Disclaimer: I do not own Dynasty Warriors. Dynasty Warriors is owned by their respective owners.
Bodyguards. A person or group of people who are employed to escort and protect a famous or important person. It was a term originally invented in 1970, but the true history behind bodyguards came from a time far earlier.
Guardians was a well-known term in Ancient China, and many noble families who had lost their title turned to that provision of work. Lian Shi was one of them and despite the willingness and love of her lord, she wasn't planning to give that line of work up. Due to her long years in the business as the guardian of her lady, she had gained a vital intuition for her job.
Thus, when shadows moved through the silent city of Chang'an, she was wide awake. The sound of a falcon in the distance alarmed her restless mind. Azeil suddenly raised his head as he lowly growled intimidatingly. There was something going to happen tonight, and she would catch it before it could harm someone she loved.
She pretended to sleep when she heard the low sound of her tent opening. Azeil had his eyes closed but his other instincts were focusing heavily on guarding duty. The only reason he hadn't moved was that he understood Lian Shi's silent order to draw the attackers in. Further, he felt something far more relieving.
Three men in black clothing snuck slowly to Brian, daggers ready to deliver a fatal attack. One step. Two steps. As silently as the night, they moved their weapons in position. As their weapons descended, time continued in slow motion.
A sudden movement that dodged the dagger with minimal movement as he placed the attacker's arm in a well-trained Triangle Choke. A tiger jumping up and ripping one of the Assassin's arms off. A naked woman's body flashed before the dagger's trajectory was directed directly into the assassin's chest.
Shangxiang jumped up shocked by the noises of the short battle and witnessed a quite dreadful situation. A man screaming in pain as Azeil was pushing him down, the dagger and the dismembered arm somewhere in the corner. An empty vessel as the man's soul had already left its body, Lian Shi's hand and the dagger she was holding covered in blood. Lastly, a man whose breath was slowly taken away as he couldn't escape her fiance's hold. Just as he was about to pass out, Brian released his hold. However, just before he could even move, her lord grabbed the man's head, pressed it deeply in the ground face first, and commanded, ''Lady Shi, lady Shangxiang, wake up the others. Tell them to prepare for combat.''
As Lian Shi and Shangxiang confirmed his orders, they dressed up quickly and headed out. Azeil was still waiting for his orders, and he received a command the moment his master's lovers were just far away enough.
Ten minutes later, when the first of his loyal officers returned to his tent, they were witness to a bloodbath that woke their deeper nightmares up. A dismembered body as pieces of its lay everywhere. Blood colored the insides red. A tiger who growled almost devilish towards a man who was broken so thoroughly, his soul almost already leaving his body despite having sustained no injuries. Brian grabbed the man by the collar, threw him out of the tent on a stoned path, and ordered, ''Cuff this man. Lu Su, prepare a small army as quickly as possible. We will march when they are ready.''
A small army of 544 soldiers charged alongside their lord in the middle of the night. They could barely see the road as their horses continued to run alongside and behind one another. But they all followed the same man. The same man who was the target of an assassination. There was a wave of anger burning since the reveal of that incident, and the soldiers who were serving under that same man were ready to retaliate.
Zhao Yun could understand that feeling, yet he wasn't driven by it. Anger was a warrior's weakness, and although one could say adrenaline was an enhancer to the body, it was also a poison to one's judgment. Despite knowing that, he wondered why his body and mind could not agree on that. The moment he heard his lord was in danger, an unknown fear overwhelmed him and when he learned his lord was safe, the hold on his spear tightened more than he intended to.
''My lord. What is the plan?'' Lu Su asked as he led the army alongside his lord.
''We'll take them by surprise and charge through them before they can react. We'll make them submit quickly. There is no need for unnecessary bloodshed,'' Brian ordered calmly, no sign of anger in his voice or expression whatsoever.
''But, my lord! They are bandits and criminals! We can't let them live!'' Xiahou Dun responded shocked. He had given himself to serve another lord than Cao Cao and he wasn't planning to let the man he recognized as his lord be targeted so easily.
