They reached the border by the following afternoon. A day and a half since leaving the capital. Much faster than any if the previous trips.
Fu Ling was fully recovered unlike the last time he made this trip and Wei Tingche was able to keep up with him fir some reason.
The wind was fierce, slicing across the open plains like a blade. Ahead, the horizon trembled with smoke.
Fu Ling tightened the reins, the black horse beneath him surging forward with powerful strides. His body moved easily with the rhythm.
"Keeping up?" Fu Ling called, voice half-teasing, half-testing.
Wei Tingche's lips curved faintly. "Should I slow down for you?"
Fu Ling huffed, eyes flicking back to the rising smoke ahead. "Save your breath for fighting."
The moment they crested the ridge, the battlefield unfolded before them.
