Shang sat in a tree watching Tai shoot arrows with accuracy he had gained over practice. Shang didn't realize how old Tai actually was. He had always thought Tai younger, though now he didn't know why he had thought that. Tai had been really naïve, therefore making himself look young, but his exercises with Shang had helped Tai become much stronger, though, he was still weaker than most tiger's his own age. Tai know seemed close enough to his age, whatever it was. Tai never did tell him; the tiger had ears had grown hot when the Golden cat asked that. He was embarrassed by his age and how people saw him.
The rhythmic twang of Tai's bow stopped. He looked down. Tai had frozen. Shang's ears immediately went straight up. The only other time he had seen Tai do this was when…..Curo!
He jumped down from branch to branch as fast as he could to reach his friend. He slapped Tai across the face. Tai blinked once but was still frozen.
"C'mon Tai, remember the escape plan!"
"Whahhhhh?" said Tai airily.
"Yeah, what escape plan?"
Shang turned slowly. There stepping out behind a tree was Curo.
"Finally found you! Though you did trick us for a full five months, damn you."
Shang bared his fangs and extended his claws, though he still couldn't do anything.
"Leave the little kitty alone, Guard. I know what sport he likes to play."
Shang refused to move. Curo sighed and made a motion with his large finger. A lynx appeared out of no where and knocked Shang out of the way. The lynx got up and turned her back on Shang. Shang got up.
"Don't touch me," warned the lynx.
Shang growled and was forced to watch as Tai was again beat up by Curo. Curo didn't take it any easier than before. He pounded on Tai's stomach and chest. The tiger tried to fend off a few of the punches feebly but to no avail. Curo stepped on the section that Tai's tail was bent at. Tai howled in pain. While Tai did so, Curo grasped Tai in a headlock. Curo laughed and proceeded to punch Tai in the stomach and stepped on his foot paw. Curo let go of his hold by accident when he stepped on Tai's foot paw. Taking the opportunity, Tai struggled to get to his 'climbing tree.' Curo caught up.
"Oh, you want to go in the tree, well here."
Curo threw Tai into the tree. Curo grunted at his mistake. Rhinos couldn't climb trees.
"Now I can't get him. Ugh. Somebody get him down."
The lynx went after Tai, but suddenly she was knocked down by a grey blur. Two other grey blurs came in. They landed. There in the clearing were three clouded leopards.
"I hate bullies, don't you, dad?" asked one of the leopards to the other.
"Yes, I don't like them," said one, presumable the dad, and what seemed to be the only male in the group. "What about you, honey?"
"Agreed," said the one. "I one hundred percent agree with you, my wise husband."
The male smirked.
"Then, let's tell them to stop."
"What?" asked a surprised Curo.
The three clouded leopards suddenly attacked. They attacked with such swiftness none were able to escape their fury. One of the females, most likely the daughter, went straight at Curo. The rhino snorted and tensed. He spread his legs out and got his arms into the position he wanted. The female leopard then slid underneath Curo and kicked him between the legs. Curo eyes went wide with pain. But the leopard was not finished with him. Getting up, she did three aerial kicks on the back of the rhino's head before he fell. She then back flipped on top of him, landing a kick right to the stomach. The rhino lay on his back, not know what to do.
"I'll give you a hint," said the young female clouded leopard. "Get out of here!"
The rhino got up, holding his crotch, and followed the rest of his gang.
Shang walked up to the two adult clouded leopards and bowed low.
"Thank you for intervening, otherwise they would have done more."
"You are most welcome. Are you his friend?"
Before Shang could answer, the young female spoke.
"Well, if he is, he is the worst friend ever."
The mother scolded her.
"We do not know the circumstances these two are in. What laws they are under. Also, before you insult someone, at least get to know them."
Shang raised an eyebrow at the odd rebuke. He went to go help Tai out of the tree. With the tiger safely on the ground, only then did the trio introduce themselves.
"I am Fei, husband of Mi," he motioned to the older female leopard, "and father of Mei Faxian. We are the Liulan family." He finished by pointed out the young female clouded leopard.
The three bowed. Shang didn't know what to do. Tai did though.
"My friend here is Shang and I am Tai of the Shandian Clan of Tigers."
Fei's eyes lit up.
"Ah, then we have found a good ally. We have a message for your father, Kun Zhu. I assume he still rules here as Lord of the City."