''Then they shall serve me as slaves!'' Brian answered. ''If there is even one talented individual between them, it would be a waste to kill that talent just like that. Submit them and we shall use them to lift ourselves higher.''
Xiahou Dun growled before he mumbled, ''You are too soft. Vermin needs to be killed swiftly before its spread.''
As Brian kept his eyes forward as they were about to reach the enemy's camp, he responded, ''If you think dead is graver punishment than slavery, you still have a lot to learn, master Xiahou Dun. But that is for later. Now, we will charge the enemy. Forward!''
''Enemy army approaching!'' A guard shouted before an arrow pierced his neck. Lifelessly, he fell down the watchtower, straight into the door opening mechanism.
''Close the gates! We can not let them through!'' Zhang Yan ordered, a slight panic hearable in his voice.
''We can't. Yang's body is blocking the wheel!" A bandit responded as he tried to pull the body off.
"Hurry up! They are closing in!"
"I am trying, I am trying!'' The guard bandit shouted as he helped to pull the corpse from the wheel, and began to spin the doors to a close. However, he was too late as the wooden doors suddenly slammed from their holds and fell down onto some of the bandits.
Five horses ran through the gates, their riders slashing Zhang Yan's subordinates with terrifying precision. ''Zhao Yun, Xiahou Dun, take control of this area! We'll push up ahead!'' the frontest rider ordered as he rode past Zhang Yan. Is that...?!
''Wait right there, you...?!'' The bandit leader shouted before he had to dodge an incoming spear stab to his body. ''Why you!'' He growled as his eyes locked onto the dark-brown eyes of the spear officer.
''The dragon of Chang Shan will be your opponent!'' The spear officer roared as his spear was itching to charge forward. Just as Zhang Yan wanted to respond, the screams of his men could be heard as their bodies flew away, and landed painfully to the ground. ''What's the matter? Truly, this isn't all you have got?'' The two-handed sword officer questioned before he commented, ''As expected, they were nothing but fodder.''
''You dare to speak ill of my men. That's a poor choice of last words!'' Zhang Yan shouted angrily.
A total of 40 bandits surrounded Xiahou Dun and Zhao Yun, not including Zhang Yan himself. However, neither officer showed any signs of fear or anxiety as Xiahou Dun whispered, ''It will be us two against many. Dragon of Chang Shan, show me why Zhang He regards you so highly.''
''Very well. I'll hold nothing back. Let us claim victory in name of our Lord," Zhao Yun responded in kind as his eyes locked on a bandit in front of him.
The skirmish that started seconds later was a beautiful dance of elegance, talent, and raw power. Zhao Yun's spear slammed through the bandits one by one as if it was the opening of the game. Front thrust, sideways strike, a backstep, and a downward slam. Xiahou Dun coordinated perfectly with him as four bandits attacked Zhao Yun's blind spot, only to be abruptly cut down by Xiahou Dun's quick response. ''Thank you for your aid.''
The two-handed swordsman barely responded as he shifted his eyes forward to a bandit, who was just about to charge them. Only when the attacker slashed downwards, Xiahou Dun moved in, blocking the bandit immediately. ''Remarkable confidence for a mere bandit,'' Xiahou Dun said before he released the clash, making the attacker tumble forward. A quick turn, a hit on the backhead, and the bandit fell knocked out on the ground. ''Stay down and I might spare your life. For any who still have the courage to oppose us, only death awaits.''
~Deeper into the bandit base.~
*Fwing!* An arrow sounded as it soared through the air before it hit an unlucky bandit in the chest. Another bandit screamed a warning before a second arrow followed suit, striking the bandit straight-head through his breathing pipe. ''I'll almost feel bad for these guys. They seem so loyal, yet so weak at the same time.''
''That's why I want to finish this quickly,'' Brian responded as his Sky Scraper slammed through a couple of bandits while his horse continued to trample any who were in his path. ''Master Jiang Wei, Master Xiahou Yuan. I am counting on you to keep this area occupied while I deal with the bandit leader.''
''You can count on us, Milord!'' Jiang Wei responded as he jumped from his horse, and prepared to hold the enemy at bay.
