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Post by Li Wang on Apr 29, 2011 0:42:11 GMT
Li Wang had taken a short break in Chai Sang to visit with his wife and 5 year old son. He'd stayed for three nights with the Lady Shang Xiang and little Li Xuan before he'd journeyed to the capital with a report. As he drew up to the palace gates, however, he could see that one of Liu Biao's officers, one Cai Mao, had managed to arrive just ahead of him. He groaned as he shot past the guards (who, recognizing Li as Sun Ce's brother-in-law, let him pass without incident).
He halted a meter behind and to the side of Cai Mao, not knowing what to say but knowing he would enter the palace with him.
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Post by Boydie on Apr 29, 2011 9:40:31 GMT
Ce took the dagger from his person and unconcealed it; “My time has finally come…” Gai thought. He closed this eye’s and expected the worse. “I have no regrets.” From the swift movement of the dagger Gai heard the flow of blood hit the ground. “Is this how death feels like? Painless?” He opened his eye to realize he hadn’t been executed but realized this Lord had slashed open his hand in a promise.
"I swear to you in blood, Gongfu, we will avenge my father. Liu Biao is but a small bug compared to that of Lu Bu."
Suddenly the hall door’s opened and a guard delivered news in the most unpleasant nature to both men in the hall. It was had been a low blow to Gai to find out the alliance had been a success. Sun Ce noticing Gai’s discomfort of the new news lobbed the blood stained towards the guard, catching the guard's cape and pinning the man on the door. Ce probably thought Gai would go into mental mode and kill the man behind the door. If the guard had been only a couple of minutes earlier, he may not have his testicles, and the envoy would have been kidnapped and hung drawn and quartered in the back street’s of Jian Ye by Grand Commander of Wu himself. But Gai now understood Ce’s intentions.
Gai spoke in hushed whispers to the guard. “Keep. The. Door. Shut.” The pale skinned guard hastily shook his head in agreement and leaned against the heavy door. Gai turned to his lord.
“You have spared my life after my outspoken mouth. I shall stand by your side tall in this alliance, Lord Bofu. May I stay by your side will the envoy in your presence my Lord? Please don’t expect me to give my pleasantly. I won’t kill the envoy, honest.” Gai grinned.
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 29, 2011 11:50:11 GMT
Sun Ce placed a hand on Huang Gai's shoulder and he looked his veteran in the eyes. The young leader had always looked up to Gai.
The guard was ordered, in a harsh tone from the Grand Commander, to keep the door closed. Huang Gai wanted to be present when Cai Mao was allowed in and Sun Ce could only hope that the elder would act appropriately. The problem was that appropriate to Gai would be taking the life of Cai Mao.
Sun Ce thought about it for a moment and then nodded in approval. He was not aware that his brother, Li Wang, had also arrived.
The guard was ordered to let the envoy in. He struggled to pull the dagger out of the door and his cape, but after he did the grand doors to the palace were opened.
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 29, 2011 13:09:26 GMT
Li Wang had gird on only his twin blades today, having left his short sword and Crescent Spear in Chai Sang; he had not wished to be delayed any longer than possible, and judging by what little he'd heard, he was glad he'd arrived when he did. He knew Cai Mao had heard the conversation, but he would not be privvy to the rest if Li could help it. Li gave the remaining guard a meaningful look as Li placed a hand on Cai Mao's shoulder.
"Admiral, I don't believe we had the chance to meet whilst I was in Xiang Yang." Li extended a hand; it would not do to bow to a man who held an equivalent rank. "Li Wang, Commander General and Brother-in-law to Sun Ce." Li grinned as he made conversation, and at the first chance he made sure to cause them to drift from the door. Hopefully, Li's antics had kept Cai Mao from hearing anything after the dagger point had sprouted on this side of the door.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 29, 2011 19:39:42 GMT
"And this is why I argued we shouldn't do this," Cai Mao mumbled. "Sun Ce holds a grudge for what my lord did in times past. But, he is not blind to what his people need." Around this time Cai Mao felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to find one of Sun Ce's highest ranked officers. "No, it'd seem we hadn't. It is a shame that we had not the pleasure. I am Cai Mao." This Li Wang had a trusting face. "If I may confess, I worry that this alliance will break down because of past events. My lord has the utmost respect for yours, but your lord has not forgotten the wrongs we've done in the past. I must say, I believe I understand how you felt coming to our lands."
