The Tiny Emperor's Great Wall (Revised)

Chapter Sixteen

Fenghua groaned as his weak arms shoved him out of his bed. Yet in one of the rarest moments in his life, his strength failed him. He dropped back into the bed. Blurry visions filled his sight as he grasped for his glasses. His breathing became heavy, laborious as he struggled to rise.

The general snatched up his glasses and placed them on. Curses slipped from him when the world refused him clarity. Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath and got his limps under him. He focused all his energy to his arms and shoved up. It took all his strength to get into a sitting position.

When Fenghua opened his eyes, the world came into focus. My body is failing me, mused the general. Not good. As he stood he snatched his staff up. His third leg supported him on wobbly feet. The guards with him were too asleep to notice their leader's weakness. Long, tedious night shifts left them with cloudy eyes.

Taking another deep breath, Fenghua willed his body to move. He made his way out the tower door. The still slumbering sun waited for the moon to set. Fenghua felt a bit guilty as half-asleep guards jumped to attention as he marched by. The chill of the air pierced his soul awake. Some of his resolve returned at the reminder that he still lived. Deep breaths spread the freezing air throughout his body.

"You look like the dead dragged from the grave," said a familiar voice. Chuckles escaped from the general upon spotting Faita. Resting on a merlon, she stared off at the castle. Over two weeks had passed since the last assault. Occasionally, the castle opened fire on them, but it seemed more like a reminder of their presence than a true attack.

All the while, the general's army carried out their tasks. Scheduled drills, cleanup of camp, and examination of defenses kept them busy. Occasionally, the general went down the wall to listen to his troops' complaints and stories. Anything to lessen the long dull periods between action was needed. Early morning walks helped some.

The general was surprised to see Faita wide awake. She tended to be up and about after the sun had taken her throne. Stopping beside Faita, the general gave a short bow.

"Good morning, miss," said the general with a bow. "I do hope that things are going well."

A soft yawn slipped from Faita. "Oh, I was just thinking about what my family in heaven is doing." She rubbed a finger on her tusk.

"Any plans once this war is over?"

"Take my pay and move on with life," said the bandit. Cupping her hands behind her head, Faita chuckled to herself. "I'm so tired of fighting and running. What did you do in your retirement?"

"Made tea and enjoyed the mountain air." A sigh of joy slipped from Fenghua as he thought about being home. Brewing and testing new drinks with his granddaughter was the best. "Quite an enjoyable time."

Faita shook her head, but she smiled. "I think I'll find a small town, start a farm, and disappear from history."

"Do you even know how to farm?"

"Not really," confessed Faita. "My family made fireworks and other chemical products."

Nodding, the general pushed off the wall. "Well, I'll continue on with my walk. I do hope you know what you're doing next." The bandit nodded, but she focused on the castle. Echoes of Shouwie's warning about Faita nagged the general as he walked. Yet he could only hope her past proved stronger than her future.

As the sun peeked over the horizon, the general made his way to his stool. Stretched limbs felt more alive. Plopping onto his stool, he grinned at a cup of tea that appeared to his right. Shouwie gave a slight bow as he placed the cup.