Xiahou Yuan jumped from his horse as well and looked at the bandits. Trying to ease his guilt, he stepped forward as he started, ''Well, you heard the man. We have to keep you at bay here, so we are going to do that. Two officers well-versed in Martial arts versus a couple of common thieves. Doesn't seem to work well in your favor, does it? So how about we don't fight, and you might survive this battle? Do we have a deal?'' He asked in the hope the bandits had some common sense.
''Die!'' One of the bandits as he charged forward with his common sword.
Xiahou Yuan looked at Jiang Wei while firing a blind arrow in the bandit's right eye as he commented, ''Well, I gave them a chance. What do you say, little prodigy? Shall we finish this?''
~Bandit's leader tent.~
Huang Shao ground his teeth as shouts, screams, and cries of pain echoed through his bandit's camp. A camp that was his very home, created after the fall of Chang'an, where his men lived and tried to survive since the start of this turmoil. A base of operation that was perfect to grasp the remains of the abandoned capital. But then a new enemy appeared, and not long after, an even stronger defeated the right-hand man of the Hero of Chaos.
When that same man returned months later, Huang Shao had deceived a plan to keep his family safe. With some of the treasure stolen from Chang'an, he brought the services of three professional assassins. Tonight was supposed to be the night that man would die, but instead, the man known as Lord Brian was rampaging through his home. Just as he was wondering how and why, the enemy commander shifted his eyes to him and started, ''You are the leader of the camp, are you not?''
''What if I am?'' Huang Shao countered as he prepared himself for battle.
The commander's eyes were threatening as he answered, ''Then I'll demand you to surrender. On my title as lord of Chang'an, I will not harm any who surrender and come without causing any more problems. Continue to resist, and you won't have that luxury,'' He warned.
''Stand down, men!'' The bandit leader commanded as he stepped forward, ready for a duel. ''I will fight you. Whatever happens to me, my men will remember those words. If you break your promise, the gods will punish you for it.'' Pointing his great ax forward, he roared, ''Now come and face me!''
Huang Shao knew he was outmatched before the battle even began. But even he had not foreseen the difference in skills, strength, and swordsmanship. Brian's halberd continued to slam down on his defense until a loud crack rang through the air, and the halberd cut his metal ax into two. He tried to step back and create space, but his opponent had seen through it. A side low swing crashed into his lower legs, sweeping him up in the air. In that second of airborne time, his eyes caught sight of a descending blow before it continued onto his chest, and pushed both the air out of his body, and slammed him into the ground mercilessly.
To build a society, you need more than just the will to create it. For example, you can have the ground and the manpower to produce cotton, but if the demand for cotton is low, you will not sell anything. Seeing where the demand lies requires a knowledgeable eye.
Another example is the focus on money. Where do you invest, and what do you get in return? Economics is a continuous wandering beast, and it takes a skilled hunter to follow, understand, and catch it. In other words, talent in these areas is needed. And Delan understood that perfectly.
Perhaps Yan Zhang and Bo Zhang had been bandits, but their knowledge of the supply and demand on the current economy was real. After all, the life of a bandit was no easy matter, thus risking your life for something cheap was a no-go. They were also great leaders who led their own people without any trouble.
Zhang Jun was at first glance a simple knight. However, Delan quickly realized the man had quite some knowledge in other aspects, such as his knowledge of different kinds of collecting methods for materials and harvesting. The Zhu brothers expanded their trading route; Sun Quan was a formidable ruler in Enkuma and surrounding towns; Sun Shang Xiang and Lian Shi were both morale boosters for the army, both in looks and new entertainment they invented. For example, the pie contest was Shangxiang's idea.
Lu Su was a tea expert and his assistance in the teahouse caused the customer rate to skyrocket in just days time. Liu Shan was another morale booster and future ruler; Zhao Yun and Xing Cai were admirable trainers; Fa Zheng was well known for dividing the land into suitable agriculture and stock breeding. Meng Da and Li Hui were knowledge-collectors, and Hou Jun proved to be just as admirable in construction as Jong Go and his daughter.
