Bloody Sword of Death: Gory Pearl of Doom Trilogy, #3

By Gary W. Feather

Blood, death, and destruction ride across the divided world of ancient China during the Warring States era.

 

Betrayal and darkness floods the lands. 

 

Lady Jin and her weary army continue their fight against the evil of Wizard Ban, who controls a deadly demonic Pearl, a large old dragon, and an army of soulless dead. After the destruction of her powerful magic shield, Lady Jin seeks an even more power magic sword that could give her the power to defeat Wizard Ban and the Pearl. Will Red Dove's friend White Dove help them fight the evil that will sweep across ancient China and beyond?

After the state of Han betrayed Lady Jin, while she dare to trust the King of Qin?

The King of Qin's armies are powerful, but will he stab her in the back for the power of the Pearl?

 

Gary W. Feather's bloodthirsty fantasy trilogy comes to an end in the final third book of the Gory Pearl of Doom Trilogy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interstellar Bushido Publishing
• Release date: Feb 10, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224906581

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Bloody Sword of Death

Book three: Gory Pearl of Doom Trilogy

Gary W. Feather

Contents

Copyright

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1.CHAPTER ONE

2.CHAPTER TWO

3.CHAPTER THREE

4.CHAPTER FOUR

5.CHAPTER FIVE

6.CHAPTER SIX

7.CHAPTER SEVEN

8.CHAPTER EIGHT

9.CHAPTER NINE

10.CHAPTER TEN

11.CHAPTER ELEVEN

12.CHAPTER TWELVE

13.CHAPTER THIRTEEN

14.CHAPTER FOURTEEN

15.CHAPTER FIFTEEN

16.CHAPTER SIXTEEN

17.CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

18.CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

19.CHAPTER NINETEEN

20.CHAPTER TWENTY

21.CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

22.CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

23.CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

24.CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

25.CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

26.CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

27.CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

28.CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

29.CHAPER TWENTY-NINE

30.CHAPTER THIRTY

31.CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE

32.CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

33.CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE

34.CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

35.CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

36.CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX

37.CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

38.CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

39.CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

40.CHAPTER FORTY

41.CHAPTER FORTY-ONE

42.CHAPTER FORTY-TWO

43.CHAPTER FORTY-THREE

44.CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

45.CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

46.CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

47.CHAPTER FORTY-SEVEN

48.CHAPTER FORTY-EIGHT

49.CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

50.CHAPTER FIFTY

51.CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE

52.CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO

53.CHAPTER FIFTY-THREE

54.CHAPTER FIFTY-FOUR

55.CHAPTER FIFTY-FIVE

56.CHAPTER FIFTY-SIX

57.CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

58.CHAPTER FIFTY-EIGHT

59.CHAPTER FIFTY-NINE

60.CHAPTER SIXTY

61.CHAPTER SIXTY-ONE

62.CHAPTER SIXTY-TWO

63.CHAPTER SIXTY-THREE

64.CHAPTER SIXTY-FOUR

65.CHAPTER SIXTY-FIVE

66.CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

67.CHAPTER SIXTY-SEVEN

68.CHAPTER SIXTY-EIGHT

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Bloody Sword of Death

All contents copyright 2024

Gary W. Feather

Published by Interstellar Bushido Publishing.

Cover art by Carol Marques Cover Designs

Author’s website: https://www.garywfeatherauthor.com/

All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All characters and events portrayed in the fiction in this book are fictional, and any resemblance to real people or incidents is purely coincidental. This book, or parts thereof, may not be reproduced in any form without permission.

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CHAPTER ONE

The flowing of good and evil on Earth is always changing. But when you want to change that flow, then you will suffer. I did. – Rivers of Light and Dark, by Red Dove.

They followed a merchant caravan out of the Zhao city called Guanxibo. Lady Jin guided her horse to the right as a hollering camel sped past them away from the city gates. Then came a colorfully cursing man who chased after the beast while shaking a crop. She laughed and smiled at Black Fox, who was also laughing. Her horse had bumped into his when she moved hers out of the way; luckily, the horses were used to each other.

