Wheel Of Life

Mark sat patiently on his horse Stormbreaker, awaiting the arrival of a messenger from Tsubotai or Boudica. Behind him stood 19 Red Ribbons, clad in a variety of armour and weapons.

The Heavy division were dressed in heavy black armour, with black cloaks drapped across their shoulders, the red ribbons on their arms tied tightly. The armour was plated and had ample room for movement. Little Tai had two swords strapped to his waist, one longer and heavier than the other. Bertrand had a long greatsword strapped to his back, the engraved hilt protruding from his behind his cloak and peeking past his shoulder. Vlad held a long spear similar to the one Mark wielded, whilst Lucan had a long sword strapped to his waist, with a heavy shield upon his back. Octavian stood to the rear of them, a double handed hammer in his hands, a shining white smile on his tanned face. This group looked raring to go, as if there was a competition between them to see who could cause the most damage.

The Light division were dressed in black leather armour, with red ribbons strapped to their arms. Gan Ning looked excited, the bells on his belt muffled so to not alert anyone before their arrival. The group had a mixture of weapons, but most held short swords or axes. They had the most important role in this task, to charge in to the enemy camp and encite the initial chaos. They looked surprisingly organised, and Mark believed this was down to Eduardo's influence on them. They had something to prove and Mark was excited to see it.

The remaining troops were from Boudica or Tsubotais groups who hadn't been sent to scout, they all held bows in their hands, with short swords strapped to their waist. They were dressed in leather armour like the Light division and looked ready for business. Kish and Leif were mounted behind Mark, ready to follow their new commanders orders. Sakura was also by Mark's side, saddled on Boudicas white horse, raring for a fight, Mark looked at her and could see a cold blooded killer underneath that gentle frame.

"They are taking too long." Leif mentioned quietly.

"Patience Lief, a good recon can take a while, it can never take too long." Kish replied.

"I'm not disagreeing, I am just excited!" Lief replied, slightly louder this time.

"Shhhh!" Sakura replied sternly, causing Leif and Kish to become silent. "Look there!"

She pointed towards the forest ahead of them, just slightly off the path. The bushes moved quickly, causing the nearby Belle to step forwards with her bow drawn.

Mark motioned for her to lower the bow, which she did immediately, there was a slight frustration on her face as she wanted to prove her worth early on.

"You'll get your chance." Mark whispered to her, motioning for everyone to stay calm.

Suddenly from the bushes a familiar face appeared, it was a panting Tsubotai, whose black leather armour was coated in mud. He smiled at the sight of the forces, happy to see them in their glory.

"There are 4 houses in a clearing, with a small warehouse and a large fire pit in the centre. Just as Little John had mentioned. We counted 19 bandits, however their may be more inside, they seem to be guarding something in the warehouse, I tried pressing Filipe for information but he refused saying it was not part of the deal."

"Well done!" Mark replied. "What do you feel is the best plan?"

"Boudica agrees with the earlier plan of surrounding them, she is in one position that is closest to us, which we will say is the south. Maurice and Coyotl are at two separate positions, one in the north east and one in the north west. I think we should take half to Maurica and Half to Coyotl, with you and those on horseback charging from the south." He replied.

"I think that is a good idea, however I would prefer to have the Heavies charge from one direction. The light from the other and myself with the horse from the remaining." Mark replied. "With the Archers jotted around for support.

"Ok, if Gan Ning can ring his bells as he charges, and they scream as they charge, if will cause panic." Tsubotai replied.

"Then if the heavies charge in, roaring loudly, they will have to split their force, who will already be disorganised." Sakura added.

"Then the archers can take pot shots at those who seem to be trying to gain control." Tsubotai continued.

"Followed by you and the horse charging in from the south, striking in between the split forces who will be facing the other direction." Sakura finished.

"Seeing you have both devised this plan, that is what we shall do!" Mark replied excitedly. "What is the situation with Filipe?"

"Sorry, there was a slight incident and Boudica cut his throat." Tsubotai replied solemnly.

This made Mark feel slightly depressed, he knew the man would most likely end up in this situation, but he hoped he would honour his word and have a chance at life again. Mark had even planned on offering him a place in Ravens Peak if he had gone through with his task.

Mark motioned for Little Tai and Gan Ning and explained the plan, they both looked excited, and as they were best friends the excitement on their faces at competing was vivid.

"The unit that gets the most captures and kills, will get to travel to Runetown for drinks this evening, paid for by myself." Mark added. "Kill initially, but I would like a few captures."

They both nodded and headed back to their troops, before moving silently towards the forest.

"I will take the lead and direct people to their positions." Tsubotai stated. He bowed slightly to Mark and headed back into the forest beyond. Little Tai and his men followed first, followed by Gan Ning and then the remaining Archers. Mark followed last, they had the least ground to cover, and himself, Leif, Kish and Sakura would also be the last to charge.

They slowly traversed their way through the forest, gently directing their horses over the uneven ground. Mark felt excitement billowing in his stomach, he was about to lead his first charge, and after the brief fight with the bandits last time, he was excited to try out his spear skills again.

Sakura looked at him, a smile on her face, she was also excited for the fight, as were Kish and Leif.

The journey felt as if it was taking for ever, but in fact they had only been travelling for around 10minutes before anything worthy of mention happened.

The first thing they noted was blood, and lots of it, as if a fountain of blood and spread itself across the low leveled ferns that covered the thick under brush. Mark's eyes followed the trail of blood and noted the dead body of a middle ages tanned man, whose throat was cut like a wide smile.

"That's Filipe." Sakura whispered, leaving Mark to nod his head. Death was a common thing in war, and Mark had to come to terms with it one step at a time. The fact that it almost seemed normal did worry him slightly. The scent from the body was fresh, with the iron blood smell reaching their noses, there was also a faint undercurrent of excrement, which came from Filipes bowels when Boudica had slit his throat.

