It seemed the allies had finally realized the futility in their assault against a much larger, stronger force. Their effort would be remembered by many but if it would be looked at as a success or failure would have to wait until the battle was over. At the moment, it seemed to be a an utter failure but even the slightest change or event could trigger something greater in the future. It was called the 'butterfly effect' and would be witnessed by many during the epic battle of Qing Ni Pass.
The Qiang Champion smirked as he got the desired response from Wei Yan, the former ruler of Chang An.
Flashback..............After Yan had fallen back to the pass, aiding the civilians, the Qiang armies had arrived and looted the city for any treasure or supplies. When the Champion had moved toward the river, he could see soldiers and peasants gathered around a fallen enemy officer. The soldiers were not very interested so they moved to get water, leaving the sobbing peasants of Chang An to grieve over their fallen general.
"Who was this man?" the Champion asked, riding over upon his war horse.
"Lu.....Lu Rai....he was a skilled officer under the command of Wei Yan and had gained much fame fighting against the tyrant Dong Zhuo."
The peasant sniffled, thinking again of Rai's unimaginable death, but soon his emotions turned from sadness fear. With the man was an older woman, perhaps too exhausted or crippled to escape and she wondered why armed barbarians were gathering around them.
Pity, the Qiang never left any prisoners.SHING......SHINGTwo heads hit the ground and the bodies shortly after, joining the fallen general that they missed so much.
"There, now you are all back together again!"
The group of Qiang laughed and the Champion thought it a good time to grab a souvenir. Not only that, but the severed head of Lu Rai would come in useful.
.............................Between Wei Yan and the Champion was an ocean of enemies, but the berserker cared not. He wanted revenge against Ma Chao, there was no doubt, but the act by Qiang's Champion was downright dishonorable. Though Mengqi was overly proud, stubborn, young, and ambitious, he was certainly not do something so low.
Urging his steed forward, the Champion charged toward his new enemy but would find only a soaring spear heading his way. He did what was necessary to not get impaled, which was to slide in the saddle to a side, but due to the movement he was sent from his steed. Crashing down hard, onto the ground, the Qiang warrior had the wind knocked out of him before getting up and unsheathing his twin blades. All around, soldiers were wondering what would happen and they cleared away as to not get run down by the two.
"Here i am, let us see just how strong you are!" the Champion exclaimed, speaking of Yan's supposed level of fame which was comparable to Cao Mengde and strength like that of Guan Yu. Certainly, the Champion himself could increase his own level of fame and most likely fortune if he could slay Wei Yan.
Just as the two were about to collide, a few allied officers had approached. They had finally snapped out of their battle crazed state and noticed the coffin closing around them.
Wei Yan was called by Sun Liao and Yu Xueman, both feeling it time that the battlefield berserker should withdraw and live to fight another day. Smart, they were, but the repercussions of such a 'tactical' retreat would send morale plummeting for the allies and skyrocketing for the Horde.
As Gongsun Zan, Eshmunbaal, Sun Liao, Wei Yan, and Yu Xueman all started to turn and fall back a massive battle cry roared out from the Golden Horde lines!
"This is what they bring against us!? PATHETIC!"
The Qiang Champion flailed his twin swords around, cutting through the air and bedazzling his men who were now almost having a party. They were excited about the steamroller that was the Horde and two initial victories, one at Chang An and one now, sent morale to an all time high.
If the Horde, or allies, noticed the amount of bodies already strewn across the field they would have maybe faltered for a moment. However, the situation was just moving too fast and no one had much time to stop and think. Well, at least they should have done that.
"Do not let them escape!" the Champion yelled, ordering the horse units and infantry on the Horde left flank to charge.
***************************************
The allies were falling back and over the rolling hills of Qing Ni Pass was their freedom. It was unfortunate though, that something so close would seem so far away. Turning back to look as the ocean of Golden Banners raising to the heavens, along with blood stained weaponry, an allied soldier could see his worse nightmare.
The enemy was giving chase!
Ruffian swords, Qiang skirmishers, Qiang raiders, and Militia horsebows were all now in hot pursuit of the allied enemies. They numbered well over 1000 strong and were catching up to any infantry and possibly some tired cavalry units.
"Hurry! Run!" one of the allies yelled, urging his comrades to run as fast as humanly possible. They had just reached the hills, but it was too late.
Arrows came down from the sky and picked off fleeing enemies from behind. The allies did not stand a chance as they could not block or avoid even if they wanted to. Ruffian swords, being so light, were the closest and while their missile brethren halted to let loose more attacks, the ruffians moved in to finish them.
"Do not flee, cowards!"
The Qiang Champion was at the heels of the enemy, taking little nibbles when he could to slow them down. He still had the severed head of Lu Rai and was using it as a priest did a cross to force a vampire back! The magical head was working!
"Damn, i need to get me one of those heads!" a soldier on the Horde frontline said to an ally as he could see the Champion chasing the entire allied force away.
