World Conquest Online

"A Shopping list." Dom mumbled out loud, whilst Subutai nodded in agreement. Dom understood Li Shang’s thoughts on this, something that he had done himself when he had arrived, however Dom had outlined targets within the current area and hadn’t expanded wider. This thinking made Dom realise that even though he had been thinking of the big picture, he hadn’t been thinking big enough.

"He knew who he wanted and manipulated the situation to gather them together." Subutai stated, also thinking the same as Dom, "He sounds dangerous."

"More than dangerous." Dom agreed, before turning back to Cai Mao. "Who did he request?"

"Unfortunately I am unwilling to share that, as it could unfairly disadvantage Huang Zu’s forces. As much as I would be glad to see him get a slight beating, he still needs to win." Cai Mao replied honestly. Dom quite liked Cai Mao’s character, the older General seemed to have softened his stance and accepted his current position, but stuck to his beliefs, for now.

"Lord, the situation is developing!" Banas shouted from the edge, causing the three of them to head there quickly. Dom, Subutai and Cai Mao watched as several ships on both sides either capsized or sank, whilst both forces sent forwards additional ships to support. The battle seemed fierce with neither side willing to give their enemy the advantage at this stage.

"So much for a feigned retreat!" Dom exclaimed in frustration and confusion. All of their tactical plans now being pointless as the scale of the battle had completely changed with Li Shang’s interference.

"This is normal, they are both trying to make it look real." Cai Mao countered openly, "However the loss of ships is still painful, I expect Huang Zu to replace them at his own cost and not out of my brother in law’s funds."

As they watched, Tomoe appeared with the tied up White Armoured Officer who had a red mark across his face. He was relatively attractive and seemed to be in his late thirties, but Dom couldn’t be sure as he may be older but looked younger. He had a majestic feel and Dom could tell that he was naturally a leader of men. He also seemed frustrated but also surprised when he saw that Cai Mao was stood beside Dom, with his hands untied. Dom didn’t expect any attack from Cai Mao who seemed to value some honour and the Batavi Guards were intimidation enough. Dom guessed that his frustration was that Cai Mao hadn’t been able to escape and warn Jiangxia.

"Our prisoner has awoken." Tomoe announced teasingly, when Cai Mao noticed the White Armoured Warriors arrival, he showed frustration that he struggled to hide.

"Not happy?" Dom heard Subutai whisper to Cai Mao, surprised by the reaction.

"No, he is the subordinate of a pest we currently have in our lands." Cai Mao replied through gritted teeth, "I had hoped he had died, weakening the pest."

Subutai laughed loudly, patting Cai Mao on the back as the prisoner was brought forwards. The prisoner didn’t know what was being discussed, and assumed that Dom and Subutai were teasing Cai Mao due to his capture.

"I am Zhao Yun of Changshan." He introduced himself as he knelt on the floor. Partially forced by Tomoe. "I have never been defeated before, so today had been a day of learning and humility. I thank you for sparing my men."

"It would be a waste to kill decent Warriors." Dom replied honestly, his mind in surprise at the appearance of one of the most famous Warriors from this time period. It seemed Prince Li Shang had been working extensively on his shopping list and Dom was interested to see who else was on it. "It seems it was a meeting between two undefeated Warriors and one of them had to fail."

"I hope they get chances to fight again." Subutai agreed with a smile, his words true. "Welcome Zhao Yun of Changshan."

"I am also surprised to have been bested, let alone by a woman." Zhao Yun replied honestly, "I offer my head in place of my men’s."

"I would prefer your services over your head." Dom stated openly. "I feel your talent is being wasted, clearly you should be at Jiangxia preparing the main army and not sent to a forward fort."

"I appreciate the kindness." Zhao Yun said in shock at the offer and praise, he had little chance to demonstrate any real skills to those in front of him, "but I already have a Lord that I serve."

"I am aware General Zhao Yun, however it wouldn’t be the first time you changed your Lord." Dom stated, referring to when Zhao Yun moved from Gongsun Zan to Liu Bei. Dom also knew a fair amount of the history of this time due to his generals and research, and knew that Liu Bei would soon take this land as his own. "Also, your current Lord isn’t everything he seems to be."

"I appreciate you sparing my life, but I would rather not hear any persuasive words at the expense of Lord Liu Bei’s expense." Zhao Yun stated in a serious but polite tone.

"I knew it!" Cai Mao exclaimed from the side with a grin on his face as he turned to Dom. "So you don’t trust Liu Bei either?"

"I have my own opinions." Dom replied openly, "but I will respect Zhao Yun’s request and not continue down that line of talking."

"He claims to be benevolent and an uncle to the Emperor, but he doesn’t have the Zhan Lu Jian, you do." Cai Mao commented in response about the sword on Dom’s waist that Cai Mao had somehow recognised, which drew the eyes of Zhao Yun. Dom could sense what Cai Mao was trying to do, using Dom to create a gap in Liu Bei’s forces, regardless of who won.

"It is an impressive sword." Subutai agreed, allowing Cai Mao the little win as it supported Dom’s own ambitions. Zhao Yun understood what they were talking about, the Zhan Lu Jian was one of many famous swords of this time, a sword of Legend, and the black sword on Dom’s waist matched it’s magical description. What did confuse him was how this person with clearly Western heritage, was holding a legendary blade from China. He was already confused as to why barbarian warriors and foreigners were fighting against them, let alone carrying a sword of a King. He was even more surprised that Cheng Pu’s warriors were following their orders.

