Part 1
Rise of the Stars
Chapter 4
Grace
Zhang He slept late the following morning. He awoke sore from the
hard floor he was sleeping on. He realized that it was already noon,
and got ready in a hurry. After clipping on the Talons as fast as he
could, he tore through the door and raced out to the courtyard. He
saw Rai Tso and Yuan Shao talking by a tree. He slowed his pace as he
neared them.
"Please forgive me, I hadn't realized I'd slept so long." Zhang He
said, bowing to Yuan Shao and Rai Tso.
"No, no, it is quite alright. I wouldn't have been bothered if you
slept until sundown, you had quite a rough night. I am very grateful
to you; you have earned my deep respect. This is why I am letting you
have a new room in my building, near Rai Tso's. She will show you the
way after today's training." Yuan Shao said.
"Thank you, my lord!" Zhang He said bowing once more, and Yuan Shao
departed.
"Well, you were busy last night!" Rai Tso said, turning to Zhang He.
"Yes, I was worried at first to whether I had taken the right course."
Zhang He admitted.
"So, how'd it feel? I mean, this was the first person you've ever
killed, right?" Rai Tso said, staring straight into Zhang He's eyes.
"It felt awful for a while, but after I realized how evil and black
hearted the man was, it felt like I'd done something very good."
Zhang He said, considering the events.
"Well, enough talk, let's get down to business!" Rai Tso said, holding up her talons in a mildly menacing way. They were getting into some serious training now; it seemed every day the pace got faster and more difficult. Metal clanged against metal as they repeatedly blocked each other's attacks. Not only with the Talons they trained, but also they practiced kicks and other physical movements, but never actually making contact. The vigorous training sessions seemed to light Zhang He's power and lust for battle. He was ready now, ready to protect his lord in the face of mortal danger. As usual, when the sun set, the day's training stopped. But this time, instead of going their separate ways, Zhang He followed Rai Tso into the building he had fought in the night before. "Here's my room," Rai Tso said pointing to the door with the symbol for "trainer" painted on the door "And right across is your new room!" She said pointing to a blue, wooden door directly across from hers. "It's really great inside, you get your own bath and everything!" Rai Tso said, taking a quick look inside. "You get to come to dinner at six o' clock, we eat every night with Yuan Shao. I'll show you the way tonight when it's time. Have fun!" She said, retreating into her own chambers. "Thank you!" Zhang He called through the door. He then ran inside to explore his new living quarters.
It was simply beautiful inside. The entire room was painted with shiny regal colors. There were linen curtains that covered a window that looked down into the forest. The bed was the same size as the one in Rai Tso's room; he guessed that most experienced bodyguards would have already taken a wife, but he wouldn't complain to have a huge bed all to himself. There were three red tables, each different sizes placed around the room. Against the wall were a large looking glass and a much bigger wardrobe. He saw there was a rack for putting his weapon on, and an expensive set of armor he would use in battle. Through a door on the south wall, there was his own bath. Around the bath were different soaps, bath salts, and mixtures that would clean your hair.
"I'm in heaven! Zhang He said, examining all the wonderful new things. He removed the Talons and put them on the wall. They looked so good with everything else in the room. He then threw off his clothes and jumped into the bath. Never had there been such a lovely bath as this. The temperature was perfect, not too hot and not too cold. All the soap smelled wonderful and cleaned very nicely. He cleaned his hair with the fragrant concoctions in the clear colored bottles made of glass.
