109 A poor calculation

The training was going well. I was working with another group from Twin Archers. My aim was to improve their aim as they negotiated the terrain. They had to keep their wits about them, aiming, firing, reloading and staying out of trouble as they silently moved from one place to the next. It was a big ask, but many archers saw the benefits of being sleight of foot, and listened both to mine and others suggestions.
The quivers were changed to pouches and their positioning was also changed. Strapping to hold them static was deployed, each fitting the bowman. 
Today, they were out chasing a moving target. They were excelling. I was so proud of them. 
"Time."
I called out and jestured the sign. They stopped and came running over. All crouched automatically, something else I instilled in them. 
"What next?" one smiled, panting, "that was brilliant Ma'm. Thank you. I really feel ready to take on anything." He raised his hands and placed them in prayer mode, bowing his head, "thank you Madam Niao."
The rest followed suit. I bowed my head in acknowledgement, "time for some tea. Let's sit and talk over what we've done today. Come, my fire pit is not far from here."
We talked as we walked, talking over different strategies, ideas and strengths/weaknesses of each of the moves.
An aide came out, "Miss Niao," he bowed, " Major Chen asks if you could come directly to his rooms." Bowing once more, he turned and left. 
"I wonder what that's about?" I looked at the men, "let's hope it's nothing serious. We'll do tea later. Come on, let's head to Major Chen, see what this is all about."

I entered Hao Yang's outer chamber. Officers were gathered, talking in whispered tones. They saw me arrived and went silent. I looked at Hao Yang,
"Niao, please sit down," he lead me to a seat and I did as asked. "What's going on? Why are you all staring at me? Hao?"
He leant over and taking my hand, " A cub returned in a very bad state. He is one of XinYi's pack."
I looked up. "Tell me!" I demanded.
"They've taken her."
Something inside me snapped. No-one but no-one touched my pride, least of all her. "Get me a pair of sharp killing knives, now!"
The world turned black. 'They will die, but they will die in the worst ways possible. They think Xin is macabre, they've not met me yet.' 
Bǎo stormed into the room. "Call the pack! We go hunting!" He looked at me, "You lead. We follow."
"My knives!" Hao Yang also heard the call. " I want the best bowman, swordsmen, ten of each. They must be trained in Madam Niao's ways and know her calls! She leads, we follow."
The pack assembled. I was ready.

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