The summons arrives at dawn, carried by a horse that looks moments from collapse. Frost clings to its mane, and steam rises from its flanks as if it ran from death itself. Ye Jing-e is already awake, fastening the last buckle of his armor when the soldier assigned to night watch calls out.
"General! Messenger from the capital!"
Jing-e steps out of the command tent. The wind is sharp and carries the iron-cold scent of early winter. The messenger dismounts with shaking legs, nearly falling to his knees.
"General… Ye Jing-e…" He holds out a scroll sealed with the king's emblem. "His Majesty commands your return at once. You are to leave immediately."
Jing-e frowns. "What matter requires my presence?"
"I… I was not told, General." The man wipes sweat from his brow despite the cold. "Only that it is urgent, and the king wants you in the palace without delay."
No explanation. No report. No briefing.
Bad sign.
Jing-e breaks the seal. The letter contains only one line:
