Change to come

- I do not accept that!- yells Li Yao throwing a parchment on the map table

-She might have done something good, somehow... But it still doesn't change the fact that she disobeyed! We do not need such a soldier in our Army! Even less with a position of command, Tian!-

-I know... But is there actually something we can do?-

-You... You go away now, we need to talk and you are clearly not required!- Li Yao points at Qin Luo so the younger man bows down and leave the tend

-He's a good one, don't blame it on him Li Yao-

-I do not care, he should have reported her before the battle instead of going along with her plan-

Li Yao sit down massaging a temple with two fingers and closed eyes

-I cannot stand it anymore... Not just a woman in my Armada but even one who doesn't behave! Those who cannot sit still and listen are the worst type of women-

-This is indeed something we cannot overlook my friend but... I have no idea to which point we can push before getting bit back

Many men respect her, probably more than they respect us, and as soon as this news spread it will surely have a great impact on them.

One one side I cannot come to blame her actually, we aren't the best Generals and she not only is cleaver and skilled, but also regarded highly...

Look at the men's morale, we have been winning thanks to her and it can't be denied-

Silence falls

-It will become a risk after some time- growls Li Yao after a few seconds

-I suggest we report her to The Emperor before our men stop following our instructions- the older General starts searching frenetically for paper and ink while murmuring to himself

-No, let's give her some time...

I'm sure she understands the consequences of her actions and will behave accordingly-

-What until then? We cannot have her going around, doing whatever she wants and putting out men in danger-

-Li... Let's be honest... We expose them to danger more than she does, we were playing right into their trap because we couldn't come up with a strategy- sighs Tian XuWen

-Let me handle this, I'll see what I can do-

...

-Good! Once more!- I yell crossing my blade with one of the men in my squadron

-You are doing a really nice job Miss Ying- comes an older voice from behind -Relax men-

I turn around to see General Tian and bend down greeting

-Keep on your training, I'll be borrowing your Liutenant for a bit-

-Yessir!-

-Is something the matter My Lord?- I ask once he comes to a stop, right outside the camp

-Yes... I came to know about what you planned behind our back in the last Battle-

At these words is rise my shoulders and meet his gaze, serious and severe but yet no accusations in it...

-I cannot say you did a bad job obviously... But it was too much of a risk-

-Am I allowed to speak freely Sir?-

-Yes-

-I did what I did because our Generals couldn't come up with a good plan, if we were to stick to it too many men would have lost their lives and no improvement would have been made-

He bursts out laughing leaving me confused for a few seconds

-Sir...?-

-Excuse me, it's just been a while since anyone has been this sincere... Nor had anyone ever went against my word-

-I apologise Sir-

-No need- he regain his cool before placing and hand on my shoulder staring deep into my eyes

-You're a good one, probably too much for these times... A man of your capability is scary, even more since you're a woman... I'm afraid this Armada is not enough for you-

-What is My Lord trying to say?- I arch an eyebrow

-I will see what I can do to move you as soon as possible, in a more elite Armada... But until then I need you to always be clear with me-

I widen my eyes -I... Thanks-

He squeezes my shoulder -Whenever you feel like a plan from us is unsuitable, come talk to me in private and explain me your point of view... Not in public, I'm sure you know what could happen...

Not everyone is willing to let someone correct them in front of their men-

-General Li...- I growl

-Excatly, he was about to report you and we both knows what would happen to someone in your position... We need your talent but he's not willing to lose his face, or position, and even if it wasn't about pride we still cannot afford for the men to lose trust in us-

-I understand Sir-

-Good, you're free to go now-

-Thanks Sir- I bow and head back.

I feel someone staring at me while walking around the perimeter of the camp... I turn around but it all looks normal, I pass my eyes over the trees and the land, searching for any minor movement before shaking my head, getting back on my track...

Once the training for today has ended I clean my sweat with a cloth, leaving my weapons to Nan. He follows me around for a bit while I tidy up the training ground...

Far away I see Qin Luo passing by with a few of his men, our eyes meet for just a second and I can clearly see his expression dropping before getting back to his conversation

-Miss... Is everything alright...?-

-What do you mean Nan?-

-Uhm... The General took you away and... Qin Luo? He hasn't come to meet you not even once today... They are not going to send you back right?!-

-Oh no don't worry about it, I just might be moved to a different Armada- I clean my hands, standing back up

-Does this mean we won't see you again?-

-Mhn...- I nod -Well, not until the war comes to an end at least-

-Oh...- his eyes falls back on the weapons in his arms, looking like a beaten puppy

-Don't worry, it's just a matter of time- I smile to him -Go eat something and freshen up, I'll finish the work here-

-Oh, uhm... Sure-

...

After dinner I get back to my tend and I find Qin Luo already laid in his bed, pretending to sleep

-Liutenant Luo... Qin Luo?- he doesn't reply and I sigh, heading to my own bed

-I know you just want some time to get over it but I would appreciate if things could still be the same, I do not want to depart this way...-

At these words he opens his eyes, staring at me confused

-General Tian will have me moved to another part of the Army, a more elite Armada-

He stand up seated -Why?-

-General Li wanted to report me... And apparently this is the only way for me to not get kicked out of the Army-

-I'm sorry...-

-You don't have to apologise, I know what elite means... Higher death risk and no time to breath, but it is an opportunity to get closer to the end of the War... It's not an immediate thing anyway, I'll just have to behave until then and avoid getting reported-

-Will you be alright?-

-Yes, I just want to end this quickly- I tighten my fists over my laps and in a few steps he's by my side, taking one of my hands in his

-Of course you will... I just cannot help but ask. Would you really be able to end this?-

-I... Will try my best... I'm just one person afterall-

He shakes his head smiling -A whole Army is with you, just not yet-

Then his eyes regain vigour and his hands gets tighter -Promise me you will come back, to all of us-

I nod, of course I cannot see what future will be but it's one of those lies humans need to feel motivated

-Then go and be victorious, our War Goddess... The Pride of China-

-I do not deserve such names, I haven't done anything to-

-Then when peoples will call you that, tell them I was the first- he smiles