You look lovely today, my dear, Black Fox told her and took her hand as they rode along.

You’re a handsome fellow yourself. Lady Jin laughed once again after she spoke. Black Fox chuckled and kept his sparkling eyes on her eyes.

You two should watch where you’re going, Red Dove interrupted them. He’d ridden up beside Lady Jin on his red stallion. Red Dove was the only one in their group who didn’t have a spare horse for their journey into the harsh desert. You’re liable to ride out into the ocean. Which would be quite an accomplishment considering how far away the ocean is.

I wouldn’t be surprised by those two, One-eyed Nü said. Gong giggled.

Lady Jin glanced back at the two young women riding their horses behind them and snorted. Nü was her apprentice, and Gong was a skilled scout and Nü’s lover. You two are ones to talk. I’m surprised you’re not riding the same horse.

Ha! Ha! Nü mocked and rolled her eyes. Gong gripped the other woman’s arm as she leaned over to kiss Nu’s cheek without falling off her horse.

Well. After a nice rest, we can travel in search of my old friend White Dove, Red Dove said.

White Dove? Black Fox grinned at him like a rogue. Is she an old flame of yours?

Flame? Red Dove frowned, then sighed. Mortals!

Huh? Gong said. What are you anyway?

Red Dove, he replied and rolled his eyes.

Uh, Gong said.

There’s no point in asking him, Nü said. I’ve tried. He’ll just talk you into mystical circles about gods, immortals, demons, fairies, and peaches.

Peaches? Gong frowned.

Ah, peaches. Red Dove smiled and looked up at the blue sky and the four white clouds there.

Anyway, Green Mo butted in as he guided his horse closer and now beside Nü. So, you think Colonel Ruoda is the right choice to run your…mercenary army while you’re gone.

Yes, Lady Jin said. I think he’s the best choice. He might be more focused and experienced with leading foot soldiers, but he has plenty of experience in other jobs like bodyguards and security. I believe in him and his loyalty to me.

Green Mo nodded.

Trust me, Green Mo, Big Belly Ax said as he rode beside Mo. He makes her an excellent second in command. Brilliant, experienced, and loyal to our cause. He also has Captain Shun to assist him.

Yes, sir.

Lady Jin had left the colonel in command of her mercenary army in the Zhao city called Cai She. There he would work to hire out parts of the army for various jobs throughout Zhao and maybe Wei, while they waited to go to war with Wizard Ban’s ghoul army.

Lady Jin and her companions: Black Fox, Red Dove, Nü, Gong, Green Mo, Meixei, Talia, Big Belly Ax, and fourteen men whose names she couldn’t remember, rode their horses on the road leading to the Zhao wall. Three unburdened horses and two horses burdened with supplies trailed along behind Meixei’s horse with reins attached to its tail. Ten more unburdened horses trailed other riders in the rear. Ahead of them was a merchant caravan. Once again, Lady Jin wondered if it had been a mistake not to take on jobs as caravan guards, but had thought it a waste. Once out of Zhao territory, the caravan would head straight for the nearest oasis city, while she planned to hunt for a nomadic tribe, among which a certain White Dove lived.

CHAPTER TWO

Nearly a week later, Gong rode back to them after scouting up ahead. They had left behind the last oasis city days ago and were heading to the next one called Hami. They’d asked around about the tribe they were looking for, but had gotten no information. Lady Jin hoped they would have better luck in the next oasis city. They were all riding their second horse, while the other horses rested. Of course, the red ‘stallion’ looked fresh as always, as if it hadn’t been walking for miles through the desert. That was because it was a dragon, though Lady Jin had assumed a creature of water like the dragon wouldn’t like the desert.