The two ruffian swords, some of the luck soldiers that survived the brutal but failed onslaught, looked to one another and their eyes shot open. A moment later they were off, racing forward north to join in on the offensive. The problem was, it was not ordered by the person who actually mattered. The Qiang Champion was a subordinate of the King and both were being commanded by Ma Chao. There was no doubt the young warlord would be furious that his foolish Qiang allies were rushing ahead. They were breaking the strong line that the Horde currently possessed.
***************************************
The siege tower, on the allied left flank, was steaming ahead like a train down the tracks of death. Tiny had gotten his second wind and as the tower hit the downward slopes throughout the hills, the archers above were having the times of their lives!
"Here we go again!" one yelled, signaling to his comrades to raise their hands again like they were on a roller coaster.
"Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee"
The fun would be short lived though as the archers could see movement in the allied center, outside the gate. There was some sort of monster present as wells as smelly piratey mercenaries. Oh, how Tiny hated mercenaries. If Zhang Ren and his pal got close, he would tear them limb from limb. Right now though, he was on a mission.
Ahead, the wall could be seen as well as the men upon it. They were now in range of the Horde archers upon the tower and they pulled back their bows to let loose a volley into Huang Zhong's men. The timing seemed to be perfect, for their arrival, as deadly boulders started to rain down from the mountainside onto the gate!
Some scoundrels, who were not of the Horde, had acted during the darkness to ambush the allies along the wall. A soldier under Aja Jex was slain and Cao Cao himself was almost murdered. The real trouble would be for Huang Zhong though, as not only was he there but he had arrows and a very big man coming at him.
"Loose!" an archer captain yelled, from atop the tower. A moment later though, he was caught in right in the face by a Zhong arrow!
Behind the rumbling Tiny and the siege tower was a trail of bodies that had either fallen off or been hit by allied volleys. Some had fallen from the front and were then crushed by the tower along with Tiny's big feet.... To add to that, a few boulders were soaring through the air as it seemed Cao Mengde had sprung into action.
"Ruh roh"
Tiny grimaced, seeing the boulders coming toward his unit and he took cover. It was like an elephant hiding behind a spear, but still.
One of the boulders smashed into the side of the tower as the other sailed harmlessly over it. The one that struck ripped pieces of the side off the tower and killed some men on impact. There was now a gaping whole in the side, but it was still moving! None could stop Tiny or destroy his wooden elevator to the walls of Qing Ni.
In fact, he had arrived!
The ground started to quake again, but it was not Horde cavalry or the siege weapons smashing the walls. No, it was Tiny making his way up the inside of the tower. He started at the bottom and all that could be seen was the tower shaking back and forth. As he squeezed through, literally like a sardine in its can, he was crushing his comrades. Fat rolls were pushing against people's heads and remnants of Tiny's lunch were spewing from his ass in the form of deadly gas. Truly, they were not sure if it was better being outside or in right now.
As Tiny passed the second level he could finally be seen due to the hole in the tower's side. Horde soldiers had not place to go but out so many had either fallen to their death or were injured in the fall. One unlucky soldier happened to be in the way when Tiny had to back up for a moment and his head went right under the big man's arm pit!
Needless to say, that soldier is no longer with us.
Huang Zhong and his men, who were probably reeling from the night ambush and also taking out enemy archers, were beginning to wonder where Tiny went. Was he stuck inside the tower? He had not appeared at the top to storm across onto the gate.
"Bwaha!"
Two beefy arms ripped right through the front of the covered siege tower and grabbed the necks of two archer elites under Huang Zhong. Both struggled to break free, but Tiny's meat hooks were not only juicy fat but powerful. Their necks were snapped like twigs before a big ass head crushed through the tower as well.
"I am here!" Tiny said, only his head and two arms visible.
Zhong's elites started kicking Tiny's face, trying to push it back through and the big man yelled out. It was like bees attacking his face, but he was still able to get a boot in his mouth and started to bite on it. Finally, he was pushed back through and continued to the top.
The tower swayed, back and forth, as the mammoth warrior reached the top and stage dived into the enemy upon the walls! He tried to get up quickly, but that was not going to happen so his men covered him while he got to his feet.
Twin hammers were taken from his meaty back, strapped to him like they were salad mallets. He whipped them around with ease and the enemy shat themselves as not even two of them could hold one of his hammers!
***************************************
To the rear of the army, Han Sui watched with shock as the left flank began to chase down the enemy. They were soon followed by the center and right who all thought that the battle would be won if they finished Wei Yan and company. Many did not know of Cao Mengde's presence and the fact he had made himself the commander for the allied force. Not only that, but fresh defenders were waiting at the walls such as Liu Shan, Mortiss, Zhang Ren, Wu Tian, and others.
"Hold the line!" Sui yelled, but it was no use.
The Qiang King sneered and cursed his comrade, who had rushed ahead like a fool. However, if the Champion could cut down the fleeing enemies and stay out of enemy missile range than he would be forgiven.
Off to the side of the main army, to the rear, Xing Cai fought with her father about her presence at the battle. The man of Shu was very foolish, not only raising his voice to Ma Chao's girl but also bringing soldiers to Qing Ni. That would be considered a possible threat against the Horde and if they did not withdraw it could mean war.
