Meeting Somewhere In Xu Chang...

[Mr ~Traptz~]

Annnd They Wait.

The group of several thousand mercenaries sat patiently, though anxiously, in the middle of Wei territory. It was a very precarious position. For if Wei figured they were hired to assault them, they would probably try and strike first.

So, the mercs made themselves appear as docile as possible, and set to defend themselves. They dug in their position, and set up easy to build and de-build barricades. Mounds, with spikes and the odd tower to scout.

Ren and Liu Pi sat around a campfire along with a few other of Ren's bodyguard. They were cooking something over their fire. Whatever it was it didn't look entirely tasty. Either way, it was food they were used to. SO they continued to eat, and wait for his contract holders to arrive.

[Lyle]

Yuan Shao had managed to find Ye, thankfully he had Zhang He to aid him in this task. When they had crossed the great divide of the north and the plains, Shao had come across his favorite official, Gao Lan. Gao Lan was a powerful general who had been loyal to Shao. After much talk and hesitant glances, Shao finally figured out what had happened to Ye. Naturally, bandits. Corrupted men who took advantage of the situation in Lou Yang..

They however did not dwell on the subject, and the noble even commented on how Gao Lan was the great hope that he had hoped to find with the dawn.

So now they had found Ye, but something stood in before them. The army was quite massive, especially when you are but four men, yet that wouldn't stop Yuan Shao from riding right into it and finding out who was in charge. He bowed to the men by the fire before addressing them, still yet not knowing who was in charge specifically.

"I am Yuan Shao and these are my officers, Zhang He, Gao Lan and... and Qu Yi." Shao pinched together at that, hating the way it sounded. Damn whipping boy. "It is not my business to be in yours but I wonder why you are here with such arms before the mighty Cao Cao? It is a pleasant site, do not get me wrong.. but I still wonder.."

[Mr ~Traptz~]

Fight Tonight And Dance In The Morning
[/b]
Zhang glanced up as one of his men informed him that Yuan Shao had arrived. He looked over to Pi, [/i]"At least they left their army behind..." Ren looked into Shao's direction and Liu did as well.

As Shao made his speak he waved his words off. "Right, right... I do believe I recognize that one," and he pointed a bone of some small animal at Zhang He. "Pleased to meet the rest of you. I myself am Zhang Ren. Leader of this merry band of mercs. This here is Lou Pi. Former Yellow Turban and second in command of my forces."

Zhang stood up and began walking toward Yuan Shao. "We move around. We were waiting on a contract holder, but I just recently found out that man unfortunately bit the dust." Ren shrugged his shoulders. "Might I ask you, Lord of Ye, what brings you into Cao's territory?"

[Lyle]

Shao quickly replied, "Business as usual... What say this Zhang Ren, I take up your services? I need an army to be mobilized soon.. will you accept this task?"


(Just getting it done..)

[Lyle]

*******
After settling the affair with Zhang Ren (and paying the man in advance), Yuan Shao made his way up to the castle of Xu Chang. He sent Gao Lan to retreat back and collect the army, which Gao Lan had managed to raise from Ye immediately after the Bandits raided and then later on from the surrounding area.

Yuan Shao was to enter the city but was turned down, because Cao Cao wasn't there. Mengde was a fool.. he could have his city now.. but maybe Shao would end up the fool if he took it when its leader was away..

The united armies pulled out, heading further south.

[Lyle]

YUAN SHAO GIVES ZHANG REN 300 GOLD[/COLOR][/SIZE]