I saw a large nomad camp just beyond the horizon, Gong said while pointing ahead where she’d come from. She had a bamboo hat with rags hanging from its edges to help keep out the sun and the dust. The rest of them wore similar hats for the same reason. Everywhere was the desert. Lady Jin nodded and pulled out a rag. She wiped her dusty, sweaty neck then her face with it.

Good, she said. She looked back at her comrades. I think we could reach them without having to stop to rest.

True, Black Fox said. But we sh-

I believe they’ve already found us, Red Dove said.

Wha- Black Fox said.

Two dozen nomads popped out of the desert sand on the sides of them. Each man had an arrow nocked on his bow and aimed at them. Lady Jin’s hand automatically reached for her sword hilt, but she stopped herself from drawing.

Don’t move, Lady Jin told her friends. Be perfectly still and don’t show any fear.

Right, One-eyed Nü said. No fear.

Four riders galloped towards them from the west. As they got closer, Lady Jin recognized the woman among them.

Lady Jin? she said.

Antelope Chaser. She smiled at the nomad woman. She ignored the arrowheads aimed at her and her friends. How is your husband, Swift Eagle?

Good. Antelope Chaser smirked. A pity you didn’t accept his offer of marriage. She waved her bow at the other nomads and spoke in their language. They lowered their bows and put their arrows away.

And how is Golden Water? Lady Jin asked.

Good, the nomad woman replied. And she misses you as well.

We heard, she continued, from our spies in the oasis cities that a group of Chinese warriors was looking for our tribe. We thought they had sent soldiers to attack us. It surprised me it turned out to be you.

She guided her horse up to Lady Jin’s horse, so they could be side by side. She held out her hand. Lady Jin gripped the other woman’s hand in the manner of two nomads who were close friends and not strangers nor enemies.

I promise, old friend, Lady Jin said, no one sent us to attack your people.

Antelope Chaser laughed. Come. She escorted Lady Jin and her friends to the nomad camp. As they rode along, she asked Lady Jin why they’d come.

We are looking for White Dove. She waved at Red Dove. This is her kin, Red Dove. I was hoping to meet her.

Yes. White Dove lives among us. Antelope Chaser nodded. I’ll take you to her when we get there.

Thank you, Antelope Chaser, Lady Jin said.

As they entered the camp, the eyes of men, women, and children watched them. A few at first, but soon, knowledge of their arrival had spread through the camp. At first Lady Jin felt overwhelmed by their sheer number, then Antelope Chaser waved them away. All the horses including Lady Jin’s and her comrades’ mounts were taken away. Antelope Chaser promised their horses and belongings were under the protection of the chief. Antelope Chaser brought them before Swift Eagle, the chief and his first wife Golden Water, who sat inside a large, round tent. Both the chief and his first wife wore swords, as did the chief’s second wife, Antelope Chaser. Lady Jin smiled at them and hoped they had no hard feelings about her leaving. Golden Water jumped up and hugged her. Lady Jin almost reflexively reached for her sword.

It is good to see you, Lady Jin! the first wife said as she hugged her tightly. I thought we never would again see your face here.

I feared you wouldn’t welcome me back, Lady Jin admitted.

What? No. Golden Water leaned back as she spoke to Lady Jin.

We wished you’d join our family, Swift Eagle said. But you didn’t have to leave because you said no.

Welcome back, dear friend. Golden Water returned to her husband’s side and seated herself. She waved for Antelope Chaser to sit on the other side of their husband.

Thank you, my friends. Lady Jin nodded to each of them in the order of chief, first wife, then second wife. She introduced them to One-eyed Nü, Red Dove, Black Fox, Green Mo, Gong, Talia, Meixei, and Big Belly Ax. She told them the story of Wizard Ban and how he was making the dead return from the grave. Then she added why she needed to meet with White Dove.

White Dove? Swift Eagle grunted. She is an unusual woman. Very ancient, they say.

She was ancient when my grandmother was a child, Golden Water added.

She heals the sick, and fights demons, Swift Eagle said. She is special and few can tell her what to do. Even I can’t do that. Suddenly, Golden Water laughed.

