Okay, this one is a little longer, but still, short. They will get longer! I promise! If you guys have any suggestions, I would love to hear them!!!!!!

I approached the dais where the Emperor was seated; his long white beard tangled; something I never have seen before. He had always been very proper when it came to his appearance. But today he looked unkept, and uncaring. Several men knelt on the floor, their heads bent towards their hands outstretched before them. Their whole bodies' seemed to sag in defeat and exhaustion. I slowly walked up behind them.

The Emperor's throne room was grandly decorated, clearly stating, but not flaunting, the wealth of the royal family. Gold adorned the pillars at the entrance and at the peak of the extremely long staircase. I often wondered, with amusement, how the elderly Emperor was able to climb them everyday. But the Emperor was stronger then he looked, and everyone knew it. He had seen a lot of war in his lifetime, and it showed in the lines and valleys that creased his face. He looked thin and frail, but he had more internal fire than any man I had ever known. It shone through his eyes, making his fragile appearance seem to disappear into his fierce expression. Although his movements were slow-paced, his mind was sharp and quick, and his thoughts seemed to shine through to his eyes.

But today, he seemed to sag into his seat. His face was tired and burdened, and his thinning figure seemed to disappear beneath his rich robes. I squared my shoulders and lifted my chin, marching up to the steps. I fell onto my knees and bowed my head.

"General Li. You will remain at the camp until the recruits have been accounted for. I expect you know your battle plan, then?" I could feel my face heat as I stood, as well of the heat of my father's stare.

"Yes, your majesty." I watched as my father, tall and confident, announce his battle strategy. I was intrigued by his fierceness, by his intelligence. Even with the swift motion of his hand, I found myself drawing closer. He outlined a detailed plan, and I found every question that entered my mind being answered within seconds. The Emperor stayed silent upon his throne, his only movement of acknowledgement was the momentary closing of his eyes. His bony hands were folded gracefully in his lap. When my father had finished, the Emperor stayed quiet momentarily, before taking a deep breath.

"Very well, then. You and your company will leave tomorrow at dawn." My father nodded solemnly. "Now, Shang?" My head shot up in surprise. I opened my mouth, but my mind blanked, and I snapped it shut again. My father cleared his throat behind me, and I flinched at it's harsh tone. I felt another sudden heat flush my face.

"Yes Majesty?" I croaked. I thought I detected a flash of humour that glimmered in his saddened eyes, but it disappeared quickly, and he returned to all seriousness.

"You, Shang, will follow your father to the training camps. I have heard of your excellence in your own training, and I expect you will be able to start and raise our recruits to victory. Men are being drafted as we speak." I gaped at him, my eyes widening, before clearing my throat.

"Of course, Majesty." I managed to force out. He nodded

"Well, your father will explain your duties, then. Now, gentlemen, I think we could all use some sleep." We all nodded, and then retreated down the stairs. No one talked until we reached the last step and went our separate ways, except, of course, me and my father.

"You behaved quite unprofessionally to the Emperor. It was unacceptable." I nodded and looked down at the floor, as if examining the cracks in the stone. What was it about this man that made me feel as if I was a child again? I was an adult, and I was being scolded by my father.

"Yes, father." He straightened his shoulders and began to speak again.

"Well, anyhow, it doesn't matter. We have things of greater importance to discuss." His straight tone rang through the corridors, it's echo seemed even more intense. I learned of what I was to do, and I couldn't help but sink a little. Train recruits? Sons of soldiers? They had given me an incredibly easy task, probably at request of my father. Something I couldn't mess up. I had been doing this for years. I had fought in many battles before, and I had made my own body into a weapon. So why do they still think that I was incapable of doing something productive? I had been living in the city for several years now, and I had always made sure I foloowed orders exactly. I did whatever I was told, whenever I was told. One did not disobey orders given by a superior. Especially if that superior was the Emperor himself. I suppose my obedience came from my father, but I always knew I would be a soldier. It was in my blood. I was a soldier, it was as simple as that. But, if they gave me this miniscule order, I would make sure I did the best job I could do, that anyone could do, maybe even more.

I would prove to my father, to the Emperor, to China, that I could create a powerful army. China's own weapon. After all, they were the sons of some of the greatest warriors of our time. How difficult could my mission possibly be?

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