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 29, 2011 22:02:37 GMT
The door opened behind Li Wang and Cai Mao, exposing the interior of Jian Ye's gorgeous main hall. The guard that had entered minutes earlier was standing there with an expression of fright upon his face. His complexion was pale and he struggled to get the words out.
"Our lord will see you now."
The blood stained dagger was still lodged in the door, possibly acting as a symbol of the days events. Both Li Wang and Cai Mao were ushered into the hall and then both guards left to continue their duties outside. The door was closed behind them.
Standing there, before the throne, was Sun Ce and his elite veteran. Huang Gai was much more composed than he was when he first entered the hall. He would have been fine had it not been for Cai Mao's impeccable timing along with that of Ce's guard.
Both men turned to face Li Wang and Cai Mao. Sun Ce nodded to Wang, his brother-in-law, and then turned to Mao.
The thought that Cai Mao may have overheard him did not cross his mind. He was still caught in the heat of the moment that he just shared with his old friend. There was a certain feeling about the day that was bothering Sun Ce earlier. It may have been premonition for the many random events of the day.
The young lord waited for Liu Biao's envoy to introduce himself and proceed with his task.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 29, 2011 22:21:43 GMT
Cai Mao turned as the door opened, and awaited the guards words. He entered into the room and saw the two men, Sun Ce and Huang Gai. Both he'd heard of and had come to respect, but he wondered just what sort of trouble he was in here. The veteran commander had expressed his discomfort about the alliance, and Cai Mao had heard it. Cai Mao uneasily eased into the room and bowed low before the leader of Wu. "Lord Sun Ce, I am Cai Mao; Commander General under Liu Biao's command. My lord has sent me to express his desire to make our alliance work. I have brought with me many fine silks and wines for you and your people." Cai Mao now understood why Liu Biao had ordered him to give these gifts to Sun Ce. He now understood his message too. "My lord has also authorized me to aid you with any endeavors that you need and to inform you that should you need any further aid to merely send him a request. I was under the impression that such was the nature of an alliance, but perhaps I lack the wisdom you and my lord must surely share."
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 29, 2011 23:06:07 GMT
If I may confess, I worry that this alliance will break down because of past events.
Li could not help agree with that assessment, but it was not his place to tell him so.
"I can understand my brother's anger over his father's death, and I most sincerely appologize; he may have a deep resentment of your lord, but he would not betray an alliance simply because he has had a fit of rage. Does not the fact that he was willing to offer an alliance proof of this?" Li was personally ashamed of his lord's outburst; it was not the proper attitude for a healthy alliance. In all liklihood, this alliance would eventually breakdown, but Li would do all he could to delay that day; at the moment, Liu Biao was the only other man who could potentially stand up to the growing power of Cao. "If Cao Cao was willing to forgive Jia Xu for the deaths of Dian Wei and Cao's nephew at Wan, I'm certain Lord Sun Ce can put grudges behind and look to the future." A clear reminder that Liu Biao was too useful for Sun Ce to betray.
I must say, I believe I understand how you felt coming to our lands."
Wang laughed as Mao made that particular remark; Li had not removed his armor the entire time he'd been in Xiang Yang.
"Yet you come anyway, and unarmored as well!" Li shared a few moments of chortling before he took a more serious turn. "Do not worry; I will not let the Grand Commander slay you in a fit of rage." Li carefully made sure to exclude Sun Ce from that promise.
Wang then lead Mao into the room once the guard came back. He was smiling during the first half of Cai Mao's greeting, but then his face (behind Mao's back) contorted with rage as Mao delivered a thinly veiled insult; Wang might protect Mao from Huang Gai but that didn't mean he might not kill the insolent bastard himself!
"Do you value your life so little? Curb your tongue! Li hissed with barely controlled rage; if this man provoked Sun Ce into annulling the newly formed alliance, Li would kill Mao himself... assuming Ce or Gai didn't kill Mao first.
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 29, 2011 23:43:51 GMT
Sun Ce had heard Cai Mao's name mentioned in quite a few war councils. He was known to be quite skilled in naval warfare and Ce wondered how he would fair against the likes of his elite, Gan Ning. The former pirate had moved up the ranks quickly and Mao reminded Ce of Ning's close friend Kong Suo. Both men had a way with words and were well spoken.
