3 Convince

So hellooo this is the princess , a women ,but a human just like youll. Just why?....can youll stop stairing. Im used to this but im actually fed up of this.....ahhhh...why do youll dont want to accept a women in this manner.....???? I mean the commander was better. He didnt give the obvious stare of being shocked.

I straightened up myself a bit more as i saw the old generals marching towards us. We stopped but i kept on to my horse though the Commander, Bojan and Chengseng got down. I patted and comforted my handsome 'BLACK SPIRIT'(thats the meaning of his name) letting the commander to deal with the generals first.

I dont think they are overjoyed by my presence.

The commander looked at me and bowed. He looked in to my eyes. They are pitch black and showed so much of strength....handsome of course...then As if understanding me he went to the generals first without inviting me. They all greeted him with joy but with their eyes still glued on me.

Then the commander with his head lowered came towards me. He looked up at me.

"Princess, let me escort you." Now i could see that he is uncomfortable too.

He offered me his hand for support to get down. I accepted and stepped towards the most respectable generals whom at this point looked to me like old hawks disgusted by seeing a small weak, soft, flower in the blood shedding war pits.

Meanwhile my two supporters attended to my horse and the small baggage with my essentials and my weapons.

" Oh! the Princess! Its an honour to serve you.we welcome you to the war.....By the way You do look a bit like the emporer." one of the oldest hawks spoke sarcastically. The commander looked hopelessly at the old man. I guess he respects him as an elder or may be a teacher. He sighed. And ignoring the young commander he kept his eye contact on me waiting for a saluting statement.

Now about my look,he seems like he is dissapointed.and as i expected he does think im soft as a flower.Now now...Let me change it.

"Of course sir! Its the same blood...Afterall a daughter also should portray her father."

My goodness.look at his face it went purple. I never thought of this old man to be this shocked. Others gave the same look but not that bad. Even the commander's eyes widened.

Hey Huwanuwei dont be that harsh. Cant you recognize this great man.

"You must be General Shing. Sir Im honoured to fight alongside the lost emporers most experienced loyal supporter even at the most crucial moment of the empire. And thankyou for welcoming me."

I bowed to him with respect. He retrieved from his shock and a bit flattened by the comment carefully built his words.

"The commander did inform us about your arrival princess and about our new allies. Ill look forward for your support." He replied this time with more respect but not with trust on me. I cant blame it.i felt the commander s tention release. The other generals also then greeted me. We were guided to an open hut to take a seat. Most didnt like me that much. But for the sake of the commander i guess some do trust me. I analized each and every commander. They were different characters but all were loyal. Its then i noticed General Shing analysing me. I acted as if i didnt notice and turned towards the commander. It was useless. He was discussing something with Chengseng and Bojan. Im totally being ignored.. time to time every one smiled and nodded at me.

Then Chengseng came to me and bowed dragging everyones attention to us. He said that our men got a tent to rest with the others so hell make them settle there. I agreed. So he left leaving me back to the general shings hawk eyes.

The night was a bit freezing cause specially we were on top of a mountain. A thin mist wandered around us. I warmed up my arms while the others were busy praising thecommander and about my arrival. I ignored. Seeing me freezing ,the Commander asked the generals to walk to the main discussion tent and came to me.

"Princess, it must have being a long day for you and the weather is not that welcoming. Ill escort you to your tent so you can rest."he said lowering his head.

I tried to speak but he cut my words. He looked at me .

"Please dont worry highness, we wont discusss that much cause its too late. Everyone needs the rest. Ill inform them the main things and we'll discuss properly tommorrow afternoon. The day after tommorrow we'll have to fight. Is there something you need me to inform them or the soldiers. princess?"

Thank you for asking....atlast.

"Yes Commander, if you allow me, i like to give all of them a training for few hours in the morning and want to check their capabilities. Ive got some plans that we can discuss tommorrow as you said but under your obligation only. Speciall i want the two teams to work together which i feel like so important that we should be united inside before facing the enemies. Would you allow please."

He gave me a concerned look. Its now i realized that im a bit shorter than him. I had to talk with him with my chin raised.

"Of course princess. Your thoughts are wise." He smiled.

Now what does that smile mean. Omg he's unpredictable.Is he judging me. I feel no attraction but he seems to be good. I mean more practical than the others.

" Theyll be ready tommorrow."

We walked few steps away from the others.

" There is your tent princess. Inbetween the General Shing's and mine." You would be fine but General Shin??...never mind. Lets face this. Give him a chance Huwanuwei. You know that he is a respectable good man. There might be a reason for him to be sarcastic infront of you.

"Will it be comfortable princess or would you prefer the corner tent. I mean mine. Its just that we thought it would be better for your safety."

"It would be fine sir. Thank you."

He bowed. Two guards were infront of the tent. so i went inside the it.