As if you could ever tell me and Antelope Chaser what to do, Golden Water said. Have we ever obeyed you, dear husband?

Swift Eagle snorted, frowned at his wives, then laughed loudly. They looked past Lady Jin to young Green Mo. Strong women! I’ve heard in your lands you men like your women soft and docile, is that true?

I-uh-I-um. Green Mo blushed and stuttered to the delight of the chief and wives. Everyone in the tent laughed, both nomad and newcomer alike.

Everything became quiet when a woman entered. She wore a long, white dress and had long, flowing white hair. Even though her hair was as white as an old woman’s, her skin looked soft like a newborn babe’s. She bowed politely to the chief and his wives.

I heard that Lady Jin and my kin Red Dove have come to see me, White Dove said.

Yes, they have, Swift Eagle said.

Please sit with us, White Dove, Golden Water said.

Thank you, Golden Water. White Dove smiled and sat beside Red Dove, who smiled at his kinswoman.

They passed a wooden bowl of fermented horse milk around the tent, and everyone got several sips as they passed it around more than once. Later, White Dove asked for Lady Jin and Red Dove only to join her in her tent. They agreed, and they followed White Dove to the edge of the camp, where she had a simple tent similar to the average nomad’s, but not as fancy as the chief’s large tent. They followed her inside.

CHAPTER THREE

White Dove sat by the fire in the center of the tent. Lady Jin was across from her, and Red Dove sat on the swordswoman’s left. She now noticed that White Dove was barefoot, but her feet looked soft with no calluses on the soles, as if she didn’t walk on them at all. The young-looking white-haired woman tossed herbs on the fire and a beautiful scent filled the room. Lady Jin also realized she had been extremely tense, and now she felt relaxed. Every muscle in her body felt as soft as water.

White Dove was quiet for a few minutes, then said, Red Dove has already told me about your quest to stop Wizard Ban. Along with the pearl and the old dragon.

Yes, Lady Jin said and glanced at Red Dove, who was silent. When did he te-

We talked to each other in our dreams, Lady Jin, Red Dove said.

White Dove nodded.

Can you help me? Lady Jin asked White Dove.

White Dove lifted a feather fan to wave at the fire. More smoke rose from it and the wonderful scent became stronger. She set the fan down. Maybe.

White Dove was silent again. Lady Jin shifted her feet underneath her as she sat.

Feel free to remove your boots like Red Dove did, White Dove told her.

Lady Jin glanced at Red Dove, then sighed. She yanked off her boots and set them behind her.

Better?

Yes, thank you, White Dove.

White Dove nodded at Lady Jin. There’s a sword.

A sword? Lady Jin dropped her jaw.

Do you think she is worthy of it, Red Dove?

Yes. Red Dove nodded. I believe she is, but I don’t think she believes it.

Wha? Lady Jin said as she glanced between them. What sword? What are you two talking about?

Long ago, White Dove said.

In ancient times, Red Dove added. Before the old Deadly Shield of Destruction was made….

The greatest master swordsmith of Xia made a sword, White Dove said and tossed more herbs on the fire. The smoke turned green. He was a son of a god. He could see and touch things that others could not. He could manipulate metal with his mind and qi better than any other man before or after.

Yes, Red Dove said. He was great.

Yes, White Dove said. When he finished the sword, he gave it to the king’s heir. But he was not worthy. After it killed the heir, the swordsmith hid it, until a worthy hand could wield it. Many have tried to wield it over the centuries, but few have learned to master it.

This sword is powerful. Magical like the shield was? Lady Jin said.

No, White Dove said. It is much more powerful. Which is why you must be worthy of it before you find it. Are you worthy, Lady Jin? You could conquer the known world with the sword. Is that what you desire?

N-no, Lady Jin said and cursed herself for stumbling in her response. I only want to stop Wizard Ban. That is my greatest purpose in life.

Are you sure? White Dove said. There might be an even bigger purpose after you defeat Wizard Ban.

