Chapter 4

Renshu felt as if he were in a weakened state when he woke up the next morning. As he got himself ready to face the day, his movements were dragged out, as if he were exerting himself. He couldn't understand it at first, but he had a gut feeling that it had something to do with what he had seen in his dream last night. It wasn't even so much the vision of his homeland, or of Tao, or even of the Wolf Boss that vexed him. It was something else, and he was far from comfortable admitting just what it was. He vowed to shake himself of the thought, dismissing it as an uncomfortable dream - which is exactly what it was.
He fastened his shoulder-strap, adjusted it, and proceeded toward the door. Taking a deep breath, he opened it and went downstairs.

As he expected, Jia was already there preparing breakfast. He stared at her as she went about her preparations.
He took a seat at the table. As she heard the light scrape of the chair against the floor, she turned and gave a slight smile. "Good morning, Renshu."

"Hardly," he murmured. Then cleared his throat and said, "Listen. I have a plan to go to Gongmen Jail to see if my friends are there. If the guards know I'm here, then I have to leave the city as soon as possible, risks aside."

"Hmm." She set down a few cups at the table. "What's your plan?"

"I'll travel there by night to see if they're there."

"Well..." her eyes widened and she placed her hooves on her hips, "that does seem a bit risky. Don't you think that plan is a little...careless?"

He frowned. "There's no other way to do it. I have no resources at my dispense, no one to help me, and nothing to lose but my freedom." He understood, of course, the irony of that statement. Ever since he had arrived back at Gongmen City, his lifestyle had been anything but free.

"But you do have someone to help you," she said.

"I know..." he mumbled. "No offense, missy, but what could you possibly do to help me?"

"Well you have..." she looked down, clasping her hooves and looking uneasy, "you have me on your side. It may not be much, but it has to count for something, doesn't it?"

He looked skeptical, but said nothing; only gazed at her with a mixture of gratitude and doubt. The astute little sheep said, "I may not be a warrior, but you don't have to be a great warrior to be useful...surely even you must know this."

"Right. Well, if that's the case, maybe I could use you tonight..." He stood up.

She looked flustered once again. "Tonight? You don't mean you're really going through with it, are you?"

"I meant exactly what I said," he growled.

"But..." she stumbled over her words, trying to think of something - anything - that might get him to listen to reason. "Renshu, I beg of you, please don't go through with this." She walked over to him and laid a gentle hoof on his arm. "I'm not saying that you should leave them there - if they are there. I only mean that you should devise a better plan." She thought for a moment, then, "What if I went to Gongmen Jail myself? I could see if they were there without the risk of being captured. After all, I'm not the vigilante."

The wolf sighed and rubbed his neck. "It's a good idea, but now you tell me: are you going to stroll in there asking the guards if some of your wolf friends had been taken prisoner?"

She glanced down. "No...in fact, I do have an idea. But it will require your trust."

He folded his arms. "How do I know you're not going to betray me?"

"Well, like I said, you'll kinda have to trust me. You can do that, or you can go yourself and almost certainly be caught."

He fixed her with his red eyes, staring her down for what seemed like a long time, before finally saying, "What's your plan?"

"I can go to the prison and see if your friends are there, but in secret. None of the guards will know I was ever there."

He shook his head. "Now you are trying to be a warrior, aren't you?"

"I'm trying to help you."

He let out a harsh breath. "You know what, fine. Go over there and see what you can do. If the worst comes to worst, better you ending up in there than me." He almost regretted saying those words, but stubbornly refused to acknowledge Jia's doleful eyes and hurt expression.

If it weren't for the fact that she would be rid of this wolf once and for all, she would have withdrawn her services right then and there - and even told him such, in no uncertain terms.

"You realize that even if your friends are there, I won't be able to get them out of prison, right?"

"You'd be saving me two visits, anyway." He stood up and dared to put a paw on her shoulder. "Listen, kidd - Jia. I'm grateful for your help. Just be sure not to get yourself in trouble, alright?"

She let out a shallow breath. "I'll do my best."

