A/N: Hello all my dear fanfiction readers, and welcome to another chapter of The Jewel in the Sword! I'm very excited to say that this is the third chapter, and I hope that I will have some more time to write some more. Fair warning, this chapter, like the previous two, is mostly exposition. I promise that soon, we will be getting to the plot of the story. Without further ado, here is chapter 3.

Chapter 3

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Six years later

Phillip wearily rode his white mare, Snowfoot, across the wide, grassy plain. Despite it being pleasantly warm outside, he felt like he was boiling inside his full armor. That, his horse, some dry food, and his sword were all he was allowed to take on the journey. He thought back to the time when his father had ordered him to go fight for China three months ago.

Phillip strode into the lavish throne room filled with torches and tapestries depicting famous battles of the kingdom of Prussia. All of the courts men had stood up from their cushioned chairs in respect as he walked by. In the end of the room, seated in the center were his father, King Alexander, and his mother, Queen Sophie, on two separate thrones. At the age of fifty, King Alexander still cut an imposing figure, even though he had grown a slightly round belly. His mother also looked very regal with tendrils of her curled black hair framing her face, and the rest in a tight bun. Phillip kneeled down in reverence.

"Please rise, son," Alexander said firmly. Phillip obliged. "I have called you here today because a friend of our kingdom is in grave danger. China has been invaded by the Mongols, and they are a large group of highly skilled warriors. I believe that if we give them a small token of assistance, then we can help keep close ties with the kingdom. You also need experience in battle, since you have only been involved in mere skirmishes before. This is why I am sending you to battle with the Chinese Army."

Phillip was stunned. His first thought went to his friend, Mulan, for he hoped that she was okay. His second thought was an odd mix of bewilderment and honor. While he did want to go fight in a real battle, he did not want to do so in a country surrounded by people whom he didn't know. He would have preferred to fight in China with some of his troops. "Sir, may I be permitted to ask a question?" Phillip politely asked. The King nodded for him to go ahead. "Will any troops from the Prussian Guard be coming with me?" "No. We need all the troops we can get in case the Mongols end up conquering China. In that case, we will have to go fight the Mongols to win the kingdom back," Alexander replied.

Although he was puzzled, Phillip agreed to fight with the Chinese Army. He packed his supplies, got his parents' blessings, and began the journey to China.

When Phillip had woken up out of his memory, he was startled to see that he had reached the camp. In the distance, he could see glimpses of flashing light, and he figured that the army must be training with swords. As he entered the camp on his horse, every soldier stopped training, and turned to look at him. Phillip looked down, suddenly embarrassed.

One well muscled, young shirtless man came up to Phillip. "Are you the extra soldier that King Alexander sent?" He asked, sheathing his jeweled sword in his ornate gold scabbard. Phillip stopped his horse, and descended gracefully. "I am sir," he replied, figuring that the man before him was the leader of the troops. "Good. State your name and your previous rank soldier," the leader ordered. "Name Phillip Bismarck, rank Captian sir," Phillip dutifully replied. "Welcome to the Chinese Reserve Army, Phillip. You will have to give up your title as Captain when you are here. My name is Captain Lee Shang, and you will only be following my orders, understand?" Shang asked. "Yes sir!", Phillip replied.

"Before you set up your tent, Phillip, you must pass a test. I hope you are very competent in fighting because you will have to face one of my best swordsman in order to join. In fact, you must face my best swordsman right now," Shang said cockily. Phillip gritted his teeth in annoyance. He had just endured a three hour horse ride in a boiling suit of armor, and now he had to fight someone! "May I take off my suit of armor sir?" he inquired. "Yes. You may only keep your arm and leg guards on during the fight," Shang commanded.

Phillip gladly took off his suit armor and chain mail. He sighed as dropped the thin, but sturdy armor on the ground, and he picked up his tunic to wipe his brow. This action revealed to the soldiers Phillip's well-toned six pack, which showed that he was a veteran knight. Shang frowned impatiently. "Hurry soldier, we don't have all day," he irritably said. Phillip took a draught of water from his flask, and a sip of alcohol to wake him up from a small pouch. He drew his sword with the ease of an experienced swordsman. "I'm ready sir," he said bravely.

Shang smiled thinly, eagerly anticipating the fight. "Mulan!" he shouted, "You have one last opponent to face today. If you beat him, you will not have training tomorrow," he announced. Phillip was totally taken off guard when he heard Shang announce her name. His heart raced at the thought of being able to meet an old friend. "Mulan, how can it be? I thought girls weren't allowed to fight in the army. What if it is her? What if it isn't? How many Mulan's are there in China anyways?" he thought, his mind racing. As soon as Mulan stepped out to face him, all thoughts flew out of Phillip's head. He could only think of one thing."Wow,".

A/N: Please read and review!