What?

I don’t think she needs to know of that just yet, White Dove, Red Dove said.

I guess you’re right. White Dove nodded.

What?

Nothing, my dear. White Dove chuckled then quickly became serious. You must go on a long journey. You must choose only the strongest and bravest of warriors to join you. Many of them might die on this quest, but believe me it will be worth every comrade you lose along the way. Are you ready to begin the journey?

Yes.

Good, White Dove said. I have a map that you must follow with no deviation. No matter what. No matter how many must die and suffer on this journey. You must be brave and persevere. Can you do this?

Y-yes, Lady Jin said.

White Dove turned to Red Dove. Do you think she is telling the truth? Do you believe her?

I believe her, Red Dove said with a stern nod. I don’t doubt her.

Good, White Dove said. She stood and went to the back of the tent. She lifted a brown and yellow fur blanket. She grabbed something and returned with it. She dropped it in Lady Jin’s lap.

What?

There you go, White Dove said then she laughed out loud. Red Dove joined her.

What is this? Lady Jin frowned at them both.

The sword you seek! Red Dove pointed. You found it. Quest fulfilled. Well done.

Red Dove patted her back.

What? Lady Jin frowned at White Dove. After all of that y-you just give it to me.

So, you don’t want it now? White Dove frowned, but her voice had a hint of a chuckle in it.

No, Lady Jin said. This is the magic sword that you told me about. Right?

Right, White Dove said.

Thank you.

But now you must learn how to use it, White Dove warned her. That may be the hardest thing you will ever do in your life. Far harder than what you had to do to learn how to use the shield.

How do I do that?

I can’t teach you that, White Dove said. You learn that on your own.

Learn what? Lady Jin frowned. Please help me!

No, White Dove said firmly.

I’ll try my best, Lady Jin said.

Good, White Dove said.

Will you help us fight him? Lady Jin said. Like Red Dove is doing?

No, White Dove said. She tossed a few more herbs on the fire. I have no interest in war anymore. Too old for such nonsense. Too old.

#

Lady Jin left White Dove’s tent, for she was tired and it was late. Red Dove stayed behind to talk with White Dove. She found Nü and her other comrades had set up their tents. They were sitting around a campfire talking about this and that.

So, what did this White Dove have to say about Wizard Ban? Big Belly Ax asked her. Will she join our cause and fight with us?

No, she doesn’t want to fight, Lady Jin said. She told me about a magic sword that might help us. She held up the sword that White Dove had given her. And here it is.

Beautiful, Nü said. Have you tried cutting with it?

How about…. Gong glanced around for something.

No. Lady Jin yawned. Tired. I’m going to sleep.

Sure, Gong said.

We can talk about the sword later, Nü said. Good night, mistress.

Good night, Nü. Lady Jin waved as she walked to her tent. Good night, my friends.

Lady Jin lay on the tent floor with a soft blanket. She looked up at the roof and shut her eyes. Sleep didn’t come so soon. Her thoughts drifted to Wizard Ban and his ghoul army. How could one sword stop him when the shield didn’t stop him? When she’d fought him with it, he defeated her with his great magic. Lady Zhao destroyed the shield with the magic ax he’d given her. How could this magic sword be any better? Was it a mistake for the king of Yellow Springs to send me to stop him? They should have chosen a better general. I’m just a soldier, bodyguard, and sword for hire. I’m no general. How can I do this?

Lady Jin sat up and reached for the magic sword. It had a simple wooden scabbard that she suspected was new. She pulled it out of the scabbard. It wasn’t bronze. This surprised her, for she thought they couldn’t make iron or steel swords in the ancient days during the reigns of the Xia and Shang kings. How did they make this? Magic? Did the old woman lie to me? Is this just some modern sword she had lying around her damn tent? I don’t know. She sighed. So tired, but so…frustrated. Tired.

She tried her breathing exercises to relax her body. Slowly breathe in and out. Tighten and relax each muscle group around her body. After a while, she relaxed and drifted off into sleep.

