Fallen Prince, Risen King - The Risen King

The Lives of Zhōng

"The Vikings have begun doubling their forces along their borders up to Port Dake, the Ninja Empire's only port." reported the Second in Command of the Spartan Army, General Leonidas.

"Have they completely blockaded that port?" asked King Alexios.

"No your majesty, their ships haven't been that close to the port yet. But they're advancing quickly with their new tactics." replied General Leonidas as laid amongst them was a map. It showed the sea between where the lower jaw (where the Spartan Empire claimed land), the arm (where the Viking Empire claimed land), and the shoulder (where the Iarnă Mountains ran along with some lands of the Ninja Empire). He pointed out where the Viking ships were pushing their territories against the Spartan ships since they were rivals at sea.

"That may be, but is that all they got?" asked King Alexios. He glanced up to see Zhōng, who was serving them wine, studying the map as well. His hair came back but was very short as it was standard for slaves. "What would you recommend, since you are curious?" he asked him.

Zhōng looked up to see the two men looking at him curiously. He hesitated and then apologized. "Forgive me, master, I have no knowledge of marine warfare."

"But you fought in battles before, speak, what do you suggest of this organized frontal charge?" ordered King Alexios.

Zhōng looked at the map again as he pondered what they could do. "Have you tried spitting your forces in half?"

"Depends on what you have in mind." answered General Leonidas.

"Have one half confront the enemy, draw them in a heated battle. While they are distracted, split the remaining force in half again. Have one flank them and strike force while the other remains out of sight. When the Vikings are too distracted with the first surprise attack, use the remaining ships and soldiers and charge head-on. The Vikings would believe that they are reinforcements and would try to run away. But if done correctly, none would get away as the third wave plunges the final blows." explained Zhōng as he directed how the attack would play out.

"This could work, the Vikings' ships are built to hit hard and fast. If they are prolonged in a battle, they lose their advantage of a surprise attack and must retreat. But if we square them off, they wouldn't be able to escape. What do you think, your majesty?" asked General Leonidas.

"I would voice my opinion later, general. Carry out the order if you like." stated King Alexios, he was looking at Zhōng with disappointment. Zhōng turned his head away, he didn't like the look on his master's face.

"As you wish, your majesty." acknowledged General Leonidas, he bowed and then left the room to carry out the orders.

"Zhōng, I need you to head to the blacksmith and pick up something. If the smith is almost finished, you'll wait till it's done." ordered King Alexios.

"Yes, master," replied Zhōng, he put the pitcher that carried the wine down and left the room. He didn't see King Alexios slowly shaking his head with disappointment.

The hammer slammed hard into a hot rod, sparks and sweat from the smith flew from every swing. The harder he slammed the rod onto the anvil, the flatter it came and the higher pitch the bang came. "Excuse me, sir?" called Zhōng, he was wearing a royal slave cloak over his attire.

"I don't make weapons for slaves, go to another one." growled the smith after he saw just Zhōng's head.

"I've been requested to pick something up by orders of my master, your king." stated Zhōng.

The smith turned around and saw Zhōng completely as he held out a scroll. He took the scroll and read it before answering, "My apology, I have it almost done. If King Alexios has nothing else for you, please sit and rest while I finish."