There was great excitement from the half-naked children who trailed them into the centre, chatting and shouting as if it was a royal visit. News of the huge explosion had arrived before them, and they were met by a welcoming party. The local dignitaries were out in force, and they kowtowed to Colonel Lai. His height and bulk alone would be sufficient to command respect, but the village elders knew they were in the presence of a bannerman of the Imperial army and a captain of one of the mighty Imperial airships which held a mythical status in the north. Lai wasted no time. He issued orders and they were ushered to a stone building in the centre of the village. It was surrounded by a high wall and had an archway which led to a central court. The innkeeper greeted them and they were led upstairs to a room away from the litter-strewn street. It was the finest room in the place – big and airy, with decorative paper screens. “Sit down,” Lai commanded.