It was small but spacious. A simple bed in the corner, a small table next to the entrance which had my baggage a jug of water and the weapons layed. A small closet and a tub of water was next to my bed. I took my sword out and swayed it straight and strong letting me hear the air cut to my right. A few sways strong and swift like that warmed up my freezing body. I didnt feel like sleeping,but i thought sleeping a bit under the seats for about 4 hours would warm me up better. So i went straight to bed and felt my eyes get heavy in no time........

Commander........run......Can you trust me ....

mother...im sorry...please stay alive...thankyou.....

ITS JUST A DREAM. I woke up and realized that i saw a serious dream....serious trouble.... no surprise im in wargrounds.... just face it Huwanuwei.

I got down from bed and felt that im only a bit early than the sun. A Big day.....

I washed myself from the tub thinking on plans , changed my clothes, took my sword and stepped out of the tent. I greeted my sleepy guards as they bowed and greeted me back. neglecting the freezing mist still covered the camp. I walked few steps away from the tent to face the rows of mountains. There on the next mountain i could see the enemies camp. Small but looked highly secured. Couldnt see much description.

I can see the sun perfectly lifting up colouring inch by inch the surrounding. I closed my eyes and took in the fresh air and exhaled slowly.

"Ughmmm," i felt my soul jump from myself as i heard the old rough voice. I turned. He was right next to me.

"Sorry dear princess if i disturbed your focus." What a big change. He sound fatherly.

"General Shing , it was nothing but im sorry for being irrespectful before."i said with a simple nod.He smiled.

" Actually you reminds me of your mother. The first empress." I was surprised.

"Did you know her personally? Have you seen her? Do i look like her? Was she kind?.............. Çan you remember her?" I stopped.

"Dont you remember her?"he asked feeling sorry for me.

"No!" I gulped my tears inside."i lost my memory about when i was 6 yrs old.By that time she wasnt there with me. So i dont remember her. I dont know where she is. I think shes dead. I just feel it i know it. When i found my father he recognized me because of the jade ring im wearing right now which was the only thing i owned since i can remember . He cried saying that its mother's so thats all i have about mother." I sighed still holding my tears and pointed out the ring of mother placed on my middle finger.

His eyes looked into mine with great kindness, sorrow and care. He streched his arms.

"Come my child!" I rapped my arms around him like a child,my tears rolled down easily. He stroked my hair like a father.

"Not only you look like her. You have her kindness and his majesties strength. Youve got both of their love." I gathered my mind back again. Straightened up and wiped my tears.

"Sorry for being emotional.You sound like father. We only met two times and couldnt even have a proper father daughter conversation cause he was sick. But always he told that they love me." I sighed and smiled childishly at him.

"Im nothing compared to their greatness. And dont feel sorry. Your father was like my best friend and i witnessed their love story. Also i lost my daughter 2 yrs back from a disease so i feel you as my daughter."

"Im sorry to hear about your loss. But if she was here shell be great as you."i feel so greatful to this man and touched.

He nodded and wiped the tear trying to escape from his left eye.

"Its alright...i dont know how to help you to find your mother. Well try but now would you like to hear about your parents story."

I smiled and nodded.

"So, your mother and father loved each other a lot. When he was still a crown prince we first met her at the lantern festival. We were only 22 yrs old and we just wandered around and came to see a baeutiful young lady smiling at people and enjoying scenario of the floating lanterns. You must have seen your father he kept on stairing at her. I teased him but he didnt stop. He followed her and made me introduce him to her. With time he got to know that she had a blood connection with the indian emporer from her mothers side though her father was a chinese aristocrat which explains her unmatchable fair gold skin. Her huge wave like hair just like yours. You have the same eyes of her." He smiled at me."she was also so kind. She was a good doctor too and loved the nature. So the perfect love birds married. But as the prince became the emporer troubles came." His voice changed to an anger tone."The previous prime minister who was executed few months ago because of his betrayel and his crimes being revealed insake of the present Empress ,Emporer and the Commander was a young minister by that time and was also close to your father. He used to like your mother and because of her marriage to the emporer he changed. His theory was that if he cant have something then no one can. So he showed the empress as a betrayer and made sure the emporer punish him. His majesty had no other solution. He thought by keeping her away from the capitol will keep her and their unborn child safe. As soon as you were born you were named huwanuwei 'happiness' cause thats what you were for them.....but how did you remember the name?"

" i didnt. It was father who told me later."

He sighed and continued.

"he sent youll away but made sure that youll were safe by sending a guard every week to check on youll. However we later discovered that the guard was working to the minister and all his information was false. The king got mad at everyone and searched everywhere for you'll but never found. Then the king got so sick because of depression complaining that all were his faults.only thing that which kept him alive was your brother the present emporer. He loved him just like to you. He wanted him to be safe from the ministers cruel intentions but he didnt make the choice of sending him away for the fear of loosing.Then the power craving minister.."

