I WILL FIND YOU.

Chapter 112: Next Chapter

The next couple days went quick. Kai had relented and allowed Minda to help with the final preparations. No longer confined to the bed Minda scurried about the hut making snacks that could be eaten throughout the long journey. Everything from dried fruit, biscuits, and meats to spice mixes and roux that could be quickly added to a pot of water or rubbed on fresh meat for more flavourful meals.

While Minda focused on the food, Kai paid attention to safety. He sharpened and acquired more durable and reliable weapons and light armour both he and Minda could wear for protection. He also prepared several dozen arrows for his bow and Minda's crossbow. Whether they would be used for hunting or fighting Kai made sure each arrow was straight and built strong and sharp.

"Are you sure you don't want to talk with Mao one more time?" Minda asked as they settled into bed.

General Lei informed them at dinner that Kang and his men were at the rendezvous point, ready for their arrival. They could no longer delay and would cross the border before dawn, officially starting their journey abroad. Minda however felt uneasy about leaving while things were tense between Kai and his childhood friend Mao.

"He knows where we are." Kai said. His words implying a stubborn refusal to be the first person to make a move. Minda let out a long sigh at his husband's attitude. But what could he do? The last time he tried to get involved he ended up bedridden and causing more trouble.

"Honey, I won't say much but... I hope you don't regret things later." Minda said.

"I won't." Kai assured him with a steady and determined look. Minda had long known how stubborn Kai could be so he simply lay his head on Kai's firm chest and closed his eyes to sleep. As he slept Kai looked down at him.

He couldn't say he would have no regrets for leaving while things were tense between him and Mao, but more than regret he worried about wronging Minda by being the one to concede first.

"MinMin is my person and anyone who wrongs him cannot be forgiven easily." Kai thought as he hugged Minda tight.

...

The two of them didn't sleep long. They had to leave early and cross the border under darkness or risk being seen by enemy combatants. Minda who was barely awake yawned while being carried to the horse by Kai.

"We'll cross the border quickly and meet up with Kang. Once we reach the rendezvous we should have a chance to rest and eat breakfast before moving to the next location." Kai explained. Minda hummed in understanding but Kai wondered if he was really listening or simply responding out of habit.

"He'll wake up once we start moving." Kai thought as he lifted Minda onto the horse.

Feeling the change in height Minda opened his eyes. Realizing he was now on top of the horse he quickly moved into position and firmly grasped the saddle for support. His surprised, almost frightened face expression brought a smile to Kai's lips.

"Hold tight. I need to put the Snow leopards in the holsters." Kai said as he let go of Minda.

The snow leopards had both grown a lot and their speed was impressive but running long distances alongside the horse wasn't possible yet. So Kai had prepared two sturdy baskets that the leopards could ride in on the horse. At first they hated sitting still, but Kai had brought them along a few times and with his strict training they now obediently sat in their baskets without fussing.

"Are you ready to leave?" General Lei suddenly asked from atop his own impressive stallion. Next to him was Houtian and Daniu. The two of them had agreed to escort Kai to the border in case something unexpected were to happen along the way.