Anshi: The Lost Eagle of the Steppes

Twists and Double Twists

Early the next morning Xiao Mian rose before everyone and immediately began to fix a cup of tea. She kept her sounds muffled, but not enough to keep from rousing her Auntie Qin. She came softly out of the bedroom she shared with Yenay, in time to hear Xiao Mian stifle a moan.

"My dear, are you alright?"

Xiao Mian nodded wearily. " Yes. But my period is starting to come on, I think. No bleeding, but I am cramping. Auntie, you know how this affects me. I will never be comfortable unless in my own room. They hurt so bad I scream sometimes, and I don't want to disturb the young ones. I think I may fly home at sunrise."

"They will be so disappointed."

"I know but it is embarrassing. Even my fathers know I need privacy during my first few days. I am so sorry. I will come flying back as soon as the cramps end, alright? Just four or five days?"

"Of course. In the meantime, I will brew a pain reliever before you take off,"

' A'Qiang came down the loft stairs, wiping sleep from his eyes.

"Why are you two up?"

"Xiao Mian is not well and wants to go home to the bungalow in Yunmeng. Now that you are up, I would like you to escort her in case she becomes worse."

Xiao Mian nearly dropped her cup but caught herself in time. "Oh no, Please Aunty...What if I should...you know...before I arrive. I would be mortified."

" I understand, but if you become weak.."

A'Qiang, instantly worried, volunteered. " I can take her to Yunmeng I was going to see if Uncle XiChen could help with my sword skills a bit I can return to the bungalow after 4 days and then return to get her after I brush up.

'It's settled then. I will feel more at ease. "

"Oh, thank you!" Xiao smiled in relief but inside she was seething. There was no way to avoid the situation and she gritted her teeth as she tried to smother the frustration.

"I will send a butterfly to my fathers and make them aware that I will be returning for a few days."

"Good idea, " her aunt nodded in agreement. "Let them know A'Qiang will make sure you are safe."

Xian Mian walked slowly up the stairs and spent a few minutes pretending to send off a message. Grumbling the entire time to herself. The quicker she got to the Bungalow the better. Her Fathers were already planning to leave in an hour for a visit to Lotus Pier for the four days she planned to catch up to the caravan and if she were not careful, if they had a delay or chose not to go, this could all go to hell in a Caiyi Town minute. She packed her bag quickly and they passed an hour until dawn broke and she and A'Qiang hit the skies together.

Xiao Mian was furious. Her cousin insisted on frequent breaks because of her "Problem." He had been around too many females not to catch on to the euphemisms and innuendo. He understood how Xiao Mian suffered from severe pain during these times. Well then, she was going to play it to the hilt. On one break, she secreted a pot of powder from her pack and turned her back as she dusted her face and lips. He remarked a few minutes later on how wan she was. She moved sluggishly on the ground but insisted on speed while flying as she did not feel she had much time to "make it home". He was a nervous wreck by the time they landed in front of the tall wooden gates. He was adamant about walking her in, so she leaned heavily on his arm and held her breath until she verified her fathers were not there. Then A'Qiang wanted to stay until his uncles showed up. She bent double,

"A'Qiang, if you stay any longer you will cause me a great deal of humiliation. I messaged Auntie Wen Qing before I left as well. She will be here soon to care for me. Go, or I will never forgive you."

He left in a hurry but doubled back in a pensive desire to see her one more time. The young man was stunned as caught a glimpse of her. She was running, back straight, as fast as she could for the kitchen, and he watched in disillusioned silence as he saw her filling a sack with food supplies. She packed a small brazier with hot coals. His perfect girl was perfectly organized, had planned her escape perfectly, and had perfectly duped them all. He swallowed hard and quietly left the gate.

A'Qiang was a very methodical planner himself. He found a dark place under a tree nearby and sat down to think.

His first very angry notion was to go and speak to his Aunt Wen Qing about the deception, but he also knew that if he, in turn, betrayed Xiao Mian, as she had done to him, he would never be forgiven. So, as sad as he was and as angry, he could not reveal her plans. He could force her to return to the Lodge, but there was the same betrayal factor. Add to that, there would be the fury of all the adults and the crushing humiliation when they grounded her until she was thirty.

OR. She might probably be married off soon to the first suitable suiter but THAT would not happen on his watch. He would need to interfere; therefore, he would have to fight a duel and would probably die at the feet of the heartless, wanton wench.

If he wanted her to learn a hard lesson, a dangerous one, he could let her go off on her own just like she wanted but imagining her out there for four dangerous days was not anything he could do to an enemy much less the girl he loved. No matter how badly she had hoodwinked the entire Lan Clan.

No. His only option to possibly mitigate the damage was to tag along at a distance. He would wait until she left, enter the cottage and borrow more food and a few blankets. Then follow her. Perhaps if the gods were benevolent, Anshi would be inclined to be merciful and intercede with the parents and their punishment would not be too heavy. He sighed tragically. Knowing his brother's mood lately, that was NOT an option. He pushed back into deeper shadow as he saw her leave the gate, walking cockily as if she did not have a care in the world.

He began to feel a slow even burn as he noted her direction toward the market and her sword on her back. He knew as soon as she left town, she would mount the sword and take off, without giving him a second thought. He also had a card up his sleeve. He had helped Anshi plot the first half of his journey and knew the route as well as his brother. He would have no problem tracking her.

He ran to the now-empty bungalow and filled his sack with food. Found another brazier and filled coals for himself. Took two wool blankets from a chest, and a small cookpot. Then he paused at Lan Zhan's desk. He made a quick decision and sat down to grind some ink. Then he penned his uncles a letter, begging for forgiveness and letting them know where they were heading. That might take the edge off their anger a bit. A little. Perhaps.

Nah. Not a chance in hell.

For Charlie who had Xiao Mian scoped out before I ever penned her plan!!!!!