Jia had decided to assist her canine acquaintance that very night. Seeing as how she wasn't a criminal, she didn't need to change her guise or cover her face. This, she said, was the advantage of having her going out to scout the prison instead of him. One slip-up on his part would mean imprisonment for life. Even if she wasn't a martial artist, or even a very skilled fighter, it was still safer for her to venture out than him. And as she was by herself, walking the streets of the city alone, she inwardly begin to doubt the choices she'd made. Criminal or not, it was never a good thing to be caught skulking outside of a prison; it looked suspicious, even for someone as innocent-looking as her.

Her small hooves made little tapping sounds on the street as she passed house after house. Many windows were glowing softly from the inside with candlelight. Sometimes, the brief silhouette of a family could be seen from the streets, and she felt a little stab of wistfulness prick her heart. Though it hadn't been that long, she recalled the days when her and her sisters were more-or-less carefree - when they didn't have to worry about being at the mercy of an antagonistic wolf. She missed those days, and hoped that they would be back soon. Maybe, if everything worked out according to plan, her nightly endeavor would prove successful and get Renshu well on his way to leaving the city and the province altogether.

It seemed to her that a long while passed before she finally made it to the familiar area where the jail resided.

In the dark, she observed it, and slightly narrowed her eyes.

She remembered when Gongmen Prison had been a kung fu academy, and how it had changed when Lord Shen was ruling over the city. He had turned it into a prison, and for some reason, the new rulers never went back. Jia never understood why they didn't revert it back to the academy-slash-medicine shop that it once was. Her best guess was that the latest incident with Lord Shen had influenced their opinions, that somehow they felt safer (or would make the people feel safer) by keeping a prison in the city should any outlaw wander in and cause a disturbance.

Her pace slowed as she neared the now ominous-looking structure. It sat dark and glinting in the light of the moon; this was the closest she had ever been to it. Never in her life did she think she would have to be within miles of this place, and never did she want to. But, she reflected, life never really goes according to plan. Swallowing her anxiety, she stepped over to the closest wall and hoisted herself up. She took a breath and looked around. It didn't appear as if anyone noticed her, so she continued.

Truth be told, she didn't have an amazing plan as far as what she was going to do in order to find out who was in the prison. Gongmen City's inhabitants were, more or less, peaceful people, and as such, there never seemed to be a dire need for a jail of sorts. It should certainly make her job easier. But now she was focused on her next task, which was – hopefully – to find a window. If she could peek in without having to go through the trouble of actually sneaking into the jail (an idea she did not want to entertain in the least), she could be done and over with this task in no time.

Going slowly, she walked along the stone wall in search for a window, for any opening at all, through which she might be able to get a good view. As luck would have it, there was one small window situated on the opposite side of the structure, and she made her way toward it. She took yet another deep breath, crouched down, and tried to peer inside.

She saw a large, circular room with a few trappings, some furniture, and several empty cells. Not much more was inside – no guards, no prisoners, no nothing. This puzzled her, and for a minute she just sat there. It didn't look at all how she imagined Gongmen Jail to look, especially after the city was no longer under occupation. Now the kung fu masters were back at large and the palace was under their stewardship, she had always imagined that the jail would either be converted back to an academy or at least that it would be under some kind of administration...put to use somehow.

'I don't understand...' she said in a barely audible whisper. Whatever the case, it was clear that no one resided in this place and that Zhong and Bolin had somehow evaded capture, like Renshu. She shook her head and stood up.

There was nothing else she could do but make the long trek back home.

When she arrived, Renshu was pacing the room, looking rather impatient. As soon as she stepped in, he bombarded her with questions. "Well, what did you find? Were Zhong and Bolin there?"

Her face fell and she glanced at the floor. "No, they weren't." She forced herself to meet his gaze. "I'm sorry, Renshu. I climbed a wall and found a window to look through, and I did, but I didn't see anyone in there at all – not even the guards were there. There was nothing else I could do but come back."

He sighed, trying to keep his temper in check. "Well, are the guards out there still looking for me?"