I feel myself getting heated from the anger from him being mentioned.... if he was alive....ill make sure .....wt?....killl him??...im sorry mother...its useless..... i sighed and he continued.

"Took it as an advantage and tried to gain power through the crown prince your brother. I was punished saying i again betrayed the empire and was sent to the islands. He successed. In the mean time you must have met his highness.so as you know the emporer died but gave orders for me to come back and protect the prince and also said when his daughter returns keep his children safe together. I acted to his highness's order but thought that his statement about the daughter was something he felt because of his great loss. Commander is one of my nieces son. Our family kept loyal to the new emporer. Also With the help of the wise new empress we could defeat the prime ministers power. And here you have arrived in the middle of another war and this person is unable to keep my promise to my old friend. Im sorry this loyal servant is not worthy princess." A tear rolled on his cheek with wrinkles.

" please dont"i held to his shoulders. "We need you general as always!"

He smiled. The sun rays started melt the mist. Its then i realised we have being talking for a long time since we also noticed more soldiers getting busy around.

"General pls excuse me if you mind. There will be a short training." I smiled at him. I feel like a child right now. He held my hands." Good luck dear princess!."

I turned away and walked straight towards the commanders tent. The two guards of his greeted me and informed the Commander about my presence. I then heard some mess inside and out came the Handsome commander with strips of his black hair fallen from side. They didnt cover his face. But were neat shiny and cool.

"Good morning princess!" I mean this is the first time i see him in daylight. I could feel my cheecks blush. Hiding it i smiled and greeted him back.

" will they be ready Commander?"

" They will be near the centre tent ready in an hour. Please come in and enjoy a cup of tea."

We walked in and he offered me a seat and a warm cup of tea.

"Guards," one of the guards popped in." tell them to bring the princess's breakfast here."

"Yes sir!" He bowed and ran.

" They are having their breakfast if you mind."

" let them. They should be fit enough. A new course is prepared." I smiled at him excited. During the bath i thought of it.

He studied my enthusiasm. Here our eyes meet back again. now This is getting weared.

"Sir the breakfast is ready" a soldier announced from outside.

" Bring it in."

He came in bowed slightly. The commander gestured him to keep it on the table i was seated.

He kept it and went away.

"Commander did you get yours?"

" ill get it later princess"

"Please join me."

"No need princess. Its not proper." He lowered his head.

"So are you ashamed to have your breakfast with a soldier whos supporting you? "I said sarcasticaly.

"Princess?" Now he is serious.

"Remember that im under your command here sir. By the way...i thought you are a humble leader, that you want mind eating with a under ranked supporter. Also ill make sure this ally want have her breakfast while her Commander starves." I chuckled.

He stirred. But keeping his humor hidden he smiled.

"Then this commander will join the princess under ranked." we both burst into laughter. Oh he can laugh....its nice when he is like this.

He took a seat right opposite the table and we both finished the breakfast in the most uncomfortable manner. We both kept silent and prevented from looking up. As soon as we ended Colonel Bojan came in, greeted us happily and announced that the men have gathered, mine and there's separately.Three of us then matched towards the cèntre tent. 1000 men in blue uniforms are lined up in the right and in the left along with Chengseng are 500 men in green uniforms. A small stage was placed in front of them.Commander bowed to me and got on the stage.

"Attention!"it was pin drop silence. All the soldiers stood straight without any movement.

"So we all know that tommorrow might be our final battle. And we are the only hope of our nation. We are here to serve the Emporer and the imperial family who are their to strengthen our nation.we all must be grateful for his highness. For the empire!" He voiced out loud. All the soldiers voiced the same in harmony as if its the culture to do so.

He raised his palm to silent them.

"As you all know the princee has arrived here with help. Not only the mennright next to you but in few days well get an army of 7000 from the Japanese Emporer. Her troup and ours have trained in different ways. So to share our skills and for more benefits she will conduct a training session today." He turned to me and bowed. "Please speak to our soldiers princess" i accepted his invitation and got on stage.

Commander:

Now lets see if the princees can hold 1500 men. Commander kept calm but was waiting with curiosity for the princess to speak.

She stood straight in her grand posture.every one saluted and were filled with curiosity.

"My friends!"My soldiers confused looked at each other.

What is this princess gonna do.But her soldiers stood in attention.she raised her hand up with her palm faced to herself. Her jade ring glittered from the sunlight.

" Move and join"she moved her arm to the right.

For everyones surprise the men in green marched in lines and stood in between the blue rows.then keeping a distant one by one joined to the blue rows.

"I m Huwan u wei , the daughter of the lost Emporer."all went silent and focus to the princess s words.

"I stand here infront of you to first wish you Good morning."

My men were shocked but remained silent at wishes. I cant stop myself being intrested on this peculiar girl.

"Greetings princess!"her men echoed.

