A "Chanced" encounter

The Driver of the first carriage in the convoy quickly pulled the reins back as two women ran out of the bush and jumped in front of the carriage. 

Loud cries from the horses as all the drivers tried to stop their carriages and prevent a crash. Some of the Soldiers that travelled on horseback, unsheathed their swords while some took out their bows and arrows.

The two women shivered and fell to their knees, "Master! Please help us! Our party is under attack by bandits. Please help us!"

Nie Shaoqing took out the sword hidden under the carriage seat at the mention of bandits. There have been rumours of bandit attacks in these areas.

He took out a second sword for his attendant and looked towards the curtain in front of the carriage. Deming and Siqin sat in front of the carriage with the driver.

If there was indeed a bandit attack they were seated out there without a weapon. He licked his lips and call out, "Deming".