Li Mei and Prince Zhao led their allies into the deepest part of the stone tunnels. They carried the neutralizing compound in ceramic jars. This was the action phase of their plan to stop the werewolf apocalypse. Mei used her scent-tracking ability to find the safest path. This ability was her golden finger. She identified the smell of damp stone and the sharp scent of the neutralizing compound. She also identified the smell of the city above them. The air in the tunnels was cold.
Prince Zhao walked at the front of the group. He was the main character and he felt a strong sense of responsibility for his followers. He held a torch in his left hand and a sword in his right hand. He was an invincible warrior because of his strength and training. Behind him walked the five physicians and the two palace guards. Eunuch Gao walked at the rear. Gao was a recurring character who helped keep the group organized.
"We must move quietly," Zhao said. His voice was low. "The Empress has positioned lunar warriors near every exit of the drainage system."
Mei nodded. She used her rationality to stay calm during the mission. She focused her senses on the air currents. She smelled the fragrance of lavender and arsenic coming from the direction of the Imperial Gardens. This was the scent of the Empress Dowager and her poison. Mei knew that the Empress was a complex antagonist who would do anything to achieve her goals.
The group followed the stone walls of the tunnels. This sequential approach allowed them to move through the city without being seen. They were engaged in kingdom building because they were working together to reclaim the empire. Each person had a specific role. The physicians carried the medicine. The guards provided protection. This mutual trust was a necessary part of their survival.
They reached a vertical shaft that led upward to the Imperial Gardens. Mei stopped and sniffed the air. She detected the smell of gunpowder and the musky ozone of the werewolf curse. The full moon was nearly at its highest point. This was a time limited crisis because the Mid Autumn Festival was reaching its climax.
"The enemies are directly above us," Mei whispered. "I can smell the arsenic in their breath."
Zhao looked at the group. He wanted to increase their immersion in the mission. He knew that a good beginning was half the battle won. He checked the grip on his sword. He felt the gold in his eyes begin to glow but he used his mental strength to stay human.
"We will enter the gardens now," Zhao said. "Li Mei will provide the medicine while the guards and I provide the defense."
They began to climb the iron rungs of the shaft. This was the final part of their infiltration. They moved from the small tunnels into the large gardens. The pacing of the story was now fast and direct. Mei felt a sense of achievement as she reached the top. She pushed open the heavy bronze grate. The group stepped out into the Imperial Gardens. The air was filled with the sound of the imperial bells and the smell of blood. They were ready for the final confrontation.