The Tracking

Gu Shenwei raised his saber, and chopped off one head.

The chaos expected did not come. It was quiet in the three mud huts, like there was no more enemies.

The moonlight shone on six statue-like teenagers, who was in their spot motionless waiting for the counterattack after the silence.

The counterattack arrived unexpectedly. The oasis was like being taken out of a trance. The formerly immobile all became alive. People in the shadow all dashed through doors, windows, and rooftops.

Then the killing began.

Saber went, and figures dashed. They all attacked quickly, and stood three steps back afterward. He who fell did not make a sound as if he were mute.

The killing began in silence, and also ended quietly. The spell was cast again. They all again stood or squat motionless, as if they were a bunch of puppets. It was like they had been released by the master, after a brief and violent performance.