stomach.

Although she still had her money pouch securely fastened around her neck, the coins wouldn’t last long if she wasn’t careful. A few pieces of dry meat and some flat bread yesterday would have to sustain her until she knew more.

And by the looks of the crowd gathering around her, it wouldn’t be long.

By keeping a low profile and changing clothes, Mulan had been able to listen to the gossip in town. Whispers spoke of how Kang’s trial would be conducted behind the palace walls, away from the public’s eyes, but her friends would be held in front of the palace gates today.

Mulan drew in a deep breath and shoved down the trepidation. The only comfort she possessed came from the jian still by her side. Her fingers reached down and gripped the hilt briefly before releasing it. A young merchant clutching a sword? Not very low profile, but there was no way she planned to let it go.

Snippets of conversation echoed around her. Old women and men huddled together, clutching the shoulders of young children, trying to keep them from running off. Men and women in clothes of all colours peered over the heads of those in front. Carefully, Mulan meandered her way forward, until she stood right at the very front.

Erected outside the gates stood a platform, standing a few meters high, with a higher area to the right. Just looking at it caused dread to slither its way down her spine. Up on the walls, archers stood, their bows ready in their hands.

Damn Prince Jizi for this.

No matter what happened, she couldn’t let him get away with this.

A few minutes later, the gates opened. Several guards marched in perfect unison, their spears stretching far above their heads.

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