The gifts from Liu Biao certainly did not hurt the relationship. Wu had plenty of such items but as usual it was standard operating procedure. Sun Ce paused for a moment and glanced at Huang Gai who looked more at ease. He could only wonder if beneath Gai's now calm exterior burned a raging inferno of hatred for Cai Mao. The saying to not shoot the messenger was hopefully going through Gai's mind, for Mao's sake.
Li Wang then lashed out at Cai Mao after the latter said what the former thought were insulting words. Sun Ce was not too concerned and he looked to Wang in a manner hinting towards being peaceful.
"Cai Mao, you may give your lord thanks on my behalf for his generosity. As far as mutual aid is concerned, I would gladly take the opportunity to fight against Cao Mengde or whomever may threaten your lands."
Suddenly, Sun Ce's eyes shifted to his right for a moment. He turned his head slightly, almost as if he could hear something faint in the distance. He shook it off and continued with what he was saying.
"Lu Bu is the concern for Wu, an uncontrollable maniac that would no doubt attempt a move against me if he is done feeding on the north. Of course, my navy and trained soldiers would annihilate him should he attack. What I am planning is an assault."
An eerie silence came over the group. Then, all of them could hear what Sun Ce was struggling to make out. A steady thumping upon the ground.
It seemed that Sun Ce's earlier feeling was intuitive, indeed. The situation, which seemed in control, was about to change drastically and no one would expect what would happen next.
From within the halls of Jian Ye's palace came soldiers of Wu with swords at the ready. A single bowman appeared above them as if materializing from the shadows.
Sun Ce turned to face them and demanded an explanation for their presence.
"What is the meaning of this?"
The young leader gave no such orders for those soldiers to be there, especially armed. However, the arrival of Huang Gai and his obvious hatred for the alliance with Liu Biao made a very disturbing thought arise. The veteran could have easily given the command to have soldiers appear to slaughter Cai Mao to hamper or most likely destroy the alliance.
That would be bold of the Grand Commander and he would surely be overstepping even his boundaries. Sun Ce struggled for a brief moment as the thoughts raced through his head. Then, the gruff sound of one soldier brought him back to the dire current situation.
"We are loyal to the Great Tiger, Sun Jian, and we will never fight alongside Liu Biao that pig dick sucking bastard!"
Had the situation been any less...violent, the men gathered may have looked at each other questioning the soldier's choice of words. However, there was roughly eight or so soldiers and an archer prepared with a kill shot from above.
"Liu Biao's envoy must be killed and his head sent back to that coward! Nothing else will suffice!"
Sun Ce's mood shifted toward rage mode and his eyes flared with fury. He could not stop and think of the irony of the situation, being it that they agreed with one another, but still these soldiers were making decisions well beyond their pay grade. Whomever ordered them to commit this treachery would pay a severe price.
Sun Ce was just about to demand that the men stand down when they charged. There was no more time to think, only time to act.
Immediately, Sun Ce darted towards Li Wang and Cai Mao. The twang of a bow could be heard and using all his might Ce plowed right through the center of Wang and Mao. He used both of his forearms and shoulders to blast them out of his way. In doing so, he actually may have saved Mao's life because the projectile soared past him and bounced harmlessly off of the floor.
Using his momentum, Sun Ce went into a forward dive which turned into a roll. He was not wearing his armor which made the maneuver possible. The aim was to cut down the time to get to his destination, the dagger embedded in the palace door.
He bounced to his feet and ripped the blade from the door. By the time he turned around, the soldiers were already upon the three others. Still, Sun Ce took aim and let fly the dagger toward the archer. The weapon tore through the air, flipping end over end, and then plunged into the archer's chest. The arrow that he had notched fell to the ground just as the other did.
"Protect Cai Mao!"
Sun Ce moved quickly toward his throne, avoiding the melee. Luckily, for him and the other Wu generals, the soldiers were mainly after Cai Mao. Still, the men were already risking their lives for their goal so they would no doubt turn their blades toward Li Wang and Huang Gai.
There, ahead of the young lord, was his spear and it was only but a few feet away.
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Post by Li Wang on Apr 30, 2011 0:11:59 GMT
Li had frozen in shock as the mutineers entered; who would have expected that? Despite the seriousness of the situation, Li cracked a grin at the soldiers euphemism for Liu Biao. It didn't drop until Sun Ce tackled both him and Cai Mao, knocking Li flat on his back as the arrow went straight through where they had been standing. He quickly scrambled to his feet.