"He does. And many thanks for stopping them." Tai tried to bow but fell on the ground, still a bit woozy from the beatings he had received early in the fight.
Mei smiled just a bit. Shang helped him up.
"I can take you to my father, though he is busy right now, so it wouldn't be until later. If you would like, I can show you around Mengyou City. It would be a very thorough tour."
The family of three nodded and the now five walked away from the Grove of Tranquility to the City.
They neared the City walls when they noticed a small red flag standing upright on the ground.
"What's that," inquired Mi.
"That," said Shang proudly, "is where Tai and I scaled the walls."
"You are saying this truthfully, it is not a lie?"
"One hundred percent truth," said Tai to his friend's aid.
They reached the North Gate were let in. The family looked around, very interested. As they walked through the streets, Tai gave as much knowledge as he could to the three leopards. Whenever they asked questions he would answer to the best of his abilities. They visited the Training Halls, the Library, and the Gardens. Each time they reached something new, the father or mother would point out a specific place to their daughter. What they said had no meaning to Shang and Tai, so they kept out of their private family matters.
"Now, it is dinner time, and my parents are at a rather long banquet, so I shall treat you to a dinner at a very wonderful place."
"Please don't, we don't eat fancy food."
"Good," Tai laughed, "Because that is not at all what I planned. Anyways, I am not allowed into the most of prestigious restaurants without my parents, for they have a rather extreme age limit. No exceptions."
"Then where are we going," asked Mei.
"A little noodle shop – it's not very well known by the city folk, but it has the best noodle soup you could every want."
"I doubt that, have you ever tried Mr. Ping's secret noodle soup?" said Mei.
"Who's that?" Tai and Shang both said together.
"Never mind, you wouldn't know who he was. He's not in Mengyou City."
"Ok then, if I ever do meet Mr. Ping, I will have some of his soup," said Tai.
"And you will never go back."
Tai nodded but rolled his eyes. Shang chuckled. This Mei was interesting, not to mention her family.
The soup smelt incredible as they walked into the thin shop. The shop consisted of one long room with a kitchen at the back. A sheep stood at the counter and a rabbit was busy making more soup. The entire thing was made out of wood and stone, with little metalwork anywhere. The tables were high enough for Shang and Tai to sit at, but low enough for a small animal to sit comfortably at it. The sheep bowed to Tai. Tai nodded in return.
"How can I help you today, young Sire?"
"Six bowls of your noodle soup please."
Tai handed the sheep a handful of coins in advanced as the rabbit dished out six bowls of fresh, hot noodle soup. Taking up a few and handing them out, they picked a spot near the entrance were the shop got the most light. Shang took the second one and as quick as any military trained animal, ate them faster than Tai could ever imagine one eating. The other three were slower than Shang, but still faster than Tai.
Mi was the first to speak.
"This is very good noodle soup…"
"…..but…" continued on Fei.
"Not as good as Mr. Ping's. A close second though, very close second," finished Mei already licking the bottom of the bowl for the leftover noodles.
Tai shook his head.
"I swear, I will have to try Mr. Ping's noodles, even if it is the last thing I do."
"Don't say that, it might come true," said Fei.
Shang laughed along with Tai.
"Sorry, it's just that I have said that before, and, thank my ancestors, it didn't happen," explained Tai to the three inquisitive snow leopards. As soon as Tai explained that he had said that when he asked to climb the City walls, their smiles returned and they laughed as well. Not as loudly, for they still thought Fei was right.
They walked out of the shop feeling very satisfied. The night sky was beginning to take over the bright blue sky of the day and the sun was beginning to cast pink and red light.
"We must find an inn. Can you please direct us to one?" asked Mi.
"Absolutely not," replied Tai, folding his arms. "You have done me a favor and have a message for my father therefore you will stay in the Mengyou Palace. You can take the guest suite. It has not been used in forever so it will finally be put to use."
"You are sure your parents would be fine with this?"
"I have no doubts."
"Then it will be an honor to stay there."
The three leopards bowed to Tai as Fei finished his sentence.
"Shang, would you show them to the Palace. I need to visit an old friend."
"I will," said Shang, a bit too enthusiastically. He noticed Shang's eyes dart at Mei. He smiled, he knew what Shang was thinking.
"Just don't go too fast, enjoy the sights along the way," Tai said, hoping that Shang got his subtle message.
