Flames on the Snow (Third Update)

Xia Lun pressed against the rock and patiently listened to the strangers talking.

"Look at all this food," a woman with a shrill voice said. "How long has it been since we've had a full meal? Since the Great Cataclysm? Look, cheese from Asuriel, wine from Bortad, and dried meat. Hah, I hope it isn't Hope Meat."

"Enough. Once we win the battle, the Duke will treat us," a man with a smoker's rasp said. "Stop looking at me and focus on the job. You, put that down. It's shared spoils, and I'm watching you. Don't even think about pocketing it."

"How scrupulous of you," the shrill-voiced woman sneered.

"Have you ever eaten Hope Meat?" a third woman asked. "On the way here, I saw lots of refugees eating it. They say it tastes like chicken but has the texture of beef."

"Say one more word about that, and I'll kill you," the man said coldly.

Xia Lun gently set Renee down. She leaned close to his ear and whispered.

"They're all the Black Duke's people. I've heard that man's voice before. He's a knight with his own fief, so he's completed at least the Threefold Pilgrimage. He's the greatest threat."

"Stay here. I'll be right back," Xia Lun whispered.

Renee shook her head. "I can fight too. I can help you. I've grown stronger since the Pilgrimage."

"Stay put. Don't run off." With that, Xia Lun hugged the rock face and crept forward.

Beyond the rock, three fully armed warriors stood in a fan formation near several horses. Xia Lun scanned the area. Once he was sure there were no hidden sentries, he activated Heightened Focus.

He pushed off the ground and rushed the three like a Ghostly Shadow.

White snow, cold steel, scalding blood—squelch!

The Short Sword plunged