Protect Cai Mao! Li heard and immediately drew his blades, crouching protectively between the half score of soldiers and Cai Mao. At that moment, though, a few more enemies entered the room. He silently cursed; 10 against 4? It's a good thing we're in a small space...
Li pulled Mao up and shoved him towards a corner of the room; the General might be useful in a fight, but Li would not risk the man getting killed.
"Traitors! Treachery! Guards, to arms! Protect our Lord!" Li silently thanked the ancestors as the main door opened; one guard peeked his head in and, upon seeing the scene, ordered his partner to run for help while he rushed in to help the Wu Generals, ceremonial halberd in hand.
"Protect Cai Mao!" Li ordered as he rushed at the half score of soldiers; Li was unarmored but with his twin blades he was quick. He knew not if Gai, Ce, or the guard followed him but he knew he had to buy time for reinforcements to arrive. The Claws of the Wraith whirled in a deadly dance, killing one of them instantly but mostly working to stave off the remaining two swordsmen who attempted to slay this roadblock on the path to Cai Mao. The rest of the rebellious soldiers, however, charged on towards Cai Mao. Li hoped Gai and the single guard would be enough to keep both Sun Ce and Cai Mao alive.
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Post by NPC Account on Apr 30, 2011 6:11:01 GMT
Cai Mao was taken aback by Li Wang's barrage. With reflection, he understood how his sarcasm could be misconstrued as an insult. Sun Ce seemed to have either understood or ignored the comment. As Sun Ce spoke, he seemed distracted. Though Cai Mao was curious to what might distract such a seemingly focused man, he knew there was a threat in the veteran by Ce's side. Unarmed and unarmored, Mao wouldn't stand a chance against a man of Huang Gai's ability. When several soldiers launched an attack, Cai Mao had believed himself ready for an attack until it actually occurred. He wasn't really surprised by the attack, but slightly panicked by the disadvantage he was at. He didn't recover until Sun Ce shoved him to the side. When he heard Sun Ce order his men to protect him, Mao gave a laugh. "Heh, I had a feeling Huang Gai wasn't the only one here who felt this way! Guess I really was a fool to agree to enter vulnerable."As Mao spoke many other soldiers piled into the room and Li Wang shoved him near the center of the room. Well, this is just getting excessive. The problem is, these men do not see themselves as traitors, the believe their own lord has turned his back on them. If Sun Ce perishes, the alliance is lost anyway. I must watch him carefully.Just then a man slipped past Li Wang and charged at Mao. He was ready though. He slid around the reckless soldier, grabbed him around the neck, and kicked his leg out from under him. Cai Mao proceeded to quickly snap the soldiers neck and steal his blade. "I pray you forgive my murder of your men Sun Ce, but I value my life too highly to allow myself to be slaughtered."Just as Mao finished speaking more armed assassins charged into the room. "Really? Tenacious doesn't even begin to describe it." As the men rushed at Cai Mao he realized he had his work cut out for him. "Lord Sun Ce! If such chaos has broken out in your throne room, imagine what occurs in the streets. There are too many men for this to be mere assassination attempt, it is a full blown rebellion. You must send your men to the streets to quell the issue."Mao was not excited about the idea of fighting alone in the throne room, but he knew there was no choice. If this rebellion were to succeed, the alliance would be lost already. "Send your quickest riders to my lords territory, he'll send you aid immediately!"
The more men mentioned in my post are the one's in Ce's post.
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Post by Ma Chao on Apr 30, 2011 22:02:35 GMT
Internal strife was always a main contributor to a kingdom's demise, but Sun Ce knew that was not the case. The people of Jian Ye and Wu, as a whole, were living under a new sense of comfort and security. Ce had already been informed by his sworn brother, Zhou Yu, that an alliance with Liu Biao would anger those loyal to his father. Gongjin also stated though, that many of the people would not be as concerned. Sun Jian had died many years before and although it would seem wrong, the late great leader's legacy was fading into the growing shadow of his son.
Weeks prior to the palace conflict, Sun Ce had been informed of bizarre activity by his officer Cheng Pu. The veteran general had been roaming the streets of Jian Ye for a few nights and he disappeared into a house which had no lights from within. Ce knew that both Cheng Pu and Huang Gai were ultimately loyal to his late father, more so than anyone else.