He came from the bath feeling refreshed and ready for whatever was next. He put on fresh new clothes and brushed out all the tangles in his hair. Only a few moments after he had redone his ponytail, Rai Tso pushed open the door. "Ready to go?" She asked. "Sure, I'll be right there!" Zhang He called, making a last few adjustments to his hair. He ran up and met Rai Tso and the started out. "I see you've made good use of the bath!" She said, pointing to his head. "Yeah, it was really great." Zhang He said, smiling a little. "Yuan Shao has some guests tonight, to be on your best behavior, and don't talk unless your told. I can't even talk to them!" Rai Tso said, scratching her head. "Okay, thanks for the advice." Zhang He said apprehensively. They walked north for a while, through halls that looked more beautiful than the ones in Zhang He's old building. The color design seemed to be based on red and gold, with huge archways and massive doors. Rai Tso turned sharply east and put her hands on a wooden door. "Ok, here we are!" Inside was a huge long table that stretched to either side of the rectangular room. Around the table were different colored cushions. Yuan Shao and several others were already seated at the table. "Ahh, welcome! Please, please be seated." He said beckoning to them. Rai Tso sat on a pastel purple cushion, and Zhang He sat directly beside her. After a few minutes the rest of the people and some very important looking guests arrived. Yuan Shao conversed with the people about things such as the Han, and Zhang He sat quietly. Yuan Shao seemed to want to get on the good side of the three guests, a large bearded man, a beautiful young woman, and a man that was so old and wizened, Zhang He expected him to die right in front of them. A servant came out and put a bowl of rice in front of everyone. Zhang He watched Rai Tso and mimicked her every move, the last thing he wanted to do was make a mistake and embarrass Yuan Shao in front of all these important people. After Yuan Shao started eating they all did as well. Zhang He ate very little, he wasn't feeling very hungry. Yuan Shao introduced Zhang He to each one of the guests, and Zhang He bowed respectively to them all. Dinner passed by painfully slow and when it was finally time to leave, Zhang He sped out. Rai Tso caught up to him and smiled. "Very well done!" She said, bending down to look at his face. "I don't think I can do that every night." He said, rubbing his temples. "It'll be better tomorrow, a lot less formal." Rai Tso assured him "You saw that girl, right? She simply couldn't take her eyes off you!" "Well, I could care less about her, beauty of the face does not amount to beauty of the mind, although it is quite nice to have them both." Zhang He mused. "You won't so well at all that way! If you ever want to get a chance at becoming successful, you've certainly got to marry the daughter of a man with power!" Rai Tso said, holding up her finger. "I'm too young to think about this kind of thing, when I want to get married, I'll decide for myself, thank you very much." Zhang He said indignantly. "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you!" Rai Tso taunted. "Have a very nice night." Zhang He said a bit sarcastically as they reached their rooms. "You too, Mr. Politeness!" Rai Tso laughed, and waved good night. Zhang He pushed open the door and went to sit on his bed, but there was a problem, there was already someone on it. He cried out in surprise. It was the lovely young maiden from dinner. "Umm, miss, I think you've lost your way!" Zhang He stammered "A-allow me to escort you out!" "You didn't speak at all at dinner." She said, walking over to Zhang He "I didn't even get to learn your name." "Uhhh, my name is Zhang He, the exit is right this way." He said, moving towards the door. "Won't you spend a little time with me? You haven't asked my name, Zhang He." She said, touching Zhang He's chest. He slapped her hand away and quickly made some space between them. She looked hurt and very upset. "Sorry about that, just, uhh, came as a surprise.what's your name?" He said inching towards the door. "I am Wu Shang." Sitting down on the bed once again "Won't you join me?" "Uhhhh." Said Zhang He blushing "Just a second." He quickly pushed through the doors and shut them behind his back. What do I do? How do I get her out of there without it ruining something for Yuan Shao? She seemed awfully important. He looked ahead of him at Rai Tso's door. Could he ask for her help? She would understand, right? He stepped up slowly and knocked on her door. After a few moments it opened. "What's the matter?" She said upon seeing the look on his face. "That girl is in my room! She won't leave no matter what I do! I think she's trying to get.err. "Up close and personal". Please help me get her out of there!!" Rai Tso laughed out loud and clapped a hand on Zhang He's shoulder. "Don't worry I'll take care of it." She said laughing a bit more. She stepped inside Zhang He's room and shut the door. He could that they were talking inside, but couldn't make out what they were saying. After a few moments the both emerged. "Right this way, Miss." Rai Tso said, pulling Wu Shang along with her. "Thank you!" Zhang He mouthed to Rai Tso