The messenger arrived at a full run, breathless, cutting through camp before dawn.
"Su Wan's compound," he gasped. "It's under attack. Right now."
Wei Liang was up instantly. "How many attackers."
"Don't know exact numbers," the messenger said. "Just that it's bad. She sent me the moment it started."
They rode hard, the whole group pushing horses fast through the dark, reaching Su Wan's compound as the first gray light of morning broke over the walls. Smoke already rose from one corner of the building.
"Split," Wei Dong called out, already directing. "Garrow, Liu Che, take the east side. Wei Liang, with me on the main gate."
They hit the gate fast, finding it already breached, bodies of Su Wan's guards scattered across the courtyard. Wei Liang's chest tightened at the sight.
"Keep m
