North of Hanzhou – Boxer Encampment
Amber Hesh sat cross-legged on the cold, hard ground, her wrists still sore from the bindings that had been loosened just enough to allow her to eat. The air was thick with the scent of burning wood and damp earth. Around her, the other hostages murmured in hushed voices, speculation running wild. The rebels had been on edge since the night before—moving supplies, reinforcing their perimeter, and sharpening their weapons. Something was happening, and she had no doubt it involved the message Zhou Liang had sent to Beijing.
A few moments later, a guard approached and barked an order in Mandarin. Amber didn't fully understand it, but she recognized the sharp motion of his hand. Get up.