Ma Chao heard the call of Han Sui to the frontline and it snapped him back from his gaze upon Zhang Fei. His eyes shot open and he wheeled around on his steed, riding a moment to face north and then halting. He wanted to ride over, make out with Xing Cai right in front of Zhang Fei and then duel the drunkard to the death. However, with one foolish move by the Qiang Champion the young leader's army was breaking apart.
"Zhang Fei!" he barked, just like one animal to another.....one lion to the other.
"You would do well to leave! I do want to slay Cai's father in front of her! She has made her decision, now go!"His voice boomed out in return to Fei's, who was now probably furious and ready to charge. It would be his death though, so hopefully he would turn after realized his attempt at getting Cai had failed. Fei could still try with Liu Shan, but he would be in the direct path of the Horde. Battle would be unavoidable and he would pull Shu into war, no doubt.
Ma Chao urged his horse north and immediately the entire army started to mobilize. The Qiang King and Han Sui moved up with the elites and remaining mass of infantry. Also, the siege operators returned to their weapons and prepared to move.
It was getting very dark and torches would have to be lit. The next part of the epic battle would be just that.....epic.
***************************************
Slowly, but surely, the remaining Golden Horde army was forming up into another attack force. Ahead, their mounted allies mixed with infantry groups were handing out gift bags of death to the allies as they tried to escape back to the gate. The rough estimate on troops pouring over the hills were around 500 Qiang skirmishers, 470 Qiang raiders, 900 Ruffian sword horse, 600 or so Ruffian swords, and 400 Militia Axes!
The new main army, due to the others running ahead, consisted of the remaining ranged units, the siege, the elites, and other assorted infantry.
In the center, Cheng Yi was back to leading his archers and siege equipment. There were only 2 trebuchet now, as that pesky Sun Liao had hacked one apart somehow. Oh, he would pay for that!
"Prepare torches for night battle and ready the siege weapons to attack!" Yi ordered.
Behind him, Yan Xing and the bulk of the middle were arriving. Thousands of soldiers were still present ranging from mace men to spear and shield troops. Truly, the allies had a battle ahead of them still. Not only that, but morale was extremely lopsided at the moment putting them in a very dire state.
Along the entire Horde front torches could be seen igniting. Flames were being brought over near the archers and siege equipment so they could unleash hell upon the allies. The first step though, would be the siege assault as the archers were at a height disadvantage. They would take out any allied soldiers moving around in the hills ahead of the gate though, if they got into range.
Ma Chao sat upon his white steed beside the King and Han Sui. The flames of war were flickering and reflecting off of the leader's armor as all three carried torches. Hopefully Xing Cai was not swayed by Zhang Fei as her help was needed. Not only was she a great warrior but also had the ability to keep Mengqi cool. If he started to rage, he would rush forward into the fray. He was notorious for answering taunts and falling for ploys but most times the taunter got a spear shoved up their ass!
"Han Sui, ride out and call back the our Qiang ally" the leader commanded. Sui bowed and immediately rode forward taking 1000 mace soldiers with him for support. He would move past the archers and siege to try and talk some sense into the Champion. If not, he would at least reprimand the Horde riders and get them back immediately out of harms way.
***************************************
The allies that were fleeing the Champion were now in a bad way. Arrows had taken their toll and melee combat had broken out. The Qiang himself had claimed around ten lives and he wanted more! He was raging and in a state of bloodlust with his armor covered in crimson liquid.
As they moved ahead, closer to the waiting allies, the siege assault began. Above their heads, flaming boulders raced toward the gate and walls intent on destroying it. If the attacks did not hit dead on, they would maybe start random fires to burn and kill the allies. Anything would help in exterminating the rodents, how they thought victory was possible against such an overwhelming foe was almost unbelievable!
"Fall back!"
"Fall back, you fools!" Han Sui yelled as he finally came into earshot of his comrades on the frontlines.
Behind Sui, in the darkened distance, the main army began to advance again. Cheng Yi and his units moved forward and so did the siege, preparing to adjust their shots which were probably not accurate just yet.
***************************************
***************************************
::The Golden Horde::Ma Chao
Yan Xing
Han Sui
Cheng Yi
Tiny
400 Elite Horse Bows
400 Elite Horse Spear/Shield
480 Militia Cavalry Lancers
500 Militia Horse Bows
500 Militia Sword/Shield
232 Militia Spear/Shield
192 Militia Spearmen
384 Militia Twin Axes
334 Militia Bowmen
620 Ruffian Bowmen
600 Ruffian Swords
920 Ruffian Horse Swords
2 Trebuchet
1 Siege Towers
::Unauthorized aid from Shu::Xing Cai
100 Spear and Shield Elites
300 Horsebow Veterans
1 Unit of Medics
::Qiang reinforcements::Qiang King
Qiang Champion
480 Veteran Raiders (Shortbow and Sword) *new
1000 Militia Mace/Axe Troops (Short mace and Axe) *new
500 Ruffian Skirmisher Cavalry (Javelin and Sword) *new
1000 Ruffian Twin Swords
3 Catapults