The Epic of Preamu [Chapter 17]

[Marvzilla]

Foreword: This will be a story about one of my Nationstates Nations greatest hero, Preamu.
Nationstates is a forum game, with browser elements, as you create your own nation and dictate
everyday matters. It also has a strong RP component, as you alone decide how your nation looks,
feels and what it´s history is. I can only recommend the game and the site.

My Nation Liugark (http://www.nationstates.net/nation=l...etail=factbook) is a nation of people
who trace their lineage back to their nomadic beginnings.

They are of Turkic stock, first occuring in history as a splinter tribe of the mighty Xiong Nu.
Their home is the Gansu and and at the western banks of the Yellow
River in Lanzhou. I will write a brief summary about them down.

Spoiler for Brief History: 

The Liugan (or Liu) Ethnicity orginated from Gansu and the Quilian mountains and at the banks of the Yellow River. Many Historians assume that they came from the Quilian Mountains in 800 B.C. and since then roved at the western banks of the Yellow River,Gansu and the Quilian Mountains, which they called home. They get mentioned first in 200 A.D. as a member tribe of the Xiong-Nu (at this time the southern Xiong-Nu). In the same century, they declared independence from the shattering Xiong Nu State. Most historians state that they are of Turk stock being related to the Xiong-Nu.


Raiding northern Han settlements and Tuyuhun nomadic caravans, they got famed for their skill as typical nomad horse-archers, who also employed a melee cavalry type of fighting. To even pass the Silk Road successfully, Caravans had to pay tribute to the
lords of the Gansu Valley. Multiple Han armies were defeated, leaving the Han with no control of the Silk Road. Soon enough, the Liu overtook the lands of the Liang to their west, forcing them to migrate westwards.



The early Liu were a typical steppe people, having no script, history being told by bards and fathers to sons.They placed the skulls of the enemies a man has decapitated in his life before his Kurgan. It was not uncommon for Liu Chieftains and the Khan to drink
out of the head of his enemy. They were nomads, searching graze able pasture in their lands and sometimes beyond. The tribal warriors were split into regular and heavy cavalry, the latter reserved for nobles or experienced warriors. The regular tribesman was clad in linen with fur, leather boots. He wielded a compact composite bow, additionaly a sword or a mace. Heavier Lancers or even Cataphracts were clad in lamellar or scale armour, laminar armour on their arms. Chainmail was unknown to them at the time. They wielded long lances, a composite bow, small shields, a mace or a sword. The sword of the Liu was clearly influenced by Han technology.


In 485 A.D., years after the fall of the mighty Xiong-nu, the Liu Khan Bramu extended the rule of the Liu Khanate, raiding Wei Territories and forcing them to pay tribute. Now he settled his eye on the west, on the Tarim Basin, which was populated by the White Huns. Former brothers of the Liu, these men were descendants of the Xiong-nu just as them. Bramu was known as a reformer, envisioning a more settled life for the Liu, even setting up a permanent camp at the banks of the Yellow River (this camp is the place of todays capital Karahitu).

He also brought in many chinese bureocrats and scriptors, lectoring himself and multiple servants, setting
the base for a change of vocal to written history. He also modeled a infantry force, consisting of subjugated
people and mercenaries of the Wei.Because of his revolutionary thinking he got many enemies.

Please read this little information, as the story will start around this time, first describing the
early years and upcomings of Preamu.

For any further questions about Liugark and the Liu, please ask me here or look for yourself
in my nations factbook.

Any comments, recommendations or help in general is more than welcome. I hope all of you
who read this story will enjoy it, and just have a good time. You may be forced to google
some tribes and nations, as I try to be as historical accurate and authentic, apart from my
freely made up Liu.

And without further ado, let´s begin the story !

Excellent music to listen to while reading ( immersive):

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

or any other Steppe inspired
music.

Spoiler for Pictures relevant to the story: 

Qilian Mountains, birthplace of Preamu.


Gansu, home of the Liu.

Chapters

Foreword

CHAPTER I.: The young Preamu

1. Those beautiful Mountains

2. Stream

3. Bhur

4. Shadow of the Steppes

5. Preamu and Numu

6. The Tiger of Gansu

7. Exile

8. A Jewel of the East

9. Way back Home

10. Father and Son, Tiger and Eagle

11. The Calm before the Storm

12. Leader of Men

13. Preamu, Warrior

14. When the Sky crumbles

15. To hunt a Jackal

16. A scent of Jasmine

[Marvzilla]

Preamu

Preamu, son to Bramu, was one of the greatest heros
this world has ever seen. Or should one call him conqueror ?
Murderer ? Butcher ? Or even Nemesis of the civilised world ?