Back to the situation at hand, Sun Ce had dashed toward his spear and took hold of it before turning around. Standing next to his throne he could hear the words of Cai Mao and he thought it impressive that the man could defend for his life as well as hold a conversation.
Cai Mao had slain one of Sun Ce's men, but it was a necessary loss. Ce though, would try his best to spare the lives of his men. He quickly took off toward Mao and used his spear to pole vault into one of the loyalists. His two feet blasted the soldier into the air and onto the ground, hard. The soldier was only temporarily incapacitated.
"Just focus on surviving!"
Sun Ce demanded Cai Mao's concentration as he would not have the envoy's death looming over his head. Another soldier was upon them and he stood before Ce holding his weapon, not raised to strike.
"Please, my lord. Move."
The back end of Sun Ce's spear was jabbed into the soldiers' stomach and he reeled over in pain. Another shot to the back of his head turned off the lights and he was knocked out.
Cai Mao was being approached by another soldier, but Sun Ce could not assist. He was facing one of his men who did have his weapon prepared to strike. It could not be helped and the Wu soldier was dispatched; put down like a rabid dog.
There were four men remaining because Li Wang had laid one to rest, but Huang Gai was yet to make a move which added yet more unease to thoughts of his loyalty. The palace doors had opened and the two guards there almost shit themselves at what they saw. One of the soldiers was dispatched to retrieve help and the other moved to the aid of Sun Ce.
Just as the situation seemed to be under control, Taishi Ci had entered the main hall. The warrior had finally realized that the men he opened the door for had turned on his lord. The men had said that Huang Gai had given them orders to enter. Like a raging beast he charged the enemy, but behind him there were five more soldiers.
The palace guard that Li Wang ordered to get assistance was cut down from two arrows while running down the many stairs. The palace gates were closed and barred from the inside.
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Notes: 4 of the first loyalists remain. 5 new loyalists arrive. No reinforcements yet for officers. Gan Ning can turn back to offer help, but if not he is considered outside the palace grounds. Taishi Ci can still partake as if he is in the room with us, I noticed he deleted his post.
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Post by Li Wang on May 1, 2011 3:49:40 GMT
Li swore as a soldiers sword smashed into his shin; mercifully, it did not cut through Li's padded pants, but he could've sworn he felt a bone fracture. At that moment, Li became a raging cyclone as he faced his two opponents, cutting the first one's hand off at the wrist and slicing through the other's Achilles tendon. You bastards! You claim you're loyal to Sun Jian, yet you would attack his son! Have you no honor!? Who are you to decide that our lord forsakes his father? He has made an alliance in order to focus on a larger threat.I will give you one chance; either you can lower your weapons right now, or you will be slain, drawn, quartered, and exposed to the elements for the crime of treason. He now stood over the two wounded soldiers, a sword point at each man's throat.
Forgive me, General, but I'm afraid you're going to have to kill me. This was the man with the slashed Achilles. His life lasted less than a second after that statement.
How about you? Li asked the soldier with one hand; this was the groups spokesperson.
The man immediately dropped his sword, so rather than kill him Li merely smashed the pommel of his blade into the side of his head, knocking him out cold.
Stand down, damn it! Li roared as he rushed back to defend Sun Ce; he'd noticed that Huang Gai had yet to move, and Cai Mao had a sword and a guard.
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Post by NPC Account on May 1, 2011 6:23:10 GMT
Cai Mao continued in the battle ready for what these men were planning. Sun Ce was more concerned with Mao than himself, Li Wang was injured, and Huang Gai hadn't even moved yet. The guard fleeing for re-enforcements had fallen to the rebels and there were just so many for a small attempt to slay an envoy. Cai Mao looked at the man he'd disarmed and slain. He was the one who had insisted Cai Mao enter unarmed. Mao had already intended to leave his weapons behind, but he hadn't realized just what it would mean. Mao then looked at the sword in his hand, his sword all along. "I'll be honest Sun Ce, surviving isn't a priority here. These men did not choose this time as randomly as it may seem. I can tell what their plan was already. This very man is the one I handed my blade. He passed the word to the assassins within that I had entered unarmed and unarmored. They were aware of your commander's plight and planned for me to enter during that time. You cut their plan short by leaving me to wait in the hall.""I'd not question your commander's loyalties. He has not joined in because he is no traitor; he just view this as a battle he has no place in unless you order him so." Mao knew his theory had several holes in it, but it had a base. "I do wonder, who organized them?"Just then three of the assassins moved before Mao. One charged with his blade out and the other two drew bows. Mao was ready and parried the first's attack and kick-shoved him in front of Li Wang just as he dispatched two of his own. Then Mao realized one of the archers was shaking in cowardice. As he loosed his arrow, he lost his aim and the missile flew towards Sun Ce. Mao leaped between the arrow and Sun Ce, being stuck in the shoulder and dropping his sword. "Damn!" he shouted as he fell to his knee. He looked before him and saw the second archer aiming for him. "Well, survival may be out of the option at this point."
