44 The meeting

The day finally came. 
Yí Rán had sorted out a simple garment for me to wear. I looked feminine but not over the top. I was able to wear my forearm guards, I kept my hair in a simple half pony tail and carried my twin blades, but I wore proper boots. I looked every bit the woman who is suitable for 1a soldier.
As we headed towards Chen Manor I became less and less confident. All I could hear were his words and the look of condemnation as I fled.
Hao Yang, sensing my increasing panic, took my arm and reminded me he was there and would keep me safe.
"You said that last time," my eyes wild with fright, no longer believing the words of comfort.
My feet began to drag and my legs turn to jelly. I was terrified. I had faced a bear, a wolf or two, men wanting to molest me, snakes, scorpions and nasty spiders but nothing terrified me more than facing that man.
Almost being dragged by this time, I was pulled into the Manor's grounds. Hao Yang looked into my eyes. "Does he terrify you that much?" 
I nodded silently. I could feel tears welling up. I wanted to turn tail and run back to the forest. If I never saw any of them again it would be a fair price for how cornered I felt right now.
A gentle voice came from behind me. It was Second Master. "It's alright little one, our father won't eat you and if I'm there too, you'll be alright. If he shouts I'll protect you. I shout louder than him," he laughed, " and if I don't shout, then I know my brother will, he has a very soft spot for you and won't let you be bullied. Come on, with you in the middle, you've got two body guards."
With that, I was whisked into the Meeting Hall to await his arrival.

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