She rose when he entered the small chamber where she was holding court. As his legion commanders bowed to him, she extended her hand. Never having been formally presented to any of Shinsan’s masters, Shih-ka’i was not sure how to respond. He made the slight bow due an army superior. The woman seemed satisfied. “Lord Ssu-ma.”

“A pleasure, my Princess.”

“The pleasure is mine.” She seated herself. Lord Shih-mihn remained at her right hand, a man smitten. “I’ve been reviewing your campaign.”

Shih-ka’i bowed again. “Mercy, Mistress,” he said. “I’ve done my best, but I’m only a pig farmer’s son.” His tone did not match his words. They were mere formality.

“Mercy isn’t necessary, Lord Ssu-ma. Not even the great Lords Chin or Wu could have done more.”

Shih-ka’i surveyed his brethren, surprised. They stood tall and silent, unreadable behind their masks. What was this? They had spoken for a pig farmer’s son?

The woman continued, “I have complete confidence in you. I’m not here to interfere, only to familiarize myself with your situation. These are trying times for the empire.”

Shih-ka’i did not respond immediately. Tasi-feng stepped into the breach. “Lord Lun-yu, Mistress. Commander, Seventeenth.”

“A legion I remember well, from times when Lord Wu commanded.”

“Those days are gone, Mistress. As is Lord Wu.”

“Gone, forgiven, and forgotten.”

“Thank you, Mistress. There’s a way you could help. The Deliverer has a companion of great power. We’re unable to defeat her. To make the point directly, you might match yourself against her.”

Shih-ka’i regained his composure. “My commanders tell me she’s almost as strong as yourself, Mistress.”

“This woman is the Deliverer’s source of power?”

“One source. He had another, a godling of ancient times, that resided in the desert to the east. Tonight a Tervola named Hsu Shen and I destroyed it. Now the Deliverer and his woman are on their own.”

“They’re outside now?”

“Yes, Mistress.”

“Let’s have a look.” Shih-ka’i bowed. His entire staff started to follow. Mist said, “You gentlemen return to work. Wait. Lord Shih-mihn. Your granaries are full?”

“Yes, Mistress.” Puzzled.

“This place is filthy with mice. You might do something if you anticipate a long siege.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

Softly, Shih-ka’i said, “It won’t be long. They’re down to the lees of their strength. He’s planning another surprise.”

Mist glanced over her shoulder, gave Pan ku a look filled with meaning. The decurion was not intimidated. Shih-ka’i said, “Pan ku is my shadow.”

“As you will.”

Ten minutes later, as they approached the city’s northern wall, Shih-ka’i heard a scrabbling sound behind him, then a meaty thump as one body hit another. He spun, saw Pan ku push a large dog away from himself. The hilt of the decurion’s shortsword protruded from the beast’s chest. The dog twitched, whimpered, lay still. Pan ku retrieved his weapon, separated the beast’s head and limbs.

“Pan ku?”

“I’m all right, Lord. Didn’t bite through my armor.”

“What happened?”

“Came out of the dark straight at you, Lord.”