She shook her head no. "I didn't see any guards out tonight. Maybe...maybe the rumors died down. Maybe there weren't enough witnesses to put the city on alert."

"Maybe. But maybe there were."

"I'll bet the guardians didn't believe them when they said they saw a wolf. It might have started a panic for a little while, but the streets were dead silent when I was out just now. Not a guard in sight."

He folded his arms and turned his eyes away from her. "I don't trust any of this."

She shrugged. "It could be worse. At least they haven't been searching everyone's house. This city is too big for them to do that anyway."

Lihua came into the room, looking not at all pleased. "So you're back," she said calmly. "You went through with it, didn't you?"

"Yes," Jia said.

"Well? What did you discover?"

"Renshu's friends aren't there. And there are no guards or patrols out in the streets."

Lihua sighed. Jia was surprised to note that she actually looked to be on the verge of tears. "Are you through helping this wolf yet, Jia?" Her voice quivered.

Jia wasn't at all sure how to answer that. Of course she wanted to help Renshu, for certain reasons, but it didn't appear that she did much to help him that night. She found out where Zhong and Bolin weren't, but not where they were.

"I...I don't know, Lihua."

Lihua stared at her younger sister for a moment, before giving a curt nod and retreating upstairs.

Jia sighed. She hated worrying her sister, and wished that the whole situation could just mend itself.

She felt a slight pat on her back. "Alright, kidd – Jia. I ought to thank you for what you did, but we haven't achieved much."

"I know..."

They seemed at a loss, both for words and for what to do next.

"Do you really need to find them before you leave? For all we know, they could be hiding in someone else's house, too."

"Don't think I haven't thought of that."

"If they're not in jail, it's a good possibility."

"I know it."

"What are you going to do?"

He faltered. "I can't go searching all the houses in the city to see if someone's hiding a wolf."

"No..."

"Maybe...my only choice is to go on without them. And hope that whatever's happened to them, they'll find a way to escape."

Staring at the floor once again, she said, "I'm sorry you couldn't find your friends. I'm sure that whatever happened, they're doing alright."

He gave her a strange look, but nodded nevertheless.

The sound of light, hurried steps told them that Shu was on the way. The small sheep appeared with a smile on her face and sat at the table. "What are we having for dinner, Jia?" she asked, unaware of the crestfallen look on her sisters' face.

"We'll have noodles, steamed vegetables, maybe a little rice..."

Shu faltered upon seeing her sister. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. We're just trying to figure something out."

Before saying another word, Renshu retreated to the guest room. Jia stared after him for a minute, sadness still plastered over her face.

"Well, I may as well start cooking now," she said to no one in particular. "How was business today?"

"We were busy," Shu said, turning a little in her seat. "Lihua sold a lot of nice clothing today. And guess what? Tomorrow, Miss Wen is going to show me how to make a new ornament."

Jia smiled as she took out a sauce pan. "That's good news."

"But I'm curious, Jia...how much longer is the wolf going to be here?"

"...I don't know." She glanced at Shu. "I tried to find out where his friends were...but they weren't where I thought they would be."

"And Renshu can't leave without his friends?"

"He doesn't want to."

"But he may have to?"

Jia nodded. She wondered why the situation was discouraging her so much. She knew that technically she was not required to help Renshu, or even get involved in the matter concerning his friends. All that he had ever demanded from them so far was a safe hiding place, which is what he got. The rest shouldn't have mattered to her. She didn't understand why there was any desire in her to help him. Maybe it was compassion born out of pity for his miserable existence. Maybe she really did believe that she could redeem this wolf.

She shook her head. She had to remember what Lihua said. After all, her sister's advice was correct; it wasn't their job to redeem Renshu of his villainous ways.

Her mind wandered back to the days she had spent with him in the marketplace. She marveled, silently, at the difference in Renshu from the first day he accompanied her to work, to the last few days. The change in him was subtle, almost imperceptible, but she sensed it very strongly. She still wasn't entirely comfortable around him, but there had been a change in her as well.