"First of all please notice that during this training youll are in groups of five and the whole day in the same order you are right now both the troups mixed the formed groups should stick together if not nessasary actions will be taken."everyone looked confused but intrested.

"And most importantly this fight we are gonna face tomorrow might be our last... but remember! This fight is not for the emporer or the imperial family, not for the ministers or the aristocrats". Every one started looking at each other in horror. Confused.

Now what is she speaking of? She might even get executed.

She went on.

"This is for ourselves. This is for the innocent lives who cant survive without their rulers strength. This is for our next generation. To tell them that we have a great history, Weve got great heroes fearless strong and faithful to let them fight again and again whenever they feel like giving up cause their ancestors havent." The mens eyes lighted with pride.i could feel my backbone get shocks.

" From now on two nations will fight together no matter our history shows. Together we rise we are undefeatable.We will make the enemies kneel down and beg for mercy. We'll prove them we are not weak. We are not fools. We will not let them make us slaves. We wont let them take our land, our families, our riches. We are the descendents of the dragons we arent supposed to give up no matter. For our loved ones, for our land, for our nation!!!!!!" The whole camp roared with cheers.Even i coudnt stop cheering.

"For our nation!"all the men echoed in harmony.

The princess raised her hand back again so all became silent.

"However well have to work together. Now from those teams be truthful to yourselves and i want youll to understand your own skills and devide as i say."

"Chengseng help them. Now the ones who are good at archery including the archery force side to the right. Strong ones and the good sworsmen to the left and the ones who are brainy cunning and who are good inventors to the middle." First all bit hesitated but again did as said.

"Colonel Bojan if the commander allows please keep an eye on the archery sector. Chengseng to the swordsman and ill support the rest." The princess looked at me for approval.

"Every one please support the princess. She smiled.

I kept analyzing all the practises. They were unique.

So as said the archery sector was guided normaly but some were practised with their eyes covered so they had to follow sound. The swordsman were practised in a strange manner. Few were given sand sacks hanging from bars to cut but mostly just bumped back. Few were fighting with each other with heavy sacks. Some were on top of wooden logs fighting with their swords trying not to fall over. Then the brain sector....It was small. the princess gave a quize showing a painting.

"Listen well. Here in the middle of this market filled with spices and all is a rich shop filled with sweets. Think youll are a bunch of kids and youll want to get them. But their are huge guards that youll cant fight and youll got no so called weapons. Using anything available ull shoul write a plan o the paper provided for youll. But youll should devide in groups of three discuss and write. Enjoy but do this serious."

Intresting. Now whats going on her head. I can feel a smile come to my face. I thought it would be a great war plan.

Letting them work she went to Chengseng and said something. Then he walked away with few men.

Few hours after training they were given a water break. Again she spoke.

" Now every one get to your groups of five. We are going to do a game." Its almost mid day and now shes speaking of a game. Whats going on her head. All started to look around again confused.

"In the middle of the forest there are flags hung on things. Each has a different value. The value of those colours and the directions will be given by Chengseng. You are supposed to choose one of them and bring back to the camp. Dont worry we made sure that their are noenemies in this mountain but challenges will be waiting for you. But remember all the prizes for the flags wil be dismissed if you dont return by 3 hours and the whole team should be here together along with the flag.please make sure that you wont get injured. Now starts the game. Get the instructions from chengseng Good luck." She turned away and walked towards me. All the men excited hurried to Chengseng. All of them no matter what respects this young girl.

"Princess now what was that for?"i asked.she smiled like a child.

" Just wait for 3 hours. Commander." I didnt realize ourselves stairing at each other until general shing spoke next to us.

" I think its time for the meeting" he smiled. We both bowed at him and joined him to te main tent. The other generals already were there and they stood up for our arrival. Then getting seated the princess and generalshing on my sides we started the meeting. Our land map structured with clay was on top of the round table.

"Princess first we honour you for your support. Is there any plans you want to distribute?"

As she tried to speak General Seol second to general shing spoke." As i know the commander is incharge here. So before getting advices from the new princess its better if the experienced generals including the commander speak first"

" general Seol, i respect you as for a senior but please be greatful for the princess who has come to the wargrounds herself to support our empire."i could feel my fists tighten. Are you afraid of this girl who is willing to sacrifice herself for us general?

"What he is saying is true. You all might be experienced than me. So please go on with the plans. Ill give my support."she said humbly. The bigheaded general sat down with pride.

Princess:

As i said so the commander and general Shing sighed. Commander bowed to me and they started their plan. As they did i analysed the map, its geography thoroughly also listening to their plans.

"So that will be our final plan." General Shing said.

Noway.

" So we are just gonna kill ourselves? Thats the plan? If we go around their camp we will be attacked by the camp on the mountain also from the north and making it worse if we go around the japanese men will not be able to catch with us on time." I grabbed every ones attention but i need it too.