Lady Jin dreamed of White Dove teaching and guiding her while she learned to use the magic sword.

CHAPTER FOUR

Lady Jin woke up when someone entered the tent.

Sorry, Meixei said. Did I wake you?

That’s fine. Lady Jin smiled and stretched. Suddenly she sat up. What was that?

What? Meixei frowned.

Lady Jin dressed in her riding clothes and pulled on her boots. She snatched up her regular sword as she ran out. Outside there was a commotion running throughout the tents. A few nomad men were on horseback and raced out somewhere into the darkness.

What’s going on? Meixei said.

Something’s wrong, Lady Jin replied. And I want to know what it is!

Gong came running as fast as she could and slid to a stop by Lady Jin. She was holding a torch. The nomads are being attacked. I’m not sure who it is.

Another tribe? Green Mo said. He, Black Fox, and Big Belly Ax had joined them. Soon Nü and Talia did too. Nü and Black Fox were carrying torches.

Where’s Red Dove? Black Fox said.

I don’t know, Lady Jin said. He stayed to talk with White Dove.

Talk? Talia chuckled.

Come on, Lady Jin said. Let’s see what’s going on.

I saw some fighting going on over here, ma’am, Gong told her and led her forward. All around them, nomads were rushing here and there. Many had swords, spears, or bows, or similar weapons. Some were on foot and some on horses. A nomad with a bow launched six arrows into an attacker. One arrow struck him in the head and the attacker fell. When his body hit the ground, it turned into bones.

Ghouls! Lady Jin cursed.

Look out! Nü yelled.

Lady Jin jumped aside as three riders on horses sped by. She looked up and saw that one rider was a frog. No, not a frog, but a frogman. That’s Wizard Ban’s magic. His frog creatures. Half-man and half-frog. Or are they frogs that can walk like men? I don’t know.

What was that? Gong said and waved her torch around, trying to see.

Now Lady Jin got a better look as the frogman turned his horse when five nomad men on horses charged into the three attackers. The frogman’s hands magically transformed into sword blades. He quickly killed two nomads as he rode by them. One of his blades changed back into a hand, so he could turn his horse around. One attacker had also fallen to his death and turned into bones. It reminded her of the frogman that had attacked her in the cave. It had blades for hands too.

Come on! Lady Jin shouted. She led her comrades after the enemy. Several more ghouls on horses came to help the frogman, who appeared to her to be their leader.

Lady Jin jumped on the back of a horse and wrestled with the ghoul rider. Eventually, he fell off after she’d beaten him in the back of his head with her sword’s pommel a dozen times. The ghoul’s horse smelled dead and rotten, which it was, so she leaped off it. She gave the ghoul a death blow with the edge of her sword and he turned into bones. She looked up to see the frogman calling his comrades to flee the nomads’ camp, and they rode off into the darkness. Black Fox led nine men up to where she was with the rest of their comrades.

Did we lose anyone, Black Fox?

We lost Peng. He pointed back. He was with us.

I think he’s the only one we lost. Lady Jin sighed and turned to Nü. We must bury him.

Lady Jin?

She turned at the call of her name to see Swift Eagle on a black horse surrounded by twelve well-armed nomads on horseback, including his wives. She pointed at the bones.

Those were the ghouls I warned you about, Lady Jin said.

I see, Swift Eagle said. The cursed things have come into our lands and yours.

Will they be back? Golden Water asked.

Most likely they are after me, Lady Jin said. Where is White Dove? I need to talk to her.

They left as Swift Eagle and his men went about guarding his camp in case the ghouls returned. She entered White Dove’s tent with Red Dove and Nü. She quickly told White Dove what had happened.

A frogman? White Dove said. That sounds like Wizard Ban’s magic.

You’ve heard of him? Lady Jin frowned. Do you know him?

Oh, yes, White Dove said. I taught him magic. Long, long ago when he was a boy.

"What?"