"Jia," Lihua's voice snapped the sheep out of her musing. She turned from her cooking. "I've made a decision, and I thought you should know about it."

Jia set down the spoon she held, giving Lihua her full attention.

"I'm going to speak with some of the guardians tonight, to ask them if they know anything about wolves in the city."

Jia tilted her head, not quite understanding what her sister was getting at.

Lihua continued, "We know where one is, but according to your friend," Jia blinked at the word "there are two others that are still missing. I can't take this secrecy much longer, Jia." She sighed, rubbing her temples. "I don't want to make this any more difficult than it already is, believe me...but something has got to be done."

The young sheep was at a loss for words. All she did was stare at her sister, wide-eyed.

Lihua, ever quick to pick up on her sister's feelings, said, "Jia, we tried. Well...you tried." She walked over to her and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "It's got to stop sooner or later."

"But what do you intend to do if you find out news about Renshu's friends?"

"Well, I don't have high hopes that the guardians will tell me anything, or even that they found anything out at all. But if they do, and if they're willing to tell me, then I will do my best to see that Renshu is reunited with the others and that he leaves our house once and for all."

"But...don't you think they – the guards – might become suspicious if you start asking them questions?"

Lihua shook her head. "No. They'll see me as an overly-paranoid sheep who's been worrying about wolves for days on end." She laughed.

"Not too far from the truth," Shu said, hopping over to stir the pot of rice.

"But Lihua, I'm afraid. What if we get ourselves in over our heads?"

"Consider it done," she scoffed. "We've been in over our heads ever since that wolf first set foot in this house!"

Jia lowered her head. "I know...but I still want to help him without getting us three in trouble, too."

Lihua sighed. "So do I...but that might be difficult. By all rights, we never should have agreed to hide Renshu in the first place."

Jia raised her head. "Do you think if we get caught, we'll be tried for treason?"

"Why? It's not our fault the wolf came in and threatened us. I'm sure if it did come to that, the guardians would believe our side of the story...which happens to be true, in case you've forgotten."

"I haven't forgotten."

Footsteps alerted them to the wolf's entrance.

He stared at each one of them in turn. "Have you three nanny goats decided my fate, yet?"

Lihua glanced at Jia, who glanced at the floor. Shu looked away from the rice and, as was ever her custom, attempted to lighten the mood that had taken over the room.

"Would you like some rice, Renshu?" she beamed, half-jokingly.

"Yes. Of course I would." He walked past the two older sheep and sat at table.

"It's almost done. We're having vegetables, too. Hope you're hungry," she said over the confection that was bubbling in the kitchen.

"Vegetables..." he grumbled, leaning his head in his paw. He wasn't the biggest fan of vegetables. When he was a pup, his mom had always tried getting him to eat the five basic food groups. She succeeded with all but greens. By now, the three sisters were very familiar with Renshu's dislike for vegetables, but he wasn't as picky as he used to be. Years of hardship had forced him to be less picky and more grateful for any and all food he could get, whether there was a shortage or not.

When the other two also sat down by the table, Renshu fixed them with a knowing gaze. "I know what you two are planning to do." He looked at Lihua. "What you said you're going to do. And I'm gonna tell you, I don't care. If they want to run me out of this city, all the better for me. I've spent too much time here as it is."

Shu came over and set a bowl of rice down in front of him.

"Thanks for leaving me to do the cooking, Jia," she teased.

Renshu picked up the chopsticks. He looked up at Jia this time, staring at her for far longer than she was comfortable with. "I guess I ought to thank you for helping me before I leave."

"Helping you...you mean -"

"Not about finding my friends. You didn't do that. I mean for letting me stay in your house." His expression actually softened somewhat. "It's been awhile since I've been able to stay in a nice room. If it weren't for Zhong and Bolin, I'd be tempted to stay. It's a joke," he added upon seeing their faces.

Jia looked at the rice her sister had set down for her. "You don't have to thank me...I mean...you did force us to take you in."

"Can't argue that." He looked up. "But...it would have been easy to get rid of me. You had your chance when I was spotted by the townspeople."