"Do you have a better idea princess?" General Seol smirked.

"It would be easy if we attack from above, from the mountains cause its hard for the others to attack from below. Since we can attack from here too with less number of sacrifices we have the chance of winning."every one listened to me.

"That is true but their camp is already there so we cant.

were you not atleast listening princess?"Seol asked victoriously.

" I can clearly see it general. What im suggesting is first lets make them get out of the camp on the top and lead our plans from there."

"And how do you think your gonna do it?

Now this is my time to mock.

"I'll do something tonight. If i dont return by tommorrow midday, carry on with your plans."i ignored his next comments and turned to commander.

Now he is stairing at me as if to get whats on my mind.

"Then it will be so. The gathering is dismissed."General Shing declared. And they left after bowing me.

" Commander i have a favour to ask."

" what are you going to do princess?" Commander demanded.

"Just trust me tonight im going inside their camp. Please allow me."

"But how princess ?we cant risk your life just like that?"General shing said worried.

"Please trust me sir. If we succeed our men might survive more. If someone supports me it would be better. But should be skilled intelligent and trusted."

General Shing sighed. "Please allow her Commander."

We both looked in shock at the general. I was pleased. thankyou sir..

"Then some one will be ready tonight" commander finally said.

"Thank you sir"

All of us exited the tent.

"Hurray!"the men shouted.

the game i almost forgot.

The game was over and all the participants have returned. Most of them covered with mud. Some got flowers sticked all around them.Every one had scratches all over but werent badly wounded. They looked disgusting but happy.

"Is the quest over?what happened." Commander asked from me curiously. They were getting vine bottles and sweets as prizes from Chengseng already.

"Ask them yourself commander."

We went to them. As we approached one of the teams came to us happily and bowed.

For a moment commander stared at their uniforms and smiled.

"So youll got a flag?"

"Yes sir!"they all replied happily.suddenly Bojan appeared behind them.

"Sir they are the ones who had the fun most."

"Shall i know how?"

"Guess where their flag was?"commander hesitated.

"Bojan just reply."he demanded.

I cant help as i saw their flag i already started to laugh and Bojan joined me too. The confused commander frowned as the team looked down turning red.

"Sir their flag was tied to a Mountain Bison."

"Ah?"

"You must have seen it sir. Without weapons they did a lot. One of them even rode the Bison to remove it. They made traps and they themselves caught in them. They finally got it by hidding in a pool of mud."we all burst into laughter.

"Well done troup!" I said. I guess all of youll have enjoyed team work.

now get a rest. Dont waste too much of time on your prizes." As i said so without even looking they bowed and ran for escape.

"So all of that was for team work isnt it princess?"

"Yes commander. Here we only have each other for support. So we need to understand cooperate and feel each other. in that way no one will give up. And they did have there stress and fear relieved a bit. Also they got enough exercises. The vine will give them a good sleep and i made sure that the sweets will give them enough energy."commander nodded in agreement.

This young lady is too intelligent farsighted and .... intresting.

We then ate our lunch though its late and i went back to prepare the things tonight.

As the time came the guard announced that the commander has come. I stepped out and greeted.

"Then lets move princess."

"Ah?with whom?"

"I will assist you."its now i noticed his black normal outfit just like mine which is efficient for sneaking at night.

"But you are needed here sir."

"General Shing and Bojan is here. I cant risk your life princess and as you said im qualified with all your conditions" His ears coloured red as he said so."...By the way not only the Empress even General Shing asked me to support you."

Commander:

After few minutes we started our journey to the enemies camp. We left our horses at the boundry of the enemies and sneaked near to their camp. Luckily we werent stilll spotted and we realized their are about 20 guard on watch around. And the walls were too high to climb.

"Commander, do you have any idea to sneak in?"

" Not sure princess if we distract them we can be able to use the water streams which goes through their camp."

"Fantastic!Ill take care of the distracting part now you move first to the stream."

"But princess?"

"No buts ill come but you go first."

Saying so she disappeared back to the woods.

Then i got closer to the stream. Strange no guards. I waited their for the princess a bit long then i finally saw her running towards me smiling.

"Qre you alright princess?"

"Hm after a long time i tried something which i loved to do in the past."

What shall this peculiar girl do to the guards.

"What did you do to them."

"Nothing. They are just sleeping."

And then ignoring my further questions she ducked in to the stram. Following her we both entered next to the stables of the enemies camp. We are in.only the horses were aware about our presence.we were at the back of some tents so we were covered.

"So whats the plan princess."

" First we need some outfits."she smiled. This would be fun

Then she disappeared near the tent even without saying anything. Hey stupid princess what do you think you are doing?

"Ming Zeng!"

I was surprised to see the princess popping her head from the bottom of the tent's back sheet.

"Are you gonna help me to take these people?"

