Bradums wrote:
Accepting the cup of wine, Baorong was a bit surprised. Considering he had taken a town and a village from this man, Fei Lak was being oddly nice.
"My, uh...expectations?" the young commander echoed, not sure of how to answer, "Well...I guess I expect to be put to good use. I make it a point not to involve myself in politics or any of the more irritating facets of warfare. I simply wish to lead men into battle and watch over those put under my protection - be they soldiers or civilians. In return, I'd like decent pay, a place to live, and a shiny rank, if possible in the future."
For one not ready for the question, he answered easily enough.
"I'll give back Tuying and Beizhou - that is, the town and village I conquered from you - if you agree to employ me. I'm a leader, not a ruler...so they'd be better off under one of your ministers or something," Baorong added.
Lak nodded, he seemed please at the turn of events. He frowned a bit at the word conquered and paused on it to let it roll in his mind.
"Those two possessions would be welcome additions of course, though our true desire is to see the end of the conflict in Yan so we may concentrate on other venues."
Something was present in the Prefect's voice, a small hint of power or untold ambition.
"You see Master Bei, while I have the utmost respect for commanders of your stature, without which I could do very little in this world, I believe it might be important for you to understand that people such as I are also important. If you back track the events since the start of the war with Master Li Lang and look at it from my side of the story, you might notice that the path to where we are now was a careful laid out plan. When Li Lang sought to take my village, I was already on my way to claiming a town. When he came after the towns I had secured he was once more a step behind as we took Shanggu and Ji in one swoop. These cities we now still hold despite his attacks and a single mercenary force sent against him almost captured him and completely stopped his attack on Shanggu without one lost life and today we find ourselves in the position that we are in now. I do not say this to boast or to argue with you the meaning of conquering when no battle was actually fought for that village or town, to argue victories and defeats, I state this to show you that a commander can do only so well as what he is ordered to do."
Lak smiled, not in triumph but in hopes his message would be understood.
"Despite Li Lang's faults and inexperience, he was a man of great talent at assembling men under his banner. I recognized this immediately. I believe that if you join us, you will be an important piece to the foundation we wish to build in Yan. It is my belief that without you, Li Lang's forces would of been scattered to the Heavens as soon as the first engagement, that is why I will grant you what you have asked for if you are willing to help me in our ambitions. What say you Commander, may I receive the same respect from you that I have for you?"
Lak lifted his cup in a toast, he knew his speech might sound too boastful, but Bei Baorong's respect was very important if they were going to build a strong force together. This man had an army with him, some important possessions in Yan and a fine reputation, Lak had to gamble a bit.
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