Beyond the Pit [Pitboss Diplomacy Game] [Story Thread]

[Pitboss Greece]

While the Oldonian and Piercian representatives were still waiting suddenly a phalanx soldier came running towards the house of Lacedaemon.

"I have an urgent message from a nation that calls itself 'Japanese' for Lacedaemon. Please let me in quickly."

The guards opened the doors.

Lacedaemon looked at the incoming man.
"Peritos, welcome back at Sparta! Aren't you supposed to explore the lands north of Corinthia?" he asked.

"Yes sir, but we got a message from a people that name themselves the 'japanese', the message is:"

Let me be the first to welcome you into Japanese controlled lands. just a warning if you continue north you will be running into 4 groups of axe men but they are not just 4 sepret units. they are 4 groups with 2-4 stacks in each group.

Lacedaemon grinned.
"These Japanese people sound like they know how to deal with strangers! Maybe we should send that Oldonian and Piercian messenger to them and see what happens!"

Then he asked Peritos: "Did you violete Japanese borders"

Peritor answered: "We haven't seen anything that showed us any form of Japanese control of those lands. No farmers no people not even civilized lands. Just only woods and jungles."

Lacedaemon turned towards the guards: "Please bring them in"

One of the guards walked out of the doors.
He didn't find the Oldonian and Piercian messengers.
Fortunately Sparta wasn't as big as Athens. Both people could easily be tracked down on the central square.

"Please follow me to Lacedaemon" the gurrd ordered them.

The doors of Lacedaemons house opened up once again.
Both the Oldonian and the Piercian walked towards Lacedaemon, ready to speak out their obviously well repeated and studied words.

"Please say nothing" Lacedaemon said before they could even try to make a sound.
"Words are empty. What could I learn from your well studied words? Maybe you speak words of peace while you intend to invade with countless armies. Maybe you will sound arrogant and demanding, only to cover up your weakness. I am really willing to learn more about both of your peoples. We from Sparta are a proud nation but we do value relations with other peoples. But not at the cost of our own safety.

Follow this phalanx-soldier. We have encountered another nation. They sound very hostile and arrogant. I send you together with Peritos to meet them. You will be well protected."

To Peritos he said:
I will send 3 more units of archers and 2 more units of Phalanxs. Go find these Japanese and send them the following message:"

[q]To the Japanese

I was pleased to read your message.
We, the Spartanians, can always apprecieate peoples who are confident about themselves and who dare to stand up to protect the integrity of their own territory.

I will surely not disprespect your borders.
But as long as we're not moving through lands that aren't controlled by your nation we don't feel any need to stop marching to the north.

We have no hostile intentions and we will defenitely respect your honor and your pride. We have pride and honor on our own.

But we will not give in to baseless demands.
We are very curious to meet your many armies.
I have ordered most of my armies to march towards your lands as well so that we can meet and shake as many as possible hands.

I from Sparta salut you!
May our honorable peoples live next to each other in mutual respect, or, if that's not possible, let's fight till one of our nations will be enslaved by the other.

It will be an honor for us to be the slaves of a strong and powerfull kind of people. And if you're not worthy then we will enslave you without any hestitation.

What will it be, mr Japanese?
Will we fight for honor and glory or will we live side by side in pride and honor."

Peritos left the house, the Oldonian and Piercian men followed him. Outside the house Peritos said: "Please follow me....."

Suddenly once again another man came running into the streets.
"I have a message from the Mayas" he said to the guards.

"It's a special day!" one of the guards said. They grinned and let him in.

Lacedaemon looked up to the incoming messenger.
"Please don't tell me that we have met another kind of people again...." he joked.

"Well, we've met them in the past. It's our old friend, Pacal II of the Maya."
Lacedaemon remembered his quest to walk many miles to help the Mayas in their battle agains the Koreans. Before he could actually be of any help the war was already over and Lacedaemon moved back to Sparta, only to rescue his own city and establish peace among the cities of Sparta, Athens and Corinthia.

