Her first task accomplished, she opened her eyes again, the pattern of her breathing becoming more regular. She took a long drink from the tea before turning back to Li.<br/><br/>"I am afraid I do not know who those men were. I was returning to my lodgings when they confronted me. I cannot tell you any more of them than that."<br/><br/>"As to the rest, I am on my way back to my family in Jiaodong. That is, my maid, bodyguard and I. And I suppose now the rest of you as well, since I accepted your gracious offer to escort me home." Her eyes twinkled in amusement, given that our heroes had committed themselves (or been committed) to a journey of perhaps 500 miles.