Shan Yu took a deep breath with a smile as he looked around. Chine was his for the taking and there was no one there to stop him. He turned to see Nergui asleep beside him. It was still early and he had allowed his army to rest. They had a long journey ahead of them to get to the Imperial City.
"No…"
Shan Yu looked down to see Nergui kicking her legs. Her face was twisted, almost in horror. She was having a nightmare.
"Ho'elun…"
He gently laid his hand on her shoulder, watching her body settle down. Nergui opened her eyes and looked up at him.
"Dreaming again?" Shan Yu asked.
"Every time I close my eyes, all I see is his face" she sighed. "I miss my little boy."
"We both miss him", he said.
Nergui sighed as she sat up looking around the campsite. The sun was beginning to rise, so there was no point in going back to sleep.
"How long will it take to reach the Imperial City?" Nergui asked.
"Weeks", Shan Yu said. "Months maybe."
She sighed as she started loading the bags onto the saddle of their horse. Shan Yu picked at the fire, keeping it burn a little longer.
"What are you thinking about?" she asked, watching him.
"Just thinking about our next route", he explained. "I want to get through these lands as quickly as possible."
"What's the rush?"
"All of China knows we're here now", Shan Yu said. "They're going to send their troops, and it's only going to slow us down. The faster we move, we can avoid any distractions and get to the emperor."
"You mean besides taking over villages?" Nergui asked. "Remember, I don't to kill any women or children. We're not monsters."
He laid his hand on her shoulder and kissed the top of her head. The two of them looked up as Hayabusa screeched, flying over the camp. The men started to wake, seeing their leaders up and ready to go. Campfires were put out and equipment were packed up.
"I hope you're all well-rested", Shan Yu said. "We'll be riding nonstop until nightfall."
He pulled himself onto his horse and pulled Nergui on with him.
"Ride south!" he ordered.
The men climbed onto their horses, following their leader into the mountains ahead.