All of this can be debated, but only one thing is for certain:
Preamu has carved out one of the greatest Empires mankind
has seen, Eurasia laid to his feet. From the vast steppes
and mountains of his home in Gansu, to the warm and
beautiful straits of Constantinople, all the people inbetween,
poor or rich, noble or scum, warrior or poet called him master,
lord, Khan....

The truth is, there is no truth. In one campaign he liberated the
people, in the next he massacred them to the last child. He was
as wild as the winds and at the same time spoke like an diplomat
of the Roman court. He was wise and strong, harsh to traitors but
forgiving to his true friends. He was not one person, but many,
caged in the hull of a mere mortal. There can be no truth, as
there are no lies.

He was Liu in Gansu, he was Hellen in Bactria, he was Persian in
Ctesiphon, he was Roman in Constantinople. He loved his women
and hated them, for they all wanted his wealth, but also him, the
man. He hated his men, but also loved them, as they never forgot
his mistakes but loved his victories. He was split, schizophrenic,
like the earth itself. He was more human than all the people of
his Empire together. But he was no human, as he was the
carnage of the Steppes themselves.

He was Preamu, greatest of the Liu, a friend of mankind, a
conqueror and lover. He was what the Romans called Basileus,
the Persians Shah, his people Khan.

He was Preamu.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter I. : Those beautiful Mountains



"Only the falcon is truly free, as he can spread his wings and can fly where no man can.
He sees the petty world from above, and when he has grown old, he doesn´t spread
his wings anymore. He just falls, and dies. Do you know why he dies ? No, it´s
not the fall that kills him. He dies of a cold heart. The world he has seen from
above has filled him with grief. "

As the sun set it´s first beams of light on the majestic Qilian Mountains, the
Khan of the Liu people hold his firstborn in his mighty hands. He was strong,
that could Bramu see. But would he fall like the falcon ?

"My son, there is still hope. As every man can make this world a better place.
We just have to try ! "

He lifted the toddler up in the air, eastwards, the sun shining in his young face.
A strong wind blew over the plateau and dark clouds where only broken by the
rising sun. It was truly a sight to behold.

Bramus eyes were filled with tears. He kissed his son on the forehead and entered with
him the little decorated tent, where shamans were doing their work. It smelled after
jasmin, and in a dark corner laid a beautiful woman, sweating, bloodied.

Bramu stepped over to her, the Shamans barely making place. He hold the little
something towards her and she took it in her weak arms. She smiled, half crying.

"Preamu."

Bramu just nodded, barely able to hold his tears back.

She grabbed his hand, gazing deep into his black eyes. Motionless both of them
sat there, only the toddler moving slightly.

"I can´t lose you ! You are my Queen ! "

Tears flowed down his cheeks.

"Don´t cry my man. Look, we have a beautiful son."

"But you are my sun. Without you there is only rain."

"And you are my sky. We are together, now or later. It doesn´t
matter."

Again she smiled weak. He did too, the tears still flowing.
They sat like that for what seemed like an eternity.

Then it rained.



Bramu stepped out of the tent. Heavy raindrops fell onto him,
cold and hard. He had his son firm in his arms.

"Do you see this, son ? Your Mother loved those. They hold the
sky, and the sky holds the sun. Those beautiful Mountains."

[Marvzilla]

Chapter II. : Stream



Summer. The season when the mares get their foals and the stallions feed fat on grass.The season where the warm wind blows over the fields,over the streams, trouts and frogs living in it.The season where the young men become unsteady and hunted after every skirt possible.The summer is a good time, a time of prosperty and riches.

Not for the young boy who just got slapped behind his head.

"No ! I can´t believe you still don´t get this in your thick head, young one ! "

Bramu was visibly angered at his son, who tried to hold back the tears of angerand pain.

"You can´t just target the enemy general. The old ways hold true ! Harass,tire and break your enemy before you charge. If needed, you fake a retreatand fight when your opponent is in unfavorable conditions ! "

"But Alexander didn´t fight like that ! He charged Darius and nearly killedhim ! "

Another mighty slap sent the young boy flying. His father got older, but he wasstill a man in his physical peak.

"Alexander nearly lost that battle ! That´s what you get when you merit heroismabove security. Who leads the men when the General dies ? "

Preamu laid on the ground, holding his left cheek. He cried, but didn´t wanted to.How often has his father hit him like that and he still cryied ? That had to stop !

