Three riders hit the eastern trade road before Wei Liang finished reading the letter twice, hooves pounding hard enough that Brigh heard them from the watchtower and sounded the alarm before anyone reached the gate.
"Not another assault," Xu said quickly, sensing the difference in rhythm, in intent. "These aren't attacking. They're running from something."
Wei Liang reached the gate as the lead rider collapsed off his horse, robes torn, a deep gash across his ribs still bleeding freely. Liu Che arrived seconds later, recognizing the man's uniform immediately.
"Alliance court courier," Liu Che said, kneeling fast beside him. "What happened."
The courier gasped through blood in his throat. "Ambushed. Three days out from the court's seat. Whoever hit us wore the same mark as your letter.