enthusiastically. She smilied to show that it was no problem. Wu Shang cast a mournful look in Zhang He's direction, and allowed herself to be swept away by Rai Tso. Zhang He sighed with relief and retreated to his room. Rai Tso was a really good friend. The next morning Zhang He and Rai Tso walked out to training together. "Thank you so much for last night, I don't know what I would've done if it hadn't been for you!" Zhang He said appreciatively. "Oh, I can imagine something. I'm just kidding, just kidding!!" She said at the look on Zhang He's face. They reached the courtyard and spread out. "Alright, you know what to do!" She said. They began training as they had done yesterday. Somewhere near 4:00, it was suddenly deathly still. No servants bustled about, Guo Tu didn't stroll by and sent evil looks at Zhang He, and not even Yuan Shao was to be seen. "What's going on, where is everyone?" Zhang He said, looking over Rai Tso's shoulder. She straightened up. "You noticed that too, huh?" She said peering around. "Let's go inside and check it out." Rai Tso said adventurously. "Are we allowed?" Zhang He asked. "Who cares?" She said setting off. It was a quiet and lonesome inside as well. The carefree women weren't chatting in the hallways, no one was yelling orders to anyone else. They went around to where Yuan Shao usually was, but he was also missing. "Alright, something is definitely up." Rai Tso said after they'd looked everywhere. "It's creepy, having the house this empty, you saw them this morning, didn't you?" Zhang He questioned. "Yah, this place was packed when we set out for the courtyard.Let's go check the front gate. They made their way through the passages, exited the courtyard, and climbed the hill that led to the enormous, red front gate. Everyone that was living in Yuan Shao's palace were all crowded around the gate, obviously watching something. They heard angry voices over the murmur, but could not see who was shouting. "If I hold you up do you think you can see what's going on?" Rai Tso asked Zhang He. "Sure." She picked him up around the waist and lifted him into the sky. "My God, your light! What do you weigh, fifty pounds?" Rai Tso said surprised. "Quiet!" Yuan Shao was yelling and waving his sword around at another man Zhang He couldn't see out from this angle. "Yuan Shao's yelling at some guy, he's waving his sword around like mad." Zhang He informed, "Who is it can you see?" Zhang He craned his neck around to try and catch a glimpse of the man. Yuan Shao took the hilt of his sword and knocked the man to the ground. "He's wearing really fancy robes with a lot of yellow." Zhang He said. The man got up and Zhang He recognized him at once. "I don't believe it! That's my uncle, Zhang Jiao! He's the leader of this bunch of nutters who call themselves the Yellow Turbans, a bunch of religious freaks." Zhang He said. Rai Tso let him down on the ground. "Yellow Turbans? Oh, boy, this can't be good." Rai Tso said, looking mildly worried. "Their always yelling about how the Han will die tomorrow, they've seen it in the stars, or some mystical crap. As we all know, Yuan Shao is a strong Han supporter, if the Han were to fall, we'll he'd be furious!" Rai Tso said. "Come on, let's try and get closer." She pushed people left and right and Zhang He apologized for her, but they soon enough got to the front. "It is time for you to withdraw! We give you once last chance to accept The Way of Peace into your hearts and join the Yellow Turbans to create a new age!" Zhang Jiao preached loudly to Yuan Shao. "I've had enough of this stupidity! The Han is not dead, but you will be if you don't take your pathetic peons and leave this place!" Yuan Shao said raising his sword. "People!" He said, turning to the crowd. "Do not be fooled by the treachery this man speaks! Come, join the Yellow Turbans and be free from all sin! You, there, you are a lowly servant, are you not?" He said pointing to a man in the front. The frightened looking man nodded. "Come with me and I will give you all the money and things you ever wanted, shed the lies this man had put upon you!" The man was silent for a moment, as if considering then straightened up and said: "No matter what my duties are in this place, no matter how many things you offer, my master is Yuan Shao, and I will fight beside him no matter what!" The crowd cheered in approval. "Hierarchy!" Zhang Jiao said as if they had killed his own father in front of him. He gazed around for another moment and his eyes fell on Zhang He. "You! Boy! You are my nephew, are you not!?" The crowd gasped and Yuan Shao looked over at him. It like felt everyone was watching him as if a traitor was among them. "Sorry to say, but, yes, this is true." Zhang He admitted. "Then where do your loyalties lie? With your own family, or with complete strangers? Come boy, come join your uncle." He said opening his arms. Zhang He strode forward raising the Talons and spit before Zhang Jiao's feet. "I would never betray my master." Zhang He snapped at his uncle, then stepped back next to Rai Tso, the crowd cheering again. "Then you will die first of all!" He yelled "Witness the miracles of The Way of Peace!" He raised his magical staff and pointed it in Zhang He's direction. He