Russell teleported into the camp, hiding in the shadow between two buildings. Wu Shen stepped back as another transport truck drove through the gates.
“Captain, sir?” Russell called out softly in Chinese.
Wu Shen turned, then his eyes narrowed. He barked out more orders to a nearby group of soldiers, and as they hurried away, he strode toward the shadow where Russell was hiding.
“What are you doing here?” Wu Shen whispered.
“I was going to ask you the same thing,” Russell said.
Wu Shen snorted. “You should leave before I order my men to capture you.”
“I would just teleport away. What’s going on?”
Wu Shen’s eyes flashed with anger. “Why should I tell you anything? You and your friends killed my sons at Beyul-La.”
Russell stiffened. “You had sons there? In the cave?”
“Yes. The cave you blew up.”
Russell winced. “It’s true we trapped them in there. But the plan was to knock them out, then use the cave as a clinic to change them back to normal. We intended to save them.”
Wu Shen grew pale. “Why didn’t you?”
“The trapped soldiers panicked before we could knock them out. They tried to blast their way out with grenades and brought the mountain down on themselves.”
A pained look crossed Wu Shen’s face. “This is true?”
“Yes. Whenever possible, Angus and his guys take your soldiers prisoner. They have two clinics where they’re able to undo the mutations and turn the soldiers back to normal. The goal has always been to kill Han, not the mortals who were tricked into serving him.”
Wu Shen sighed. “I believe you. I’ve known for some time that you’ve been taking soldiers prisoner. There are signs of a struggle, but never any bodies.”
“I’m sorry about your sons.”
Wu Shen nodded. “My boys were lured in with the promise of becoming superhuman. They believed Han, believed that he could take over all of China—even the world—and they would live like kings.” He snorted. “I never trusted Han, but I resigned my position with the Chinese army so I could become an officer here and watch over my boys.”
“I’m sorry.” Russell winced inwardly, recalling how many of Han’s soldiers he’d killed with the attitude that they’d asked for it. Over the last few days, he’d seen Jia’s reaction to killing, and it had opened his eyes to how cold-blooded he’d become.
Wu Shen turned away, his shoulders slumped.
“Can you tell me where Han is hiding?”
He shook his head.
“Then tell me where they’re keeping the dragon boy prisoner.”
With a frown, Wu Shen turned back to Russell. “I wish I could help you, but the boy is in the same place as Han.”
“Is he all right?”
“He’s doing well, but he’s terrified.” Wu Shen grimaced. “Darafer would terrify anyone.”
“You know you’re working for some cruel bastards.”
“If that’s all you came to say—”
“We need your help.”
“If I’m caught, I’ll be killed. If I try to leave, I’ll be killed. I’m as trapped as my boys were in that cave.”
“If we can kill Han, the soldiers will be free. No more will have to die.”
Wu Shen nodded slowly. “My boys sold their souls to Darafer, so now they’re in hell. I might as well join them there.”
“What can you tell me?”
“I received orders from Han earlier this evening. Soldiers from each camp are to move southeast, where the army will assemble. New recruits will be mutated tomorrow to increase the army’s size. I’ve been given three nights, starting tonight, to prepare the army and move them into place. On the fourth night, Han will teleport there to lead the attack.”
“Where is the attack?” Russell asked.
“The main village of were-tigers.” When Russell drew in a sharp breath, Wu Shen nodded. “I suggest you evacuate the women and children. And prepare for battle.”
Chapter Fourteen
When Russell arrived with Jia, the courtyard of Tiger Town was bustling with activity. Angus and about thirty of his employees were there. Most of the were-tiger villagers were lurking about, curiously watching the proceedings. They greeted Jia’s sudden appearance with cheers and waves.
Russell gave her a wry look. “They’re glad to have their princess back.”
Rajiv ran up to them and gave Jia a hug. “Thank God you’re back.” He nodded at Russell. “You did the right thing.”
“We have bad news.” Russell waved Angus and his men over and switched to English. “I just talked to Wu Shen. Han’s army is preparing to march on Tiger Town.”
“What?” Rajiv turned to Jia and asked in Chinese, “Han is coming here?”
“Yes.” She nodded. “We need to evacuate the women and children.”
A series of gasps echoed around them, then a flurry of whispering as the news spread among the villagers.
“This is rotten timing,” Rajiv muttered. “Your fiancé is supposed to arrive in a little over a week.”
Jia winced. “Can we postpone his visit?”
Rajiv sighed as he looked around Tiger Town. “We’ll wait to see how the battle goes.”
“How long before Han arrives?” Angus asked in English.