Captured by the Rouran

Chuo's concentration on the camel's eyes was soon broken by a cry of "Captain Na! Captain Na! Your daughter, sir!"

Turning to look at the man being addressed, a lean, brown-haired Xianbei man of four and forty-twelvemonths, Chuo looked at the man on horseback approaching. What was going on? Was Captain Na considered unfit to serve and that his daughter would be taking his place?

"What about my daughter, messenger?" asked Captain Na.

"Rouran raiders, sir! They captured your daughter!"

Well, that was certainly different. Chuo could only wonder if the act of saving Captain Na's daughter would allow him to stay and serve in the Khan's host, but where was he to go? Who were the raiders? Where was their camp? Where did their herds graze? The Rouran Khaganate was north of Tuoba Wei, but beyond north where was he supposed to go?

"Who was their leader?" inquired Captain Na.

"We don't know, sir." Replied the messenger. "All we know is that he was wearing a leopard skin."

A leopard's skin? Well, that would certainly be something to ask about… Ask about? Was he mad? Any Rouran would kill him! Why would they answer any question he asked them? Still, saving Captain Na's daughter from this leopard-skin wearing Rouran chieftain would surely prove himself to his commanding officers.

The only question was would he survive this rescue attempt he was going to make? There was only one way to find out.