213 Mercy (1/2)

On the third day, when the sun peeked out over the horizon, a ray of sunlight shone through the window and illuminated the lands. In the quiet room Rin stayed in, there were scattered papers and books all over the ground, covered in writing.

Sitting at her desk, Rin filled out the remaining space on the page. She sighed softly, and her eyes fell on the papers in her hand. Her eyes were cold and vacant; what was going on in her mind could not be deciphered clearly.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

”Enter,” Rin grabbed a new paper and began to write on it.

”Advisor Lan, the enemy has made it through Zhaoxing province.” The soldier that entered instantly reported.

Despite the fretting news, Rin appeared calm.

”How far are they to us?” She demanded, not looking up from her papers.

”From words of the scouts...” The soldier paused delicately. ”Two days.”

”Have our troops made it to their bases?”

”Yes, they are waiting for your command.” The soldier answered although he seemed rather hesitant on something.

Rin ignored the unease in his voice. ”Good. Tell them to stay hidden until further instructions.”

”Yes, Advisor Lan.” The soldier said and inclined his head in a small bow.

There was a moment of silence in the room before the soldier spoke up once more.

”Pardon me for questioning, but what will we do if they make it past the border and to our location?” He asked. A note of doubt crept into his voice.

”Then we'll be ready for them,” Rin finished scribbling the last word on her paper and looked up at last, and her soft voice spoke sternly. ”We have over three thousand men, more than enough weapons to defend their attacks, and troops ready to take charge on their base. Everything we need to prepare has been settled.”

”But—” The soldier began once more, then closed his mouth instantly at Rin's icy stare.

”If you have nothing more to report, then you're dismissed.”

Lowering his head, the soldier left the office. Alone, Rin closed her notebook and leaned back in her seat, a soft sigh escaping her lips. Emerald eyes settled on the red, burning flame. The air was still and the flame barely flickered. It was steady and bright enough to relieve the darkness of the room.

Rin hooked her lips up into a smile filled with disdain.

She would ensure he who plays with fire becomes its victim.

...

No more than a day had gone by before they received word of the enemy's arrival. They were going to attack.

Not that she minded. The more he saw of her work, the more he would sway to her side.

The bright sun hung up in the mid sky and the gentle rays of the morning sun had gradually turned into a blazing, hot sun. Soon enough the enemy appeared. There they stood, immense and beautiful, the great horses framing the distant purple mountain beyond.

The bronze stallions threw long shadows across the waving grasses as the enemy led the troops under their hooves and down the field, his strongest men beside him. They were big men with fierce faces, hair wore loose past the shoulders. Their cloaks were made of skins, the pelts of bears and wolf.

Hands behind her back, she stared at them and her emerald eyes hardened as they rested on the man in the front. Dark hair and eyes, skin a faint tan. He must be their leader.

However, there was something familiar about him and his men. Their clothing and demeanor seemed similar to men she met before.

Before she could think any longer, a soldier's voice brought her back.

”Advisor Lan, the enemy is almost here.”

Rin didn't say anything, and her sharp gaze penetrated the army advancing their way. An unknown glow flickered across her eyes momentarily before she directed her gaze to the province governor behind her.

”Prepare the tributes.”

Nervous, the governor nodded and ordered them to deliver the list. When the enemy was only a few feet in front of the wall, they came to a halt at the sight of the white flag waving at the top of the wall.

An Ruo raised his hand to a halt, a cold smile spreading on his lips.

”It seems they're surrendering.” His eyes shifted to the man beside him. ”What do you think, Manchu?”

The man turned to face him, blue eyes hardening as he straightened his spine. Manchu gnashed his teeth, but his eyes revealed helplessness. He glared at An Ruo for another second or two, and then his nostrils flared as he inhaled deeply.