Jiang Wei, Kong Rong, Hua Tan, Sima Yi, Yue Ying, Zhuge Liang, Sima Yi, and Xun Yu were perfect first professors of the Acadamy of Jin Ting. And those were just some of the officers who listened to Delan as he was trying to raise the land into a golden era. But although Delan knew how he could raise the land, it was because of his lord that it was possible. At least, that is what Brian heard when he had asked him how he was performing that difficult task.
Riding towards the Tong Gate passage, Brian's mind was wandering in the past, remembering the exact words his advisor used. ''Perhaps I know how to steer your officers, but it is because they believe in you that they are willing to put the effort in it, my lord. They see that you use your spoils of war to improve the land. They see that you fight on the front lines to make certain your army gets minimal losses. You are a good lord, Lord Brian, and it is precisely that reason my approach works. I must admit all that talent you had was going to be wasted, but I am glad you are finally showing what you are capable of, my lord.''
Good, or too soft for this era? Brian internally questioned as he thought back to the night before, where he captured an entire bandit camp, only to order them to be used as work slaves. Although that didn't seem too bad, Brian eventually wanted to reform those bandits into worthy members of society. Xiahou Dun is right. I am too soft for this world. But what do you expect me to do? Just kill everyone? Then where does the killing ends?
Just as he tried to answer himself, a horse galloped and continued at a calm pace at his side. ''Lord Brian. We are approaching the town of Wei Nan. If we are planning to charge through the Tong Gate passage, I advise you to take a rest there first.''
''That sounds like a good idea, master Fa Zheng. We need our rest if we are up against the Cavalry of Liang Province,'' Brian responded a little absent-mindedly.
The slick-back officer noticed it as he asked, ''Lord Brian, is something troubling you? I still have plenty of debt to repay you, so if it is in my power to help you, do not feel afraid to ask.''
Brian's expression was complicated as he asked, ''Master Fa Zheng, am I too soft? People keep saying I am a benevolent and righteous man, but at the same time, I am too soft. I keep my prisoners alive and even recruit them. I dislike killing. I am not sure what to think of myself anymore.'' A burst of sudden laughter filled the air as Fa Zheng could not hold back anymore. ''Master Fa Zheng?'' Brian asked shocked at his laughing officer.
Fa Zheng slowly shook his head as he tried to regain his cool, and grinningly, he answered, ''Too soft? You dare to go where no one else even thought about. You dare to fight alongside your former enemies without fear or regret. The evilest thing remains that you do not only change their side, but also their lives. Bandit, lonely knight, ruler, strategist; It all doesn't matter. In the end, they will all lose the battle of wills against you. You even forced me into a debt I can never repay,'' the strategist spoke as he continued to grin, many others of his officers and loyal followers hearing the conversation loud and clear. ''I made a deal with the devil. And make no mistake, you are that devil, lord Brian.''
Your bond with Fa Zheng has been maxed out! Fa Zheng learned the support skill Assistance Discovery! Appeared in Brian's hud, but he didn't pay any attention to it. Instead, a warm feeling arose from inside his body, that was slowly melting away the doubt in his body. With a boost in spirit, Brian smiled as he said, ''Thank you for those kind words, Master Fa Zheng.'' before he added, ''Now, let us haste to Wei Nan!''
Fa Zheng noddingly smiled as he responded, ''As you wish, My lord.''
An enormous fortress surrounded by streams of water. Those streams of water all originally came from the Wei River, which lay just south of the castle of Tong Gate.
A settling sun shimmered over the lands as the ruler of that castle was looking down at the Wei river with an intrigued gaze. Or more precisely, a bit further to the south, where an enormous camp was set up near the town of Wei Nan. An enemy camp, as Ma Chao's scouts had already informed him about the arrival of the Lord of Jin Ting. ''So you have arrived, Brian Miller. Although I can understand your ambition to unite the land, I can not overlook that you storm through the land like a rampaging beast.''
''Still, that is quite the army he has there. Even for our cavalry, that is a force not to be underestimated. Wouldn't you agree, young master?'' his advisor asked as he gazed over his master's shoulder, his iron brush resting on his shoulder.