"...Maybe."

He narrowed his eyes and set down his chopsticks, as if an important question had just occurred to him. "Why didn't you?"

"...I...I'm not sure."

"You sure?"

"...No."

"Then why?"

"Because I wanted to help you," she said, meeting his gaze this time. "It just felt like the right thing to do."

He snorted and directed his attention back to the rice. "Do you always do the right thing?"

She shrugged. "I try to."

Shu came to sit with them, as everyone now had their serving of rice and vegetables. "Why don't you try it sometime, Renshu? It might improve your luck."

"Choices...have never been much of a luxury in my life." He said, almost under his breath.

Shu looked at him curiously. "Why not?"

"Don't ask. It's a long story. Point is, I always take orders from my boss."

"Where is your boss now?"

"I don't know. I, uh, never found out." He paused, unsure whether or not to go on, then decided it would do no harm. "The wolf in charge during this city's occupation was never found by any of us, so the next best warrior took charge."

"And why aren't you with him?" Jia asked.

"Because," he clenched a fist, "he wanted to go back to our homeland."

The three sisters exchanged glances. "And that's...bad?" Jia asked.

"It's terrible! We were subjugated there! And our luck there isn't bound to improve anytime soon."

She shook her head, delicate ears bobbing with the motion. "That has to be a long story."

"It is."

"I still don't understand what you were planning on doing without your people, though."

He became slightly uncomfortable. "Neither did I...and I still don't." He paused. "But not knowing what's in store for me is better than going back there."

"Is it really?"

"It is to me."

Evening carried on, and still no one seemed to be aware that they had lost track of time. Until a splitting yawn from Shu told them it was getting late.

"My goodness, where did the time go?" Lihua exclaimed. "We all should have been asleep long ago."

After everything was cleared up, the three sisters said their goodnights and retreated to their rooms. As usual, Renshu lingered and Jia was the last remaining.

As she headed up the stairs, she glanced back at him. "Aren't you tired?"

He rubbed his muzzle. "Well..."

"I hope you'll go to sleep soon. Tomorrow looks to be a very big day."

"Can I assume you're taking me to work tomorrow?"

She paused in mid-step. "Well, to be honest...I'm not sure of that, either." She looked at him. "With all of the commotion that's been going on lately, do you think it's safe?"

"I don't see that it could get any worse than it's already been."

"You could be spotted again, and seen by more people. That would be worse, wouldn't it?"

"I'd have an excuse to get out of this city as fast as I could."

She glanced down. "If you think it would be ok...then I wouldn't mind you coming with me tomorrow."

He stood up and walked over to her. "No, I wouldn't mind. But don't go spreading it around. It's bad enough I have to wear a mask – I don't want people thinking I've succumbed to the whims of a sheep, and a woman no less."

"You know that would be impossible," she said, trying to ignore his proximity to her, not to mention those sharp teeth. "Who would I tell but my sisters?"

"It was a joke. Don't take things so seriously, kiddo."

She didn't correct the nickname this time.

An awkward moment passed, and then he raised a paw to her face. Her eyes widened as he gently stroked her ear, then her face, with a tenderness she wouldn't have believed he possessed.

Her heartbeat quickened, and for a moment she didn't know what to do. Then, "I...I have to go." She turned away and dashed for her room.

Renshu wasn't offended. In fact he allowed himself a small laugh at her expense. Sheep were so easy to intimidate. More so because she was female.

He looked down at the paw that had caressed her. He traced it lightly, still feeling her soft fur against his own. He inhaled, allowing her scent to overtake him. Closing his eyes for a moment, he imagined what it might be like to...

'No, hold it, Renshu. Get a grip on yourself,' he scolded. Shaking his head, he decided that now would be a good time to catch up on some sleep – if sleep would come.

And, as had been the case for many a night, sleep didn't come easy. He found it hard to stop thinking about Jia.

He squinted his eyes and covered his face with a pillow. Almost not wanting to sleep now, for fear of what he might see in his dreams, he forced himself to think, instead, of how he might go about finding Zhong and Bolin. Perhaps Jia would come up with one of her bright ideas and offer some suggestions, come work day tomorrow.

