Zhao Yun took a moment to gape at the awesome city he strode through. There were so many people and such tall buildings. Having spent most of his life at the remote estate of his ancestors he had rarely traveled to any city let alone one this grand. Trying rather unsuccessfully to avoid being jostled by the crowds he made his way to the castle in the center of Bei Ping, home of the Prefect Gongsun Zan.
Zhao Yun knew very little about this man. By all accounts he was a great general who battled against the northern Xiongnu horsemen. He and his elite troops all rode white horses, for the Xiongnu believed them sacred and were hesitant to do battle against them. This had allowed Gongsun Zan and his clan to reap much honor for their victories. His army was known throughout the Empire as the White Riders.
Yun's father had been vassal to a rival warlord named Wi Lan. This Wi Lan had allied himself with Yuan Shao against the Yellow Turbans but was killed in a surprise attack at Bo Hai. The remainder of his forces had been absorbed into the White Riders after Gongsun Zan claimed Wi Lan's lands, angering Yuan Shao in the process. Now that war once again loomed on the horizon the call went out to all former Wi vassals to join Gongsun Zan. Zhao Yun, at the behest of his mother, was answering that call.
The castle guards blocked his path as he approached. "What business have you here?"
The young warrior dropped his travel sack and bowed. "I am Zhao Yun, son of Zhao Xi. I am answering the call to arms of my lord Gongsun Zan." Yun handed the guards a parchment proving his words.
The older of the two guards read it and nodded. "Yes, I remember your father. Quite the warrior. I served Wi Lan myself, though I was but a boy during the uprising." He opened the castle door and gestured for Zhao Yun to enter. "By all means. The Lord is receiving audiences right now and will be glad of your arrival."
Zhao Yun nodded and made his way inside. The interior of the castle was warlike, for Gongsun Zan was a military lord, but also not without its share of luxuries. Beautiful furniture, paintings and carpets adorned the entry hall. Zilong tried not to gawk, for he was unused to such finery. Wide-eyed, he made his way to the reception hall where he saw a white-clad man standing atop a gold dais. Handing his weapon and his sack to a guard he made his way forward and knelt before the man in white.
"How may I be of service to you, young man?" The voice of the lord was deep and it boomed out across the hall.
Zhao Yun held up his parchment. "I am Zhao Yun, son of Zhao Xi. As you have commanded my Lord, so I have come to take up arms in your service."
Gongsun Zan stroked his bearded chin and smiled haughtily. "Ah, I remember your father. Fine warrior. Have you any of his skill?"
"I would never think to compare myself to my honorable father, but I have trained hard my Lord, and would prove my worth to you on the battlefield."
"Good! The stand Zhao Yun!" Gongsun Zan strode down fro m the dais and patted his vassal's shoulder. Zilong was surprised at the overly familiar, almost possessive gesture, but accepted it. "You have arrived just in time. Two days hence we ride to answer the call of the coalition led by Yuan Shao. The regional lords will attack the tyrant Dong Zhuo and force him out of Luoyang." The Lord gestured to a younger man standing on the dais who looked a great deal like him. "My younger brother Yue. You will ride with him as his second."
Zhao Yun bowed again. "On my honor I will defend him."
"I would expect no less. He will win great honor in this battle, the better to spread the name of our clan. We will not be outdone by those Yuan bastards!"
Zhao Yun was surprised at the vehemence with which he said the last, but made no comment. "I thank you for this opportunity my Lord."
"Prove your words by serving me well. Now I will have a chamber prepared for you. The rest of my vassals will be arriving soon and I would greet them as well. Yue will bring you to the chamber. Rest up and attend me at dinner."
"Yes my Lord." Zhao Yun bowed and followed Gongsun Yue out of the hall.
"I will have a white outfit sent to you. As a White Rider you must wear the color at all times."
"Yes Lord."
Yue stopped when they reached the chamber. "Just remember I am your master now. All honor must go to me. Remember this always and fight well."
Zhao Yun once more bowed as Gongsun Yue walked away. He entered the chamber and was impressed at the opulence but felt out of place. Was this the life his mother had truly envisioned for him? Fighting for the honor of such as the Gongsun Clan? He would rather fight for the people, but as a vassal he had no choice. Lying on his new bed he tried to rid himself of doubt and insecurity but had little success.