''Enemy...Many! I...Kill...Enemy!'' Another voice rang through the air both Ma Dai and Ma Chao looked at the source. Wei Yan joined them on the castle walls, together with the well-experienced Huang Zhong and his underling Yan Yan. ''I...Fight!''
''Yes, the enemy number is impressive, but it takes more than manpower to win a battle. We will teach the enemy a thing or two about battle!'' Huang Zhong exclaimed in high morale.
Ma Dai smiled as he momentarily looked down the castle walls to the courtyard, where Wu Lan, Zhang Yi, and Wei Tong were checking the equipment quality and instructing the soldiers for the upcoming battle.
Ma Chao stepped up to the edge as well and slammed the tip of his Radiant Spear onto the stone. His loyal followers heard the echoing of iron and looked up, their eyes slowly opening to the impressive figure of Ma Chao the Splendid, referring to the golden-green armor he wore. ''Listen well, my brave soldiers! The enemy stands at our gates! They are here to oppress us and take our freedom. However, do not worry. Our wish to protect the people of this land and ourselves is on the side of justice, and justice always prevails!''
As Ma Chao continued to inspire his men, Wei Yan turned his eyes one last time to the other side of the wall. He couldn't really explain it, but something about this enemy felt different than normal. His animal instincts were warning him there was someone in there who was, unlike all the other warriors who had attacked their land, a real threat. Enemy...Strong. He thought worriedly before he heard the shouts of Ma Chao and his men, all ready for the last dining feast before the battle would commence tomorrow morning.
The night enveloped the land in its beautiful and calming darkness. Only the soothing sound of the nearby Wei river and some murmuring could be heard in Brian's camp. The ambiance wasn't that bad, considering they would be part of a great battle, but to call it relaxing was an overstatement.
Closer to the Wei River, that murmuring was replaced by a soft growl and a playful shriek, just the sounds Zhao Yun was looking for. The two sounds meant their master was alongside them, and just as expected, his lord was sitting on the riverbanks. ''Oh come on. You can't take a dive and then use me as a towel, Azeil.'' he heard Brian say as the tiger pushed himself against his lord's shoulder. ''Yeah, yeah, you are a good kitten.''
Ranger's attention suddenly shifted to Zhao Yun, and quickly, Brian followed suit. With a welcoming smile, the young lord said, ''Good evening, master Zhao Yun. What are you doing here?''
Zhao Yun sat down next to his lord on the riverbanks as he answered, ''I was looking for you, my lord.''
''Looking for me?'' He asked before he sighed and asked, ''Did Sima Yi throw another fit? I told master Jiang Wei he had to be careful around him.''
Zhao Yun smiled as he answered, ''No, it is not that. I was just wondering, why did you keep Huang Shao and his associates alive?'' As Brian's expression changed to a confused one, the spear officer added, ''I mean, even with my pride as a warrior, I couldn't help but feel the urge to kill them for attempting to take your life. How could you let them live even if they wanted to end yours?''
Brian smiled as he answered with a question, ''How would that solve anything? Sure, I would have killed my enemies, but I'll just create more by the fear I am creating. If I want to realize my ambition, I have to lay my personal grudges aside for the greater good. Besides, it lies in the human instinct to do anything to survive. Who am I to deny that?''
''Even if they are criminals?'' Zhao Yun asked worriedly.
Brian looked thoughtfully before asking, ''Define criminals.''
Zhao Yun looked confused as he immediately answered, ''People who break the law, my lord. Murders. Thieves. Kidnappers.''
Brian smiled sadly as he asked, ''Wouldn't I be called a criminal as well, master Zhao Yun?''
''My lord?'' Zhao Yun asked confused.
Brian turned his eyes on the river as he answered, ''I killed a lot of people as well to get to this point. Some of them called themselves soldiers, others were just common bandits. In the end, the role they had in society didn't matter, for they were killed by my hands. I claimed their heads and their belongings in the name of my ambition. Tell me, what is the difference between those bandits and me?''