She showed me two hands under the tent. I dragged those uncontious heavy bodies out. Im highly impressed by this girl. Also i did noticed two bottles which looked like vine containers in her hands.

"Now commander can you take their clothes off an give me one?"seriously.she says it so simply.

Then she started to draw something on the ground with a stick.Then she kept her impossibly dry backpack behind the stable.As i have dressed myselves with the new costumes i gave the other to th princess. She took them and put on top of what shes wearing as i turned away.She has tucked her hair undr her clothes i guess.

"What are we gonna do to them?" I asked pointing out the unconsious bodies.

"Just roll them in" so i did as she said.

"If they discover they will suspect that theres someone inside without permission.

They wont for a long time cause this is their wine store. Even if they do theyll be confused caused i made them drink a bit too much." She smiled wickedly.

Now this nice girl doesnt seem like that nice.Then she sat on the ground and made me kneel . She has drawn a map of the enemy camp we are standing.

"Ill callyou Ming Zeng until we get out of this place and you may call what ever you like but not princess or anything feminine. So im sure you do understand this sketch. Now Hear at the left corner is there weapon store. And right next to it is their grain store which is so dry and flamable." She smiled. Are you gonna burn that thing.intresting.

" Ming zeng"its nice to hear her calling my name.

"Can you get some gun powder from the weapon store and put both the stores on flame alone. Il distract everyone by the way."

"Sure but will you be safe princes.."she cut my words keeping her finger on my lips. I could feel my face warming up.

"Ming zeng mind your words and ill be safe."she smiled straight in to my eyes.

"After please come back to this same place, take my baggage and wait for me."

She stood and went to the opposite direction erasing the map she drew.

So i fastened towards the stores acting as a norma soldier. No one noticed me that much. But near the stores there were guards all around. I waited for the distraction but nothing happened.I wandered if she was allright.

Then suddenly i heard men shouting."fire at the generals tent hurry! hurry!Everyone help."

Now thats the distraction. Fire before the big fire.

All the guards hurried towards the generals tent.

Then i hurried intothe stores and got hold of the gunpowder. Making things easier i found a barrels of oil to in the stores. Seriously stupid. Without taking more time i threw a lighted torch inside.

Boom!Boom! Went the weapon store also flamming up the grains.

Poor things. Everyone came towards the stores shouting miserably."Fire!Fire!"they hurried to control the unstoppable flames while i got back to the stable.

Iwaited for the princess and i heard foot steps behind me. I raised my sword to his throat. But she was another women dressed in the normal enemy troup's clothes. Three more girls were behind her in mens suite.

"Ming zeng? "

"Who are you?""Where is she?" The woman stood frozen with horror.

"Where is the princess?"

"Princess?" , "She saved us from those lustful men sir. she gave me this and told me to give it to you saying youll be here and said you will help us to escape. She said that shell join you at the boundry."the women gave me a jade ring. Its her's.Is she alright? what is she doing? Why is she so stubborn. "Then get to the stream and get out of here. There will be two horses at the boundry. Take them and go to west. Can you drive them?"

" yes i can i think,"

" then fine. Youll meet one of our troups on the way and tell them that the commander sent youll. Now go." So they got out of the camp. I feel good of telling Bojan to stay near the boundries for us if something happens.

Now where are you princess?

Then i noticed men shouting and running towards their main gate."Its her !Get her!" A man commanded who sounded like their General.

There she is in trouble. I too crossed the stream and took a short cut to the women ,the princess who was running in a white dress into the woods chased by a huge troup of angry men.

"Princess?" I said as i dragged her deep in to the woods. We ran as fast as we could. They were getting closer with swords in their hands. I stopped. This will be useless.

"Princess run. Ill hold them a bit." I said without looking at her.

"No way. "She said stubornly. I looked into her eyes."please"

She straightened herself and demanded.

"If youre gonna stay im too. If your gonna run ill too. Is it better for us if we stop here and try to defeat all this men to kill ourselves?"

I looked at her hopeless.whyare you so stubborn. Are you brave or are you naive?

Then giving me shrills down my spine she held my arm tight. "Lets run"

I obeyed and we ran hand in hand as fast as we could then we came to a stop.we were already at the other end of the mountain. We were on a cliff. Few wrong steps...we'll fall into the rough dark sea.....the end....

Suddenly princess removing her grip from me, holding her head she fell into her knees.

"Princess are you alright?".getting support from my hand she stood up.

"Nothing its just like Devaju. Everything is familiar."

"There they are" one of the men shouted.Arrows started to fly towards us.

The princess jumped infront of me and hugged me tight letting an arrow pierce her left shoulder. She sacrificed her life for me.

"Princess please speak.princess!!!!"

Princess:

I can hear men shouting. Evrything is just shimmering. Commander called me again and again.

But i remember something.

A woman in rags hurt by an arrow at this same place hugged her kid. That child was me. I was crying "mother,what will we do now?you are hurt"

"Just trust mother, honey! Can you trust me?"mother asked so i did nod.

