### 74

‘Arrest her!’ commands Captain Chan. Immediately, two of his troopers move forward and seize the woman by her arms. She curses them vilely, and then she vents her spleen on Chai and the imperial house of Xo-lin. Chan orders Trooper Yankin to be released at once, and he apologizes to the man for ever having doubted his loyalty.

‘What will become of her now?’ asks Princess Mitzu, as Shavane is led away, kicking and screaming. ‘She shall be banished to the plains,’ replies Chan. ‘We will leave her behind tomorrow, without food or water. She can go seek succour from the enemy.’

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