Xiao Mian was very self-sufficient. Every day, she started with a strong tea, to which she added dried berries for energy and nutrients but gathered fresh ones from the area of each campsite if they were available. Auntie Wen Qing had taught her well as they hiked mountains and fields in and around Yunmeng and Gusu, looking for what plants could add to the clinic's pharmacy or the larder at the bungalow. She ate biscuits from home to fill her up. She exercised, stretched, meditated, and started as soon as the light of morning began to show her a clear way in the general directions on the map she had stolen from Anshi.

A'Qiang followed at a discreet distance. He didn't want to interfere, but he kept her within eyesight at all times, although he had rounded a creek bed once as she lowered herself into a warm spring. Her back had been turned towards him and she had already submerged to her hips. He stopped abruptly and stood frozen until the scolding from a noisy squirrel forced him to move shakily away. He had, until that moment, always idealized Xiao Mian, and placed her on a goddess-like pedestal untouchable for a callow youth like him. His glimpse of a pure, white back, shimmering in dappled sunlight, shocked him and made him very uncomfortable. Uncomfortable enough that he felt a little tight under his tunic and had to adjust his clothing. This was new and despite (or maybe because of) this shift in his point of view, it increased his irritation with her. Who did she think he was, a mere nothing without feelings? He loved her deeply; he had only himself to blame. He allowed her to set the ground rules when they were ten; it was too late now to slip back into a child-like innocence. Adulthood was approaching and the dynamics were beginning to change with the onset of hormones which were feeding new and more mature reactions. He was finding that he wanted her in ways he never thought of before and he was frightened and confused by these intense, and most elemental feelings. As he strove to control the war within, he still stayed as focused as possible to protect her.

The first two days were uneventful but on the third, around twilight, as he observed her making an evening meal and laying out her bedroll, he caught a quick flash of a lens on a ridge across from her. He watched carefully, and soon realized that some other person up there was spying on her, and the hair rose on the back of his neck. He tamped down the natural urge to run to her side right away. He had the advantage of seeing the possible danger and he had no idea if it involved friend or foe. As he brought out his spyglass and made sure the dying sunlight did not reveal his presence, the figure on the ridge had suddenly become at least four figures and his concern grew immediately. If they were a danger, that danger had increased greatly just now.

He was now fearful for her safety. And that fear was mixing with anger. At her for following her obsession and not using the intelligence that he knew she had. Anger at himself for indulging her to this point. As soon as the sun dipped into the lilac time, he began his descent towards her camp, keeping an eye on any sign of the four people across the small valley. He moved silently, using all of the training he had received from his brother and uncles. He entered her camp stealthily and positioned himself a few yards away, watching as she devoured a large bowl of noodles. He cleared his throat and she stood and whirled to face him, sliding her sword from her scabbard and holding it in front of her, eyes steely and determined. She exhaled sharply when she saw him.

"What in the hell are you doing here, uninvited.?"

"Where the hell are you going, uninvited?" He stood there rigidly and glared back,

"Obviously, you figured it out. You know where I am going."

"You are in danger. Four men are observing you, and now me, from the ridge across from you. If you look closely, they intend to stay. They have just lit a small fire just below the other side of the ridge, See the faint plume of smoke against the sky?"

She stared at him with narrowed eyes. "Play along." She walked over and wrapped slender arms around him. "We are lovers. OK? This is a secret assignation."

She moved her head closer, and he stood, petrified as she tilted her head to the side. From afar it would look like a kiss. They stayed motionless for a moment. He could feel her warm breath caress his lips, so near, so tempting. He trembled under her touch. She smiled a bit mischievously. Not fair, not fair. His anger surged. He took a step backward and stood tall and rigid.

"Do not do that again."

"Why not? It was a good way to ease their suspicions."

"Find another way next time. I am not a toy you can do that to and then turn away. "

Xiao Mian's eyes widened in surprise. He was angry with her. Actually, angry with her. The nerve, the utter gall!

"You followed me, not the other way around."

"And it is a good thing I did. Three days out and you already have brigands or slave hunters on your trail."

She took his hand in both of hers, just like besotted woman would, and led him to the fire. "Sit. And so, what? I can handle a sword well enough. I did not want or ask for your help, did I?"

"No. You did not. You just snuck around. Lied to everyone who loves you."

"I just wanted to..."

"You just wanted Anshi. A man who does not want you."

Stung she shot back.

"I do. He is all I want. I will show him that I am perfect for him. And I don't care what you or anyone else thinks..."

"What. What do you think he will do? He will be furious with you and deservedly so."

She was astonished. He reminded her of someone right now. Her father, Lan Zhan. That was it. His ears were red and his face was like stone in his displeasure.

"I don't care. I just need to talk with him."

"No. You don't care. You betrayed us all. My mothers, my younger sister, and your mentor Auntie Qing. Your fathers will be worried sick. I am glad I left a letter for them at the bungalow."

She stood up swiftly, infuriated. "You what?"

"Yes. They will find it when they return. "

She smiled. "Good. that gives me time to find Anshi. They are in Lotus Pier for a few days."

"And you are stuck with me until then. Afterward, he can figure out how to get you home. This is the last time I have your back when you do something stupid. All you do is hurt people and not give a damn about who you hurt."

"Well, at least I don't stand around like a little puppy letting someone hurt me."

The words were out and could not be taken back. The stricken look on his face was terrible. Equally awful was the way she could see him shut down. She had taken it too far.

"A'Qiang. I am sorry..."

He swallowed the lump in his throat. He bowed once and then said, "A'Qiang is an informal endearment. I would prefer that only those who actually care for me use my name in that way. You will use Qiang from now on. Please go to bed. I will watch through the night."

He turned his back on her. Only after she silently went to her bedroll, did he reach up and wipe the tears from his face.