Thankfully Shang did seem to get the message as he winked at Tai and then announced that they would follow him.
Love will do the wildest things.
Tai walked alone to Jingli's. He didn't really worry about Curo. He was probably at home, nursing his wounded pride. Tai smiled. That rhino finally got what he deserved.
Tai knocked on the door of Jingli's.
"What is the honor of royalty visiting my humble shop?" was Jingli's immediate response.
"Just saying hello on the most wonderful night," replied Tai.
"And is it really? What makes tonight so special?"
The crane got the tea ready and Tai sat at the table waiting patiently for the crane to return.
"Today, Curo finally got what he deserved."
The crane suddenly fixed his eyes on Tai.
"How so? You didn't fight him did you? I thought you didn't like violence?"
"I don't and I didn't beat him. A group of clouded leopards by the family name of Liulan did. Just in time too. Curo had just thrown me into a tree like a little boy does with a ball. Out came the leopards and they beat them off. Guess they got cocky enough to believe no one would stand up to them."
The crane nodded,
"That does make sense. It often takes an outside mind to do the impossible. Or what seems like the impossible. So does this mean the Curo will not bother you anymore?"
"Sadly, no. As soon as they leave, Curo will be out for vengeance. Though, I didn't do anything to him, yet I will bear the attack. Still, a week of absolute no worry is enough to make my heart sing with joy."
"Yes, to relax is sometimes the greatest gift, though it can become deadly as it turns out it is very addicting to some," mused the crane. "Mostly the royal experience this, no offense."
"None taken."
"Good, now how about we do relax. I just got a chess set, would you like to play?"
"No need to ask me, but be warned, I have beaten some of the top Masters."
"As have I."
The crane was dead serious. Tai was forced to think longer and harder than he had ever done before. Tai thought he had the crane in a certain place, but the crane was able to wiggle out of it and get back at Tai. The tiger and crane played for over two hours before finally the crane called,
"I win."
Tai collapsed, too exhausted from the mental exertion to check. Tai got himself him and wiped the sweat from his eyes. All he saw in the crane's expression was a smile. The crane put the pieces and board back into the box it came from and put it behind the desk.
"How did you do that?" Tai breathed.
"A story for another time," said the crane mysteriously.
"With all these stories I have asked for and you have denied, you best find a lot of time, because I really want to know these stories."
The crane turned to face Tai.
"Then you shall have to wait even longer than the time it takes me to tell you the stories I have promised."
"Patience is another thing I have been working on, so I will wait."
"Good, now you will have to wait to see me again tomorrow. I bid you farewell Tai."
The tiger said goodbye and walked out of Jingli's shop. He looked up at the stars and said a quick prayer of thanks. The stars twinkled like mad. Tai laughed quietly, feeling happy.
"Mr. Fei, Mrs. Mi, Mistress Mei, my son has said you have a message for me," said Kun Zhu.
The following morning, the leopard family had breakfast and got ready for their audience with Kun. Shang seemed googly eyed when Mei walked out of her room with a stunning dress on. "It's not polite to stare," said Tai politely. Shang just stared even more. When they finally got in, as there was a long line of citizens who wanted an audience, Kun immediately welcomed them and thanked them for their assistance with Curo.
"It was nothing," said Fei. "I first would like to notify you of a storm heading your way, though that really is of little importance. My main concern is the army that is heading your way."
"What is this army you speak of," asked Kun, suddenly alert. "No army has been sighted for more than half a century."
"Yes, but that is mostly likely because this army is just a month's journey away."
Sun giggled at Fei's response.
"Who is leading this army?"
"We don't know," said Mi. "They saw us as we saw them. Thankfully we were quick enough that they thought us their imagination. At least I hope."
Kun looked at Fei and Mi thoughtfully.
"You are certain of this."
Fei and Mi shook their heads vigorously.
Mei leaned close to Tai and whispered in his ear,
"How I wish I could be there with them, it would be fun to talk with your father. He is known around China. He seems so serious, yet so serious that he could burst out laughing at anytime. Is that what he is like?"
Tai looked at Mei. She was serious.
"I'll tell you later," he whispered back. Mei shrugged then went back to her position.
"There were many troops, too many to count at a glance," said Fei. "And estimating will only provide a false sense of hope or despair. Yet, if I did guess, it would be about one-hundred thousand."
