Word reached Huo Qubing. The seventeen-year-old mad dog rode alone into Wuling that very day.
He kicked open the gate and roared:
"Where's Liu Two-Dog? I'm swearing brotherhood with him today—anyone stops me gets carved!"
Two-Dog was mid-cleaver when he looked up and saw a boy whose eyes burned hotter than Piggy's ever had.
Huo Qubing smashed two wine bowls on the table:
"I don't care if you're a deposed prince. From now on you're my big brother!"
Piggy poked in: "And me?"
Huo Qubing roared with laughter: "You're my sister-in-law!"
The stronghold laughed until they cried, fifty jars dry.
That night three young wolves swore an oath beneath the moon:
"Share fortune, share calamity! Slaughter the Xiongnu, butcher the traitors, guard the Han!"
Old Black and her thirteen piglets formed a circle around them, grunting like they were bearing witness.