was ready to guard a blow from the staff, but what happened, he did not expected. Fire began to spew from a round, green stone embedded in the wood. Zhang He quickly rolled out of the way, but Zhang Jiao shot another huge flare at him. All the Yellow Turban peons that were behind Zhang Jiao ran forward and started attacking the innocent bystanders. Rai Tso jumped into the fray and tried to stop Zhang Jiao from roasting Zhang He to a crisp. Yuan Shao was wildly swinging in all directions, his face red with anger. Most of the people screamed a tried to flee, but the Yellow Turbans followed them into the palace. "Stop them!! STOP THEM!!!" Yuan Shao bellowed, pointing at the intruders. Rai Tso tore in their direction and cut down a few. She then ran, Talons raised, at the others. "Every able man, get a weapon and fight!" Yuan Shao ordered. Zhang He stayed with Yuan Shao, intent on protecting him from every blast of flames Zhang Jiao could concoct. He swung the Talons at his wooden staff again and again, and Zhang Jiao backed off slightly. Yuan Shao came up beside Zhang He and pointed his sword in the insane priest's direction. He tried to advance again, but Zhang He performed a well timed slash and tore a bit of flesh from his uncle's hand. He cried out and dropped his staff. "My children!" He called out "We retreat today, fight tomorrow! Yuan Shao, our war has only begun." He said fleeing away from the palace. When the last Yellow Turban made his escape, Yuan Shao turned to everyone. "My people! You have all fought valiantly today, I thank all of you. But now, we must prepare. Gather your weapons; find provisions and armor, for in a week's time, we will attack the Yellow Turbans!" He yelled raising his fist in the air. Everyone did the same and raised a mighty cheer. "Rai Tso, take the red hair to the Sun family palace and ask for an alliance against our enemies. Then go to Sima Xu, Liu Bei, and Cao Cao and do the same. Hurry!" Yuan Shao said quickly. "Yes, my Lord!" Rai Tso said and ran towards the stables. Moments later she tore away on beautiful horse with astonishingly red hair all over its body. She waved a quick goodbye to Zhang He, and sped off to the horizon. "Zhang He, come with me. You!" He said pointing to a man "Find Wen Chou, Han Meng, and Yan Liang, tell them to come to the planning room immediately!" Zhang He followed Yuan Shao down to the north end of the large building. There was a room with a table, many sheets of blank paper and all sorts of different colored place markers; Guo Tu was waiting in the room as well. "I knew you'd be here Guo Tu, have you heard what's happened?" Yuan Shao said, taking a seat. Guo Tu sat as well. "Yes, I witnessed it, now let us get down to business." Gout Tu answered, holding up an ink pen. "Have we a map of the Guan Du province?" Yuan Shao inquired. "But of course," Guo Tu said, rising to locate it. The door opened and Wen Chou, Han Meng, and Yan Liang entered. "Have a seat gentlemen, you too Zhang He." Yuan Shao said, slightly breathless. "Here we are." Said Guo Tu laying down the map on the table. "Who are our main generals?" "Myself, Wen Chou, Zhang He, Han Meng, Yan Liang, and Rai Tso." Yuan Shao said decisively. "Six then. If all goes well, our allies will be Sun Jian, Liu Bei, Sima Xu, and Cao Cao, correct?" "Correct." "We shall start on the lower east side of the valley." Guo Tu explained, moving the six blue markers to that position. Does anyone know about our enemy generals?" "Umm." Zhang He started. "Yes, go on!" Guo Tu snapped. "There will probably be a lot of untrained and not very well trained generals stationed around the entire premises. Zhang Jiao will be here at the top. Zhang Liang, Zhang Bao, Zhang Man Cheng, and Zhang Yi. Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang should be his most trusted generals, as they are his brothers." Zhang He said. "My.we'll be slaughtering the entire Zhang family, won't we?" Said Guo Tu, placing red markers, and smiling coldly at Zhang He. "Once the battle commences, Wen Chou will move north with Han Meng, you will be after Zhang Liang's head once, that is over, head west and go after Zhang Jiao. Yan Liang and Rai Tso will patrol the wall in the middle and make sure no one escapes. My Lord, you will plow through the area with Zhang Bao, and head north up to Zhang Jiao, where you will meet Wen Chou and Han Meng. That should take care of it." Guo Tu said. "You have forgotten Zhang He, Guo Tu." Yuan Shao said a little dangerously. "Oh, of course my mistake!" Guo Tu said in a fake surprised voice "He can remain stationary on the lower east side among our men." "Allow me to change this plan bit, if I may." Yuan Shao said, folding his fingers. "But, of course my Lord." Said Guo Tu with another fake smile. "I would like it if Zhang He were to ride with me, eliminate Zhang Bao and Zhang Man Cheng, then to Zhang Jiao." Said Yuan Shao, demonstrating with the markers. "But my Lord, Zhang He is inexperienced, and has not completed his training. It would be wise if he was not included at all at this time." Guo Tu contradicted. "Zhang He is the best and most loyal bodyguard I have ever had, and he will ride with me in this battle!" Said Yuan Shao raising his voice. "As you wish sir."
