At the General's mansion.....
It was early dawn, everyone woke up and had their grand breakfast. Soon after, the General and his men got ready with their arms. Xukai and Yutao too already dressed up and prepared to leave for the Black Market's Birdshop.
While they were all busy preparing, Yutao went towards the General and asked him, "So, how many men are you tagging along?!"
The General glanced at him and replied, "It's a total of 103 along with Xukai and you, Master Yutao"
Yutao nods his head and reacted, "That's quite good then. Be ready to leave"
The General nodded his head and responded in seriousness, "Yes, Master Yutao"
With it, the General immediately called up his troops and march forward. Xukai and Yutao waited for them on the front with their horses. With the troops coming up to them, they immediately proceeded their journey. The General and his troops followed them from behind and marched towards the Black Market's Bird shop. As they went down galloping on their horses towards the streets of the Black Market, all eyes were on them. People started to gossip on it.
"What's going on...?!"
"Isn't that the General!?"
"Looks like they are on their way to catch something big!"
"What could it be?"
"Maybe the Eagle Bandit??!!"
What?!! The Eagle Bandit??!"
While the people were busy gossiping, the troops rushed towards the Bird shop of the Black Market. Soon after they reached the place, the entire of the General's troops immediately rush and surrounded The Bird shop. Shocked upon seeing many General's troops surrounding his shop from all sides, the Shopkeeper came rushing out. He inquired the General in panicked, "For what purpose have you come here, General?"
The General looked at the Shopkeeper with his dominating glare and reacted, "Are you the Shopkeeper?"
The Shopkeeper replied stammeringly, "Yes...I...am!"
The General responded to it, "Good..then!".
He then turned to his men and instructed, "Quick! Arrest him and begin the search!"
Heeding to it, the General's men immediately arrested the Shopowner. He was grabbed with his arms on the back.
Alarmed by it, the Shopowner protested as he was being dragged on by the General's men, "What have I done wrong? I am innocent. Leave me alone"
Even though he fought back no one responded. Instead, he was being continuously dragged out and made to kneel on the ground. Yutao and Xukai along with the General and his men then rushed inside the bird shop.
They went through the cages of birds hanging for sale and went further in. They opened up the big door that lied ahead.
There they saw the large and dark hall. Several caged birds were hanging in rows inside it. There were about fifty rows of caged messenger pigeon and two rows of caged hawks meant for using it on wars and military recon.
Stunned upon seeing the caged birds, Xukai blurted out in awe, "Woah….that's quite a many birds!"
Yutao smirked at it and replied in amusement, "Looks like their business is going quite well"
The General interrupted and inquired in seriousness, "Master Yutao, Shall we take out the birds?"
Yutao nodded at the General and gave his permission. The whole of the caged birds that were in the bird shop were then taken away by the General's men one after another. Soon after clearing out the entire bird shop, Yutao and Xukai came out of the hall. All the caged birds were kept on the ground.
Yutao walked up to the General and instructed in sternness, "We have to release it and follow the path. It might lead us to the Enemy's camp. We don't know what lies ahead so be well prepare for it!"
Heeding to Yutao's words the General make his proclamation to his troops, "My fellow brothers, the time has come, we'll finally be able to track down the Eagle bandits whom we have been searching for years. So, be well prepared. Once, we release the birds, follow its path but make sure to be careful and wise with your steps. The enemies might be a step ahead of you before you even know!"
The entire of the General's troops replied in unison, "Yes.....General!"
The General then turned to Yutao and made his confession with a solemn looked on his face, "Master Yutao, this task I'll fulfil it. Therefore, one of our men should stay here and observe every detail. I cannot leave this important task to anyone else, so, Please take my position and observe things from my mansion. If we need any reinforcement we'll send you a messenger bird to you. This way you can provide help for us. This amulet will help you command my men"
After making his statement, the General handed Yutao his amulet which define his status. Yutao after examining the situation agreed on it and replied thoughtfully, "Okay, Let's do this then". He then took the General's amulet and kept it.
The General then turned to his two henchmen and gave his words, "You two will be staying here. Take the culprit with Master Yutao at the Mansion and begin your interrogation there"
One of the henchmen insisted on it, "But....we want to come with you, General!"
The General cut him off, "No need, just follow my words. If there is any news inform me at once"
After giving their tasks, the General then turn to his troops and gave his immediate order, "Now, begin to release the birds!"
Obeying the General's commands, the men immediately started to release the birds. A flock of pigeons and hawks were flying high up on the sky. Soon they quickly separated to their own destination. Tracing the birds, The general's men promptly started pursuing it. They were scattered in all different directions, some went towards the Black market pursuing the bird, some went towards the Dark Forest, some towards the South, to the neighbouring kingdom and some towards the Rocky Mountains.
Xukai and the General too pursue the bird and left the spot. They gallop their horses at the fastest speed. After all the men had left the place, There were only Yutao, the culprit and the two henchmen that were left behind. They too took the cart and headed for the General's mansion.