At the thought of her name, he relaxed and finally drifted off to sleep. But not before picturing her face in his mind, one last time.

Lihua was the first to wake up the next day. She patiently waited for Shu and Jia before she headed out to accomplish her tasks.

"Shu, what time is Miss Wen expecting you?"

"In about thirty minutes."

"Alright. I'll see you here when I get home today."

"Are you going to the guardians?" Jia asked.

"Yes," Lihua nodded. "I'm sorry, Jia, but I think it's the right thing to do."

She nodded resignedly.

"Are you taking Renshu with you today?"

"I don't know."

"Well, this is one confusing mess. Whatever happens, I hope you won't get into trouble."

"I won't."

Lihua, for once, didn't guess the reason behind her sister's melancholy demeanor. She had assumed that Jia was worried about Renshu and whether or not it would be safe to take him out in public again. They were all certain that rumors of his sighting had died down by now, but they felt they couldn't be too safe in this case.

All of this did contribute to Jia's mood, of course. But it was now secondary to what had been plaguing her mind, ever since...

"Be good, Shu. Make Miss Wen very proud!"

"I will. Bye!"

"Bye, Jia. I hope everything goes well today – for both of us."

"Me too, sis. Have a good day, ok?"

When her sisters had gone, Jia sat at the table and placed her head in her hooves. Renshu didn't seem to be awake yet (or if he was, he hadn't yet come downstairs.) She didn't know how to tell him that she no longer desired his company while at work. Her mind was a-whirl with everything that had happened lately...those few moments between her and Renshu not being the least of them.

In fact, it's what had been bothering her the most. She had no idea what he was getting at. She certainly knew that he was generally a bad character and that perhaps playing mind-games was not beneath him, but...the fact that he had acted...interested, bothered her on a level she was not comfortable with. She sat thinking for a while, wondering how best to deal with Renshu when he came down – but it was too late, as he entered into the room before she could even form a greeting.

"How nice to see you awake," he said.

Her mouth parted but no words came out.

"Did I miss the meal?" he asked, half-jokingly.

"You...no, you didn't. Here," she got up and served him what was left of the food.

"Thanks."

"Listen...Renshu...I was thinking...maybe I'll set up shop by myself today."

He raised his eyes to meet hers. "Why the change of mind?"

"I've just been thinking...it's probably too dangerous for you to be seen in public, even with a mask on. That is...first of all, if you came with me, then everyone would know that I was the person who led the wolf away, when his mask came off..."

She was none too convincing, never having been very good at lying.

He called her bluff, of course. "What are you trying to do?" He frowned. "Leave me here so you can sic the authorities on me while you three cower behind them?"

She shook her head. "No, that's not it!"

"Then why the sudden change of mind?"

"I told you! I don't think it's safe, and besides, if anyone thought that I was helping you, I'd be in trouble, too – along with my sisters!"

He stood up. "Have it your way, sheep. I can see through a lie as well as the next person. I know you're up to no good." He headed back up to the guest room in the manner of an angry child.

Jia sighed and put a hoof to her face. This hadn't gone at all how she had hoped...but then, this was Renshu...no matter what excuse she came up with, chances were, he was going to be offended.

She glanced out the nearest window. Already the sun was up and shining over their little garden, lighting the dewdrops in an array of quivering orbs. Jia hurried herself out the door with her portable restaurant. She would have to talk to Renshu later, but right now she was almost late for work. She set her own schedule for what time she showed up and what time she needed to leave, but she was very strict with it. And already she had dawdled longer than she meant to.

She double-checked to make sure she had everything with her, cast one last glance up toward the guest room, then went out the door – praying that things would go well – that Lihua's task would not be in vain, that Shu would be in good hands with Miss Wen, that Renshu would still be at the house and in a better mood when she got back...and, if all else failed, maybe she could earn some extra money that day.