Rise of the Stars
Chapter 4
Grace
Zhang He slept late the following morning. He awoke sore from the
hard floor he was sleeping on. He realized that it was already noon,
and got ready in a hurry. After clipping on the Talons as fast as he
could, he tore through the door and raced out to the courtyard. He
saw Rai Tso and Yuan Shao talking by a tree. He slowed his pace as he
neared them.
"Please forgive me, I hadn't realized I'd slept so long." Zhang He
said, bowing to Yuan Shao and Rai Tso.
"No, no, it is quite alright. I wouldn't have been bothered if you
slept until sundown, you had quite a rough night. I am very grateful
to you; you have earned my deep respect. This is why I am letting you
have a new room in my building, near Rai Tso's. She will show you the
way after today's training." Yuan Shao said.
"Thank you, my lord!" Zhang He said bowing once more, and Yuan Shao
departed.
"Well, you were busy last night!" Rai Tso said, turning to Zhang He.
"Yes, I was worried at first to whether I had taken the right course."
Zhang He admitted.
"So, how'd it feel? I mean, this was the first person you've ever
killed, right?" Rai Tso said, staring straight into Zhang He's eyes.
"It felt awful for a while, but after I realized how evil and black
hearted the man was, it felt like I'd done something very good."
Zhang He said, considering the events.
"Well, enough talk, let's get down to business!" Rai Tso said, holding up her talons in a mildly menacing way. They were getting into some serious training now; it seemed every day the pace got faster and more difficult. Metal clanged against metal as they repeatedly blocked each other's attacks. Not only with the Talons they trained, but also they practiced kicks and other physical movements, but never actually making contact. The vigorous training sessions seemed to light Zhang He's power and lust for battle. He was ready now, ready to protect his lord in the face of mortal danger. As usual, when the sun set, the day's training stopped. But this time, instead of going their separate ways, Zhang He followed Rai Tso into the building he had fought in the night before. "Here's my room," Rai Tso said pointing to the door with the symbol for "trainer" painted on the door "And right across is your new room!" She said pointing to a blue, wooden door directly across from hers. "It's really great inside, you get your own bath and everything!" Rai Tso said, taking a quick look inside. "You get to come to dinner at six o' clock, we eat every night with Yuan Shao. I'll show you the way tonight when it's time. Have fun!" She said, retreating into her own chambers. "Thank you!" Zhang He called through the door. He then ran inside to explore his new living quarters.
It was simply beautiful inside. The entire room was painted with shiny regal colors. There were linen curtains that covered a window that looked down into the forest. The bed was the same size as the one in Rai Tso's room; he guessed that most experienced bodyguards would have already taken a wife, but he wouldn't complain to have a huge bed all to himself. There were three red tables, each different sizes placed around the room. Against the wall were a large looking glass and a much bigger wardrobe. He saw there was a rack for putting his weapon on, and an expensive set of armor he would use in battle. Through a door on the south wall, there was his own bath. Around the bath were different soaps, bath salts, and mixtures that would clean your hair.
"I'm in heaven! Zhang He said, examining all the wonderful new things. He removed the Talons and put them on the wall. They looked so good with everything else in the room. He then threw off his clothes and jumped into the bath. Never had there been such a lovely bath as this. The temperature was perfect, not too hot and not too cold. All the soap smelled wonderful and cleaned very nicely. He cleaned his hair with the fragrant concoctions in the clear colored bottles made of glass.