"The Maya..... what do they have to say?" Lacedaemon asked.
The messenger gave the message.

"Very well very well.
Go tell the Mayas that they are welcome to follow our scouts to our northern border.

They may be very well interested in meeting the Oldonians, the Piercians and finally the Japanese.

Maybe the Maya want to be a part of a glorious battle against these Japanese. Maybe the Maya, who are like the Spartanians and the Japanese, agree to form an alliance of the strong with both Japan and Sparta."

[Pitboss Vikings]

Kirk was happy to wander the markets with his new friend. he barted with the locals for some of their trinkets to take to his crew when he returned.

When asked by the achmed about the Oldonians he was happy to talk about his people.

he led Achmed to a nerby stall where they could sit and eat and drink.

"Well my people are an ancient group, we have histories tracing backto the dawn of the world. Originaly our elders led our people following the path as orderded by the Great One. the Great One did meet with his people in the mountain overlooking the Province of Oldonia. It was here that the Great Ones plans for his people was laid out.

Over the centuries we have had both good and bad leaders. Mankind is full of both types.

Our earliest leaders were both brave and wise and did send out scouts to explore the world. We found it full of dangerous creatures. Centuries later we found these creatures were trained by the Black Skinned people to terrorise the world. Lions. Bears, wolves and panthers did patrol the world seeking to devour those not like the black Skinned people.

Later in our history we did meet these black skinned people and we have sworn to avenge the deaths of our ancestral explorers.

We have expanded into many provinces now with a governor appointed to lead each province.

We call this land we live in Razolia, it is named after the Great One. The Great one foretells us in the sacred writings that there are 18 tribes in this world he created.

Most Oldonians truly though dont follow the path of the great one anymore, they certainly dont beleive in the 18 ancient tribes." he paused to let Achmed soak in the wealth of history before he drank some local bevarage.

he continued " In recent history the Army did take over the provinces of Oldonia. It was a dark history for us. We met a new tribe to our south called the Japanese and unlike our meeting with the friendly Wyandot tribe to our east. The Japanese and our Generals did not like each other.

Finally after much exploring of each others territories war did break out. Many lives were lost and Oldonians learned the futilty of war.

Fortunatly after 100 years of war, the Razites, the true believers of oldonia, retook the power in the provinces and did end the war with the japanese. The Japanese are a proud nation who resort to action first, words later.

We have poor lands that we live in, we are small in size, but the Oldonians are also proud and whilst we prefer diplomacy to actions we are not afraid to take actions when necessary.

We have agreed to share the vastness of Western Razolia with the Wyandots. They are our brothers, they have been given all of the Northern section of Western Razolia to inhabit, and we both patrol the Wyandot ranges to deter the Black Skinned peoples."

kirk stopped again and sipped his drink

"So tell me more about your people Achmed"

[Pitboss Persia]

The Spartan Marketplace

Achmed enjoyed having a true conversation with a stranger at last. So he was pleased to be given the chance to talk about his people.

" It seems like the spirits have been angry with your people in the past, otherwise you wouldn't have gone through so many difficulties. But don't be afraid, the spirits are never angry against somebody for a very long time." he said, laughing."

"As you may have guessed, my people live in tune with the spirits. But we have too. Our homelands are covered with jungles that have already caused many deaths. If we disrespect the spirits, more dangers will come out of the jungle. At least, this is what the chamans told me."

"But we are not lead by the chamans. Our Empress has guided my people for centuries now. It is told She is the companion of the Great Earth Spirit, but very few things are known about the Imperial Family by simple folks like me."

"My people are very proud of their survival in the jungle, and there is a city where people go so far, that they send their children into the wilderness for a week when they are only ten years old ! This is the city of Wild Kho'Per, where the greatest Piercian warriors are coming from. Rumors say there is a hidden city, where the best of the best are trained. I have been told that only one of ten who go there can survive the training."

