19 Shadows in the Rain
The rain had been falling since dawn, turning the streets into rivers of mud. Inside the small roadside inn, Wei Liang lay pale and weak under a quilt, her breath shallow.
"I'll go," Wang San said, tying his sword to his belt. "Senior Sister needs medicine and food. You—" he looked at Wei Xie, "—take care of her."
Wei Xie didn't respond, his eyes fixed on the rain outside.
Grabbing an oil-paper umbrella, Wang San stepped into the downpour. The cold bit into his skin immediately, but he pressed on, boots splashing through puddles. The apothecary's warm light spilled onto the street, a beacon in the gray world.
He bought the medicines, added a bundle of steamed buns, and turned to leave — but then he froze.
Through the curtain of rain, armored figures emerged from the mist. The red-and-orange insignia gleamed faintly even in the dim light. Ling Clan guards.
They walked straight toward him.
Wang San's hand went to his sword hilt, knuckles tightening. The patter of rain on his umbrella seemed deafening in the moment of stillness.
But as they drew closer, one of the men suddenly barked, "Come here."
A boy stepped out from the shadows behind them — not Wang San, but someone else entirely. The guards moved on without sparing him a glance.
Only when they were gone did Wang San let out the breath he'd been holding. He turned and walked quickly back to the inn, rain soaking the edges of his robe.
Inside, he set the medicine and food beside Wei Liang. "Where's Wei Xie?" he asked.
Wei Liang's eyes widened. "I… I don't know. He was here a moment ago."
A knot of dread twisted in Wang San's stomach. He grabbed his sword again, heart pounding.
"Stay with Sister," he said over his shoulder, already heading for the door. "I'll find him."