Beneath Pangtuo City

But their little squad had been lucky enough to stumble upon a supply convoy. Even luckier, judging by what the officer had said, it was headed for Pangtuo City.

The knight pretended to glance casually over the winding convoy. When he spotted the sacks on the wagons, his eyes suddenly lit up.

His dissatisfaction vanished without a trace. Looking somewhat excited, he said, "Commander Elliot knew you were coming and has been waiting for you for quite some time."

That was only half true. The knight had no time to worry about such things now. Getting these people to Pangtuo City would be an enormous accomplishment.

Merman nodded. He was heading to Pangtuo City anyway, knew the roads very well, and wasn't worried about any schemes the other man might have.

When the knight saw him nod, he excitedly swung into the saddle and said with a smile, "I'll show you the way, sir."

He was so eager to please that he looked just like a traitor leading the Japanese invaders around.

With Merman's approval, the knight promptly became their guide.

Nothing noteworthy happened along the way. The bulky convoy reached the towering Black Stone Mountain at dusk, and they saw Pangtuo City, built at its foot.

Dozens of scouts joined them along the way. They had all received orders from Earl Elliot, and it seemed they were hoping to claim some credit.

But none of that had anything to do with Merman. All he had to do was deliver the grain and collect the payment; then his mission would be perfectly complete.

The convoy was so large and had so many guards that it inevitably drew the attention of Pangtuo City's defenders.

As they approached the south gate, two small squads of light cavalry suddenly rode out. They had