Allied Camp (Chang An)

[Dark Narrator]

The camp at Qing Ni has been moved to just south of Chang An.

[Cao Cao]

(Havent read any previous posts really.. so apologies for any continuity issues)

With the victory at Qing Ni pass did not come an end to the tyranny of the golden horde. The rumbling of footsteps in their retreat was not one to signify a true allied victory, for these men and their steeds rushed back to the grand city of Chang An. Only days before had this historical base seen a siege that shook its very core; now, at the hands of those with vengeance in their minds and ambition in their hearts, it would face yet another attack. This time the horde were on the defence, their men reeling from their brief loss, but if history taught them anything, it was that retreat can often be a strategy to a greater scheme. For now however, the allies filled their new camp, with a newfound morale, and sense of ambition.

Cao Mengde was one of the valiant few who was situated in the camp, remaining composed and quiet, calculating his next moves. At least, this was the appearance he wished to present. Perhaps fear had finally struck the lord into a stupor; he had seen the face of death itself on this battlefield, and it wore magnificent golden armour. It rode across the battlefield seeking for all the lords of the land, wielding a spear crafted from revenge and retribution, and tearing apart whole generations. Would Cao also fall prey to this weapon?

Various soldiers continued to establish their next moves in this camp, though most it would seem were celebrating with the rest of the allies, drinking lightly, and feasting on their supplies. They had to be prepared, for if today spoke anything, it was a loud warning of how unpredictable the enemy was. Cao sat amongst his group of sycophants, the lady Sun undoubtedly nearby, and awaited for news of departure, or at least for some important man to come and discuss what had happened. From his visage however, he wished to remain within his own thoughts.

[Mr Nor]

Zhou Tai arrived at the new camp, his visage solemn and more mature than his ages. His face also seemed wrought with emotion that was, before today, unknown to this man. It was all he could do to keep himself from breaking down.

"...Rest..." was all he could get himself to say to his troops, who knew his situation. They all dispersed, and would take care of themselves until the next battle. Zhou Tai simply walked to the campfire, and sat. He sat there, staring into the fire, until a messenger of Wu approached him. The messenger whispered into his ear, and Zhou Tai did not seem to comprehend the message and had it repeated. after it was repeated... his face was one of bewilderment.

"He's returned?"

"Yes, sir," said the messenger, loud enough for anyone to hear, "Sun Jian has returned."

Zhou Tai nodded slowly. "Tell the troops. Lord knows it'll only boost their morale. Now, instead of fighting for a steward, they'll be fighting for their real ruler..."

He sounded almost dissapointed at the news, although it was news they would all celebrate upon his return to Wu. But now, Zhou Tai was simply another general among the ranks of Wu...

[Sun Liao]

Sun Liao arrives at the camp, men behind him. He stares out into the distance as his horse slowly carries him closer and closer, his men marching behind him. The once grand city of Chang An draws ever closer, the city Sun once defended, now he must retake. Behind him marches men filled with morale, the victory at Qing Ni was indeed impressive, but now the generals of the coalition fight another battle, this time there are walls between the enemy and themselves, and their archers are on the walls.

Sun sighs as he sees the camp beginning to form, Sun would have to make an appearance to talk to these men. He just wants it to end, this whole battle and get on with his life. This battle has done nothing good for him, yet he fights with such vigor. Sun can feel the cold chill of night leaving as he rides closer and closer, the sun rising in the east behind him. The day was new, and so was the battle. The men had won a hard fought victory at Qing Ni, but hopefully they saved some of their energy to win this one as well. On Sun's right lies a forest, Sun nods to his of his men,

"Scout the forest, and cut down some trees, we're going to need ladders for this battle."

Sun continues riding as a group of his men break off and head into the forest. Sun goes straight into the camp and dismounts his horse in the presence of the other lords,

"Hello, I am Sun Liao of T'se if I have not properly introduced myself already. I am ready to give battle when you are."

[Wei Yan]

"There he is!" yelled a random solider as he jumped up and pointed to the arriving army from Qi Ning Pass. They wore the bloodied teal colors of Glory and marched with a profounding resolve. Out infront of the army walked their leader, Wei Yan, though it was obvious he was grimacing with every step. He favored his left side rather obviously, and was breathing very sharply. Anyone could have known just by his walk that he wasn't at one hundred percent.

