I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 65: Problem

"Everyone, pull off the road and head to the river. We'll be taking a thirty minute break." General Lei announced. His voice so loud Minda could hear him clearly despite being far away.

"Honey, isn't it too early for lunch?" Minda asked.

"It is. This will just be a short stop to give the horses a break." Kai explained.

"I see." Minda said in a drawling voice. He was exhausted and barely able to think as he leaned against Kai's broad shoulder. Kai waved to get Houtian's attention. With a few hand gestures Houtian seemed to understand what he wanted and gave a nod.

When they stopped at the river Minda expected Kai to be busy and was ready to be left on his own but instead of leaving Kai picked him up and carried him into the carriage.

"Don't you need to tend to the horses?" Minda asked when Kai not only tucked him into the bed but lay down with him.

"Houtian will take care of them. You just need to focus on getting some sleep." Kai said as he gently caressed him. Minda was afraid of sleeping again but with Kai's strong arms around him he felt better. Once settled the two little snow leopards who had been ignored took the opportunity to sneak in next to Minda. Completely surrounded Minda felt safe and closed his eyes to sleep.

...

Kai held the twisting and turning Minda. He was clearly having a nightmare. Kai tried to wake him but Minda was trapped. All Kai could do was hold him tight and whisper in his ears as he slept.

"It's okay, MinMin. You're okay, MinMin."

After tossing and turning so much the snow leopards had to escape to the seating area or risk getting hit. When Minda finally woke up hedidn't scream like he had previously, but he was in tears and sobbing.

"Kai."

"I'm here."

"I don't understand. I've never had nightmares when we've slept together in the past." Minda said confused and upset.

"Is it because we're in the carriage?" Kai mused aloud.

"I've slept like this before when we've gone into town."

"Is it the noise? You always sleep in quiet places."

Minda considered it and it seemed reasonable to think it might be because of the noise. He closed his eyes and focused on their surroundings. The lively chatting didn't bother him but there was one sound that made his blood run cold.

"The... the metal." Minda muttered as he curled up into Kai's embrace. The unique metallic clanging sound of the soldiers weapons and armour was linked to all the terrible memories of his past traumas.

Kai closed his eyes and listened carefully. Like Minda he noticed the sound of the soldiers fully equipped bodies. Listening to it he understood why Minda was struggling.

Imprisoned in the dungeon the sound of a soldier's armour and weapons was an unwelcome and for some terrifying precursor to the torture and pain that would soon follow. It never bothered Kai because he grew up amongst soldiers but for Minda it was a sound solely linked to a traumatic experience.

"Will the old coot agree?" Kai wondered as he tried to think of a way to help Minda.

"MinMin, I'm going to go talk to General Lei for a bit. Stay here with Huan and Xianli." Kai said as he picked up the two young snow leopards and placed them next to Minda.

"Okay."

Minda didn't want Kai to leave but knew he must have a good reason for it. He pulled the lazier Xianli and hugged him close as he slumped down on the bed.