Zhao Yun wanted to react, only to realize some of those soldiers were ones his own. Eventually, he shook his head as he answered, ''I don't know, my lord. What is the difference?''
''In the end, the difference lies whoever is the victor,'' Brian answered as he grabbed a stone from the ground and threw it away bouncingly on the water. ''Criminals are bad; soldiers are righteous? Those views change as often as the tides. The less fortunate have different values from those who have known fortune. In the end, those who stand at the top can decide that definition. Every battle we participate in could be a turning point.'' Brian sighed as he added, ''Justice and the law will always win because the victors will become that very same law. What makes the difference between criminals and us is that we are winning.'' Brian shifted his gaze once again on Zhao Yun as he said, ''It doesn't matter whatever we are called heroes of villains in the future. Whatever matters, is what we believe in. So, when you stand on the battlefield tomorrow, do not think about justice or wrong or right. Stand on the battlefield for your beliefs, and fight to make them a reality.''
Zhao Yun momentarily looked thoughtful before he responded softly, ''You are wise, my lord. But I have to disagree with you. Although we were enemies once, I full-fledge believe you will be a hero in the future. I felt that when I fought in Tianshui, and that feeling continued to grow stronger with each passing day I walked beside you.'' Zhao Yun clenched his fist in newfound spirit as he added, ''I thought my dream for benevolence and peace was always a dream in vain, but with you on my side, I feel I can that dream to become real. Let us see the end of this era of chaos together.'' He said almost triumphantly, feeling his anger fade away.
''Absolutely,'' his lord and friend responded smilingly. Unbeknownst to Zhao Yun, the little tension that was hidden in Azeil's body disappeared as he gently lay his head on the wet ground of the riverbank.
Great battle. The battle of Tong Gate. A battle where famous officers can be recruited.
That message had been standing in Brian's hud for the last couple of days. A message that warned him of the upcoming battle that would actually be a battle and not a one-sided massacre.
That message had changed to a simple map of the battlefield in Brain's vision. A large encampment to the south; A river crossing from the west to east; A base in front and at the east of the castle; the three walls that protected the citizens; the two courtyards and eventually, the head base where Ma Chao resided.
The morale bar was equally filled. The background music started to switch to an upbeat tempo. His officers and soldiers were ready. Brian's eyes met his strategists before Lu Su pointed his rake forward and commanded, ''Let the battle begin!''
Brian wasted little time as he rode straight through a shallow stream of River and charged in on the base in front of Tong Gate. ''It's the enemy?!'' One of the enemy soldiers shouted as he noticed Brian and Hex Mark.
''Archers, do not let them get any closer! Fire at will!'' The base captain commanded.
''You will not get past us so easily!'' the gate captain roared in an armor that was far too noteworthy for his peasant life. Not only he wore that armor, as the other soldiers also wore a significant boost in their protection. It seems they prepared themselves for a frontal assault. Let's see if they are worth it. Brian thought as he rode straight towards them.
The confidence in their voice proved to be just a fluke as even the armor and shield could not help against Brian's assault. *Crack!* their iron shield sounded as they broke into two before the halberd cut deep through their chests.
''Die!'' A spearman shouted as he stepped forward with a quick forward stab. However, Brian had quickly seen it coming as he moved to the side while grabbing the spear, the spear fighter now having his back turned against Brian while immobilized. A quick turn, an elbow locking a neck and extending it quickly, and one loud pop later, and the warrior's body fell lifelessly on the ground.
''Don't think you can get away with that!'' The base commander shouted as three more soldiers charged in. Three blades shot forward and were blocked just as easily before a follow-up horizontal slash struck them down. Five arrows flew his way, only for him to slam them down midair. Just as a follow-up shot was prepared, a barrage of arrows pierced through the opposing archers. At the same time, a white horse rode past him as its rider jumped off it, and barraged the base commander with her duel wheels.
''Thank you, Lianshi,'' Brain thanked as he watched his fiance delivering the final blow to the base commander.
Lianshi's smile was as beautiful and pure as ever as she responded, ''I am here for you, my lord. You are very important to me, so I will protect you, no matter what,'' while Shangxiang announced, ''In the name of our Lord, we have taken over this base!''