"Are you serious?" thundered Kun.
"No," said Mi. "It was more around twelve thousand or less."
Kun relaxed just a bit. At least it wasn't the earlier number. That number would be fatal to any city or town, even with kung fu Masters at their defense. Twelve thousand was a bit more manageable. He had a whole Guard at his disposal along with many kung fu Masters and warriors.
"Thank you for this information. It has been most helpful. I will talk to the Council about it. If you can come with me, thank you." Kun turned to the wolf guard. "Tell the rest that they will have to come back another day. I am busy and have my plate now full."
The wolf guard bowed and walked out the door. His voice was heard along with the many groans of disappointment and the patter of hooves, paws, and the flutter of wings as the crowd left.
"Where are my parents going?" asked Mei.
"To the damn Council," said Shang. "The Council listens to almost no one but themselves. Not even when the message is as urgent as this. Let us hope for the best."
"In the meantime," Tai said. "Let's go around the City again and actually go into the shops."
Shang looked at the tiger prince, Tai smiled mischievously back. He slid next to Shang.
"Best get your money out for your lady friend."
Shang swung at Tai playfully. He ducked just in time but fell on the floor. Shang helped up Tai. Mei just looked at the two with a curious expression.
"Off we go!" exclaimed Shang.
"What shop do you want to visit first?" asked Tai to either of them. "We have lots. A flower shop, jewelry shops, armor and arms shops, you name it, we probably have it."
Tai directed the first two shops at Shang. Shang failed to notice the verbal jab as he was too busy watching Mei's tail move back and forth. His eyes ran up and down her figure over and over again. His mind churned and thought the most sensual things. A dreamy look came over him, but Mei failed to notice as she was leading Tai and Shang to wherever she wanted to go. She stopped at a flower shop. Tai noticed Shang almost involuntarily reach down into his pockets and pull out a gold coin. Tai moved to him and took the gold coin.
"Not so fast, remember, enjoy the sights," Tai warned then handed back Shang's coin. The Golden cat nodded and put the coin back into his pockets. Mei walked around the City before she finally found a shop she wanted to truly go into. It was a knife shop, but not just any knife shop. These specialized in the most intricate of knives – from the most strong fighting knives, to the most delicate and beautiful knives that one would not use for fighting. The three walked in and the shopkeeper bowed to Tai. Tai blinked in acknowledgment.
"Does it tire you of people always bowing you because you are royalty?" asked Mei as she leapt up on a barrel. Tai looked at Mei. She had changed out of the regal dress and now just wore boots, leather pants and a leather shirt. She also had one of her ears pierced and had a diamond earring in it. Her left ear had no earring but the top had been torn off. She still looked stunning, even in her travel outfit.
"Not really," Tai finally answered when he noticed Shang's expression.
Oh yes, Tai thought, this is going to be Shang's girl. He chuckled to himself.
Mei nodded then got of the barrel and began to look at the shopkeeper's wares. She suddenly stopped and just stared at one. It was a simple dirk, but still very pretty. It had a steel blade infused with silver giving it a slight luster. The guard was the same material as the blade, but it had the Chinese characters for strength, honor, defense, and offense inscribed over it. The handle was made of ivory with a rough fabric wrapped around it to give it grip with the Chinese character for Hope written in fine ink calligraphy. The very bottom was a button of pure silver. Mei gasped when she saw it. She sighed then.
"How much is it?" asked Mei to the monkey shopkeeper.
"This one? Well, I guess I'll ask for five-hundred. That's some of the best craftsmanship I have ever found."
Mei's face dropped in disappointment and she moved onto the other knives. Shang's expression lit up and then dropped almost at the same instant. Tai looked at the knife. He reached into his pocket and pull out a coin he thought he would never use. It was something he got for his birthday: a coin. The coin was worth well over the asking price of the knife. He was told it was his. He had never used it. He walked over to Shang.
"Make sure Mei doesn't get lost. I think she is leaving."
Shang turned and saw Mei leaving. He nodded at Tai in thanks and walked swiftly to catch up to her. Tai turned to the monkey.
"If I can have that knife that the girl was looking at please and a normal cutting knife," said Tai.
"A present for her?" said the monkey, putting the knife it's polished wood scabbard.
"Yes, but not from me. Don't forget the cutting knife, that's a decoy."