The biggest mistake I ever made in my life. White Dove sighed as she dry-washed her hands.

That was long ago, my dear, Red Dove said. He stepped forward and hugged White Dove. You couldn’t have known what he would become.

I shouldn’t have. White Dove smiled down at Red Dove.

I need your help, White Dove, Lady Jin said. I need you to teach me how to use the sword.

No, White Dove said. It is time for you and your friends to go, Lady Jin.

White Dove sat down and was silent. Red Dove sighed and looked up at Lady Jin. He waved outside the tent and they left.

She will be of no help now, Red Dove said. We’d just as well leave.

What? She…. Lady Jin tried to speak.

Let’s get the horses, Red Dove said. And go.

Lady Jin frowned, but did so. After getting their horses, they got their tents down and packed up. They buried Peng before leaving. They rode away from what was once the nomad camp. The nomads had also packed up their camp. They actually were faster, and soon the nomads were riding off into the desert as Lady Jin and her comrades went in the other direction.

#

Maybe we should’ve gone with the nomads, Lady Jin told Red Dove.

Why? Red Dove said. What more do you need of them? Have you changed your mind about marrying Swift Eagle?

No. Lady Jin snorted. I want White Dove to teach me how to use this magic sword that she gave me.

I can teach you that, Red Dove said. Actually, the way to use it isn’t too much different from the shield. In a way, you already know how to use it.

What? Lady Jin frowned. Are you sure?

Yes.

I don’t know.

You shouldn’t doubt yourself like that, Lady Jin.

Lady Jin didn’t reply.

Gong returned to them after scouting in search of the nomads. Lady Jin wiped her forehead as Gong approached her.

I couldn’t find them, ma’am. Gong waved in the direction from which she’d come. It’s like they vanished into thin air. I don’t know how they did it. Was it White Dove?

No, Red Dove said. It’s old nomad magic.

Nomad magic. Lady Jin frowned. I’ve never heard of such things. Some of their shamans are powerful, but-

Nomad shamans of the desert can teleport a tribe a couple of miles away, Red Dove said. It’s how they can easily escape from the armies of your people.

Really? Lady Jin replied with a hand on her hip. I never knew that, though I lived among them for a few years.

Shall we continue to hunt for them? Black Fox said. Or can we return to Guanxibo?

Lady Jin frowned at him, then sighed. Guanxibo, I guess.

They rode back to the oasis city, where they purchased some needed supplies such as water for their journey back to Guanxibo in Zhao.

#

Lady Jin glanced back at the oasis city. They’d gone far enough away that she could barely make out what it was. Just a blur now. Green Mo was riding far up in front of them to scout this time. Talia was riding far to the rear of them to be sure no one sneaked up on them from behind. Lady Jin caught sight of something heading their way from the northeast. Green Mo must have also seen it, for he turned his horse to arc around to get a better look at what it was. Then she saw him turn his horse and gallop towards them. He slowed, then stopped his horse by hers.

I saw horse riders headed this way. Green Mo pointed back at the cloud of dust that was coming. Looks like they outnumber us five to one.

Damn it! Lady Jin frowned, then looked at Black Fox. What do you think?

Could you tell if they were human or ghouls? Black Fox said to Green Mo.

No idea, Green Mo said. His horse looked tired to Lady Jin after Green Mo had galloped back to them.

Go get on a fresh horse, Lady Jin said.

Green Mo nodded and went to do so.

I think we should surrender immediately, Red Dove said.

What if they don’t give us that option? Black Fox said.

We’ll soon see. Lady Jin looked with worry at the riders coming in. She’d already lost one man in the ghoul attack on the nomads, and she didn’t want to lose anyone else. She could make them out more clearly now. They were figures on horses. Ghouls? Human? Soon she could see their leader was green, and it wasn’t his clothes, but his skin that was green. The frogman from before!

Ghouls! Black Fox spat on the ground when he said it.

The ghouls slowed their dead horses to a walk and approached the humans slowly.