My vision blurred. Commander broke the arrow before it sinks more, holding me tight to his chest. Men got closer to us.

"Commander!"my voice trembled.

"Speak princess. Please stay with me." i felt his heart beat louder. His hands were trembling. He was so warm.

"Can you trust me?"

"Of course princess"

With those words i pushed ourselves from the cliff in to the monstrous sea.

"We'll be safe"my voice ranted. The commander held me tight as we fall. Then Everything went black.....

"Princess wake up!please dont give up!princess!princess" a faint voice murmered. I could feel someone preassuring my chest. I could feel a liquid coming up my throat.

I coughed out the water. I felt too weak to sit so i hung to commander.

"Your safe princess! Rest." His words felt useless. Wemust have survived the jump. We are on the river bay. I can hear the water flow. I cleared my eyes and trembling got up with the support of the commander.

I remember. I remember my mother. Not everything but i know this place . I wake to the edge of the bay.

"Princess are you alright"ignoring him i tried to remember.

sing. mother sang here. Her voice was sweet. I remember her words.

Hush dont cry my darling

Im here to keep you safe

Weĺl ask the great cold mountains

If there're anscestors to keep you safe.

Sing, Great Mountains

Show the path to step

Im weak but i have my daughter

Let me keep her safe... i sang without any effort.

Mother cuddled me and sang out loud.she kissed me on my forhead and listened.

The mountains echoed back the words replying my song. My memories. Effortless my feet ran towards the echoed direction in the same way i remember running with mother.

I faintly hear commander calling my name and following me.

I stopped. I can remember this place. A huge but well hidden by trees a cave was surrounded by thousands of tiny yellow flowers. As if devaju i kneeled to the ground and supporting myself from a tree i rested my other hand on the bottom. I caught something. I cleared the mud.

This is my mothers flute.

It still looked baeutiful. It was made by a kind of pocelain. It was green and had a phoenix carved.

Mother please wait for me. Stay still. I will bring the medicine. The little girl sobbing ,all alone plucked the tiny flowers to treat her mother and ran back to where she left her. A small dark cave.

I remember. I stood up and with the flute and the flowers i ran the way i remember.

There it is. A dark cave. I ran in.

What i saw made my heart sink ,my knees knocked the hard stone with a loud thud where i was standing.

"Sorry mother!im sorry!please forgive me mother. Punish me . Im sorry i was late. Im sorry i couldnt treat your wound. Im sorry for being a naughty annoying child. Sorry for not taking lessons properly."

I remember her dying on my arms. I didnt know how to treat her wound, the place where the arrow pierced when saving my life. The flowers were useless. She gave me her ring,

"Find your father honey,hes in China in thecapitol. Its easy. Be strong youll have to face alot without mother."

"Please dont leave me mother. Im sorry. Ill be good from now on."i wept.

"I love you a lot darling. Ill be there for you always. Do the next right thing my baby. I love you so much!"

She released her final breath. Tears rolled down her cheek.

I cried for hours and thought of listening to mother. Do thenext right thing. I covered her with small stones building her grave and moved on in heavy rain looking for a way. I wasnt afraid of lightning anymore cause mother wasnt with me to cuddle me. Without food i walked for two days maybe three, in the woods. Mothers words always ranted in my head. Also i took something deep in to my heart. "I wont let another die again infront of me because of my negligance. I wont stand uselessly looking at a dying person in the future. Ill learn everything, every medicine,every treatment. Ill do my best. and i wont let anyone loose anyone infront of me.Then i fainted somewhere and when i opened my eyes i was with people. I couldnt remember anything which happened before. I was only 6 years old. Then i was sold to a merchant cause they thought im a boy cause i was dressed so....

"Im sorry mother!" I cried and cried watering the whole floor.

Then i felt someone hold from my shoulders.

"Princess, i think your wound should be treated soon."

I nodded. "The flowers will help me heal" i murmered.

Then he lifted me up and carried me all the way to the cave which we passed.

He layed me inside and lit a fire to warm up. He took the liquid of some flowers and placed them on my shoulder removing my upper cloth leaving in my undergarment. Then he hanged the cloth near the fire place to dry and he sat beside me bandaging the wound.

"Commander!"

"What would you like princess" he asked kindly.

"Can i hug you tight?" He took me closer and rapped his overcoat around me like a brother.

I hugged him tight and wept on his chest which was only covered by a thin top until evrything went black. I dreamed about everyone i loved and lost.

As i woke up already the sun has rose up.i was still holding tight to commander. His arms were around my bare shoulders since the overcoat has fallen down. I blushed as i saw the commander still sleeping as my barely covered chest pressed against his.. I hurried and got up realizing how i have acted last night. I have wept enough for my mother and it has brought nothing. I covered myself from the overcoat.