"You are a nice and sneaky one you are, young Sire," the monkey said with a wink. The shopkeeper handed Tai the bag with the two knives in it, the cutting knife on top.
As Tai turned to go out the store, he turned back.
"Did I hear you right? You said found it?"
The monkey looked up. He stared intently at the tiger.
\"Yes, find it I did. Out and about I was, coming here from my old village. I found this in a forest or a jungle. It was pretty even with the rust on it. So, I took it and it's been in my stock ever since. I'm surprised no one animal has ever bought it."
"Well, this has an interesting story behind it probably."
"No doubts there, young sire. Perhaps you'll find it. I'll wager ten gold coins that it's back story is one to remember. If you'll excuse me, I have another customer."
A sheep had walked in the store without him noticing.
"Of course."
The monkey and sheep bowed in respect and turned to business.
Tai ambled out of the store, his mind coming up with numerous amounts of stories that this knife could have. It was certainly a good gift. He looked for Mei and Shang and spotted them sitting on a rickshaw cart. Mei was on the backrest while Shang sat in the normal riding spot. Mei was laughing as Shang told her a joke. Tai smiled and glanced up at the heavens.
Please let this work out, Shang has never been so happy, he whispered in his mind to his ancestors. His ancestors weren't Shang's, but maybe they would talk.
"What's in the bag," asked Shang.
"A cutting knife for my mother, I know she likes cooking, so I got this for her birthday," lied Tai.
"Your mother's birthday is today?" asked Shang. "I thought it was….."
Tai shook his head and pulled back his lips just enough to show is teeth. Shang looked at Tai with a shocked expression. Tai had never done that. As soon as Tai had done that, he let it go.
"Why don't we keep walking? Maybe visit the Grove of Tranquility?"
Mei's eyes lit up.
"Is that the archery place?"
"Yes it is," said Shang.
"Then let's go!"
This time, Mei didn't bound ahead of them like last time. She walked closer, though was still in front of them. Also, Tai noticed she walked next to Shang. Tai motioned Shang to come closer to him. Shang did so slowly.
"What," he hissed. "I am finally getting closer to Mei. I know it's only been a day or two….."
"That's not what I'm going to talk to you about, calm down! I'm just telling you I got the knife that Mei looked at. When I feel that you should give it to her, I will hand it over. No charge. It will be a gift from you to her; I will have had nothing to do with it. She's yours, okay?"
"Thanks man! I'll remember, walk slowly, and enjoy the sights. And I guarantee you I am enjoying the sights."
They reached the Grove of Tranquility and Mei immediately grabbed a bow and arrow. She shot with professionalism and efficiency. Tai envied her skills. Shang just stared.
"How about a game?" Tai suggested. "I'll do nothing and you two masters can shoot arrows."
"Fine with me, I bet you ten pieces of gold I can hit the end of an arrow that had originally hit the center."
"Deal."
"Watch me."
I am, thought Shang.
Mei picked up two arrows and walked to one of the targets. The two males watched Mei with interest at what she was doing. She stuck the arrow into the center and then pushed the other arrow into the back of the previous, splitting it.
"That's cheating!" exclaimed Shang. Tai just laughed loudly.
"No its not," said Mei walked back. She stepped behind Shang and ran her tail around Shang. Shang expression told everything. "It's just using your wits. I never said I would fire them from a bow! I just said I could hit it! And now I am using my feminine charm to make you believe everything I say."
"Maybe just a bit," admitted Shang. Then quickly added at the end, "But…..umm…."
Mei laughed.
"At least you are honest, though you could have just left it at your first remark. Most men just deny it. I hate it when they try to be tough. I think it's better to get to know someone for who they are."
"Yeah," said Shang, both glad and disappointed as Mei stopped touching him and sat down next to a tree. She looked up it. This was her first time here at Mengyou City. She spied the red dot against the solid rock walls that towered above the city. She slowly smiled. Tai followed her line of vision.
"Oh dear," muttered Tai.
"Let's go climb that wall again!"
From up above in a tree, a robin watched intently at the events below her.
Tai stood at the top of the battlements looking down as Shang and Mei climbed the Mengyou City wall. Tai had climbed it alone then dropped the boots and gloves down. They were going to race and they need a referee. They were only halfway there and already Tai noticed Mei beginning to falter. Shang though didn't keep far ahead of her – Just enough to be sure he won, but close enough to be able to catch her. Tai waited for awhile. He had just sat down when Shang appeared followed by Mei. The two lay there panting for air.