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Gan Ning
New Member
*jingle jingle jingle*
Posts: 21
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Post by Gan Ning on May 1, 2011 8:38:16 GMT
Gan Ning was lost in thought, musing about what wonderful luck he'd happened across. He and Kong Suo had both been rewarded handsomely for their recent service on the Chang Jiang. Silks, gold, some more merry men to join Xingba's boisterous band of brigands. Oh, right, and that whole Grand Admiral of Wu thing. Xingba's smirk was replaced with a full-on smile now. He was proud, and with good reason. Ha! If Liu Biao could see me now. Who's he got that's a match for me on land or sea? Fat lotta nobody, that's who.
He walked slowly through the corridors, humming some random tuneless nothings to himself as he went. The palace seemed strangely empty today. There were ministers and courtiers and guards and such, but it seemed like the main palace corridor was easier to walk through than on a usual day. Ning shrugged it off and continued walking until a small knot of soldiers came rushing past him, nearly knocking him over in the process. Ning once again didn't think any thing was amiss, and so continued on toward the main gate, already mulling over what he would reupholster in his already luxurious stateroom.
It wasn't for a full minute after that before the sounds of the skirmish reached Ning's ears. He could make out the roar of Sun Ce's powerful voice, and thought he could just make out some other recognizable voices. At the sound of the first true combat noise, Ning was off like a shot, running full-tilt back to the throne room. The scene that met his eyes was one of confusion and blood. There wasn't a single person who wasn't from Wu except.... Who the hell is that guy? Dunno, don't care. He just saved Sun Ce. A momentary glance was all that Ning needed to see how the tides of battle were flowing. Save random guy, check, Ning thought as he rushed headlong into the fray.
Ning's small frame could move when he needed, and the speed he was able to gather in the short distance available would have stunned some deer. His target: those pesky archers. What fool brings arrows to a swordfight, anyways? Ning himself was armed only with his shortsword, and in a single fluid motion unsheathed it and hurled it toward the archers. It flew awkwardly as it wasn't exactly meant to fly, but the pommel struck true, smashing into the side of the second archer's head with a snapping of bone and a scream of pain.
The archer who had drawn a bead on the stranger looked at his partner, noticed what had befallen him, and then turned to see from where this flying sword had materialized. This all took less than half a second, and still it was enough for Gan Ning. As the archer turned his head to look in Gan Ning's direction, Ning gave a wild shout and leaped feet-first into the air. The soles of his shoes impacted with the unfortunate archer's face as he turned his head, smashing bone and cartilage and sending man and weapon sprawling across the floor.
Ning quickly pushed himself up from the ground, gathered his shortsword from where it had landed next to the other archer, and crouched low as he brought his sword up in a defensive backhand grip. His eyes immediately scanned the vicinity, but he noted with relief that it didn't seem as if any officers were down. The two archers he had taken down seemed to be alive, at least mostly.
A wry grin crossed his face as he realized only four of these crazed soldiers remained (at least as far as he could tell). The only other person within reach was only a few feet away and about to take an awkward swing at Li Wang (it seemed he had just been kicked in that direction and hadn't fully regained his bearings). Xingba aimed to make it a moot point as he leapt from his crouched position and landed on the big soldier's back, his shortsword ready to plunge between armor plates to strike a mortal blow to the man.
In mid leap, however, someone shouted to stand down and so Ning complied by sparing the man's life. His right collarbone, on the other hand, was not quite so fortunate. With a flick of his wrist, Ning repositioned the sword and brought it crashing down with all his might on the point where neck meets shoulder. With a dull *pop*, the man screamed and went down, dropping his own sword and writhing in agony on the floor. You're welcome, General! Xingba quipped as he rolled off the shattered body of his latest target and scooped up the additional sword in his off-hand. Now let's make sure Lord Sun is safe!
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