"Come, watch the battle unfold below." Dom announced to the group as he turned around to watch as the two now much larger Vanguards clashed again. They all watched below as more ships crashed in to each other and parties boarded one another. Dom then turned to his side where Zhao Yun was stood, closely watched by the Batavi Guards. "Did you come alone or bring anyone with you?"

"We were told that if we didn’t come, the people of Jiangxia would be massacred, but we are in a difficult situation defending against the possible invasion from Cao Cao so Lord Liu Bei was only able to dispatch myself and General Guan Yu with a small task force." Zhao Yun replied, which caused Dom to pause. He appreciated Zhao Yun’s honesty, whilst Guan Yu was an issue. He was someone that would be impossible to hire unless spawned through a Heroes Hall or an Orange Cube. Guan Yu was a fierce Warrior who was currently in his forties and was renowned for his skills. Dom went to reply, but made sure that Subutai knew these words were meant for him.

"The people of Jiangxia were never at risk of being massacred, just having new leadership installed." Dom replied evenly, whilst Cai Mao snickered beside him, aware that whilst Dom was being honest, that isn’t how it always worked. "I have heard the tales of General Guan Yu’s might, if the two of you were to fight, who would win."

"It would be a close one, but I believe I could best him three out of five times." Zhao Yun bragged in a friendly way, unaware of the undertones of the conversation. Dom wanted Subutai to be aware that the needed Tomoe to be prepared to fight against this mighty General if they had a chance of defeating Jiangxia. "However, if he was enraged and serious, I do not think I would have as much chance."

Subutai took the hint and mentally prepared himself, whilst Dom looked at Cai Mao, who seemed to know that he had been seen through. Dom was mentally offering Cai Mao an opportunity to get rid of two of his own hurdles, which would weaken Liu Bei and allow the Cai Family to stay as the main influence within the Jing province under Lord Liu Biao.

As Dom watched the battle below, he saw a commotion on one of the larger ships in the centre, where most of the ships had now gathered and the forces onboard them were clashing vigorously. The Warriors onboard could be seen fighting from the distance, but it wasn’t clear who was winning, however Dom was confident in Sun Ce and Ling Tong’s skills. He hoped they were both bonding and Sun Ce could use this as an opportunity for recruitment, however the priority was not getting overly confident.

The mixed officers on top of the Hill all watched on with interest. The Sun and Riverside Officers clearly had expectations on their side winning, where as Cai Mao and Zhao Yun didn’t seem to overly mind when some of their sides ships sunk, as Cai Mao was not a huge fan of Huang Zu and Zhao Yun was from an associated force and not this one.

There suddenly seemed to be some cheers from the Sun Navy, and Huang Zu’s Navy had began to try and pull back. Dom wasn’t sure if it was a feigned retreat or an actual retreat, but regardless it wasn’t within the original plan that they had created, as some ships were captured or their crews attempted to surrender. The fierce battle echoed down the River and past the cliff they were stood on, which Huang Zu’s navy below preparing themselves to ambush the Sun Navy.

"It looks like Zhang Shao has lost." Cai Mao commented, "Let’s see whose tactics will now prevail and if your Vanguard has the patience to stick to their strategy."

"Banas, get ready." Dom ordered, as Cheng Pu also prepared his fire signals. Dom then turned to Zhao Yun and Cai Mao. "I think it is best that General Zhao Yun is returned to his men and given the opportunity to rest for now, I promise you that there will be no massacre in Jiangxia. I hope we speak again before the end."

"Thank you for your kindness. I to hope we can meet again before this battle ends." Zhao Yun thanked honestly, before being escorted away, giving Dom some time to speak with Cai Mao.

"Help me win Jiangxia, and you can win your internal battle." Dom declared to Cai Mao who seemed quite interested in the offer. "Liu Biao is old, help me win this city and you’ll win a Province."

Cheng Pu overheard the conversation, his eyes opening in shock at what Dom was offering, not understanding the undertones of the conversation but the implications. However Subutai looked at him and gave him a wink, which calmed Cheng Pu down. They turned back to the battle as Huang Zu’s forces began to retreat, but thankfully so did the Sun Navy after a small messenger ship had reached the back of the formation.

"It seems that neither of the feints worked and it will be a full battle then." Dom declared, happy at the enemy ambush not working, but frustrated as it meant the battle may incur more losses.

"It seems the battle may go on for another day." Subutai stated as he told Banas and Cheng Pu to relax. "Hopefully they decide to continue the battle, otherwise we will have to spend the night here."

The sun was still high in the sky, but Dom understood what Subutai meant. If Zhou Yu didn’t launch a full attack today, then the battle would repeat with vanguards and movements tomorrow. It also meant that they would potentially have to defend the poor Palisade Fort they had just captured. What Dom really wondered though was the timeframes and time difference, he had only been here a few days, however it was clear that Li Shang had been here longer and Dom didn’t know how long either could stay for.

"What do you want to know?" Cai Mao replied as he also watched below, seemingly having made his decision. Dom smiled at his response, knowing that information won wars, and Cai Mao could provide him with a lot.