"The city where i come from, is not such a harsh place. It is a small city where most of the people are artisans or macons. My father was a macon who worked on our Great Wall. The Great Wall is something we really thank our leaders for. it keeps the dangers out, and the honor in. Oh... where was I ? Ah yes, my hometown..."

A greek soldier came along and ordered the two messengers to follow him.

"Oh, please wait a second, i have to send a message to my Empress. Kirk, i promise i will tell you more about my people as soon as we get a moment."

And so Achmed wrote the message, game a gem to the painter along with a little eye-twink, took the painting, and took the biggest bird he had in order to get all this to the palace.




Pierced Hill

Finally, the Empress had the courage to read the whole message that Achmed had sent.

From : Messenger Achmed, To : Her Great Imperial Majesty Iris the Great Empress of the Great Piercian Empire.


Oh my Great Empress,

if You can read this, my birds were accurately trained, which is great. If You may excuse my beggings for apologizes for disturbing You, You may read on. Be sure that this message is of a great importance to Your great Empire oh my Great Empress.

I, Achmed, born in Asiza, was affected to a fishing boat to serve as a messenger for your great exploration of the great Sea of Spines.

We followed the coastline westwards from Wild Kho'Per. Once we reached the end of the piercian peninsula, we noticed another shore, not too far in the west, so we sailed there and followed that coastline southwards.

After some time we spotted people on the shore who were obviously fighting against barbarians in the jungle. Our captain went to see them after their battle. Once he came back, he said I would be required there, and that a great task awaited me. And so it comes, my Empress, that i am your ambassador with theese people.

So once the great difficulties i had to bring my birds with me were overcome, i introduced myself to the Spartans. They were wearing great armors and weapons of a kind i never saw before.

They look like a mixture from axes and spears. But their shields are not as impressive as the ones Your warriors are equipped with.

So the spartans led my to their city, the great Sparta ! We walked through a jungle, so that it almost felt like home.

In the great Sparta i was invited to see the great leader of this great people. But he made me wait in front of his house.

I said that i had to speak to him but an Oldonian messenger came at the same time, escorted by two great spartan warriors just as the ones who escorted me.

Their leader came out and told us to make an agreement for who is going to speak with him first. We could agree on speaking to him together, so there was no need for a long discussion about this. But the leader had already returned in his house.

So i suggested to Captain Kirk, the Oldonian representative, that we may visit the city while we wait. We came to the marketplace where a great painter made the portrait of me that i have sent You along with this letter so that you may know what i look like.

While i waited, Captain Kirk told me alot about his people and his homeland. He told me ... [report to Vikings post above]. So i have told him about the Piercian people too.

A warrior called us back to the house of their leader, but i asked him for a moment so that i could write this report to You.

Please send me orders about how to proceed.

Your devoted servant,

Achmed

She thought about the situation... an incompetent old fool was asking Her about the art of diplomacy.

She asked one of her servants to bring Her a method of the new piercian writing, so that She could send it along with Her answer.

What could She possibly answer to this man that would be of any use for him ? Would he even understand ? She went to the garden, and thought...

[Pitboss Vikings]

Kirk was very interested in the Pierced ones history, and was saddened when interupted to return to the Spartans leader. Oh well he thought there will be time for story telling later.

As he an Achmed were invited into the inner chambers , before he could even give the traditional Oldonian greeting he was hushed and listend to the spartan leader speak of meeting the Japanese.

Kirk knew all too well of the Japanese and their pride. Once they were ushered back outside and follwoing the Guard he got close to Ahmed and told him more of the Japanese. Of al ltheir secret ninja ways.

"We need to be careful, the Japanese mistrust everyone, if they see us beign freindly together they may feel threatened , they get paranoid of everyone turning on them"

[Pitboss Persia]

As Achmed listened to Kirk, he couldn't help but smile.

"Listen, my friend, they seem to be proud people indeed, and i know your people had difficult relationships with them in the past. But what could they possibly have against us two ? You seem to be a straight man, and i'm no harm to anyone. If i was, i would have become a warrior."

"If Lacedaemon wants us to deliver his message to them, that's fine for me. And we are being escorted anyway."

Achmed didn't realize what Kirk was trying to warn him about. All he could think about was him being an ambassador for two empires now.

[Pitboss Korea]

The Assault on Seoul...

The Aztecs (depicted here by a Korean artist) had done much damage in Korea, as Wang Geon's armies struggled to bring their workers back to safety. He did not want a repeat of Gung Ye's failures, if he couldn't protect the infrastructure he'd at least assure it would be rebuilt quickly. The Aztec armies had done their worst, raping and pilliaging the Korean countrside. They destroyed the monks at Jogye, they razed the town of Wonsan, destroyed the northern farmlands and cornfields, and took both sheep and human captives to satiate their lust for raw flesh and blood. These people were horrible, and nobody knew why they had come, they couldn't even be reasoned with. The victorious armies of Shin Sung had arrived from Pyongyang to help defend Seoul, there was great fear in the air, a great angst was felt through both the armies of Wang Geon from Pyongyang, and the people of Seoul. Nobody knew what would occur next...

Wang Geon's Palace...

Princess Sinjeong ran into the room, her eyes were bloodshot and her cheeks wet with tears, "He's dead!" she bellowed, falling to her knees right in front of Wang Geon's throne "Bok Jigyeom is dead!"

Bok Jigyeom was the last of the Generals under Gung Ye, still loyal to the old warlord, he respected the rule of Wang Geon only due to his marriage to Sinjeong, and had fought bravely to defend the city against the first Aztec assault. The wounds he suffered proved mortal, and the only familiar face Sinjeong new from her old life was finally dead. "I am sorry for your loss..." Wang Geon said, sincerely, he feared he too would be joining Bok Jigyeom - whatever his fate was, "General Gang Jo, what does the situation look like?"

"Well my lord" General Gang Jo began "Shin Sung's army has arrived, but I wouldn't say they are at 100%, they will help though, greatly." he cleared his throat, almost from nervousness "However, the Aztec force is quite large, and they are rather aggressive sir, bloodthirsty is probably the most appropriate thing to say of them. They are almost as wild beasts."

"Any word from the Maya? Any word from Bae?" Wang Geon asked, searching for any sign of good news.

"None sir, I hate to say this, but their route would have taken them through Wonsan, and all reports indicate that the city was razed, the people taken and cannibalized by the Aztecs." the room fell quiet.

Wang Geon looked down at Sinjeong, and for the first time in his life he cared for her well being, and he realized he had brought all of this on them, or at least thought he had, "Gang Jo" he said "Remember what I asked you to do?" he said raising his eyebrows.

Gang Jo thought, and realized what Wang Geon meant, he nodded slightly.

"You must take her to Pyongyang, keep her safe, take the child as well." Wang Geon said.

The Princess rose to her feet and looked at Wang Geon, she hated him, and she knew he didn't trust her "..th-thank you my lord." she said softly.

Wang Geon gave her a stern look "I am a warrior first" he said, standing up quickly "Guards!!! We shall meet our fates!"

Wang Geon Defends Seoul...

With the Princess gone along with his top General, Wang Geon had left the defense of Seoul, the greatest city in all of Korea, the home of Buddhism, to his own instruction. He stepped into the front of his palace, his guards flanking him and his courtiers behind him, awaiting his words. He looked over a large body of Korean soldiers, some professionals, some civilians; some archers, and some warriors; some hardened in battle, others fresh rookies and children; some injured and bloodied, some women.



