Chapter 2: Moonlight Dancer

Inside a small tent, the aroma of meat permeates to every corner. Dishes of meat and vegetables all delectably plated around a low rise table. A brazier full of coal was beside it, giving warmth throughout the whole tent.

Beside the table, two people sat. One is a young man with a physique and face that can be likened to that of Prince Lanling (1), beside him was a beautiful lady with face that looks like a doll arranges the dishes in front of him. "Master, we just received new intelligence. I am not sure if it would be of any use," said the woman while pouring wine into her master's waiting cup.

The young man known as Viktor Nikiforov, current king of Ru, nodded his head in acknowledgement. "The camp of General Katsuki is just beyond the frozen lake 5 li from ours. This servant has seen the famed General on top of the cliff near the lake playing his flute," Mila one of his most trusted servant and confidant reported to him. "He is very handsome and fine feature that he can be mistaken for Pan An (2) instead of a war general. It is unbelievable that he is the same Invincible General who has won many battles,"

Viktor with an amused smile on his face asked, "Really? The you are more fortunate than I (3). For I have not seen him once. But only heard the enchanting song of his flute,"

"There are rumours that the legendary General of the North is once an Official in the court of Wa. It is so hard to believe that our men can be beaten in battle by such scholarly hands," she said.

Viktor took a sip of his wine and said, "Battle are not won only by sheer strength and power alone but also thru cunning and wit," Viktor's eyes flashed coldly, "This man is a great accomplisher in both civil and military field. Three years ago our army suffered a great lost at his hands. I have personally witnessed his strategic plan and told my father all about it. But alas, due to my inexperience in the battlefield not only did my Father not listen to my advice but he took me out of the battlefield saying that I am to reckless and wilful. Within mere days the Army of Wa lead by General Katsuki overpowered ours and Father fell," Viktor recalled with anguish.

Mila having witness the pain her master went through could only watch silently beside him, "Form that day on, I vowed to take vengeance against General Katsuki," Viktor said cold determination written all over his face.

"Be more patient Master for victory is almost attainable. According to our intelligence the Northern Army has been cut off from the capital. With their supplies dwindling in each passing day and morale in a constant low, it would be the perfect time to attack. With the defeat of the Northern Army the fall of Wa would be at hand," Mila said while refilling Viktor's cup.

Hours just before the break of dawn Viktor walked around the frozen lake his mind so full of thoughts - his army, revenge, the upcoming battle, the Northern Army, and finally General Katsuki Yuuri. In his mind he tries to paint a picture of infamous general. A charismatic general that can defeat great armies. His thoughts were interrupted by the sound of scrapping ice. As he look towards the frozen lake his breath was caught in his throat. Dancing through the ice was an apparition of ethereal beauty. An ice fairy dancing under the light of the full moon. The figure was androgynous clad was clad in gossamer clothes, his long black hair is like that of the raven's feathers, his face so serene like the bodhisattvas that attends to the Goddess Kwan Yin. His movements so graceful that music seem to follow out from his very dance and emotions so deep became so tangible.

Viktor was mesmerize that when the dancer finishes his dance he could not help but stand up and applaud the dancer.

The dancer was startled by the clap and turned to face Viktor horror and dread clearly written on their face. The figure then rushed towards the edge of the lake using his Qigong he flew into the forest and disappeared.

Viktor gave chase but unfortunately was not able to reach the Ice Dancer on time before he disappeared. Dejected that he was unable capture the mystical creature he turned arround intending to return to his camp when he spotted something gleaming on the ice. As he approach the object he saw that it was a mutton jade tassel of a phoenix, thinking that it must belong to the mysterious ice dancer he took a silk handkerchief from his sleeve and wrap the jade in it. "I will see you again, Moy Ledyanoy Angel,"

tbc...

A/N: I know it is a short one. I am hoping that I could update again with in a week but for now I hope this would suffice.

1. Prince Lanling - One of Ancient China's most handsome men. It is said that in order to win battles Prince Lanling need to cover his face with a mask for he looks so beautiful that his enemies are not intimidated by him.

2. Pan An - the top 1 most handsome man in Ancient China. His name is a household word use to describe a beautiful man.

3. Viktor usually addresses himself as 'Us' or 'We' but in the presence of his closes and most trusted people he uses 'I'.