"That was incredible," said Mei. "Some of the most fun I've had in a while, and I've climbed a lot of stuff."
"I'm glad you two liked it," said Tai.
"I didn't!" said Shang. "The second time was just a bit scarier."
"How so?"
Shang didn't get to answer. A goose messenger came and told Tai that he, Shang, and Mei were summoned to Kun's study.
The three young adults knocked on the study door.
"Come in," said Kun.
The tiger, Golden cat, and clouded leopard walked in.
"How did the meeting go, father?" asked Tai.
"The Council needs to burn in hell for a while. They need to get a better perspective of this. I got only thirty three percent of the Council on my side. The rest are either daft or have been blinded by peace. Or they despise me and are on Ru's side."
"Who's Ru again," asked Sun.
"The rhino clan leader," said Fei.
"Ah, thank you."
"Still, they have not been able to see the evidence. Master Fei, I know your family is a traveling family, but if you could do me the honor of staying for a month or two, just in case they do show up. With you here, you would know the most and would be the most helpful. The Shandian Clan will do what is necessary to provide you with the comforts that you need."
Fei and Mi motioned for their daughter to come to them. The spoke for the briefest moment before they came up with an answer,
"Yes, it would be an honor to stay and help someone like yourself and your family."
Kun and Sun relaxed visibly. Shang did a slight fist pump. Tai just blinked and hoped Shang's newfound love would not stop their friendship.
"A month left to travel and a day of battle and Mengyou City will be ours, my liege," said Siwang. "I have received good news from the robins. The pass is cleared; no body guards the Three Bridges."
"Was the robin sure that Mengyou City was not aware of our plans?" asked Xisong.
"The robins reported that a group of clouded leopards saw and has told of your army to the Lord of the City, but our spies in the Council turned down Kun's request to raise the army. Fate is smiling upon us."
"That is good," said Canku, biting on a piece of chicken. The vulture looked at the meat then back at his two masters. "We will surprise them and they will be able to do little to stop our attack. Friend will turn on friend, brother on brother, sister on sister, wife to husband, husband to wife. It will be a glorious day for us."
"As it should, Warlord Canku," said Siwang, bowing low. "What shall we do with Kun Zhu and Sun Nushi? Do we kill them?"
"No!" shouted Xisong and Canku at the same time.
"To kill the leaders would benefit us, yes, but not as much as keeping them would. Once we have the most revered leaders of China and they are seeing bowing to us, they're pride and courage will falter and be crushed. Physiological warfare is just as powerful as physical hurt," said Xisong harshly. "It dashes their hope. They are left broken and follow their leader's ways and bow before us!"
"Your words and confidence boost my spirit," said Siwang.
"You did not believe that we could do this?" asked Canku dangerously.
"No, I do, but I believe some of your men still doubt you, my liege," the vulture lied.
Canku licked his chops,
"Well then, I guess we will have to show them who they are following. What do you think Xisong?"
"Just remember, the more we hurt and torture, the less we are leading on trust, loyalty, and the sense of revenge than of fear. We need the perfect balance, with fear leading by just the smallest amount. But if they do doubt our leadership, we should show them what we are truly capable of."
The two wolves walked out followed by Siwang. Head's turned to look at the lead wolves. These two never came out to see the bulk of the army unless in a time of battle. When they did, nothing good rarely happened. The two wolves walked amongst the army, each soldiers bowing in respect to them. Their gazes remained fixed forward, their pale eyes not moving from their target. They reached the gallows and by then, all of the army was looking at them and the vulture that followed behind them. The two looked out and Canku stepped forward.
"I have heard that some doubt our leadership, yet I never thought that anyone in this army would be so unfaithful." Canku hissed out the last word. "Our friend here, the vulture officer – I'm sure most of you know him – has said that some doubt us."
Xisong then turned to Siwang.
"Since you have told us of these treasonous scum, then you should pick them out."
Siwang grinned and his mind began to turn. He had to power to pick those who stood in his way and had hurt him. He turned to the army and began picking out the hapless animals: a boar and a snow leopard. Each one had in somehow been a nuisance to Siwang and he wanted them dead. The boar had disobeyed Siwang in battle, yet he had no way to prove it. The snow leopard was rivaling Siwang for his position. The snow leopard was calm as he walked to the stadium, he was not one to worry.
