This story has been swirling around my head for quite some time but I couldn't find the courage to write it because I am no writer. Nevertheless, I have decided to take the plunge to just get it out of my head.
This story is based on my favourite...
Five years have passed since Xue joined the military under General Xiuge. The years have generally been peaceful except for the war with the Song Dynasty.
Three years ago...
"Xue, prepare our troops. We have been asked to reinforce General Xuegu in defending Yanjing. We leave at dawn tomorrow. Join me at the Zhànlüè tīng (战略厅) for a full briefing of our strategy." Xue joined her uncle and other commanders as asked. Facing a map pinned in the wall, General Xuige pointed to the Gaoliang region, west of Yanjing. "We will be joining General Xiezhen's army at Gaoliang River. They will attack the Song army besieging the Yanjing fortress whilst we will attack the main Song camp. You will lead your cavalry to attack the west side of the camp. Seek out their food supply storage and burn it. Without any food supply, they will not be able to sustain the war. "
Xue and her 10,000 strong cavalry waited at the tree line for the signal to attack. Her attention was focused in the tent where she can see troops coming in and out with provisions and the biggest tent in the camp which she assumed is the command centre. The fire arrow has landed in front of Xue which signals the command to attack. Xue and her cavalry surged forward to be met by arrows and the Song army cavalry. With arrows flying from her bow, Xue cleared a path in the defending army. Her attention was focused on the provision tent. She failed to notice an enemy sword coming from her right side until it was almost too late. She dropped her body back avoiding the sword that nearly decapitated her and thrust the arrow she had on her hand to the neck of her assailant before dropping on the side of Windrider to slash her bow at the knees of her opponent's horse. The attack caused the horse to lose its footing, throwing its rider overboard.
Xue stowed her bow on its holder in Windrider's breastplate, drew her jian then neatly leaned her body to the left before sweeping the sword right at the neck of the soldier, separating head from torso. She then urged Windrider on a gallop heading straight for the supply tent. Slashing enemies within her reach with her sword on her way to her target. She returned her sword to its scabbard then drew the oil soaked arrows from the quiver on her back, lit them from one of fires that littered the battlefield, removed her bow from the breastplate, sighted her arrows and let it fly straight into the tent which caught fire immediately. Taking back the reins, she then returned to the melee.
The Song army was decimated and their emperor who sustained an injury from an arrow fled to safety of Yi Prefecture and ordered a retreat of his army.
Present day.....
The memory of war took her mind to her training under her Uncle. Because of her slight build, her martial arts training was focused on Tàijí quán (太極拳) and eight trigram palm ( Bāguà Zhǎng). The goal is to enable her to deflect the attackers force and use her agility to an advantage in counterattack. She was also relentlessly trained to fight on horseback, shooting arrows at moving objects whilst Windrider was in full gallop. She became lethal in both hand to hand combat, in sword fighting and in using her arrows. Windrider and Xue have become a formidable team.
"Your highness, a missive has arrived from your father, the Crown Prince. General Xuige requires you in his study." "Thank you Jin. Please tell the General that I will be there." Xue made her way to her Uncle's study. Crossing her arms on her chest and bowing she greeted her uncle. She sat in front of her uncle who offered her tea. "Xue, have you forgotten that it's your grandmother's birthday in 7 days time? Your father has sent a message reminding me to send you to escort your grandmother to Zhenzhou for her birthday celebration." "I haven't forgotten Uncle. I will leave before dawn tomorrow to get to her Dàshà by noon time." "Bring some of my personal army with you to provide backup in case you encounter some problems on the way". Xue refused the offer. Having a large contingent of her uncle's personal army with her will attract unnecessary attention which she doesn't want. Travelling alone, she can travel at her own pace which means she will get there at her desired time. She wants to spend a day in her grandmother's company before they travel north. She spent many happy times at her Zǔmǔ's estate and it's been a long time since she last visited.
Xue sat beside her grandmother inside the horse drawn carriage. She initially resisted sitting inside because she will be unable to see any ambush before they are in the middle of it. She wanted to make sure that they get to Zhenzhou safely but her Zǔmǔ insisted that she accompany her in the carriage so they can keep each other company. Xue enjoyed the ride. Her grandmother's bodyguards and butler have accompanied them on the journey. They are only a few hours away from her home city. She is excited to see her family, especially her twin siblings.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
The sound of galloping horses caught Xue's attention before an arrow pierced the window and embedded into the seat opposite beside her grandmother. A shout of "ambush" rang out before the carriage was rammed causing it to fall on its side. Xue shielded her grandmother from the fall and pulled her out from the broken window. Only to see her grandmother's eyes flare open in surprise as the arrow pierced her chest, straight though her heart. Xue stared in shock at the pooling blood in her grandmother's chest. "Xue, go..save yourself." her grandmother commanded her before slumping on her side.
"Your highness we need to go. She is dead. You need to save yourself." Hou her grandmother's butler shook her shoulders. Xue woke up from the trance she got into and pulled her sword. She attacked the nearest enemies and killed them on the spot. She pulled Hou along with her to the back of the carriage where Windrider was tethered. As she rounded the corner of the carriage an arrow punched into her left shoulder causing her to fall on her knees. Hou pulled her up, only to fall on his side when a sword smashed on the side of his head causing a long bloody gash. Xue feinted to her right to avoid the sword that was aiming straight to her top of her head but the tip of the sword caught her on the left of her face. Almost blinded by blood pouring down her face, Xue managed to trust her sword straight into the stomach of her attacker causing him to fall, clutching his stomach. Xue dragged Hou with her and whistled to Windrider to kneel so they could get on his back. As soon as they were on board, Windrider stood up and went straight into a full gallop with Xue and Hou clinging on his back.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Zhànlüè tīng (战略厅) - Strategy hall Dàshà - Mansion
