They walked for another hour, putting a good distance between themselves and Qinglong Gorge, before Uncle Ma finally told everyone to rest.
As was their custom, they first gathered firewood and lit a ring of small fires. Then they circled the mule carts inside the ring and lit a large bonfire in the center, where everyone gathered to rest.
The leaping flames lit up their surroundings.
It was only then that Gu Fei saw what a sorry state everyone was in.
Gu Jinsheng, from the village chief's family, was dragging one leg as he limped along.
Her uncle, Gu Zhong, had an arm in a sling across his chest.
Her other uncle's shoulder was soaked in blood.
They looked like the battered remnants of a defeated army.
Mrs. Chen had just set up the pot to cook when Ms. Qian came over, her voice booming, "Sister-in-law, our grain was all stolen! Lend me some."
