Choices and Consequences

The Art of War

Windrider cantered to the camp entrance with Whisper following behind laden with the day's kill. Xue scanned the camp looking for her father oblivious to the sudden hush and excitement that fell among the people milling at the entrance. At seventeen hands height, Windrider is an imposing presence and with the setting sun backlighting both rider and horse, they presented a spectacular image. Windrider's coat shimmered golden and Xue with her doe-like eyes, heart shaped face, full strawberry hued lips and lithe figure was mesmerising.  The men were captivated and most of the young women were envious of the attention she was getting.

"Xue'er" her father called. Xue turned her head to the direction of her father's voice. She saw her father striding towards her. She dismounted and excitedly ran to her father. " Xue greets fùqīn" crossing her hands across her chest and bowing to her father. "Your mother and I were worried, you're later returning from hunting than expected and whose horse is this?" "This is Windrider father. The horse I told you about." "You are right, he is spectacular. Is this the reason why you were late?" "Yes, father." "Come on, your mother is waiting. The winner of the hunt will be declared at the banquet tonight. You need to prepare." Xue followed her father to their tent.

Xue sat with her parents watching the dancers and musicians. She can't wait for the declaration of the hunt winner. She is quietly confident of her chance to win. Xue dreams of leading soldiers to war someday, just like her father once did and winning the hunting competition is her one great chance to fulfill her dream. She is lucky that both her parents are supportive of the idea. Although she also knows that at fifteen she is of marriageable age and one of the noble families will come for her hand in marriage. She hopes that it will be Xiao Dalin who will come for her. They grew up together and she has nurtured a crush on him for years.

"The winner of the hunting competition is....Yelü Xiuge!" Boisterous celebration followed. Xue was crestfallen. Although she is happy her uncle won, she is disappointed. She left the banquet with her parents, deciding not to join the dancing and gaiety.

"Xue'er your uncle Xiuge is here." "Xue greets uncle Xuige". "Xue'er come sit with me and your father. I have some news for you." Xue sat beside her father opposite her uncle. "I know that you wanted to join the military and with your level of fighting skills, you will fit right in so I decided to offer you a place in my camp. You will be my deputy and I will give you more training before you join the camp. Meet me at the military training ground in three days time. Also, I want you to study this book." "The Art of War by Sun Tzu? Why this book uncle?" Xue asked. "The book will teach you all you need to know about different sets of skills related to warfare and how it applies to military strategy and tactics. I need you to know this by heart when you come to meet me in three days' time."

Three days later....

"Good morning your highness. Please follow me. General Xuige is waiting for you at the training ground" Xue followed the soldier. She is elated to be in the camp and excited to be training with her uncle who is known for his elite fighting skills and numerous successful war campaigns. She is wearing her training gear of fitted pants, leather knee high boots, long narrow black sleeved gown under black leather armour with her sword slung in a leather belt around her waist and her bows strapped on her back. Her hair was braided around her head to get it out of her way when training. With her bow in her left hand, she marched to where her uncle was waiting. Telling herself "Yelü Xue this is your new life, go get it!".