"How much time do we have left?"
"Not enough." The word are sharp and chilling, breaking to a man who fears death. His eyes meet his Lieutenant's. The familiar dark brown hue stares back at him unflinching and not stifled by the social and rank difference that separates them. Those eyes do not fear death. No, they challenge it, welcome it even.
Ma Chao nods. Words pass unspoken between them with the simple gesture. The endured hardships and time between the General and the Lieutenant has formed a bond, struck by the cold blow of war, but sharped by its steel.
"Form ranks!" Lieutenant Wen Zhongzheng's voice breaks through the crisp air like a rock striking the walls as it falls into an empty well. He then looks questioningly at his lord. Ma Chao knows what he is wondering. "Only a coward would back away. I will lead the men," he says. "Captain Chang Li."
"Yes, sir?" A young voice replies to his left. The young Captain's voice reminds Ma Chao of what Wen Zhongzheng had told in him on the Plains of Shiangdong. "Chang Li has only had four months of active service in battle. Two of which were defending castles that were never attacked. Send me in his stead." He remembers how he had merely smirked and had been willing to give the young Captain the early chance to lead a charge, possibly ride to his death. No. He will not do that today. Today Captain Chang Li will be the survivor.
He turns and looks into the Captain's shamrock hued eyes. Young, but willing. If given the chance to survive, he would make a fine General someday. "You will ride back and return to General Huang Zhong and Wei Yan. Tell Huang Zhong not to worry about the western and middle Wei armies. He needs to send a detachment to the east. The army there will be temporary isolated. Make sure he understands it is only temporary... time will be short." Chang Li's eyes flicker with surprise, fear, and disappointment. Ma Chao does not blame him for any of these things. "And, Chang Li, make sure General Ma Dai..." his voice dies off, knowing the grief that would shake his cousin. "Tell him he must carry the legacy of the Ma Family by himself now." He can tell the Captain wants to protest, but he is disciplined enough to keep such words to himself. "I understand this these are heavy words to carry," he tries to offers in a gentle voice, but it quickly turns strong. "But I trust you with this burden, Captain. It is now your duty to make sure this message is returned safely."
"I understand sir." Ma Chao nods. He keeps his eyes ahead, noting the Captain break away from his left.
Wei had broken away the calvary unit from the main force, stranding them behind enemy lines with Wei soldiers in front and the Qiang Pass as at their backs. A clever move that had rode on the incentive of a trap. Ma Chao had thought to move quick enough to avoid this trap and take the eastern army by surprise, but it had seemed Wei had anticipated him to do so as much, however, and had given him no time to avoid the trap.
The strategy is familiar and he knows why. It had been a maneuver Pang De had commonly used where he could. Clever. Easy. And most often successful.
He grinds his teeth together, annoyed by his lack of ability to out maneuver his old ally.
"We have no hope of breaking through the enemy's lines and forming on the other side to help our allies," he says quietly. "There is not enough time and our causalities will be too high if we attempt it. We will be more use staying and fighting here. And the enemy expects us to route."
"We have somewhat of an advantage then." Ma Chao nods slightly.
"Perhaps..." But he is not certain. Pang De might expect him to do as much. "Even if not, it will give General Huang Zhong enough time to move on the eastern army. Hopefully.
"There is little room for 'hope' on the battlefield, my lord," Wen Zhongzheng says.
"Yes, I know. But we nothing left to do, but 'hope'." He shifts in his saddle. "I'll address the men now. The western army seems to be moving to join with the middle force... we should move now as well." His heels gently dig in Shen's sides, bringing the silvery stallion ahead of the calvary. He turns.
Five-hundred calvary. Five-hundred men to lead to their deaths. Indeed... a coward would have been broken.
"Soldiers of Shu," he calls out. "We are at a disadvantage, I will not attempt to hide it. The enemy is cunning and seeks an easy victory. But we stand here tall as proud warriors of our great kingdom. We will not let Wei take Yuzhong castle. We will not let the Chang Province fall! We will bring down such a hell-born wraith of fury, that Wei will know the stalwart power of justice!" He breathes in, filling his lungs to shout hard enough for all five-hundred to hear him. "They will cower and flee as the hooves of our calvary break down upon them! And upon the tides of our courage and tenacity, Shu will fight to victory upon this day. It will Shu who shall arise victorious! It will be the Shu flag that will stand proud and alone when dawn comes!"
A fierce uproar of voices call out to their commander. Ma Chao grins, feeling his chest brim with pride. He raises his spear high above his head. "For Shu!" he cries out. The words are echoed by five-hundred soldiers as they hold their weapons high.
Ma Teng's son then turns towards the ground of battle ahead of him. Blood will be shed and the sunset will glow red, but he does not feel fear knowing that his blood and body will be among the hundreds that will fall. Instead, his eyes glow with fury and determination. He is ready for this fight. He is ready to face Pang De. He is ready to die.
"Charge!"
'You either die a hero, or live long enough to watch yourself become the villain.'
Thanks for the review Scytherageroses, and don't worry, more blood spilling coming up ;)
Thank you for reading~