Jianfeng took several strides before responding. "I disagree, little sister. I believe Luding is an emerging force within the untamed lands, and for now, we must align ourselves with him. However, he's misguided about this fortress, the Stone Citadel. Here we are, rulers of the forest from the mountains to the river, and he wants us to abandon our territory to attack this single stronghold. Now, the Citadel has a guardian—one who also wields the power of the demons." Jianfeng continued to run. "I think Luding is making a mistake."
"You covet his position and his power," Zinni said. "And it's we who wish to reclaim the Stone Citadel."
"Not if the price is too steep. I'm not Nixi," JianFeng vaulted over a fallen log.
"How can the Citadel have a guardian who is one of us, and we not be aware of him?" Zinni inquired.
"I'm not sure," Jianfeng admitted. "But I intend to find out."
***
