Su Xiao wandered into the town of Chanos, weary and exhausted from her journey. She still had many miles to go until she reached the Imperial City, but she was determined to speak with the Empress about the Lunar War and how to end it peacefully. She arrived in Chanos at about midnight, which meant that all the shops and inns were closed for the night, much to her dismay. She frowned, and entered an alleyway, covered herself with her deep, rich yellow colored cloak and fell asleep.

The next morning, she awoke a little later than she expected. She thought to herself that she must have been far more tired than she knew. She shrugged and moved on to a local shop to buy rations for the rest of her venture. She approached the vender.

“I need five pounds of rations, please.” She asked most politely.

“That will be twelve sapphires ma’am.” The vender replied. She began to dig through her pockets for her money pouch, unable to find it.

“Uhm… I must have gotten robbed last night.”

“Ma’am, this isn’t any kind of charity.”

“Oh! I know sir! I just… I need to get to the Imperial City.”

“Isn’t my problem, girl.”

“I see. Thanks anyway…” she turned and left. She knew she would have to earn some money, and quick to make it to her destination on time. She couldn’t get a job at a bar or inn, didn’t pay much and took too much time, she had to find an individual employer. Yeah, that’s what she would do. She left for the local tavern to find someone who may hire her.

She stepped into the noisy tavern, full of drunks and prostitutes. She began to fear what kind of work she would find here. She glanced around the room, studying each person. She eventually spotted someone that stood out, he was quiet, very tall in stature, and seemed very dark, cloaked and hooded. She approached him apprehensively.

“H… Hello? May I talk to you for a minute?” she asked.

“Hmm. I suppose you may. What would you like, m’lady?” he responded respectfully.

“Well, I am looking for a job, and I am desperate. I need to be paid by closing time tonight. Do you have anything to offer sir?”

“Well… Why, yes, now that I think about it, I do. I cannot speak of it here, we must talk about it in private.” She frowned a bit, expecting she knew what he had in mind. She followed him nonetheless to a private room in the back of the tavern.

The tall man looked her up and down from behind his hood, seemingly inspecting her. Su Xiao was a very attractive girl, young, yellow eyes, neck length deep auburn hair, slim athletic build, and fair pale skin. She sighed, and immediately began unlacing her tunic, thinking he wanted those kind of services. He stood up on end, becoming taller than before, and through his right hand out to his side.

“What do you think your doing?” he asked.

“Well… Isn’t this what your hiring me for?” she replied.

“Absolutely not. Trust me, you do not want to bed with someone like me. Anyway, what I am inquiring of you is that you retrieve something for me. Something here in Chanos, in fact. A particular aristocrat has stolen an object of mine, and I want it back. The aristocrat’s name is Lu Kao, and he lives on the north side of town. Get my artifact back, and I will pay you handsomely.” He explained.

“How much is handsomely?”

“2000 rubies upon return.” Her eyes opened wide.

“Of course I will get you artifact! I will be back in the blink of an eye!” she began to run out the door when the man called out to her.

“Hey m’lady, you may want to lace your tunic back up.” She blushed and laced it back up, rushing out of the room and to the northern area of town.