When you wake up, you are lying in a derelict temple. It is raining outside, and a bitter wind is blowing.
Xiu Ying: Where am I? What happened?
The last thing you remember is sitting down in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and helping yourself to a sweet from the Emperor's plate. Realization hits. You sit up suddenly and look down at your body. You're wearing plain clothes. You're carrying some silver and a dagger.
Xiu Ying: The Emperor said the mission was to be conducted in complete secrecy. You thought he'd meant you would leave quietly one morning, not this.
When you realize you've been smuggled out of the palace, you let out a long sigh.
Xiu Ying: [Mumbling to yourself] Knocked out and shipped to god knows where.
As you get up planning to take a look around the temple, a kid bursts in, shaking water out of his hair.
Youth: Geeze, it's pissing down out there. This looks like a good spot! [Noticing you] You getting out of the rain too?
You nod.
Youth: I'm drenched. Wanna start a fire to dry our clothes? Hey! What are you doing here anyway? It's middle of nowhere!
The kid looks friendly enough, and hasn't stopped talking since he walked in. He gets a fire going, and beckons you over to sit.
Xiu Ying: [Slowly sitting down] I'm lost. Can you tell me where I am?
Youth: The mountain behind Xinghua Town. How did you get so lost? Anyway, it doesn't matter. I'll lead down when the rain stops.
Xiu Ying: Thanks.
Youth: No problem. It's fine. Anyway, how did you get so lost? You didn't say.
You can't believe you're near Xinghua Town, so far away from the capital. You've probably been unconscious for days. Suddenly whisked out of the city, you wonder how the Emperor explained your disappearance.
Youth: [Seeing the worried look on your face] Miss!
Xiu Ying: [Coming back to yourself] My husband and I were on our way to River Town to do business. We argued and I ran off. That's how I got lost. [Softly sighing] But I expect he will be along soon...
Youth: Oh right. You can't just run off like that! What if you bumped into some bad people?
He smiles and looks warmly at you. You study him for a few seconds, then nod sadly. The rain shows no sign of stopping. In fact it only gets heavier. He tries to engage you in conversation, but you don't feel like chatting. Your disinterest only seems to encourage him.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Xiu Ying: How did you come to be here?
Youth: I'm on my way to the capital to take the Imperial Examination. It's my first time going and the road is very confusing. Are you from the capital Miss?!
Xiu Ying: No... Why do you ask?
Youth: Because you have nice manners, Miss. That's why I figured you were from there.
Xiu Ying: [Smiling lightly] You're silly. You haven't been to the capital. How would you know what kind of manner the girls there have?
Youth: I don't. I'm just guessing.
He scoffs and wanders over to the doorway. When he reaches it, he quickly turns around.
Youth: Hey, Miss! Is that your husband?
You get up and walk towards the door. Outside you see a warrior walking through the rain. He looks rough and is carrying a sword in his hand.Water is cascading down his face and body, but he appears unperturbed. He walks calmly towards the temple, like a farmer about to kill a chicken.
Xiu Ying: [Speechless] He's not my husband.
Youth: He probably wants to get out of the rain.
The warrior stomps into the old temple. The kid welcomes him warmly and suggests he warm himself by the fire.
Youth: Where are you going, brother?
Muscle Man: [Rolling up his sleeves] Hunting.
Youth: I see! Too bad about the weather. All the animals must be hiding in their burrows! Listen to me blabbering on. How about some food...
Muscle Man: [Looking you up and down] You married?
Youth: [Surprised] Us? No! As if I could ever marry a beautiful girl like this... Her husband will be here soon...
As the young man chatters away, the warrior's gaze remains fixed on you. Vigilant as ever, you know what that looks means.
Xiu Ying: [Standing up] I think I hear him now. Please excuse me.
You are already walking towards the door. You try to remain calm, and not run.
Youth: I didn't hear anything, Miss. It's raining! Don't worry, your husband will find you here.
Xiu Ying: I'm just going to check. I'll be back in a second.
Swift as a snake the warrior is on his feet and blocking your way. Your heart leaps into the back of your mouth.
Muscle Man: There was no noise, girl! You heard wrong!
He reaches out a hand to grab you, but your dagger is in already your hand and you lunge at his eye!
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