He came from the bath feeling refreshed and ready for whatever was next. He put on fresh new clothes and brushed out all the tangles in his hair. Only a few moments after he had redone his ponytail, Rai Tso pushed open the door. "Ready to go?" She asked. "Sure, I'll be right there!" Zhang He called, making a last few adjustments to his hair. He ran up and met Rai Tso and the started out. "I see you've made good use of the bath!" She said, pointing to his head. "Yeah, it was really great." Zhang He said, smiling a little. "Yuan Shao has some guests tonight, to be on your best behavior, and don't talk unless your told. I can't even talk to them!" Rai Tso said, scratching her head. "Okay, thanks for the advice." Zhang He said apprehensively. They walked north for a while, through halls that looked more beautiful than the ones in Zhang He's old building. The color design seemed to be based on red and gold, with huge archways and massive doors. Rai Tso turned sharply east and put her hands on a wooden door. "Ok, here we are!" Inside was a huge long table that stretched to either side of the rectangular room. Around the table were different colored cushions. Yuan Shao and several others were already seated at the table. "Ahh, welcome! Please, please be seated." He said beckoning to them. Rai Tso sat on a pastel purple cushion, and Zhang He sat directly beside her. After a few minutes the rest of the people and some very important looking guests arrived. Yuan Shao conversed with the people about things such as the Han, and Zhang He sat quietly. Yuan Shao seemed to want to get on the good side of the three guests, a large bearded man, a beautiful young woman, and a man that was so old and wizened, Zhang He expected him to die right in front of them. A servant came out and put a bowl of rice in front of everyone. Zhang He watched Rai Tso and mimicked her every move, the last thing he wanted to do was make a mistake and embarrass Yuan Shao in front of all these important people. After Yuan Shao started eating they all did as well. Zhang He ate very little, he wasn't feeling very hungry. Yuan Shao introduced Zhang He to each one of the guests, and Zhang He bowed respectively to them all. Dinner passed by painfully slow and when it was finally time to leave, Zhang He sped out. Rai Tso caught up to him and smiled. "Very well done!" She said, bending down to look at his face. "I don't think I can do that every night." He said, rubbing his temples. "It'll be better tomorrow, a lot less formal." Rai Tso assured him "You saw that girl, right? She simply couldn't take her eyes off you!" "Well, I could care less about her, beauty of the face does not amount to beauty of the mind, although it is quite nice to have them both." Zhang He mused. "You won't so well at all that way! If you ever want to get a chance at becoming successful, you've certainly got to marry the daughter of a man with power!" Rai Tso said, holding up her finger. "I'm too young to think about this kind of thing, when I want to get married, I'll decide for myself, thank you very much." Zhang He said indignantly. "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you!" Rai Tso taunted. "Have a very nice night." Zhang He said a bit sarcastically as they reached their rooms. "You too, Mr. Politeness!" Rai Tso laughed, and waved good night. Zhang He pushed open the door and went to sit on his bed, but there was a problem, there was already someone on it. He cried out in surprise. It was the lovely young maiden from dinner. "Umm, miss, I think you've lost your way!" Zhang He stammered "A-allow me to escort you out!" "You didn't speak at all at dinner." She said, walking over to Zhang He "I didn't even get to learn your name." "Uhhh, my name is Zhang He, the exit is right this way." He said, moving towards the door. "Won't you spend a little time with me? You haven't asked my name, Zhang He." She said, touching Zhang He's chest. He slapped her hand away and quickly made some space between them. She looked hurt and very upset. "Sorry about that, just, uhh, came as a surprise.what's your name?" He said inching towards the door. "I am Wu Shang." Sitting down on the bed once again "Won't you join me?" "Uhhhh." Said Zhang He blushing "Just a second." He quickly pushed through the doors and shut them behind his back. What do I do? How do I get her out of there without it ruining something for Yuan Shao? She seemed awfully important. He looked ahead of him at Rai Tso's door. Could he ask for her help? She would understand, right? He stepped up slowly and knocked on her door. After a few moments it opened. "What's the matter?" She said upon seeing the look on his face. "That girl is in my room! She won't leave no matter what I do! I think she's trying to get.err. "Up close and personal". Please help me get her out of there!!" Rai Tso laughed out loud and clapped a hand on Zhang He's shoulder. "Don't worry I'll take care of it." She said laughing a bit more. She stepped inside Zhang He's room and shut the door. He could that they were talking inside, but couldn't make out what they were saying. After a few moments the both emerged. "Right this way, Miss." Rai Tso said, pulling Wu Shang along with her. "Thank you!" Zhang He mouthed