The boar got to the gallows first. He groveled at the feet of the wolves.
"I did no wrong! Nothing! I don't know what Officer Siwang has found in me, but I promise I have done nothing to doubt your rule!"
"But you doubted mine," said the vulture.
The boar's eyes widened.
"You disobeyed an Officer's orders. Now, will you disobey mine?"
The boar shook his head vigorously to Canku.
"I swear I will do what my Masters finds pleases them!"
"Good! Then tie your own noose!"
All the color left the boar and he got up and accepted the rope from Siwang.
"That's it! Around the neck, there you go! You have show great skill in tying! Let's hope it keeps you from a slow death."
The boar was then pushed toward the trapdoor and the rope was tied to the beams above him. The executor pulled the lever and the trapdoor opened. The boar screamed as he dropped, yet was cut short as he was caught by his rope. The boar's neck didn't snap. The boar was denied the quick death and was left there writhing, slowly being suffocated.
The snow leopard got to the stadium last and bowed low to Xisong and Canku.
"Whatever my punishment is, I will take it for what I have been accused of," said the snow leopard in a quiet voice, still bowing to the wolves. Canku looked at Xisong. Xisong nodded,
"Stand over to my left."
The snow leopard did so with no questions, though he was slightly confused.
The wolves turned to Siwang.
"What is the crimes that this leopard was supposed to have committed? Treachery you say? At the battle of Shi-Lan not four months ago?"
Siwang nodded slowly. He was starting to head into dangerous waters.
"What happened that was so treacherous?"
Siwang thought about the one mistake he had made during the battle – leading four hundred troops to their death. Nobody really knew about it. The few who had were now rotting at the bottom of a lake.
"He purposely led four hundred troops to their death at Shi-Lan, my Lord and my Lady."
Canku's eyes blazed. Xisong grinned evilly.
"You have lied to us about this snow leopard, vulture. I know this snow leopard as a true leader. He was the one who began the attack on Shi-Lan; he was by my side almost throughout that entire battle. You lie," said Canku harshly.
Xisong turned to the snow leopard.
"What would you have us do to this bird?"
The snow leopard stared at Siwang coldly.
"He shall have what his name means. Death!"
Xisong nodded. Siwang's squawked, a very un-vulture like thing to do, and leapt in the air. He turned and tried to fly away. The snow leopard slowly pulled out this bow and fitted an arrow. He fired and the arrow went straight through the vulture.
Canku looked at the snow leopard.
"What is your name?"
"I am called Kar where I came from."
"Good. Then Officer Kar, take your position. Tell the hawk Quan to take Siwang's place. We still need an aviator to lead the birds for the messages and aerial attacks."
The snow leopard bowed low.
"Many thanks. I will not disappoint you."
"You are dismissed," said Canku and Xisong.
The leopard bowed again and left, getting lost in the crowd of onlookers.
Xisong turned back to the army, now two short.
"When you show your loyalty and you show that you are worthy, we will reward you. When you do the exact opposite of our expectations, you will not live to make another mistake. Those who still believe that we can lead this, give us a battle-cry!"
The army immediately got on their hooves, foot paws, and claws to give a full-throated cry. Many took out their weapons and either pumped them in the air or banged them on the ground to create a dull thud.
Canku stepped forward and raised a paw. The army fell silence instantly.
"Mengyou City is just a month away. Keep up our pace and we will have bloodshed once again to quench your thirst for blood. Gold and glory will be ours. Now, LET'S GET A MOVE ON!" Canku finished the sentence with a loud yell.
The army immediately got into their formations, despite the early hour. The drill sergeants screamed out the orders and the vast army marched forward. The newly promoted hawk leading the army in the direction they need.
Canku and Xisong with their newly promoted right-handed Officer, Kar, beside them watched the procession of their forces from an elevated position.
"Let us go to victory," said the snow leopard quietly.
"Aye, to victory and glory," agreed Canku.
"Nothing shall stand in our way," said Xisong looking at the army with ever moving eyes.
They put their hooded cloaks on and hid their faces. The snow leopard wrapped a black scarf around his mouth and nose. He pulled a black hood, letting his icy blue eyes only show. Each one wore pure black and they disappeared in the snow storm. At the back, the guards were shocked to see wolves and the snow leopard directly behind them moments later.