LIAO TRAILED SEVERAL paces behind Shui and the Nubian as they made their way to the square where the evening’s celebrations were taking shape. In the distance, they could hear the boasting of warriors whose skills had enabled them to advance to the next day’s round of competition. The clanking of glasses, full to overflowing with vintage Baijiu from Gengshi’s own cellars, could be heard from every quarter. There was much to celebrate in spite of any misgivings held by Liao.
Although several warriors had been eliminated from the competition, they had cursed well and fought well in defeat. There was, after all, no dishonor in losing to a superior enemy. At Hainan Island, that meant a superior competitor. It was one of the few times a Han warrior could accept defeat with honor. And it was an
