Mingzhe had reluctantly returned to his forces several after rushing to Eirian’s aid. both he and Chenzhou had waited those several days to make sure the tribes weren’t going to try again before Eirian’s army was ready, but once her strength had returned, there was no legitimate reason to stay.

It was the first time he’d ever felt a true reluctance to return to his duties. Especially since it seemed like Eirian was having an issue with one of her sub-commanders. Mingzhe didn’t know much about Wen Chunhan or even about the Wen family, but they were clearly alligned with the Yang’s.

He sought out Yang Hikari as soon as he’d returned and the troops that had accompanied him were send off to rest.

He’d left Hikari in charge when he’d headed north, although the commander hadn’t been completely onboard with his choice to go. He found the other man bent over the days reports in the command tent and a look of relief came over his pointed features when Mingzhe swept the curtains aside and entered.

“Finally. I was worried you’d been ambushed on the way back.” Hikari rose to great him, bowing, and after a moment of hesitation, stepped aside to let Mingzhe take the seat that was rightfully his. “You look exhausted. You should get some rest. I can finish the rest of this.”

But Mingzhe was too wired from the trip to sleep just yet and shook his head as he took his seat. “Did anything happen while I was gone?”

“Nothing important.” Hikari took a seat across from him, dragging a chair over from the planning table next to their travel atlas. “Three patrols encountered small tribal forces, but the skirmishes were short, with minimal losses on either side.”

One knot of worry in Mingzhe’s chest unwound and released.

There were still a dozen more left, but one less was something.

“The reports are here.” Hikari moved a pile of scrolls closer to Mingzhe’s hands. “I set them aside with my own observations. I know you’ll want to read them.”

Mingzhe mustered up a smile. “Thank you.” He picked up one of the scrolls and broke the seal with his nail.

“How did things go up north?” Hikari had been Mingzhe’s friend since they were teenagers and he’d heard more than most about Mingzhe’s frustrations with Lord Ye before Eirian and before Lord Ye had become Chenzhou. He’d been wary of the changes in Mingzhe and Chenzhou’s relationship, worried about a friend and Mingzhe did appreciate it, but he also didn’t like anyone weighing in on his relationships without him asking them too.

“They went fine.” Mingzhe sighed. “The battle ended not long after we arrived.”

“Then you made the difference.” Hikari smiled, encouraging. “You made the right choice to go.”

Mingzhe looked up from the report of the first skirmish. “I know. I think she would have won regardless. The tribes were in complete chaos and disorder and it’s nearly impossible to come back from that in a pitched battle. Eirian’s magic made a measurable difference.”

Hikari frowned at the mention of her magic. “I see…It was lucky they choose her force to attack then.”

Mingzhe frowned. “I don’t know. It seems to coincidental that they’d attack the one force led by the least experienced commander.”

“You think that’s why they chose her, not the magic?”

“Her magic is not well known. At least, not outside the Camelia.” Mingzhe put down the scroll, pensive. “The tribes don’t have much to do with magic. And according to Eirian and her forces, they were very surprised when she displayed her magic. after they saw it, Eirian said it was like they lost their minds, attacking without thought or care.”

Hikar leaned back, chin resting on his fist as he thought. “The tribes are simple-minded. And traditional. They avoid change and really, anyone who doesn’t share their lifestyle.