to Rai Tso enthusiastically. She smilied to show that it was no problem. Wu Shang cast a mournful look in Zhang He's direction, and allowed herself to be swept away by Rai Tso. Zhang He sighed with relief and retreated to his room. Rai Tso was a really good friend. The next morning Zhang He and Rai Tso walked out to training together. "Thank you so much for last night, I don't know what I would've done if it hadn't been for you!" Zhang He said appreciatively. "Oh, I can imagine something. I'm just kidding, just kidding!!" She said at the look on Zhang He's face. They reached the courtyard and spread out. "Alright, you know what to do!" She said. They began training as they had done yesterday. Somewhere near 4:00, it was suddenly deathly still. No servants bustled about, Guo Tu didn't stroll by and sent evil looks at Zhang He, and not even Yuan Shao was to be seen. "What's going on, where is everyone?" Zhang He said, looking over Rai Tso's shoulder. She straightened up. "You noticed that too, huh?" She said peering around. "Let's go inside and check it out." Rai Tso said adventurously. "Are we allowed?" Zhang He asked. "Who cares?" She said setting off. It was a quiet and lonesome inside as well. The carefree women weren't chatting in the hallways, no one was yelling orders to anyone else. They went around to where Yuan Shao usually was, but he was also missing. "Alright, something is definitely up." Rai Tso said after they'd looked everywhere. "It's creepy, having the house this empty, you saw them this morning, didn't you?" Zhang He questioned. "Yah, this place was packed when we set out for the courtyard.Let's go check the front gate. They made their way through the passages, exited the courtyard, and climbed the hill that led to the enormous, red front gate. Everyone that was living in Yuan Shao's palace were all crowded around the gate, obviously watching something. They heard angry voices over the murmur, but could not see who was shouting. "If I hold you up do you think you can see what's going on?" Rai Tso asked Zhang He. "Sure." She picked him up around the waist and lifted him into the sky. "My God, your light! What do you weigh, fifty pounds?" Rai Tso said surprised. "Quiet!" Yuan Shao was yelling and waving his sword around at another man Zhang He couldn't see out from this angle. "Yuan Shao's yelling at some guy, he's waving his sword around like mad." Zhang He informed, "Who is it can you see?" Zhang He craned his neck around to try and catch a glimpse of the man. Yuan Shao took the hilt of his sword and knocked the man to the ground. "He's wearing really fancy robes with a lot of yellow." Zhang He said. The man got up and Zhang He recognized him at once. "I don't believe it! That's my uncle, Zhang Jiao! He's the leader of this bunch of nutters who call themselves the Yellow Turbans, a bunch of religious freaks." Zhang He said. Rai Tso let him down on the ground. "Yellow Turbans? Oh, boy, this can't be good." Rai Tso said, looking mildly worried. "Their always yelling about how the Han will die tomorrow, they've seen it in the stars, or some mystical crap. As we all know, Yuan Shao is a strong Han supporter, if the Han were to fall, we'll he'd be furious!" Rai Tso said. "Come on, let's try and get closer." She pushed people left and right and Zhang He apologized for her, but they soon enough got to the front. "It is time for you to withdraw! We give you once last chance to accept The Way of Peace into your hearts and join the Yellow Turbans to create a new age!" Zhang Jiao preached loudly to Yuan Shao. "I've had enough of this stupidity! The Han is not dead, but you will be if you don't take your pathetic peons and leave this place!" Yuan Shao said raising his sword. "People!" He said, turning to the crowd. "Do not be fooled by the treachery this man speaks! Come, join the Yellow Turbans and be free from all sin! You, there, you are a lowly servant, are you not?" He said pointing to a man in the front. The frightened looking man nodded. "Come with me and I will give you all the money and things you ever wanted, shed the lies this man had put upon you!" The man was silent for a moment, as if considering then straightened up and said: "No matter what my duties are in this place, no matter how many things you offer, my master is Yuan Shao, and I will fight beside him no matter what!" The crowd cheered in approval. "Hierarchy!" Zhang Jiao said as if they had killed his own father in front of him. He gazed around for another moment and his eyes fell on Zhang He. "You! Boy! You are my nephew, are you not!?" The crowd gasped and Yuan Shao looked over at him. It like felt everyone was watching him as if a traitor was among them. "Sorry to say, but, yes, this is true." Zhang He admitted. "Then where do your loyalties lie? With your own family, or with complete strangers? Come boy, come join your uncle." He said opening his arms. Zhang He strode forward raising the Talons and spit before Zhang Jiao's feet. "I would never betray my master." Zhang He snapped at his uncle, then stepped back next to Rai Tso, the crowd cheering again. "Then you will die first of all!" He yelled "Witness the miracles of The Way of Peace!" He raised his magical staff and pointed it in