Backbone

Since Kin had now discovered the entrance to the tunnel, his next task was to sneak in and access the tunnel.

"This not going to be easy," Kin thought.

"There has to be a way to bypass all these workers".

Kin was trying to look for a way to bypass all the prying eyes and sneak into the tunnel. He couldn't just walk in and expect no one to act as if they didn't notice the strange boy who walked in.

"You can just approach them and say Rashid sent you". Ashell suggested.

"That would be dangerous, I doubt Rashid has ever sent anyone here apart from Ramon. If that's the case then they'll definitely know he didn't send me and I'll be in trouble".

"As they were both contemplating their next step, Kin's eyes spotted a familiar face." 

"Oh.. it seems those people also found this place," Kin said as he stared at Hana Wilde coming out of the warehouse

"The wolf girl also works here. It seems they also have a mission here". Kin thought and a mischievous smile was written all over his face.

"What are you thinking this time?" Ashell asked.

"I'm sure you already know. You can read my thoughts after all." Kin replied.

"That's a bad idea" Ashell warned after seeing what he was trying to do.

"Do you have a better idea?" Kin asked.

Ashell sighed in defeat, letting Kin to do what he had in mind.

Kin kept his eyes on Hana, as the soldier kept on with her work, he waited until she moved away from the others and followed her to a place where she was all alone, then he made a move. 

Kin came out from where he was hiding and stood in front of Hana. 

"Hello, beautiful.." Kin said as he greeted the girl.

"You... I knew I smelled something unpleasant."

"What?" Kin said as he sniffed his body.

"What are you doing here?" Hana asked as she took a battle stance.

"Is that a question a spy should be asking?" Kin replied as he raised his hands up in a show of peace.

"What do you want?" Hana asked

"Have you gone inside the tunnel?" Kin asked.

"What tunnel?"

"Don't be like that" Kin said.

"I know you are here to check on the tunnel, to see what Lord Rashid is keeping in there amongst other things."

"And so..." Hana said as her hands began to transform.

"I'm not here to fight you". Kin said.

"You nearly killed my friends. Tell me why I shouldn't rip your throat out."

"You nearly killed me too. So I think we can call it even" Kin said.

"I'm here to help you, and I just ask that you help me in return". Kin explained

"Help me? What make you think I need your help?" Hana asked.

"No reason, I just wonder how those two would feel when they find out the little girl working with them is actually a child spy from Omi. I'm sure thy won't take it easy with you."

"Are you threatening me?" Hana asked and he legs also began to transform.

"I told you this was a bad idea," Ashell said

"Well, next time come up with a better one" Kin replied.

"I know how this sounds, but I generally want to help you".

"And why should I trust you."

"No reason, I don't trust you, you don't trust me either.

I want to access the tunnel and so do you. We don't have to trust each other to help each other. Once we have both done what we want we can go back to wanting to kill each other" Kin said. 

This time Hana listened and she began to undo her transformation.

"Alright, you have my attention."

Kin finally sighed. "You, are you from the Wilde family?" Kin asked.

"You know about my family?" Hana said.

"Yes, I've heard about them. I also heard you guys were a crazy bunch. I guess they were right". Kin said

His comments pissed Hana off more and she wanted to tear him to pieces, but she couldn't let this opportunity pass.

Just as Kin was curious about her identity, she was also curious about his. Lady Meliesse had informed them to be wary of the boy until they had more information. Now, she had the opportunity to gather information directly by observing him.

"What is your name?" Hana asked

"Shouldn't you give your name first?" Kin asked.

"You already know I'm a Wilde, that's enough information."

"Fair enough, I'm Ashin" Kin said.

"Ashin uhn? That sounds made up". 

"It is Kin replied. My mother failed to name me so when a random person from the streets did, everyone just went with the flow" Kin replied.

"Ok Ashin, let me ask this. Why are you betraying your master?"

"Betraying? I'm not betraying anyone. I'm just trying to do something out of all my troubles." Kin said.

"So you're doing this for the money?"

"I'm sorry, is there any other good reason?"

"No, let's just get down to it" Hana said.

*****

At the same time in the desert.

Twelve men were riding on Drosnels, a beast with four long legs and a massive head, each men were riding as fast as they could. Behind them were over a hundred soldiers chasing them.

"After them!" General Zai said, as she led the men on the chase. She had been sent by Jai to deal with Farouk and his men.

The chase continued, as Farouk's men tried as much as possible to out run their relentless, pursuers.

General Zira and her men had tracked Farouk and his men all the way from Jubai. When she arrived the previous night, she had just missed the old dog who seems to have left the city. When she realized this, she wasted no time and gave chase. They finally caught up with them later in the morning. 

Don't lose them General Zai said as her men began to close the gap further. 

They followed their mark from the desert to a small valley close to the desolate parts of Wize that separated Bintan from most of Wize.