Wei and Yan spread a map of White Orchard’s approaches across the map room table. Wei wanted to disperse training groups if the Registry attacked. Yan wanted to confront Qiu Ren on the road before the champion reached the refuge.
Ning joined them. “Mark which residents use each path. Don’t draw an empty orchard.”
They identified two likely routes. The northern road was wide enough for a column, but passed the well and the clinic’s secondary entrance. The eastern orchard path was narrow and could be blocked by a small group, though families used it to carry water.
Mao added the training lane to the map. It needed to remain open during a retreat. Wei moved his shield marker away from the clinic queue. Yan accepted the change.
“I still think Qiu will come by the north,” Yan said.
“I think the first sighting will be a distraction,” Wei replied. “The real advance will come from the east.”
Yan took a bottle of rare Meridian-Rot Draught from his pack. “Then I’ll wager this.”
Ning raised an eyebrow. “You’re betting medicine?”
