There were only a few hours left in their journey when the sun rose. It had felt like forever, and the sun rise only made Li Mei feel like a stranger in a foreign land. By all rights, she was – they were deep in Burmese Territory.

The cart had been moving slowly, and Li Mei alternated between riding and walking. It had been a long ride to their destination, but she did have a companion – Nortarus, the Dragon Commander of Shang. He was distinguished in the war room, and had countless victories against those they were now rolling towards, but he was certainly... passionate. And crude. But it was better to have a companion on this trip than none at all. Nortarus would serve.

She was sitting in the cart, looking east, to her home, watching the sun rise. She looked down in her hands – the spike was there. That damned spike from all those years ago. The task for which she was sent to Burma required it. Even as she thought about the task, the wool of her gown itched. It was the gown of a Taoist monk.

The simple irony of it all – trying to reconcile her beliefs with her task as she wore the clothing of a holyman. A crisis of faith in the guise of one solidified on it. She could not shake the belief that this was wrong, this was a figment of times long gone. She was no barbarian… was she?

And yet, barbarianism surrounded them. The Burmese rejected their countless peace offerings, and this whole land was becoming a warzone. Was this not madness? Even if it was, was it not wrong to steep to their level? Had they not sworn off these times, become enlightened to a better time? But those times were better – the gods had answered her. The spike had brought her answers. But could they no-

Wait.

Was that doubt?

Being allowed to spread, like a sickness in her mind?

No.

She would crush it.

She knew what she had to do. She looked at her spike once more, just to affirm it. Yes, the task was at hand, and she would do it. For the Emperor.

The gates of Bagan came up before them. She pulled her hood over her head. It was time to get some answers.