[Suggested song for this chapter – Oogway Ascends by Hans Zimmer and John Powell]
"Miss Mei," one of a pair of Empire scouts bowed his head respectfully in her direction, and she knew this must be one of Bai Li's men. They all knew her on sight.
"Good afternoon Sir," she replied. "This is my fifth brother, Mei Sunren," she introduced Fifth to them.
"Young Master Mei," the men now bowed to Fifth. "Your matter must be urgent to ride all the way out here to meet us before our return to the capital. All of your brothers are already here of course."
"It is an urgent matter," Fifth agreed. "Please take my sister and I to Commander Bai immediately."
"Yes Sir!" the men turned their horses and lead the way back to the main body of troops, Meili and Fifth cantering close behind them.
The minutes that passed felt both short and long to Meili, as they rode northwards until the long trail of men, horses and supplies came into sight up ahead.