Had it not been for her personal problems, Jia would have considered it a near-perfect day. Besides the weather being the most beautiful she had seen since the storm, the city was bustling and business was thriving. So much, in fact, that it almost took her mind off her troubles completely. She was kept very busy, answering to one order after another.

'Wait until I tell Lihua and Shu how great business was! They'll be so happy,' she thought as she served another bowl of rice to an eager customer. Rice itself isn't that enticing unless one does something to make it interesting, but Jia's rice was phenomenally tasty, the secret of which only she knew about.

It was around midday when she began to run out of supplies.

'Oh dear...' She looked in all of her small cupboards, but couldn't find the ingredients she needed. 'I must have run out.' She took a small sign from one of the drawers and placed it on the counter, saying that she would be right back.

Taking her small purse with her, she went to the nearest market stall and chose the ingredients she needed. The owner of the stall, a goose whom Jia recognized as Ming, asked if she could help Jia find anything.

"Yes, one thing I'm looking for is a ginger root. Not too big, mind you."

"Ah, you are in luck, I just got a shipment in today," the goose smiled and shuffled through her crates.

While Jia waited, she studied the other produce for sale.

There were two other customers browsing around the same stall and chatting with one another. Jia idly caught pieces of their conversation – which she ordinarily wouldn't have done, had she not heard something that shocked her.

"Did you hear about the wolf sighting?" one of the shoppers, a pig, asked her companion.

"Yes – I hear they're still on the lookout for him," said the rabbit.

"Can you believe it? A wolf, in the city, after they banished them all!"

"I hope they find him and put him in his place. After what they did to this place and it's people, it's a wonder they got off as easy as they did."

"Quite so. And did you hear that the authorities have a reward out for the wolf?"

"No, I hadn't -"

Jia ran off before the shopkeeper returned with the ginger root. "Here it is! The perfect size and...where did she go?"

The worried sheep ran a little ways down the street until she came to an alleyway and turned the corner. "Oh no...oh no, oh no..." she held her head. "What am I going to do? Renshu's in trouble!"

"Renshu?" Came a harsh voice.

Jia's head shot up, and before she could say another word, she suddenly found herself in the clutches of a wolf that was not Renshu.

The wolf clasped a hand around her mouth, as Renshu had done all those nights ago, and brought his face beside hers.

"You said 'Renshu'...what do you know about Renshu, sheep? Answer me!"

She shook her head, trying to break free from the wolf's grip on her. The wolf, obviously deciding that the alley was not the safest, most secluded place to be holding a captive, retreated to a darker corner behind an abandoned building.

He stopped and turned his captive around to face him.

"Now answer me!"

She gasped, and answered his question with one of her own. "Are you Zhong, or Bolin?"

The wolf's eyes slightly widened. "Yes, I am Bolin. How do you know my name, and what do you know of Renshu and Zhong?"

"Renshu's looking for you, he's residing at my house," she explained, cowering under his stern glare.

He grabbed her by her clothing, brought her face close to his, and said, "Tell me where he is – and no lies, or it will mean your life."

She hesitated, breathing shallowly under her fear and panic. "...I...I live on the eastern side of the city, near the courtyards with the koi ponds...My house is the one with the garden out front...there's a sign on the door for luck."

"Zhong!" the wolf barked.

Another wolf appeared from under the covering of some plants.

"I know where Renshu is," said Bolin. "This sheep has told me – she said Renshu is staying in her house. Take her," he shoved Jia into Zhong's arms. "I'll get Renshu and then we can finally get out of here!" He took off.

"You know Renshu?" Zhong asked, more to himself than to her. "Well, that ought to make for an interesting story. And you'll have lots of time to tell it."

He bound her mouth and hands. She struggled as much as she could, she tried screaming for help, but no one could hear her. It was clear that Bolin and Zhong meant to take her as captive, or hostage.

The next thing she knew, she was being lifted in Zhong's arms and carried to who-knew-where. Zhong eventually set her down and undid the cloth binding her mouth.

"Can't have you screaming the whole way," was the last thing she heard from him before he forced something dark against her face.

She blacked out and knew nothing more.