Post by Wei Yan on Aug 9, 2008 2:31:53 GMT -5
Spread The Word!! He Lives!!
Chang An was wrapped up on the brink of carnage people were rushing so quickly. Men were working themselves to the bone to prepare for the war to come. Lu Rai had arrived days before and orders had been sent ever since. Men were drilling and on watch nearly 24/7, blacksmiths worked like mules in their forges preparing weapons for the armies. Officers and Liutenants ran about, collecting information from farmhands and beggars alike. Making sure order was kept while the rush for war time was upon the kingdom of Glory.
Though, things were soon to change as the sun began it's fall into the night. A runner sprinted through the city, followed by boys, merely adolescents, crying out the arrival of a warrior, the return of a ruler...
"Wei Yan! Wei Yan! The Hero of Chang An! Hero of The People! Wei Yan! The Ravager of Courage! He's come home!" cried the shrill premature voices as the gates flung open wide behind them. In rode the steadfast ruler of Chang An, the warrior of the people. His horse trotted under him. It's red streaked mane glistened a bit in the leaning sun, and the shimmer of chestnut rippled down it's body. For a man of blood and war, he rode like a sign of hope. His spear strapped to the saddle while his axe hung across his back.
The crier didn't stop running till they fell to a bow before Lu Rai. The companion of Yan had been speaking to a local blacksmith about rate of production when he got the news. At first the shield's man was without words, then it hit him that they had a chance to win again.
"Heavens bless us! I'd feared him dead... Blacksmith... Double time! We have a war to wage!" came the proud voice of Lu Rai as he turned around and untied his horse from a post. With that, he mounted and rode to meet his friend. The crying boys then took off, continuing to spread the news among the few who still hadn't heard.
The warrior rode upright, greeting the people who now were lineing the rode sides. Beggars, crooks, merchants, militia, farmers, all came to see their Ruler. A ruler the people had chosen. Wei Yan was all smiles and bows from atop his horse as he rode. The sights of Chang An were something he'd longed for since leaving Xi Liang. He needed to know it wasn't burnt to the ground. The Heaven's were good on this day, but good luck had to run out sooner or later.
"Ah! Rai! My friend! Come, ride with me!" boomed the warrior as Lu Rai came within range. The two companions quickly fell into line, side by side, and continued all the way to the palace steps. From there they dismounted, and went inside to the council. It would be a hard night of talking for the two, and any officer who decided to show up.
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Of Tyrants & Peacemakers
"Rumors say that his cavalry shakes the Wu Wei mountains. That his army is enough to crowd our great Chang An. That he hopes to take casualties as to fit all his men in this city!"
"Are you sure? These are mere rumors. Either way, it doesn't matter. Chang An most hold. We cannot afford to fail the people that have entrusted us."
"But Yan--"
"No Rai, there is no room for that. We must be sure and steadfast. They will break upon us like the tide! Our walls will hold... They must."
"Then what if they collapse? What if the armies and walls of Chang An aren't enough, Yan?"
"Then--"
"Then we fail as defenders! We must have a plan! Let go of the pride and take a look here at the map. You see? We can win..."
"Hmmm... There? Why there? Why not here?"
"Why not both? Haha!"
"My friend, this is why you read the maps and I lead the armies."
"Hmmm.. Do you see this though, Yan?"
"Yes, I had been looking at that for some time now... Round up all the horses we have and send two scouts to Tian Shui. When Ma Chao passes through there, send the horses."
"You think?"
"What more option do we have? That few horses aren't made to be a good defense unit. Better make good use of them."
"Yes... I guess you are right. Then what about the means of retreat?"
"You expect the horses to help us retreat? They'll outrun the peasents!"
"Yan... Are you prepared to risk the lives of our men to save th--"
"Rai, these people made us their defenders. Above all things, we defend them. If the lines break or the walls weaken, we must fall back and protect them at all costs."
"But fall back to where?"
"Here, Rai. This is our best option."
"...Heavens...Scribes...Remember this for all time..."
