Chapter 2: A Rise to Power

[Muskrat]

Mei-Li nods following Xun-Wen's question. She is reluctant to leave this place--she finds its strange inhabitants intriguing and she is feeling drained by the betrayal by her parents. She looks closely at Bao Bao and asks, "What does he know?"

[TetNak]

"The Mighty Bao Bao listens to the rocks and the trees and the wind, young girl," he says, his mouth opening and pushing his chin down to cause many others to fold underneath. "They speak of soldiers walking across them, hunting, always looking. Looking for you."

Yu explains, "That is his trick, if you will, as I said, we each have ours. Now, let us not delay further."

[Hayabusa]

"The Tongs, Mistress Yu," Xun-Wen repeats again. "They were the first who told me and maybe Mei-Li about the Dragon's Eye cult and they declared that they'd stand against them and even help anyone who would fight them."

[TetNak]

OOC

Whoops

"The Tongs, yes," Yu says, "Their stronghold was captured and the father and son were place under arrest by Lu Bu, the Warlord of that region." She gives a look of apology. "I am sorry. They were long on the cult's list of people to do away with. Let us hope they are still alive."

[Muskrat]

Mei-Li looks even grimmer at Bao Bao's words, but just nods in response. She then turns to Xun-Wen. "We have an obligation to the Tongs. After we get our own people to safety, we must rescue them." She turns back to Yu. "Tell us where Lu Bu's fortress is, so that we may free the Tongs--or at least try--and then we will be on our way."

[Shurijo]

Anming hasn't met the Tongs, but would feel obligated to assist if needed. The young monk is anxious to return to the monastery to see his mentors and friends. He hopes that there, he might be able to quieten his mind and mediate on the events that have unfolded over the last several days.

[TetNak]

"Ten leagues past the Wild Wood," Yu says, "He has a manor there, and a small army. He is charismatic and puts forward a very different face than who he truly is." She looks to Xun-Wen, "Where Bao-Shi is Lord of Bamboo Gorge and Quon Da, Lu Bu is Lord of Bei Li and, technically, the Two Rivers." Yu waves the trio away, "Now go, there is no more time!"

[Muskrat]

Mei-Li bows deeply to these four delightfully strange people, like characters out of an old tale. "Thank you for your help. We will try to be worthy of it. And if Song Jian makes it here, extend our deepest thanks to him as well." She looks at Xun-Wen and Anming and asks, "Are you ready?" Assuming they do not argue, Mei-Li begins taking the way out of the valley that Yu has indicated.

[Hayabusa]

"Yes I am," Xun-Wen says and stretches his limbs. He grabs his staff and is read to go like that. He's not carryine much else as he never prepared anything for a longer journey. "The Tongs have the same bad luck as us. Especially Tong Fei since we just freed him from another prison. Of course I'll help you free him again though I think that it will be much harder this time."

[Shurijo]

Anming nods that's he is ready to Mei-Li. The monk stands with his arms crossed his chest and his hands in the opposite arm's sleeve.