He remained in his ceremonial garb for this event, but he would soon don his leather armor, he wanted the people to know he was calm, and assured of himself, "People of Seoul" he began "I know there are many among you who despise my reign, and consider it the reign of a foreign tyrant, a warlord, a savage. I know that the people of this great city, the people of the Han river, have no great love for those of Pyongyang, those of the Taebong river. I know that there are a great many of you, who hope that once your arms prove true to the cause of defense of this great Korean city, you wish to turn them against my men, and against my reign. I have my faults, yes, but stupidity is not one of them, nor is gulibility. But you must know this; I came here to protect you from the Maya, because I knew that Pyongyang would not be able to stand up to them if Seoul fell, and I knew that only a united Korea could stand up to the Maya, and I know now that only a united Korea can stand up to this threat as well. I want you to know that I have saved your Princess Sinjeong, I have sent her with my most trusted warrior, the General Gang Jo, to safety in Pyongyang. Her royal lineage, the lineage of Gung Ye, the lineage of Seoul will live on. I am prepared to bleed with you, I am prepared to fall here in Seoul, with you, as brothers, for only a united Korea can stand the test of time. I will not ask you to love me after this, I will ask of you nothing after this, but right now, at this moment if we do not fight together we will all die together. This fact alone makes us brothers. Let the light of civilization shine against this dark force, these horrible Aztecs worship their evil Dragon God by feeding him blood, and they too wish to feed upon your blood and the blood of your children, and I say let us take a page from their book. Let us feed the soil of great Seoul, of great Korea with their blood. Let us unite this country, and our people with the blood of these insolent scum. I beg of you Seoul, men of Pyongyang. Let no Korean man be brought back to their savage rituals; WE MUST FIGHT THESE FIENDS TO THE DEATH!!!!"

Tikal, Mayan Territory...

The Korean envoy finally arrived at the city of Tikal. All four of the travellers, Hae Mosu the translator, Jumong the Captain, Subo the Monk, and General Bae Hyeongyeong were awestruck by the city's beauty.

"Oh my" Hae Mosu said aloud "So this is what Hong Yu spoke of, it is glorious indeed."

Bae looked around, he had been everywhere in Korea, he had been to Sparta, and nothing had prepared him for the wonders of Tikal, "This is truly amazing." he said to himself.

The Mayan soldiers approached, "What business do you have here?" they asked.

Hae Mosu replied back, in Mayan "We um, we have come to see your Pacal, we have words from Supreme King Wang Geon of Goguryeo, master of Korea."

The soldier stared at him blankly.

"Did you say it right?" Bae asked.

"I think so, here hand me the message" Hae replied, taking it from Bae and handing it to the Mayan soldier who seemed in charge "Here, this is our missive, we would like to have audience with Pacal as well, if this is possible..."

TO: His Majesty Pacal II of the Maya
FROM: Supreme King Wang Geon of Goguryeo, master of the Koreans

Mighty Pacal;

We are pleased to inform you that our soldiers have been victorious over the Aztec scum in both onslaughts against Pyongyang and Seoul. There is, unfortunately, an army marching towards our friends of Wonsan, but we hope that they, much like the mighty Korean warriors, can dispatch these barbarians. I have sent a small contingent including ambassador Bae Hyeongyeong to your court in order to give any help possible in your efforts against the Aztecs. We also wish to show you a sign of goodwill, and once this scum is dealt with we hope you and your family can accompany our entourage back to Seoul for a celebration of the destruction of the Aztecs.

We also would like to inform you that our Princess Sinjeong has given birth to Empress Daemok, and if it pleases you we would wish to offer her hand in marriage to your majesty.

Thank you for your time and your wisdom.

-Wang Geon, Supreme King of Goguryeo and master of Korea-

The envoy had no idea that a huge battle was to rage at Seoul, the ramifications of which would change Korea forever...

[Pitboss Rome]

800 BC

The Romans have become the first people on Terra to develop an alphabetic writing system.

[Pitboss Vikings]

Word arrived in the Western Razolia region. The Hardy boys Brigade was wiped out. Murdered by a sneak attack by the Hordes of Hell Axemen.

