Time soon passed and they arrived at the Lake that was only a couple of miles ahead of where they had met the Xun family. The lake had a large opening in front of it, where the carriages were now parked, with tents being set up by the Guards who were protecting them.
Those from Riverside were also setting up some tents that had been strapped to some of the horses. Tomoe was setting up a guard rotation between the Riverside Warriors and the Xun Family Guards with Xun Yan, whilst Shang Yang was mingling with the Civilians and getting an understanding of the state of the land and the development of the Dynasty that followed the one he was from. Dom and Subutai stood with the Xun family leaders, Xun Yu, Xun You by the water's edge, looking over the calm water as it was settled for the evening, the moon reflecting on its surface.
"Thank you for escorting us this far." Xun Yu started, "Advisor Shang Yang was great conversation and he had high praises for your small growing kingdom."
"He's a great man." Dom agreed. "We have a good leadership team and he is an instrumental part of it. We are constantly growing and developing but we have a long way to go."
"He did say that you have some other capable commanders and leaders." Xun Yu tested, "I hope that we can find a similar place here."
"I am sure that you will." Dom replied, bating the Xun family, but not ready to attempt and throw the line in yet.
"It seems that not only is our land in chaos, but so is the rest of it." Xun Yu continued, "It seems you have had a fair few experiences of battle."
"You could say that." Dom accepted, "But we prefer diplomacy to violence if possible."
"That is always a preferred route to peace." Xun Yu replied.
"People always want peace, but to get it you need chaos and war until only one peaceful direction exists." Subutai commented, "However, often when you have peace, humans aren't happy and create chaos. So causing a never ending circle of war and peace."
"You sound like a man who has experienced a lot of the chaos." Xun You said to Subutai, taking over from his young uncle.
"I have fought in battles across multiple kingdoms over the years." Subutai replied seriously, "I have seen death and destruction where ever I have been. I have charged at enemies that out number me, and sent waves of arrows towards faceless foes who speak in tongues that I do not understand. However in Riverside we are trying to create a place where we don't have to see that any longer."
"So you are the chaos before the peace." Xun You replied, nodding his head to Subutai's comment.
"We are the chaos before the peace." Subutai agreed, "And from these Yellow Turban Rebels and the other things we have heard from Xun Yan, your chaos is just about to begin."
"Then how do we stop it?" Xun Yu asked seriously, taking over from his relative. "How do we save the Han Dynasty and the people?"
"You can't." Subutai replied in a mannered tone, "What you need to do is find the new peace that you want and fight for it."
"I appreciate the advice." Xun Yu replied in deep thought.
"Commander Subutai is one of the greatest Generals in all of the land." Dom said seriously, "If you need any advice whilst we are with you, you have my permission to ask."
"I may take you up on that." Xun You replied seriously.
Tomoe soon arrived at the waters edge where the four of them were in discussion, her normal beautiful smile on her pale face as she approached, her helmet in her hand which caught both of the Xun's off guard when they finally saw the terrifying warriors face.
"Tents are set up, guard rotations are organised, that Xun Yan is a decent Commander, we should ask him to join us." She stated, "I'm going getting some sleep as I want to take a shift in a few hours, are you joining me or staying with Commander Subutai?"
Her matter of fact attitude caused the two Xun's to look at her in a different light, impressed by how direct she was with her Leader, that showed respect but also an unwavering attitude.
"I'm sharing with Leonidas, I think he needs a break." Dom replied, "It's probably best you sleep alone or Meritamen will be grumpy."
"Probably for the best." Tomoe laughed, before tapping her fist against her armoured shoulder in salute and turning away towards her tent.
"An interesting commander." Xun You said as she walked away, "I wasn't sure what was more intimidating, your Tigers or her taking heads as she charged."
"Definitely Commander Tomoe." Dom laughed. "I think on that note however that sleep is calling, we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow to get you to the next town safely."
"Are you sharing with your Soldier?" Xun Yu asked, "Shouldn't the Lord have his own tent?"
"Probably." Dom replied with a shrug of his shoulders as he bid them good night and headed to his tent, leaving them perplexed as Subutai also bid good night and headed to the tent he was sharing with Shang Yang.
Dom climbed in to the tent and saw that Leonidas was already lay down on a bedroll, his spear by his side, Leonidas noticed Dom enter and sat up.
"Do you need help with your armour?" Leonidas asked.
"Yes please." Dom replied, "It's too difficult to remove on my own, can you make sure it is easily accessible if we need it in the night."
"Don't worry." Leonidas stated, "If we are attacked in the night I'll make sure you are safe Lord Lazarus."
