The night before the army arrived was long and sleepless. Mei Lin lay awake beside Li Sheng, her mind restless. She couldn't help but feel a sense of impending doom, as though they were standing on the precipice of something they couldn't fully understand. The weight of the decision to confront the army weighed heavily on her heart.
In the early hours of the morning, as the first light of day began to peek over the mountains, the sound of marching footsteps reached their ears. The village had fallen silent, as everyone knew that the army had arrived. Mei Lin's stomach churned with anxiety, but she steeled herself. She couldn't let fear control her now.
Li Sheng squeezed her hand before releasing it, stepping toward the door. "It's time."
Together, they walked out into the village square, where the villagers were gathered in tense silence. The elders had already begun to organize the defense, positioning the able-bodied to protect the weaker ones. Mei Lin's heart ached as she looked at their faces—fear, uncertainty, and hope all mixed together.
"Stay strong," Mei Lin whispered to herself, taking a deep breath. She walked to the center of the square, where a small group of warriors had already gathered to lead the defense. Among them was her father, his face grim but determined.
Li Sheng came to stand beside her, his hand on the hilt of his sword. "We're ready," he said, his voice steady.
Mei Lin nodded, trying to quell the storm of thoughts swirling in her mind. "We'll protect them. All of them."
It wasn't long before the first soldiers of the army appeared on the horizon, their armor glinting in the early morning light. The villagers stood in place, fear in their hearts, but Mei Lin could feel something else—a sense of determination, a sense of unity. They weren't just fighting for their lives; they were fighting for their home, for their future, and for each other.
As the army drew closer, Mei Lin and Li Sheng stood side by side, ready to face whatever came next. The sound of hooves and marching feet grew louder, and soon the front of the army appeared in full view.
The general of the army, a tall man clad in black armor, dismounted from his horse and approached them. His eyes were cold and calculating, his expression one of utter indifference. "I am General Wei of the Northern Army," he announced in a voice that carried across the square. "I come seeking the healer who has been said to possess the power to save my king. I would advise you not to resist."
Mei Lin stood her ground, feeling the weight of the moment. She didn't know what this man wanted or what the king was suffering from, but she knew one thing: she would not let herself be taken, not without a fight.
"I'm the healer you seek," Mei Lin said, her voice calm but firm. "But I no longer have the power you believe I possess. I gave it up."
General Wei raised an eyebrow. "You gave it up? Interesting. But that does not change the fact that my king's life depends on you. You will come with us, and you will do what is required to save him."
Mei Lin's heart raced. She knew she couldn't allow herself to be taken. Not now, not after everything she had fought for. But the army before her was large and well-equipped. There was no easy way out.
Li Sheng stepped forward, his voice low but unwavering. "She will not go with you, General. Not without a fight."
The general looked at him, his expression unreadable. "A fight, you say? Very well. If it is a fight you want, then a fight you shall have."