The vast mountain wind swept by, gently shaking the trees in the wilderness and carrying the fresh scent of palms through the air.
"...Bertade, you have worked hard."
After a few moments of silence, Xiulote looked at the Head Warrior with an apologetic expression and decisively handed the flavorful mixed-grain dumplings back to Pimeng.
"Pimeng, how many of these dumplings do the prisoners eat in a day?"
"Your Majesty, it depends on how fast the prisoners can walk."
With caution, Pimeng glanced at the composed Head Warrior and respectfully replied.
"Legion Commander Ezpan decreed that the prisoners are not allowed to carry food with them, nor are they allowed to leave the group to forage during the journey. Offenders are whipped the first two times, and executed upon a third infraction. Every thirty li, there is a samurai camp where food is provided. And in each camp, the escorting samurais may eat their fill, but prisoners can only receive food once."