Zhang He's direction. He was ready to guard a blow from the staff, but what happened, he did not expected. Fire began to spew from a round, green stone embedded in the wood. Zhang He quickly rolled out of the way, but Zhang Jiao shot another huge flare at him. All the Yellow Turban peons that were behind Zhang Jiao ran forward and started attacking the innocent bystanders. Rai Tso jumped into the fray and tried to stop Zhang Jiao from roasting Zhang He to a crisp. Yuan Shao was wildly swinging in all directions, his face red with anger. Most of the people screamed a tried to flee, but the Yellow Turbans followed them into the palace. "Stop them!! STOP THEM!!!" Yuan Shao bellowed, pointing at the intruders. Rai Tso tore in their direction and cut down a few. She then ran, Talons raised, at the others. "Every able man, get a weapon and fight!" Yuan Shao ordered. Zhang He stayed with Yuan Shao, intent on protecting him from every blast of flames Zhang Jiao could concoct. He swung the Talons at his wooden staff again and again, and Zhang Jiao backed off slightly. Yuan Shao came up beside Zhang He and pointed his sword in the insane priest's direction. He tried to advance again, but Zhang He performed a well timed slash and tore a bit of flesh from his uncle's hand. He cried out and dropped his staff. "My children!" He called out "We retreat today, fight tomorrow! Yuan Shao, our war has only begun." He said fleeing away from the palace. When the last Yellow Turban made his escape, Yuan Shao turned to everyone. "My people! You have all fought valiantly today, I thank all of you. But now, we must prepare. Gather your weapons; find provisions and armor, for in a week's time, we will attack the Yellow Turbans!" He yelled raising his fist in the air. Everyone did the same and raised a mighty cheer. "Rai Tso, take the red hair to the Sun family palace and ask for an alliance against our enemies. Then go to Sima Xu, Liu Bei, and Cao Cao and do the same. Hurry!" Yuan Shao said quickly. "Yes, my Lord!" Rai Tso said and ran towards the stables. Moments later she tore away on beautiful horse with astonishingly red hair all over its body. She waved a quick goodbye to Zhang He, and sped off to the horizon. "Zhang He, come with me. You!" He said pointing to a man "Find Wen Chou, Han Meng, and Yan Liang, tell them to come to the planning room immediately!" Zhang He followed Yuan Shao down to the north end of the large building. There was a room with a table, many sheets of blank paper and all sorts of different colored place markers; Guo Tu was waiting in the room as well. "I knew you'd be here Guo Tu, have you heard what's happened?" Yuan Shao said, taking a seat. Guo Tu sat as well. "Yes, I witnessed it, now let us get down to business." Gout Tu answered, holding up an ink pen. "Have we a map of the Guan Du province?" Yuan Shao inquired. "But of course," Guo Tu said, rising to locate it. The door opened and Wen Chou, Han Meng, and Yan Liang entered. "Have a seat gentlemen, you too Zhang He." Yuan Shao said, slightly breathless. "Here we are." Said Guo Tu laying down the map on the table. "Who are our main generals?" "Myself, Wen Chou, Zhang He, Han Meng, Yan Liang, and Rai Tso." Yuan Shao said decisively. "Six then. If all goes well, our allies will be Sun Jian, Liu Bei, Sima Xu, and Cao Cao, correct?" "Correct." "We shall start on the lower east side of the valley." Guo Tu explained, moving the six blue markers to that position. Does anyone know about our enemy generals?" "Umm." Zhang He started. "Yes, go on!" Guo Tu snapped. "There will probably be a lot of untrained and not very well trained generals stationed around the entire premises. Zhang Jiao will be here at the top. Zhang Liang, Zhang Bao, Zhang Man Cheng, and Zhang Yi. Zhang Bao and Zhang Liang should be his most trusted generals, as they are his brothers." Zhang He said. "My.we'll be slaughtering the entire Zhang family, won't we?" Said Guo Tu, placing red markers, and smiling coldly at Zhang He. "Once the battle commences, Wen Chou will move north with Han Meng, you will be after Zhang Liang's head once, that is over, head west and go after Zhang Jiao. Yan Liang and Rai Tso will patrol the wall in the middle and make sure no one escapes. My Lord, you will plow through the area with Zhang Bao, and head north up to Zhang Jiao, where you will meet Wen Chou and Han Meng. That should take care of it." Guo Tu said. "You have forgotten Zhang He, Guo Tu." Yuan Shao said a little dangerously. "Oh, of course my mistake!" Guo Tu said in a fake surprised voice "He can remain stationary on the lower east side among our men." "Allow me to change this plan bit, if I may." Yuan Shao said, folding his fingers. "But, of course my Lord." Said Guo Tu with another fake smile. "I would like it if Zhang He were to ride with me, eliminate Zhang Bao and Zhang Man Cheng, then to Zhang Jiao." Said Yuan Shao, demonstrating with the markers. "But my Lord, Zhang He is inexperienced, and has not completed his training. It would be wise if he was not included at all at this time." Guo Tu contradicted. "Zhang He is the best and most loyal bodyguard I have ever had, and he will ride with me in this battle!" Said Yuan Shao raising his voice. "As you wish sir."