"Bandits?" The word hit Xiao Zhi like a slap. She felt her breath catch and her hands go cold.
Ruhan immediately sprang to his feet. "We move. Now," he ordered.
The horses neighed nervously as if they knew the tension building up in the air. The desert that seemed silent moments ago now felt alive. Shadows shifted in the darkness, and every sound seemed to have become louder.
Ruhan and Duran moved fast, gathering their belongings and stepping into the carriage. Xiao Zhi swallowed hard, climbing in after them.
She clutched the edge of the carriage window tightly, trying to steady herself as Duran maneuvered the horses. Her pulse hammered in her chest.
This isn't in the story, is it? she thought frantically. She had only skimmed the manuscript and read the outline of the novel. She had no details for most of the part, especially this. How could she know what came next?
This time, Ruhan took a position at the front of the carriage, and Duran sat beside him. They both scanned the darkness ahead, listening to every sound. Xiao Zhi clutched her knees, trying to calm her rising panic.
The horses stomped, sending sand flying. Each jolt of the carriage made her stomach lurch. Her mind raced. If she never read this part of the story, how could she know what to do?
Xiao Zhi could hear the horses stamping, the sand kicking up around them. She gripped the side, praying the ground would not swallow her whole.
Then, a sharp whistle split the air, sudden and high. As if it was a warning signal for them to brace themself.
Men on horseback seemed to appear from the darkness like smoke, a black line closing in around them. Two riders thundered up from behind and caught them in seconds, while others cut them off ahead. Duran slammed the reins and brought the horses to an abrupt halt.
"Get off the carriage!" a rough voice barked.
The carriage suddenly stood at the center of a ring of mounted men. Duran's jaw tightened. "Who are you, and what do you want?" he demanded.
"We want all your belongings," the man replied. "Now get off the carriage quietly, and you will not be harmed."
"Like you would!" Duran stood up and was ready to fight. His hand was on his sword. But then Ruhan's hand stopped him.
"Easy," he said, his voice low. "We will follow your orders. No need to spill blood."
Xiao Zhi's heart pounded so hard she thought she might pass out. Ruhan, by contrast, moved with an unnerving calm. He stepped down from the carriage and signaled for Xiao Zhi and Duran to do the same. "Princess, let's step down."
"Stay with me," he told her quietly, close enough for only her to hear. "Do exactly as I say."
"You can take whatever you want," Ruhan said aloud to the man on the horse. Judging by the way he carried himself, Ruhan assumed he was the bandit leader. "Just leave us some food, water, and a horse," his voice steady.
The leader glanced at Ruhan."Just food, water, and a horse, huh?" The voice sounded close enough to make Xiao Zhi's heart stop. "You are generous for a wealthy carriage."
Ruhan did not flinch. "We offer what we can. Take it, and leave us be."
The leader's eyes swept the men quickly. Then he flicked his head toward his men and the carriage. It was a subtle motion, but clear to them. His men moved at once, spreading out to search the carriage while keeping their eyes on Ruhan and Duran.
Xiao Zhi watched them with a mix of panic and confusion. One bandit rifled through the bundles and tossed a water pouch onto the sand.
"Here you go," he said, as if presenting a prize.
Ruhan stepped forward. "Only water?" he asked. "What about food and a horse?"
The leader's laugh was sharp. "Have you ever heard a robber negotiate with his victim?" he mocked. He raised his voice so the men could hear. "Look, boys. These nobles argue over crumbs." They all laughed in unison.
Ruhan stepped forward slightly, keeping his voice even. "This carriage holds gold, fine cloth, and jewelry, but we ask only for food to last a few days and a horse for the lady."
"And what will you do if we refuse?" the leader asked mockingly.
"This lady here is the princess of Hua," Ruhan said calmly, pointing at Xiao Zhi. "If you kill us, the Hua Empire will hunt your head. You will not be able to escape their wrath."
A snort of laughter came from the leader. "Bold words for a nobleman! And you think threats will sway me? My men and I take what we want. We're not afraid of Hua."
Duran's face tightened. He reached for his sword, fingers already on the hilt.
"Don't," Ruhan said sharply, stepping toward him. "Not yet."
But Duran could not hold back. He took out his sword swiftly, then metal flashed in the moonlight. Seeing Duran's threatening move, a bandit dove at him with a short blade. Duran moved with lethal precision, catching the attacker and sending him sprawling into the sand. Another assailant swung his sword, but Duran intercepted and drove him back.
Ruhan did not stand idle. He moved to shield Xiao Zhi, stepping between the fighters and the carriage where she crouched in fear.
Xiao Zhi's mind raced. She could see Duran fighting with skill, but even he was pressed. She feared that they would lose this fight.
"Stay low! Keep your head down!" Ruhan pulled her closer and ducked with her. Arms around her as if trying to protect her.
Then, out of the chaos, a hand shot up and grabbed her from behind. She gasped, the air cut from her chest.
Ruhan spun. He shoved a bandit away and swung at the attacker. Unfortunately, he was unarmed, and the bandit dodged effortlessly. Another bandit grabbed Ruhan's sleeve and pulled him down. Ruhan twisted free, and he hit the man, hard enough to stagger him back.
"Let go of her!" Duran shouted, driving another bandit off with a heavy strike.
Ruhan tried to reach Xiao Zhi, to pull her in toward him. His hand brushed her shoulder for a second, and he felt the small, hot tremble of her body. He wrapped an arm around her and pulled, trying to drag her to safety. But they were outnumbered greatly. Another bandit yanked him out of his grip and shoved a knife against Xiao Zhi's throat.
"Move, or she dies!" he hissed, his voice close in her ear, and she felt the cold metal on her neck.