"Thanks Leonidas." Dom replied gratefully as he removed his armour with Leonidas's help, placing it beside his own bedroll that had been laid out. He placed his Slaying Spear beside his bed roll on the other side and lay down and closed his eyes, the sleep soon taking him.
He awoke as the early sun came through the tent flaps, he opened his eyes and looked around and saw that he was currently alone. He sat up and looked and saw that his armour had been cleaned in the night and looked shiny beside him. The tent flaps opened, causing more light to peek through as Leonidas entered with a bowl in his hand.
"I've got you some breakfast." Leonidas stated, "Some of the servants of the Xun family have prepared it for the guards, have some to eat and I'll help you get ready."
"Thanks Leonidas." Dom replied, "How is the camp looking?"
"Secure." Leonidas replied, "There has been no issues overnight, our animals have all been groomed and are prepared. Shang Yang is awake and discussing with Xun Yu some complexities of managing a state, whilst Tomoe is sparring with Xun Yan."
"What about Subutai?" Dom asked.
"He's grooming his horse, whilst Xun You is discussing military stratagems with him." Leonidas replied.
"It seems Shang Yang's tactic is working then." Dom commented.
"Divide and Conquer." Leonidas agreed.
Dom was soon dressed and atop his horse, ready to depart and continue his quest to guard the Xun family. They had agreed on a similar formation to the day before, with Tomoe at the front with Xun Yan, Chen Lu and Chen Ping and their Tigers. The other Forbidden Guards would flank the sides with the Xun Family Guards, whilst Subutai would manage the rear with the two Archers. This time Dom would travel near the front, but would move through the column to converse, whilst Shang Yang would stay central with Xun Yu and Xun You.
"Let's depart!" Dom ordered, as the carriages began to move up the path towards the neighbouring town which was their destination. The forest that surrounded it looked more pleasant in the day light and Dom hoped that it would be a smooth journey, however he suspected it wouldn't be as the quest would have been to simple otherwise. The quest may not have been as simple as this for another Lord however, who did not have the Horses, high level Warriors and Tigers that Riverside had, so it was possible that the danger was already over with.
"It's been quite peaceful so far." Leonidas commented to Dom as they travelled for just over an hour enjoying the scenery and the gentle sound of bird calls in the surrounding forest.
"Why would you say that?" Dom replied, "It's bad luck!"
"You don't believe in that do you Lord?" Leonidas replied back with a laugh.
Suddenly their was a loud roar from the front of the column, as Chen Pings tiger stood on it's hind legs, almost throwing it's rider who was holding on tightly, to the ground. The human leg in it's mouth now dropped in the floor as an arrow protruded from it's rear.
"Defensive positions!" Tomoe shouted quickly as Yellow Turban wearing warriors charged out from the forest on both sides, a much larger number than from the previous battle.
"Told you so." Dom stated, grasping his Slaying Spear and charging to the left flank where his two Forbidden Guards on that side prepared themselves.
"Sorry!" Leonidas replied as he followed his lord, his spear in hand.
"Oh no!" Dom heard Tomoe shout, "We have angry Kittens!"
Dom looked and saw that Chen Lu and Chen Ping both charged directly at the oncoming foe, the Tiger's in their natural element as they bounced at the poorly equipped troops, who seemed better organised than the previous lot.
"Look for a commander." Dom shouted to the rear to Subutai, who he knew would already be looking for a leader as he and his two Archers shot towards the on coming foe. The Xun family hadn't stayed idle, as Xun Yan had charged alongside Tomoe to the right flank, whilst Xun You was directing the majority of the Xun Family Guards to create a defensive blockade. Xun Yu was pulling the carriages in to a small circle, so as to give cover for the none military people within their group, he was assisted by Shang Yang who had drawn his sword and was excited for a fight.
"How many is there?" Leonidas exclaimed as more and more enemies appeared from the forest.
"Spotted him!" Dom heard Subutai shout, pointing to the forest on the opposite side to Dom as Subutai launched arrow after arrow in that direction.
"Not enough to defeat us." Dom replied seriously to Leonidas, "Let's hit them hard!"
Dom, Leonidas and the two Forbidden Guards that were beside him charged at the forest line at the oncoming foes, knowing that Subutai had overwatch across the battlefield from the rear and had them covered. Whilst Tomoe and Xun Yan were causing chaos at the front of the column with the two angry Tiger Guards. As they charged they began stabbing and slashing down as the enemies that charged passed them to hit the Xun Family behind them. Amongst the charging foe was one man who wore a yellow cloak and leather armour, his face was young and full of energy, whilst in his hand was a long snake bladed spear, he locked eyes with Dom with a determined gaze as he charged towards him.