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Mulan’s thoughts were still twirling the next morning as they marched out of the camp and toward the Mountain Steppe Garrison. The footsteps of the newly made soldiers provided background noise to her pounding heart.</p>

Her deceit was weighing her down more than the bag on her back. She wanted to stay quiet, but she felt as though she should come clean. These men had become her friends. Commander Tung and Sergeant Qiang had become mentors. She was betraying them all, and to give her full attention on the battlefield, she needed a clear mind. Yet, silence was her friend, too. Not speaking would allow her to keep her secret, while the other choice would result in a punishment worse than death??6??2.??6??2.??6??2. disgrace.</p>

She looked ahead to where Honghui marched, his head up, his eyes clear. What, she wondered, would he do? What advice would he give her if she were to ask? Then an image of the Phoenix flashed in her mind. Would her ancestors want her to reveal who she was? Or would they want her to live a lie? By the time they stopped to make camp for the night, Mulan had made her decision.</p>

Walking over to the commander’s tent, she paused. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself. “Commander Tung,” she said, announcing herself. “It’s Hua Jun.”</p>

“You may enter, Hua Jun.” Commander Tung’s response was quick and curt.</p>

Entering the tent, Mulan nodded at her commanding officer. His attention was focused on his sword, which lay across his lap. He was sharpening it with smooth, methodical strokes.</p>

“Commander Tung,” Mulan began. “There is something that weighs heavily on my heart. I need to confess it to you.” Her mouth grew dry as the commander looked up at her. She opened and closed her mouth several times, trying desperately to make her tongue form the right words. “It has to do with the Three Virtues??6??2.??6??2.??6??2.” That was as far as she could get.</p>

As she struggled, Commander Tung watched. To her surprise, she saw compassion in his eyes, as if seeing her struggle hurt him. Getting to his feet, the commander approached her. “There’s no shame in being fearful before battle,” he said, mistaking the reason for her visit. “In fact, it’s a testament to your honesty that you confess such doubt.”</p>

His words stabbed at Mulan’s already guilty conscience. Honesty? She was there to tell him how dishonest she was. She shook her head, trying to get the conversation back on track and say what she needed to say. “Yes, Commander,” she said, “but the other virtues—”</p>

Commander Tung interrupted her. “Hua Jun,” he said, his tone serious. “I’ve been doing this a long time. I stake my career on my ability to judge character. You’re a good man. Perhaps one day you’ll accompany me to my village, where I will introduce you to my daughter.”</p>

His daughter?</p>

Mulan’s jaw dropped. Those were the last words she had anticipated coming out of his mouth.</p>

“And our village matchmaker, of course,” Commander Tung finished.</p>

Mulan’s knees buckled as she understood what the commander’s words implied. Not knowing how to respond, she bowed. She had no choice but to nod her head. “It would be my great honor, Commander.”</p>

He smiled, relief on his face. Mulan realized that he had been oddly nervous to say such a thing to her. It made the lie she was living feel still more shameful. She had come to tell him the truth, and yet somehow ended up further into the mess her lie had created.</p>

“I’ll look forward to the look on your father’s face when you give him this news,” the commander said, bringing the conversation to a close.</p>

Slipping outside the tent, Mulan let out a shaky breath. As she did, she saw the Phoenix standing a few feet away. The bird had overheard the entire exchange. She gave Mulan a look that clearly said,</p>

Really?</p>

“Well, what was I supposed to do?” Mulan whispered.</p>

The Phoenix shot her another look. This one was even easier to read.</p>

I don’t know. Maybe not agree to get married to a woman.</p>

“Thank you for your support,” Mulan said, this time not bothering to whisper or keep the sarcasm from her voice. “Really.”</p>

But the Phoenix was right. She shouldn’t have said yes. She should have told the truth like she had planned to. Instead, she had let the lie live, and now things couldn’t possibly get worse.</p>

Fortunately, Mulan wasn’t given time to dwell on the growing chaos of her situation. Arriving back at her tent, she had only a few hours of restless sleep before the soldiers were once again awoken and ordered to move out.</p>

They marched through the desert steppe, the dry, shrub-covered ground offering them little protection from the elements, or any potential enemy eyes. Mulan’s gaze drifted over the arid landscape as they walked, her mind feeling as drained as the land around her. After a few hours’ march, the land began to rise beneath their feet, the shrubs giving way to a rocky landscape. In the distance, the Mountain Steppe Garrison rose up, protected on one side by mountains but left vulnerable in the front.</p>

Arriving in front of the garrison entrance, Commander Tung lifted a hand. Mulan and the others came to a halt as they waited for the soldiers to open the heavy gates. As the wooden doors opened, the inside of the garrison came into view. It was like any other garrison under the Emperor’s rule. Filled with vendors selling their goods and a few smaller buildings, it was busy, but not bustling. In one corner, Mulan spotted a tavern. Then her eyes grew wide and she let out a happy shout.</p>

“Black Wind!”</p>

As the other soldiers looked around for what had caused her outburst, Mulan raced across the garrison toward the tavern. Her horse stood tied up in front. Hearing her voice, he let out a happy nicker and pulled back against the reins, trying to free himself. Mulan threw her arms around him, breathing in his familiar and comforting scent. Finally, she pulled away. Her hand still gently rubbing the horse’s neck, her eyes shifted toward the tavern door. Then they narrowed. She knew exactly who was inside.</p>

Giving Black Wind one last pat and promising she would be back, Mulan stormed inside the tavern. She spotted Skatch and Ramtish immediately. They were sitting at a table, staring down at a map. Their robes and beards seemed dirtier than when she had last seen them. Mulan approached, her steps determined. Ramtish spotted her, and her expression grew more furious as she saw him shift uncomfortably in his seat.</p>

“Remember that conscript, that kid??6??2.??6??2.??6??2.” she heard Ramtish say to Skatch.</p>

The other man nodded. “Hua Jun,” he said.</p>

“Remember you taught him to stand his ground, own the place?” he said. Skatch mumbled a yes but kept staring at the map. Ramtish went on. “Tip of the blade and all that?”</p>

“So?” Skatch said, sounding annoyed to be distracted.</p>

“He took it to heart,” Ramtish finished.</p>

Skatch looked up—right into the glaring eyes of Mulan. “Hua Jun!” he said, jumping to his feet, a nervous smile on his face.</p>

Mulan didn’t return the smile. As Honghui, Yao, Po, Ling, and Cricket entered behind her, Mulan leapt into the air and in one swift move, kicked Skatch with both her feet. Hard. He fell back, landing on the floor with a thud. His fake beard, knocked loose by the impact, hung from his chin. Turning, Mulan set her sights on Ramtish. The man instantly held up his hands.</p>