Hold Out (Quest) (Finished)

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

The young leader narrowed his eyes at the man who stood between him and the other leader holding a spear. "Back off before I run you over!" The young leader snarled as the horse reared up and kicked its front legs out at the man and tried to stamp the spear into the ground. If the Han troops aimed to be annoying then they will pay dearly for it. "Besides, your army threw the first volley when you all turned upon us and our ways on the day we arrived in China. Also what religion doesn't raise a sword?" The boy growled making a strong point, every religion that had ever existed had lifted a weapon and killed innocent people, it wasn't a new thing.

The elder leader sighed and stared at Mao before stepping forward. "Clear off before I change my mind child, quit stalling and clinging to the desperate hope that your reinforcements will arrive." The man spoke whilst keeping a close eye upon Er Ren as he tried to walk past Cheng Mao to take his younger brother.

[Cheng Mao]

Mao dodged the horses legs, stepping back slightly.
"Very well, I shall return to my men, and you get your brother back, just because I know what it is like to lose a brother. I will be keeping his sword. Might I add though that you just made a very important philosophical point. If, indeed there has been no truly peaceful religion, we can correctly conclude that there has never been a real religion in this world. "
With those words, Mao turned his back to the officers, gave the command to release the captured officer, and walked back to his troops, already in formation on the battlefield.
Er Ren grumbled. "We should have killed the leaders where they stood, and caused chaos in their ranks. "
Mao sighed, and said: "I was considering it, but it was a too risky maneuver. If we would have gotten killed, our troops would be in chaos as well, without a leader. I hope I made the right choice. "
They turned to face the yellow turban army, and waited for their next move.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

The leaders talked among themselves after Cheng Mao and Er Ren left them. Clearly the first leader wanted to keep the attack up but the wiser and eldest leader refused and knew it would be easier and smarter to withdraw and attack another day. The youngest leader watched the enemy, steadily learning the way of war. Fighting and talking were just two of many weapons that could be used in battle.

The army began to move away from the village but remained wary about their surroundings. The eldest leader knew the reinforcements for the Han could arrive at any second. He had lied about killing the messengers in hope of breaking the enemy's spirit and it seemed to have worked since his brother was safely back in their ranks. Though they would be back someday with a far greater army to unleash upon the world.

[Cheng Mao]

"Look, they are moving away! " Mao said to Ren.
"But why did you have to let the leader go! " Ren shouted, oblivious of what Mao had just said.
"Because if they had any intention of leaving, that man would have been a reason to stay and fight us. Did you hear me, they are leaving! "
The survivors of the battle were silently watches the retreating forces. As soon as they were no longer visible, men started cheering and laughing. They had fought, and yet they still lived. Others were weeping, for many had lost friends in the battle.
"Control yourselves, this might not be over. When the reinforcements arrive, they might decide to hunt after the yellow turbans. I must admit though, that my blood lust has been drained, and I have no intention of dishonoring the agreement we made. "
"And the village will be rebuilt. We are a resilient people. "
Mao frowned at the thought of the villagers staying out here, far away from good protection.
"It would be better if you all moved to Nan Pi. I am sure the local lord will provide for the victims of the raids. "
Er Ren thought for a moment.
Then he said: "Maybe. Let us first see if the reinforcement arrive at all. "
Mao nodded, and turned to his men.
"Make sure there is nothing burning inside the town. Check every house for survivors of either side. Collect the bodies as well. We will give them a good farewell. " Many men ran to oblige, and soon peace settled on the village.
There, Cheng Mao en his newfound friend Er Ren stood and watched the horizon for the army from Nan Pi, talking about possible futures for both the village and the land.
"Some men might be wanting to join your band of warriors you know. " Ren said.
"If they are willing to fight for both their and my ideals, then they are welcome. "
Er Ren nodded approvingly, and both men fell silent.
Then Mao started talking again, hesitanty: "Would one of those men be... "
Ren, who was watching a bird soar through the sky, said: "Sorry, what was that? ""Nothing.. "

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

(1. I can easily play the reinforcements arriving.
2. I'll make a count but you are free to steal the troops you have lost from the reinforcement army if you wish.
3. Cool
4. okay.

Also I'll allow the YT to escape and make a 2nd part to this quest where they return under the level rating of 'hard' or worse

I will deal with your rewards soon.)

The Yellow Turban army had eluded the on-coming mass of men that thundered towards the village from Nan Pi. The large cavalry force arrived first to greet the village led by the General that commanded the wave of horses and men. "We received word that this village was under siege. Forgive our lateness but your messengers were in bad shape so we had to deal with them. Where are the scum that plague this area?" The man asked through the whiskers of his facial hair as he looked down at Cheng Mao from his steed.

The cavalry units moved through the village and started to help out to pile the bodies and put out the fires. The village was a mess but was safe at last, at least for now.

[Cheng Mao]

Mao pointed at the direction the yellow turbans had retreated.
"I am Cheng Mao, my lord. They went that way. Me and my men slew the first four hundred, and the others ran with their tails between their legs. Thank you for coming, my lord, things might have been a lot worse today. "
Mao sighed, for he feared the answer of the leader. He looked back at the pile of bodies. Mao felt like an even heavier load slipped onto his shoulders.
"Do you wish to pursue them my lord? If not, might I suggest that these villagers be evacuated to Nan Pi? "
Mao indicated the villagers, mourning over their dead friends and family.

[Tsuki (Ancient One)]

The General sighed and looked at the situation. "It would be wise not to chase down the rebel scum just now. We will help repair the village and any of them that wish to flee back to Nan Pi will be escorted by the troops for their own safety. You did well kid." The General spoke as he signaled for his troops to begin upon the tasks.

He used the cavalry to take people from the village to the city and used the foot soldiers to help rebuild and improve the village whilst helping to bury the dead. The reinforcements wished that they could have arrived sooner to avoid such a large death toll. At least the Yellow Turbans had been repelled for now.

---------------

Total Losses
60 Han Cavalry
30 Han Halberdiers
40 Han Archers


Rewards
Fame 20
Bravery 5
Mercy 5
Honour 5

Gained 200 gold from General for defending Village

Troops gained
100 Han Cavalry
100 Han Swordsmen
50 Han Halberdiers