With all my disturbances commander woke up and i guessed realizing my uncomfortability he bowed and said that he had to treat my wounds.i took my top and dressed myself though my left arm didnt support me that much.

"Thank youCommander!for taking care of me and im sorry for troubling you."

Commander:

"Please dont say sorry princess cause you are the one who saved my life and i owe you though it was my duty to keep you safe." I sounded disappointed for sure.

"By the way are the girls all right commander?"she said distracting my thoughts.

"I think so. Cause i told Bojan to come near the boundries. They must have found them."

"Lets move soon before they do something useless."

"So your next plan will be, taking over the camp we set on fire. But i dont think by the fire they are weakened already."

"True not yet by the fire. But you know commander as i went by the commanders tent to do some distraction, as i saw the girls and got them out ,making the general unconcious i took their plans and documents which looked important before the fire. So they might mess things up." I showed him the scrolls from my baggage.

"Also before everything, in the cooking area joined with the wine stores we were hiding behind,

I put some pills into the cooking pots which will make problems with their digesting and they react pretty fast i should say"

This girls is too...tricky. There she smiles wickedly.

"And for the horses,can you remember me bringing two bottles from the wine stored tent,they had a huge percentage of alcohol and stuff....which is not that harmful even for the human body but it will keep the horses asleep a bit too long. Even if they wake up they will be galloping everywhere without being able to walk themselves straight. I found them hidden at their stores. Lucky. And also i talked to some talketive men before the fire.

I were like" Have you heard about it. It seems like the chinese got 5000 men right now and they going to have 10000 more soldiers later.!"

And they were like, " is it?"

Then i was like"hmmm,their can be more. They areally good at tricking."

And they were like again," seriously its like walking to death,"

Then you know what the rumor flamed faster than i thought." Hey friends,have you heard about it?" They went on."

" princess you have mentally abused them! You did all of that in those minutes? Im impressed princess"

She smiled victoriously. You dont look that cunning princess.

"Practice makes perfect sir"

Now what has she being all this time.

"And about last night, it was yesterday i started to remember my childhood spent with my mother who was killed by the enemies as she tried to save me at the top of the cliff. And it was her grave which was covered with stones. Sorry for bothering you sir."

"I understand princess." You girl must have suffered a lot to live like a man.

"Lets move!"she marched out of the cave taking her belongings.

One moment she was crying and now shes super excited. How shall i understand her.

As we trodded as fast as we could, we found the princess's stallion who has being leading Bojan to us. Bojan worried about the princess wound so to neglect that the princess started to explain our doings in the enmy base. He was so excited that even they took rounds on laughing at certain things. If i could just shut his mouth.

"Bojan are they ready for the fight?"

"I almost forgot i'll send a messenger to inform them not to,"

"Please don't no need!"

I looked at the princess surprised. It was she who told them if she gets back in time we are not gonna fight now. Now what? Understanding my confusion she replied.

"Commander, i can remember what i said at the meeting,but another surprise will be fine for them. isnt it sir?"she smiled.

I feel sorry for the enemies.

"Of course princess, it would be great!" We both nodded and smiled in agreement.

Poor Bojan is still trying to understand our words.

"But you should take a rest to heal your wound princess,"

"I already feel fine sir. And we are already at the camp."

True she looks fine.

Princess:

The soldiers were ready to welcome us. They have seen the enemy camp on fire.

"Congaratulations princess! Congratulations Commander!" General shing wished us. Even genaral Seol wished us.

"So as you said princess we won't have a fight today?" General shing questioned me suspecting that my mind has changed.

"We will, isnt it commander?"

The commander nodded and turned towards the crowd.

"We will right now" everyone looked in surprise.

"We are not going to fight in the valley. We'll directly attack the camp and take that area right now. Everyone get ready. They wont even have time to react to our attack."

Respecting their commander they all formed up to move. The generals hesitated.

General seol as usual," Is this a command of the princess? Has her plans gone wrong?"

He started to humilate me infront of everyone.

The commander stepped forward to defence me. But cutting him.

"Thankyou so much General for keeping hope on me and trusting me that much, for you were ready to accept my plans. I should say we have greatly succeded in our mission that im hundred percent sure we wont loose even ten lives in this attack. And please do concern sir. We stand here at the pits of war. Not a flower garden so you can keep permanant time to work into them. We have to take decisions and change them accordingly. We have to face what ever comes infront of us. As an experienced general you should be well aware about it i think sir."

Every one kept their eyes on his reactions a pretty well shocked by my statement.

" im sure i should," the general bowed failing infront of his own men.

"Long live the princess! Long live the princess! Cheers to commander!" All the troups voiced the same. I feel so happy right now . One mission completed!

General Shing said the words that satisfied me the most." Princess, you have Convinced everyone as the daughter of the lost great emporer. You have convinced your lost parents' their love and strength."

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