Turbulence On Wheels.

The carriage flew like a mad thing, racing for the river. Behind it, the Marquess and his men gave chase, shouting and swearing. Ying Lan could barely hear them over the thunder of the wheels. She let go of Miss Ding and grabbed the reins with both hands, hoping to calm the frantic horse.

Miss Ding screamed and wrapped herself around Ying Lan like a clinging vine. Ying Lan couldn't see a thing, one of Miss Ding's hands was over her eyes. "Get off me, you brat!" she snarled, shoving the haughty miss off.

Miss Ding tumbled and dropped on the carriage floor, but not before her fingers caught something precious — a half jade lotus pendant that hung around Ying Lan's neck. Ying Lan felt a sudden pull on her throat as the cord of the pendant snapped. She gasped. The pendant was more than a trinket to her. It was the only clue to her past. Eight years ago, when she had woken up on the riverbank with no memories, the pendant was the only unique thing she had; and she had kept it, hoping it would one day lead her to her lost identity.

She reached out to grab it back from Miss Ding's grip, but the carriage swerved and they both tumbled. Ying Lan turned her attention back to the reins, pulling them hard. The horse let out a shrill neigh and jerked its head, breaking free from her grip. The harness snapped and the animal bolted in a different direction, leaving the carriage behind.

The carriage did not stop; it sped on, faster and faster, towards the river. Ying Lan gripped the edge of it wooden surface, feeling her fingers grow numb. She glanced at Miss Ding. The haughty miss was also clinging desperately. Her screams pierced the air; and her hand still clutched Ying Lan's half lotus jade pendant.

As the carriage reached the edge of the water; it hit a rock with a sickening crunch and flew into the air. Miss Ding's grip slipped and she was flung out, landing with a thud and a scream on the sandy riverbank. Ying Lan tried to follow her, but she was too late. The carriage spun in midair and as it plunged into the river; one of its wooden shafts slammed into her chest, knocking the breath out of her lungs and hurling her into the water.