Ning's stance got the Earl's attention. He looked at Ning for a brief moment, contemplating what had to be done. "You're young and feisty, but that doesn't mean you can disrespect an Earl. Move aside or you will be physically moved aside."
"Not until you tell me what you want with her," Ning said, standing his ground.
"What we want with the girl is none of your concern," the man said. "She is a criminal and the Emperor will decide what her fate will be."
"Criminal?" Ning asked. "What makes a girl who has never committed a crime in her life a criminal? Is it just because of what she was born as?"
"This is not a matter you should be bothering yourself with," the man said. "Now move aside and let us find the girl."
"Stay inside, Shara. Don't come out," Ning shouted. He could tell these men had no good intentions with Shara. Criminal? Just because of birth? That was no sign of a good ruling.
