Chapter 8
That anyone was able to stand for the second day's competition was nothing short of miraculous. The first match of the second day was scheduled for sunrise. The drinking, singing and storytelling ended at only half an hour prior. Yes, there was partying as well, but Hans preferred to think of it as celebrating. Not a few verses of song were offered in respect to Liao for his third-round performance. And as was true so often in his life, Liao had to be dragged along to the festivities.
When Shui had entered Liao's chamber following their return from the final match of the day, he found the younger man cleaned and dressed in his sleeping attire. The older man first shook his head in disbelief and then began to bellow in laughter. “Liao,” he said to the startled Han, “why the long