''It seems our assault is progressing nicely. However, we have still much to do,'' Lu Su commented as he turned his gaze to the other side of the river and raised his rake towards Zhuge Liang.
The sleeping dragon nodded graciously as he responded, ''I understand, Lu Su. Engineers, prepare the weapons.''
''Yes sir!'' the engineers acknowledged as they moved towards the base and started the construction of the siege weapons.
Lu Su turned to Brian and said, ''Now that we moved and secured the frontline, please leave this area to us, my lord. It will only be a matter of time until those doors are open.''
''Very well. I am leaving the front gates to you, master Lu Su! Shangxiang, guard this base until the ballistae are set!'' Brian commanded. ''Lianshi, we will support the east.''
Activating the Secure the Location tactic, Shangxiang slammed her fist in her hand eagerly as she said, ''Leave it to me! I'll protect this place with my life!''
With the defenses set, he whistled-called Hex Mark to him. One smooth action later, -that impressed his present officers quite a bit- both Brian and Lianshi rode on the white beast towards where Xiahou Dun and Xiahou Yuan's units were located.
Holding tightly onto her lover's body, Lianshi noticed she wasn't as tense as she used to be during these battles. She used to worry about the safety of her allies and friends, but now, those worries were just minimal. She also immediately knew why, and it made her smile even brighter as she tightened her hold around Brian's waist.
Not that Brian noticed any of that subtle change as his eyes did not even capture his current surroundings. Instead, they were looking through a world exclusive to him. where he could see that the battle wasn't as rose-colored as the front side showing. Hang in there, Dun. I am on my way.
Two opposing armies. Around three hundred men on each side armed to the teeth to kill their enemy. Yet, there wasn't a single man thinking about that right now as they all stared at the same person. A soldier who was holding an arrow in his hand, a pierced eye on the top of the low-quality projectile.
''It seems I was blinded by rage and fury to see my shortcomings. Thank you for opening my eyes,'' Xiahou Dun said as he threw the arrow on the ground, ignoring the pain and blood as he focused his entire being towards his enemy. ''Yuan, let's show them our true might.''
Xiahou Yuan could not even respond as his cousin already charged forward, his first victim too shocked to react to the lighting-quick downward slash. In just seconds, another five victims took their last breath as Xiahou Dun started his massacre.
''Oye, wake up! Shoot him again!'' the archer commander shouted to his paralyzed squad. The archers shook their heads, quickly took aim, and fired. However, none of those arrows struck Xiahou Dun again.
A gracious officer with iron claws stopped them midair. ''Such undisciplined form... it is so difficult to watch. I hope you at least die beautifully!'' Zhang He theatrically said as he ran forward in, his claws blocking the hasted shots from the enemy archers. With a theatrical horizontal open two-sided- strike, he struck the four archers simultaneously.
The commander was about to fire an arrow, only to be stopped by a deadly stab in his back. ''I know attacking someone from behind is ugly, but I can not have you shoot my friends. May you forgive me in your following life,'' Liu Shan commented as the commander sank to his knees, and fell face-forward into the mud.
''Do not worry. Your form was filled with beauty and grace. I am certain that you'll shine even brighter one day, and I am looking forward to seeing that,'' Zhang He complimented. Before Liu Shan could respond, the claw officer looked over his shoulder and added, ''Talking about blooming it seems another starting flower has joined our battlefield.''
Liu Shan looked confused before he saw his old horse approaching, the white stallion looking as strong and trustworthy as its rider. With an impressive speed, Brian rode past his officers with Lianshi sitting behind him as he commanded, ''Charge to the castle! This battle will be settled at sunset!''
The soldiers he rode past roared in brilliance as they already believed in their victory with their lord leading the charge. However, just before he stepped on the outer wall of the castle, he stopped at the Xiahou brothers, quickly scanned the wound of Dun, and said, ''Let that be checked as possible after this battle is over. For now, lead Liu Shan and Zhang He's squads into the courtyard and take the area there.'' Turning his eyes on Yuan, he added, ''They have siege weapons prepared on the east side of the courtyard in case we claim the outer sanctum. master Bo Zhang and Yan Zhang are trying to ambush them, but Huang Zhong is paying close attention to their protection.''