This left the northern portion of Oldonia exposed , the farm lands the cottage industrys the mines.

The Prince ordered a full return of all armies again to protect the homeland.

Once we finalise this action, said the Prince, we will mourn the passing of the greatest Brigade of Oldonian soldiers ever. They have already gone done in history we shall remember them.

[Pitboss Japan]

Empress Rin received the message from the Greeks. They were not like the Oldonians who failed to show them the proper respect and who attacked Japan only to be killed by the thousands. They seemed to be a strong prideful people who would make a good addition the Japan’s retainers. She sent a response back with a squadron of ninja from the hidden leaf village. The ANBU black ops were regarded as the best of the best so she know that even if the Greeks tried something funny the ANBU would be able to kill them without much trouble.

Greeks,
We could care less whether or not you continue north. We were just trying to warn you that the forces you were taking north were not enough to stop the mass of barbarians in these areas. And the area were the jungle ends and the desert begins is all Japanese territories. We have claimed those lands along with many others many years ago and we will die defending it if need be. So pass if you wish but any who settle there will be killed. Currently my army is on the island of Japan so I invite you to send one of your ambassadors to Japan. After this happens we may talk about our future.

Empress Rin, leader of Japan.

[Pitboss Vikings]

The crowed gathered in front of the palace. The pricne had called as many people together asd he could. Thousands upon thousands of Oldonians were gathered for the speech.


My fellow Oldonians, it is a dark dark day looming for our peoples. For centuries we have been fighting the evil palgues of death from Hell. But nothing in our history has prepared us for what is coming.
Our scouts have seen to the north 3 battalions of axemen heading towards our industrial areas. The loss of this areas could lead to the end of Oldonia as we know it. Without the industrial centre we can not equip our selves to continue the fight.

But this is not the worst of it my fellows. To the south on the edge of the Forrest Province is the largest gathering of the Black Peoples ever seen.

Numbers beyond counting have been seen entereing the Great forrest. Our brave troops down there will do there best to repel them. But this means we will have no support from them to aid us in the north.

People, if the southern provines fall we will be soon under attack here in Oldonia itself.

We must go now and pray that the Great One forgives us of our wrongs and that he will intervene on our behalf. If this fails we will fight to the last man woman and child. It is better to die than to be enslaved by these maurauders. In the past they have raped and pilalged all our lands. They will continue to do so.

The people in the world we have met are also under attack so no one can come to our aid. This could be the last years of Oldonia.

People go now, pray, prepare, for tomorrow we fight.

[Pitboss Japan]

A messenger came to Empress Rin from where the two unites from the old Zanza guard were stationed. Apparently they were noticing large groups of barbarians coming from the east of them. From the looks of it they would reach the Oldonian city in only 8 days. Empress Rin was unsure what she wanted to do but she did know that she could not let the barbarians gain control of the Oldonian city. She sent a reply back to the Zanza guard stationed in the southern bay.

Brave solders of Japan. It is with great sadness that we must inform you that the closest reinforcements are at best still a month away. Never the less you must hold the barbarians to the south off for as long as you can. The fait of the Oldonian city and the security of our land (the southern bay) are souly up to you for now. I pray you can hold out for if you cannot all hope will be lost.

Empress Rin

[Pitboss Persia]

Foreign writings

Shortly after the introducing of the Piercian Writing, many officials complained about the difficulties they had teaching it to foreigners. A solution was quickly found. The Piercian Empire conformed to the roman alphabet for any foreign affairs, so that understanding other cultures quickly became much easier, and communications were made faster, since there was no more need for transcriptions, or foreigners who understood piercian writings.

This opened the Piercians mind for more collaboration with foreigners, since they could see how much good the collaboration with Rome had brought them.

