Curse Or Cure?

Friend or Foe?

"Chevalier Wen! Where has Chevalier Zhen gone?"

"He has gone where even I can't follow."

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"Chevalier Wen! For all your troubles, what can the Five Lakes Alliance do for you? No request is too grand!"

"Allow me to stay by Chengling's side."

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"Uncle Wen! You're still here!"

"I told you I would not leave without you."

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"Before we go, may I request we pick up my sister? She has stayed in an inn not too far from here."

"Of course, Chevalier Wen."

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"Da-ge! Where is your mean husband?"

"He's gone."

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Wen Kexing sat across Zhao Jing in the carriage, A-Xiang laying with her head on his lap, and Chengling with his head on his shoulder. They were all very much awake, no one could possibly take a nap with the rough bumping of the carriage after all.

"Chevalier Wen," Zhao Jing spoke up, looking at the scene before him curiously, "You and Chengling have grown close, it seems. In such little time too, may I ask how that is to be?"

Wen Kexing smiled, reaching with a hand upwards to pat the said boy on the head fondly, "We first met the day before the Mirror Lake Massacre. I was in town and a man had said crude words towards me. Chengling stepped in, the sweet boy."

Zhao Jing smiled at the story, glancing proudly at Chengling, "Did he now? I'm not surprised, he is just like his father. Righteous even towards strangers."

Wen Kexing nodded, taking on a gentle but solemn face, "Yes, he is. A' Ling had invited us to stay at his Manor after that. Unfortunately, the night came and then the Ghost Valley attacked. Together, with Zhen Xu and my sister, we found Chengling and an old man, Su Ju, and we fought to protect them. Sadly, Su Ju did not make it, but we had promised him to see to it that A' Ling would make it to his uncles safely."

"How the fates have blessed Chengling," Zhao Jing breathed out in awe, "That he is so lucky to have met you and Chevalier Zhen. Again, thank you for his safe return."

"It is of no bother," Wen Kexing stated, "I've grown quite fond of him, so excuse me if it's a bit difficult to let him go. I see him almost as my own, it's difficult to bear the thought of leaving him so soon."

"I completely understand," Zhao Jing reassured, "I have a few sons of my own that I have taken in."

The carriage came to a stop, surprising all the occupants inside. Wen Kexing held the hands of both Zhang Chengling and Gu Xiang as they straightened up. Zhao Jing excused himself, leaving the carriage.

"Da-ge! What's going on?" Gu Xiang asked, looking around as if she would find the answer inside.

"I don't know, A-Xiang," Wen Kexing answered, rubbing his thumb reassuringly on the back of her hand, "We just have to wait until Zhao Jing returns."