They eventually reached a slight clearing, and noted the waiting Boudica who was stood with her bow ready, her bastard sword in it's scabbard to her side. A smile reached her face when she was Mark's arrival.

"Ready when you are." She whispered, preparing to launch her arrow in to the air, to signify for Gan Ning to launch his attack.

Mark jumped from Stormbreaker's back and handed the reins to Kish who was by his side. Mark then slowly paced towards Boudicas side to look at the soon to be field of battle.

There were 4 houses as Tsubotai had said, they were roughly thrown together with wood and were a single level in height. Mark would have preferred to call then hunting cabins himself. The warehouse was small, and couldn't compare to the other warehouses he had seen, it was more of a miniature barn, with an open doorway. There were 2 men who stood sleepily at its entrance way, both sat with their weapons to their sides.

Mark noted several people walking around the camp and chatting, whilst other were sat around the fire in the middle. The counted 16 in total, meaning the rest would run from the houses. They did not look prepared for a fight, but more for a leisurely day. Most likely expecting their boss to return from his doctor visit in Runetown.

So this is the Mount Tai Wood Bandits hideout, Mark thought to himself. He looked around and noticed the clear paths that both Gan Ning and Little Tai could use to charge in. He felt that the plan that had been put forwards was ideal for the base they were attacking.

Gan Ning could draw attention, allowing Little Tai to hit their flank and pull them away from that fight. As they split on both sides, Mark would charge in cause the deciding blow.

The lack of fortifications showed the level of ineptitude from Little John and Jama, who it was quite obvious had never expected to be attacked. Mark realised he should look more closely to his own defences after this battle, as it was something he hadn't taken majorly in to consideration, believing the current fort and forest were enough.

Mark headed back to Stormbreaker and mounted. The horse excitedly scratching at the ground infront of him. Mark looked at those around him and smiled, the five of them including Boudica would have a key role at causing chaos very soon.

Boudica looked at Mark and nodded, explaining with her eyes that everyone should be in position and ready now, and that now was the most ample time.

Mark returned with a nod, ordering her to send the signal. She smiled and placed her white arrow in her long bow, attached to the end of the arrow was a thin red ribbon. She began pulling the string back slowly. When it reached the correct distance, she aimed it in the air, before releasing the arrow and a long breath.

The arrow shot in to the air, making almost no noise. If you had not been staring in to the sky at that moment, looking for a signal, you would not notice anything different.

At first there was nothing, no noise other than the bandits living their daily lives happily. Then there was the sound of jingling, causing some of the bandits to look towards the north east confused. This was followed by a loud guttural roar as 9 of the Red ribbons charged from the woods beyond towards the shocked and mystified bandits.

"We are under attack!" A bandit shouted loudly, before an arrow quickly hit him in the throat from Gan Nings direction. He grabbed at his neck, as blood seeped out between his fingers. His voice gargling as he fell to his knees. Clasping at the air in front if him.

The bandits reacted surprisingly quickly, grabbing what ever weapon was nearby and charging to meet the oncoming force. More bandits headed out from their houses and went to join their comrades.

The Light division soon reached their unprepared enemy. Gan Ning lifted his double swords and slashed down upon the first bandit he reached, who meekly raided his wood cutting axe to meet him. The swords cut through the wood and through the forearm of the shocked bandit, who screamed in agony. The Red ribbons charged past Gan Ning and clashed directly with the Bandits, who currently outnumbered them.

Hilda and Rollo smashed the oncoming bandits with their shields and following up with an axe or a sword slash. Hilda's sword piercing the stomach of an oncoming bandit, whose breakfast contents escaped from his open stomach. The Bandit soon fell to the floor, and was trampled by the feet of Jin and Vito, who took lead infront of Hilda and Rollo, aiming for their own glory. The look of pain and confusion on the Bandits face was reflected on several other faces that reached the charging Red Ribbons.

More bandits soon reached the Red Ribbons, causing a slight slow in their momentum. Boudica drew her bow again, launching a second white arrow with a red ribbon attached in to the sky.

There was a roar from the North West as Little Tais men charged out from the woods, their cloaks fluttering as they ran. These heavy troops, built from exiled knights, looked like a force from nightmares. The sound of their footprints causing the air to rumble. The bandits leaving the houses quickly headed towards this knew foe, fear blatantly in their eyes. This move relieved the pressure that was about to hit Gan Ning, seeping more chaos in to the camp.

The first bandit hit from this new force had his head smashed from Octavians heavy hammer, bone and brain matter escaping from the impact. The bandits face soon turned 180 degrees and the bandit soon fell to the floor, a quick death sealing his fair. His allies soon joined him, stabbed at from Little Tai and Lucan, blood seeping from their wounds. One bandit was lifted in to the air as Vlad's spear impaled him in the c.h.e.s.t, screams of agony and despair being the last to leave his lungs. The bandits reaching them could not keep up, and were easily trampled by this heavyweight shock force.

More bandits left the houses, causing Mark to recalculate the numbers, there was definitely more bandits here than he was expecting.

Boudica drew her bow once more, shooting an arrow towards the back of a man who was starting to rally people in the centre. He grabbed at the arrow and span in their direction. A scowl upon his angry face.

The Man held a huge double headed waraxe, with a bald head and blue tattoos that covered his hairy c.h.e.s.t. The arrow protruded from his back, but seemed more of a hindrance than a damaging blow. He looked through the forest in their general direction, a clear hatred for the hidden enemy.

Mark took this as his signal, pressing his legs tightly against Stormbreaker's sides. It's my turn now, he told himself.

"Charge!" he ordered excitedly.