''You want me to show that old-bag of bones how it is done. I got it covered, boss,'' Yuan responded confidently.
Brian looked worried before he turned to Lianshi and ordered, ''Lianshi, assist Xiahou Yuan in this task. I am counting on you both.''
Lianshi nodded as she responded, ''You can count on me, my lord. Master Yuan, lead the way.''
A cavalry is known as a group of warriors who fight while horseback-riding. Although that explanation may sound dull and straightforward, the diversity in a cavalry could be the difference between loss and win.
Arrow, or Ghengis Khan, was known to have experienced archers while horseback riding in his army. Napolean had a famous polish cavalry that would later help in the war against Spain. Alexander the Great was known as one of the first who used heavy-geared melee cavalry to decimate the enemy army.
In comparison to those great cavalries, the cavalry of Liang was not even noteworthy. But in comparison to a normal lord's army in the current era of China, the cavalry of Liang could do some serious damage. In the lands of Tong Gate, the plains were flat and simple. In other words, it was a perfect battlefield for a well-trained cavalry division.
Around a thousand riders followed Ma Dai from the west towards the enemy camp, their spirit strengthened by the justice their lord talked about. It was only at the riverbanks of the Wei River they learned that the enemy's justice was just on a whole different level.
With a clear command, Sima Yi brought down the cavalry with a combination of a well-disciplined shield and a willing assault. Let by Cao Ren and Xing Cai, the shield and spike unit scared the horses back just at the right time, while the archer units struck down on the riders. On Sima Yi's command, Zhao Yun and Jiang Wei ambushed Ma Dai's cavalry, rendering it completely immobile.
At the same time, Huang Zhong struggled with the excellent teamwork of Lian Shi and Xiahou Yuan, although the former had received an arrow in her arm. However, before the old man could truly do some damage in the battle, the catapults suddenly turned against him and launched him off the walls.
The outer sanctum fell at the same time, and Brian's forces took the opportunity to charge further into the castle. Morale had quickly changed in Brian's favor, but the battle was far from over.
The ground trembled from clashes between blades, the echoes enough to make the experienced soldier shriek in agony. A double voulge crashed multiple times with a halberd, a wild instinct against an inserted swordsmanship. When both weapons broke in the midst of battle, it turned into a fistfight, one well-trained boxer versus a wildman.
A fist connected with a chest. A head slammed into another. A grab followed into an unlucky landing on the ground, only for Brian to jump up as he ignored the pain in his shoulder. For a moment, it felt the two men fighting were each other equals. Only after four minutes, the witnesses saw a difference. One slowed down as both his heavy body and untrained form could not keep the pressure up for long, while the other increased the offensive pressure. A side swing to the chin; another fist to the rib, followed by another hit to another rib, and finally ending it with an uppercut.
When Brian reached the main quarters where Ma Chao's dot was, he saw the lord of Liang barely holding himself standing against the onslaught of his officers. ''My justice will not fall so easily! Come and know the terror of facing Ma Chao in battle!'' He roared as if he still had a chance.
A figure shot forward so quickly, the golden-armored warrior never had a chance to respond. As he was floating in the air, unable to break free from the crushing grip that was holding onto his head, he heard a faint clear whisper before his head was slammed into the stoned floor and he lost consciousness.
Author notes:
This was chapter 11 of A Game of Ambition. Hope you enjoyed it.
I concentrated this chapter on some inner feelings from the OC and some character development from the playable officers. We had the battle of Tong Gate, which is known as the battle where Ma Chao and Pang Tong fought against Cao Cao and lost. The next chapter will be focussed on the battle of Luo Yang and we will finally meet the Hero of Chaos.
My apologies if this chapter took a bit longer. Covid has been messing with my inspiration and real-life can be quite hectic sometimes.
With everything said, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter and I hope to see you legends in the next one. Beyor out!