Camp of the Rising Phoenix

[Zhang Yuan]

A small encampment east of Wu. Here Zhang Yuan and his loyal followers, 750 strong, await the time to rise up for the glory of the people.

This group of men are honorable and would only engage in combat if provoked. They mean the ruler and his people no trouble as this is Yuan's home lands.

In the center of the camp is a large fire which burns bright and gives off more than enough warmth and light for the men. The main tent is near the center of the camp with many others for the rest of the troops.

[Zhang Yuan]

The raging, but controlled, fire in the center of the camp burns strong as does a similar inferno growing inside the body of Zhang Yuan. Soon this feeling would be all encompassing and he would have no other choice but to act. For now, however, rest was needed considering the recent battle which dealt the loss of his father figure and drained his soul and will of energy.

"The Rising Phoenix" the young warrior mumbles to himself as he finds comfort in a bottle of wine.

Raising the cup to the heavens he gives thanks once more for the kindness offered to him and wishes his friend's soul a happy journey.

The light from the fire flickers and it creates a mesmerizing display across Zhang Yuan's silver armor. Helmet, with red plume, is tucked under his left arm as he again takes a large gulp of some wine. His blades, strapped to his back, have been wiped clean of the northern scum that dared to betray his tribesmen. The razor sharp edges have been worn slightly due to bones, muscles, and tendons cut in twain by the feared weapons. Soon they would be in need of sharpening and yet again would lead their master to a great victory after trimming the heads of his enemies from their necks.

"Sir" a voice bellows out from behind the young leader.

Yuan looks over his left shoulder as he stands facing the north and the light illuminates his young but determined face. The soldier who had beckoned the warrior knew all to well this look and shook his head after realizing he had interrupted his leader from his distant gaze.

"I apologize Yuan but the men were beginning to wonder what your plans were....."

Zhang Yuan looks down into his, almost empty, cup and then swigs the last gulp down before turning to face his comrade.

"Plans?" he says in a an almost dazed response.

The soldier's name was Meng Tai and the two had fought together numerous times eventually befriending one another. Tai rolls his eyes knowing his friend is intoxicated so he snatches the cup from his hand.

"I understand you are in mourning for the loss of a great man" he says.

Meng Tai pauses for a moment before continuing.

"However, we have all suffered a major loss on this day though i know the he was like a father to you."

Zhang Yuan begins to grow aggitated by his friend's words which shoot the memory of his father's into his head. The young leader, figuring what better way than to try and forget, begins to walk away and pushes his shoulder into Meng Tai as he passes which causes the other to turn and grab for shoulder armor.

Yuan is spun around by Tai who was clearly not finished talking to his almost drunk friend. Both men get in each other's face as they have many times in the past but tonight was different. Yuan swings at Meng Tai who has no problem avoiding the attack and he counters with his own punch.

Zhang Yuan is caught across the face and falls hard to the ground. The soldiers surrounding the fight are not sure what to do as Meng Tai just struck their leader down. When a few men move in with spears, Yuan holds his hand staying the men from any foolish decisions.

"No!"

Meng Tai walks over and helps his friend up following with an apology for the injury though it was self defense to a drunken attack.

"Now i know why you don't drink you silly fool" Tai says laughing.

"If you remember correctly i did, in fact, take you down last time so don't even start!"

The two laugh knowing the last time both were drinking a fight broke out but the only thing the two could compete in was a staggering contest.

The hundreds of soldiers who were just standing breathless, hoping that Yuan would not lose his cool, are finally relieved as the two great warriors make ammends.

"So?"

Meng Tai makes yet another expression to Yuan's stupor for not answering his question on what in the hell the group of men would going to do now.

"Ah, that" Yuan says as his smile turns to a frown and he is not exactly sure how to respond.

"May i suggest you considering the possibility of joining the military of Wu?"

Zhang Yuan shakes his head at this suggestion knowing that most rulers only care for themselves and after the mask of consideration for the people is removed, the normal power hungry tyrant is revealed to still keep the people down.

"Me, you, our men, honor, and justice" the young leader says to his comrades who are surrounding.

"What more do we need?"

The men begin to look at one another like their leader is crazed.

"Sir, we need more men!" one of the soldiers yells out from the crowd.

"Who just said that!!" Yuan says yelling into the group and the soldiers begin to grow nervous.

The man who spoke out is pushed to the front and now stands before his young leader. His intentions were not to anger Yuan but rather point out the obvious.

Zhang Yuan stares the man down for a moment before smiling.

"Get back into line damn it, i know we need more men!"

Yuan kicks the soldier in the a** as he turns to walk back to the rest of the men. The army breaks out into laughter at the sight and soon they are all joking around.

Meng Tai loses his smirk as Yuan turns to face him again as he wanted to stay serious with the subject at hand.

"Very well Tai" Yuan says placing his right hand on Tai's left shoulder.

"I have heard much about the Sun family and have always wished to meet them."

He begins to shake his head a bit thinking of rulers of past and present; their lack of ability and inconsideration for the people.

"However, i feel there is no true leader who has only virtue in his soul and not the burning desire to gain power and fame."

Meng Tai shakes his head before responding.

"Men seek these things to sometimes replace the holes left in their heart but also because it sometimes brings out the very best in them."

"Or the very worse" Yuan says in return.

"Gah, you are so stubborn!"

Tai waves his hand in disgust knowing every man at some point wishes to be a great and with greatness comes fame and fortune. It was what a man did with this new 'power' that would truly define him as positive or negative.

Zhang Yuan is left standing by the fire, deep in thought, as most of the soldiers head to their tents to gain some rest.

[Zhang Yuan]

The following day, Zhang Yuan rides out alone from the camp heading toward the capital of the Wu kingdom. Mo Ling was quite a ride to the west but the young leader needed to speak with the Sun family to see if they were worthy of his deadly blades. He felt compelled to aid the peoples of the surrounding lands in defending their land and ushering in peace for all. That is, if there could ever be such a state of nirvana.

"A simple man on a complex and difficult journey" he thinks to himself while riding away from his army.

After making a decision, Yuan knew there was no going back. Not only was he a loyal warrior but never has done anything half hearted. It is all or nothing and the enemies of the Rising Phoenix would taste bitter defeat dealt by his singing blades of death.

"This should be interesting if nothing else" the young leader says while smirking as his black war steed kicks up a trail of dust.