The Ghosts began to close in on Rose. Her heart began to pound against her ribs. Desperation began to
rise in her chest. She turned and scrabbled against the wall. There was no escape. She backed up to the wall as
far as she could, but the ghosts kept coming. The air grew colder and colder as the ghosts drew nearer and
nearer…
Rose squeezed her eyes shut.
“
Halt!”
Rose opened one eye
One by one, the ghosts reluctantly stopped and moved to the side, forming an aisle. Coming down that
aisle came, shimmering and elegant, a ghostly lady. She was dressed simply, but she radiated brilliance and
grace. She came to a stop in front of Rose and, without smiling, looked down at her.
“
I have no love or kind thought for Qin Shi, nor do I care for his cursed wall. Because of him, I and my
husband were separated, and then our souls were tied to the wall. But this does not affect you in any way.”
She spoke with no emotion, but her eyes were soft and kind. Rose glanced behind her and saw a
scowling man, obviously her husband.
Something in Rose’s mind clicked. She gasped. “Are you… the lady in that old legend?” she whispered.
“
Legend? What legend? I know nothing of your modern ways. But I suppose you know the story of me
and my husband’s separation and death.”
So it WAS the lady of the legend! Rose quivered with excitement.
“
I can’t believe you are throwing this chance away, my wife!” The man behind her spoke.
“
I do not intend to throw it away entirely, husband,” Said the woman “I will let her go on one condition”
“
And what is that?” asked Rose.
“
I must ask you to remind the world of our suffering, and what a tyrant Qin Shi Huangdi was. You
must promise this, or else we will find you, and nothing shall save you then.” Said the ghostly lady.
“
Yes!” Cried Rose “I will do as you say! I will not forget this!”
“
Then go in peace, Hong Feng Wang. Keep your promise”
With that, The Lady of the Legend disappeared, along with all the other ghosts on the wall. Time began
again. The air became warmer. Rose’s watch began to work. Everyone reappeared.
“
What is the matter Rose?” said her mother. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost!”
“
Oh, more than just one ghost” Said Rose under her breath. She looked toward the horizon.
Hong Feng Wang had a lot of work to do.
* * *