Garrow's hand went to his blade the instant Fen's honor guard shifted formation, six men spreading into a loose semicircle around the group's approach. Wei Liang caught his wrist before steel cleared the sheath.
"Not yet," Wei Liang said quietly. "He wants a conversation first, or we'd already be fighting."
"He's had days to prepare this welcome," Liu Che said, low and tense. "Whatever he wants to say, he's chosen the ground and the moment. Stay sharp."
Fen studied them all with the same mild expression, unbothered by Garrow's hand still resting near his hilt. "You've had an eventful journey. Two ambushes, I understand, and neither one managed to slow you down. Impressive, for a labor disciple and a handful of allies."
"Your ambushes," Wei Liang said.
"Not mine specifically." Fen's sm