The group of soldiers and their warrior leader made their way into the camp; four hundred strong and each with the word Guardian scribed upon their headbands. It was obvious they'd all be promoted for their services to the warrior. Every man held a spear and shield and wore a glare that most would never understand. It was a resolute hate for the Golden Horde, but a need for justice in the name of the people. Who would they march against: the fleeing Golden Horde or the dishonorable Qiang? The whole camp would soon find out for the army never stopped in the camp, they just continued on towards the battlefield.

One Guardian broke off with a signal from Wei Yan and ran off towards Cao Cao position, carrying a brown sack. The Guardian found the warlord rather easily and fell to a knee before him, place the sack at his feet. With that the Guardian rose and did the bow of Glory, a fist punched into an open palm as he spoke.

"My Lord, Wei Yan, thanks you for the commanding you've done here. He offer's you the head of the Qiang Champion for you to return to the ranks of the Qiang Barbarians or to keep at your wish. Heaven's bless you in this battle."

With that the Guardian returned to the ranks of the army and they were gone. It was very apparent when they left the allied camp that they made for the Golden Horde. Nothing else would matter until Wei Yan had found his Revenge. It was a sight that would have brought dispair to most Chang An residents, but the few that understood would know that Wei Yan would return to save them as soon as he had his revenge.

"Rai," boomed the warrior and his Guardians gave the answer, "We are not broken!"

[Eshmunbaal]

Another man was also present in the allied camp, sitting among his own men their tents. He sat around a campfire with a dozen or so Libyans and a pair of Iberian soldiers. The conversation they had would be hard to understand by many, as it consisted of both Punic and chinese words, as if Eshmunbaal was trying to learn his men some chinese. It seemed only natural at least one of them should know Chinese in case Eshmunbaal would lay down his life in battle.

A few new tents were present in his part of the camp, it appeared Eshmunbaal had enlisted some chinese soldiers into his ranks. They all sat alone or socialised with other allied soldiers, while the rest of the Carthaginian army sat isolated, away from the other men in the camp. How their presence would be looked upon he didn't know, he only knew he had sustained less cassualties then most of the other generals, which was reason enough to think little of them all.

As he talked to his men, Eshmunbaal's gaze remained locked to the north, where in the far distance he could see Chang An, the city they would have to conquer. Mounted units would be useless in the next battle, with the focus being mainly on infantry and man to man combat. Eshmunbaal would prove his worth in this battle, for he'd be the first man upon the enemy walls, he'd make sure of it...

[Mr Wu Sheng]

The Departure
Or so I’ve been told

----- Wu Tian followed the path forged from the victors – taking the path east before heading west to follow the line of allies that marched steadily to the base of the keep ahead. Inside, he knew he would find men of great virtues and talents, their alignments now neutralised whilst the ensuing battle echoed around them.
----- Tian had no intention of following this predictable ritual however, and he leaned his steed, (known as Kage) to the south, steering with minimal effort to prevent a collision against any other soldiers nearby. His troops would precede no doubt – minus of course those that had come with him.
----- “Send a message to anyone who is interested enough to know of my whereabouts.” He had said, keeping the reins in his left hand, whilst pointing ahead with the other, “I am no longer a member of Tse, nor will I risk my life for these fools any longer. A man may perch himself upon a tree and watch a battle – but it does not mean he is in control of it. Whoever pretends to command this legion of allies are incompetent, and I will no longer feed the ambition and recognition he will gain from a battle he has not fought.”

----- His men gazed back at him, before their spirits re-kindled with the noise ahead, war was brewing once more – and they shot of at a pace quicker than his own. Alone – Tian turned back to the south, a few men gathered around him.
----- “We will start south.” He had said, turning to his 2nd in command, “Let’s get on the road, who knows what dangers linger beyond these borders.”
----- His men smiled, but Tian knew there was no enthusiasm behind such a meek expression and instead of continuing – he let out a brief sigh, “When we reach the lands of Wu, you are all dismissed. Follow me no longer.”
----- And then he moved out.

Wu Tian has left the battle - he isn't happy - and he's also stated he no longer wishes to serve Tse.

[Sun Yuan Ci]

Wow, could I have possibly told you more... why I wasn't able to do anything? Whatever, Steve, be a bitch about nothing.