The assault team reached the first rise below Dusk Ridge. Tew turned back toward Narrow Bridge with the written order, while Wei waited for the relay keeper to prepare the Soul-Lantern.
“The bridge marker is attuned,” the keeper, Fen, said. “The lantern needs a fresh charge and a clear line to it.”
Yan placed the device on the stone table. Fen checked the wick, measured the charge, and tapped the prepared mark into place. The relay could carry a voice and a short pulse of qi. It could not bring Yan’s full strength to the bridge or hold the crossing in his place.
Fen checked the marker’s direction against a brass compass, then had Wei hold the route card flat. “This line was prepared from the bridge stone to the tollhouse post. We’ll stay on it.”
Yan pressed two fingers against the lantern. Fen turned a small ring until the light steadied. The first pulse ran through the prepared path and returned as a faint blue spark.
“The marker answers,” Fen said. “Send the voice now, while the charge is full.”
Wei moved the paper order closer to the lantern. He wanted Han to hear the words and have a signed copy arriving by the road. The courier stood ready with his coat buttoned over the packet.