[Pitboss Rome]

Open borders with the Piercian Empire led to increased trade with the Roman Empire. The two cultures exchanged many valuable commodities and complemented each other culturally. Roman shipbuilders admired the well crafted Piercian ships that sailed to Rome on the Tiber River. It was not long after Piercians began writing with the Roman Alphabet that scrolls describing the construction of ships made it to Rome. This prompted Rex Tullus Hostilius to work towards regulating naval traffic in Roman waters. Among his decrees several where concerned with safety and prompted the construction of the first Lighthouses.

[Pitboss Japan]

With each passing day the barbarian ax men moved closer and closer. Though the axe men had better weapons the Japanese warriors were able to decrease their numbers. When the fight started the ax me were 4 stacks deep and the Japanese warriors were only 2 stacks deep. By the end of the first day of battle the barbarian axe men’s numbers fell to only one unit but so did the Japanese warriors. The remaining Zanza guard know they could never defend against the axe men were they were so they moved to the top of a hill on the base of the mountains surrounded by a forest in hopes of gaining a better advantage over the axe men. This would be their last stand for better or for worse this would decide the fait of the Oldonian city that was only 7 days away from were they were. May the Great one have mercy on the souls of the brave men who have given their lives to defend our Oldonian friends.

[Pitboss Korea]

The Aztec Assault...

The Aztec scourge had done its share of damage to the Korean countryside. Whole villiages were decimated, whole industries crushed, and whole family histories ended bluntly and without mercy. The time was very tough. Throughout the planet this theme was repeated in different places, unbeknownst to most who shared in its suffering. If anything good was to come of the Aztec uprising it was a new feeling of brotherhood between the formerly seperate Korean villiages and townships. The few monks who survivied in Jogye fled to Wonsan, the few people who survived that town's destruction had fled to Seoul, and the surviving armies of Pyongyang hurried themselves to Seoul as well, but to protect their master Wang Geon. Ironically, centuries prior Wang Geon himself attacked Seoul in order to take control of the city from its warlord, Gung Ye. This concept of brotherhood and unity, this shared feeling among the civilized over those of the barbarians was not unique to the Korean people; it was also shared between the far away people of Japan and Oldonia, who were once enemies now shared one in common; a barbarian plague...

Just Outside of Pyongyang...



The Aztec warlord Acamapichtli stood before his unit; he was pleased with what he had seen. He knew that his allies were surrounding the city of Seoul, destroying its infrastructure, its roads, its supplies, assuring the demise of the great Korean city and bastion of the Buddhist faith. He was sligthly jealous that those men would bring back many warriors for Quetzecoatl's bloodlust, and the famine that plagued his villiage would soon be at an end (many scholars currently believe this disease was brought about by their new religious practice of cannibalism). "There before us lies our destiny great warriors, remember, the more you kill the less Quetzecoatl shall feast. And the more your children shall suffer." He said, staring down his warriors, willing them to victory with his eyes. "These Koreans hide behind their city for defense, they rely on their missiles from afar, they are not men, they will not pose a challenge to our warriors, they will readily surrender, and we shall be the first to arrive with spoils for the great Quetzecoatl!" Acamapichtli lifted his bronze weapon, and pointed it towards the sun. The sky was clear, and the sun shone brightly upon the city, "The omens are good men, so do our gods proud!!!"

Meanwhile in Seoul...

General Shin Sung rushed to Wang Geon, he had ran for what seemed like hours, accross to the other side of the city (it was more like five minutes), "My lord, my lord!"

Wang Geon was returning into the city limits, after his unit of warriors destroyed a unit of Aztec warriors, he was quite proud of what had been done, but realized that he had no time to celebrate, "General Shin Sung, what is the matter?" his head had certainly changed from that of a King to that of a warlord, and it was a change he greatly enjoyed, even if it was only temporary.

"Sire, we have lost many man, and the Aztecs are crossing the Han, we haven't much time, I am afraid the day may be lost." he said.

Wang Geon grabbed the general by his leather breastplate "What are you?"

The General was shocked, he had no idea what Wang Geon was talking about, "Wh-what? I am Shin Sung sir!"

"No, you pathetic twit!" Wang Geon said, tossing him to the ground like a rag doll "You are a GENERAL OF PYONGYANG, you WILL ACT LIKE ONE!"

Wang Geon's unit hardly flinched, as they ran towards the other side of the city, Shin Sung watched to see if anyone was looking, they were not; they were very disciplined. Wang Geon held out his hand, to help Shin Sung up "I'm sorry sir" Shin Sung said, as his King lifted him to his feet.

"There's no time for that, we must go" he said to Shin Sung, slapping him on his back "ARCHERS!!!!"

...Seoul's archers stood at the edge of the city, as the Aztec forces charged them, Seoul's warriors sat ready, when the archers fired they would strike back, and hopefully with a distracted force the Aztecs would fall. "Ready!!!" Shin Sung yelled, as Wang Geon looked on nervously; this was it.

"Wait for my signal!!!"

The Aztecs were gaining more ground, their bronze weapons glistened in the shining sun. The Korean warriors sat, staring down at their fate. There was hardly order to the diminished units, many professional warriors from Seoul and Pyongyang were intermixed, their official units battered to the point of uselessness, many of them were civilians and farmers armed with wooden spears and pitchforks.

"GET READY!!!"

The warriors in the front line dug their feet into the dirt, crouched behind their wooden shields and prepared to meet their doom.

"FOOTMEN, FORWARD!!!!" Shing Sung yelled.

The first line began to move forward.

"ARCHERS!!!! ON MY WORD!!!!"

"FIIIIIRE!!!!"

Days Later, Outside of Pyongyang...

Gang Jo and Princess Sinjeong made their way towards Pyongyang, for most of the trip there was silence. Partially because of the premature death of Bok Jigyeom, but mainly because both travellers had other things on their mind; the Princess didn't know what to think, the man she hated for so long, who she begrudginly bedded to produce a male heir, the man who cursed their female daughter, had shown some form of compassion for her people in Seoul. He stayed behind, and let her live, protected by his finest advisor. She felt a sort of respect for Wang Geon, and in many ways hoped that he would win the day in Seoul, but certainly doubted this would occur.

For his part, Gang Jo was equally confused, and a little nervous. Had he again been slighted by Wang Geon? He has been passed over for every diplomatic appointment, he hadn't led a military unit since they captured Seoul from Gung Ye to begin with, and he was kept constantly at the King's side, and for what? Insults? Now in Korea's most dire and, up to now, most important hour he was accompanying a girl and her baby to a city which has been deemed safe? Then there was the matter of his job; he was ordered by Wang Geon to, in effect, spy on the Princess. The Princess he had admired, the Princess he was attracted to, and the Princess he had dreamed of being with. He told himself over and over again that it was mere sexual attraction, it was simply the forbidden fruit, but he couldn't break his thoughts, and he couldn't deny his own emotions...

"So, how long do you think until we arrive?" the Princess asked, breaking the akward silence, and Gang Jo's train of thought.

"Huh?" he grunted, "Oh um, we should be there soon."

"I know you are troubled Gang Jo" the Princess continued "Being far from the fighting, but I am glad you are here, I am afraid for my child" she said, referring to young Daemok, who was hidden among her clothing so they would not be noticed. Gang Jo too had to change his appearance; he dressed as a mere farmer.

Gang Jo turned around and smiled "Thank you, I really appreciate that."

The Princess knew what she was doing; she knew Gang Jo didn't like the way Wang Geon treated him, and she thought she could gain an ally from her new friend.

"Oh no!" gang Jo exclaimed, holding up his hand "Stop your horse!"

They both looked up, and over the hill a large plume of smoke rose into the sky, "What is it?" the Princess asked.

"Over that hill is Pyongyang, we must hurry!!!"