He slowly rose up, with a look of defiance on his face. Bramu sighed and turned,walking towards the camp.

This was the summer camp of the Khan, the one he set up in the Gansu countryside.It was a small valley, and a little stream found his way through the grass. The forestedhills around were used as camp ground.
Preamu sat down at the water. He didn´t cry anymore, but was still about to bawlagain. Why did his father only treat him so bad ? He never was as harsh to thechildren of the other tribe members. But he could be, he´s the Khan after all !That´s what Preamu thought atleast. Bramu was very hard to his only son,because he knew he had to toughen him and ready him up for the mightytasks that lay before him. In one year he would visit the Bhur, the militaricschool founded by Bramu, made for the tribal Aristrocracy and their sons.He knew that education was essential and that if Khanat of the Liuever should rose above it´s current
position, it needed more than merenomads.Those opinions and reforms made him unpopular, as he also broughtthe script and alphabet to the Liu, imported from the late Han.

Preamu was over it now and tried to grab a small trout with hisbare hands. The stream was not very deep, but deep enough fora six year old to drown in. Cautious and sharp Preamu watched onespecific trout, the one all the others seemed to follow.He concentrated on one particular moment and he sprang forward.This heroic leap didn´t get him a tasty trout, but a mouth full of water.He couldn´t swim, and the stream pulled him underwater.Suddenly a big hand grabbed him by his collar made out of fell.His father lifted him up, high above the ground. Preamu was ready to get the hardest beating his father has in reserve.

But instead, he sat him down, slowly.

"You see ? "

"W-hat ? "

"You can´t just attack the general. You will slip and drown inhis men. Watch."

Bramu got to the stream, Preamu close behind him. Bramu goadedthe fish Preamu just targeted with a small piece of bread closer tothe shore. He grabbed after the fish, and when the trout tried to escape
it was already on dry ground.

"Goad your enemies into a position that is favorable to you. Don´trun into his arms, or you will perish."

Preamu was left sitting alone, confused but enlightened.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter III. : Bhur



Winter.

The unforgiving season of the frozen water and harsh winds.
The time when the earth froze. Life got hard in winter.

And so did the nomads of the Gansu.

Several Liu tribes started to raid Wei settlements just
beyond the great Hwang Ho with it´s icy straits.

This was the natural circle between the nomads and
sedentary people. In autumn and winter the hordes
from the endless plains raided the rich and fat farms
of the settlers, in need of food and loot.

The Wei, descendants of the formerly nomadic Toba
were helpless against these attacks from the Liu, with
their swift horses and retreatment tactics. Many stout
Wei soldiers have fallen to the arrow and the sword.

In this bitter time, another chapter of life started for
Preamu, who know was eight years old. The Bhur,
the militaric school founded by his father, for the
sons of the aristocracy. At the age of eight, they
learned to life as a Warrior, the refined their
horseman and marksman skills. They learned
Chinese script, they learned the epics of the Bards.

Bramu also ordered the tutors, who were formed of
old, experienced Warriors, Bards and Scriptors, to
teach them the qualities and the commandment of
Footsoldies, and how a sedentary General thinks
and acts. They learned more of their own traditions,
those which they didn´t knew yet. Why the title
Chanyu was abandoned in favor of the title Khan
or Khagan.

They learned of the known world. Of the two
big Chinese empires in the east, the Wei and
the Qi. They learned of the nomadic Tuyuhun
and Hephtalites, cousins of the Liu. They learned
of the Taklamakan with it´s oasis and their
city-states. They also learned that the Wei were
triburaries of the Liu, that they had to pay them
to keep off their homes, which they refused to do
this very year. They learned of Bramus vision, to
attack the Tuyuhun and expand the realm of the
Liu, so that they could roam freely in the Hexi
Corridor. They learned of the might Rouran
Khanat, north of them, the descendants of the
Hsien-Pi, the people who destroyed the last
remnants of the Xiong Nu, the forebearers
of the Liu.

Preamu excelled in most subjects. Apart from
those martial practices and lessons he learned
something far more important : Friendship.

He and the other boys soon formed a close knit
group, motivating each other, dreaming of a future
where Preamu was Khan and they all would sack
the lands of the Wei and the Qi, just like Modu Chanyu
did with the Han. They also listened to the imported tales
of Megas Alexandros, in Preamus eyes the greatest man to
ever live.

"Give all you got Numu ! "

The big, burly Yahzeer was known as a harsh drill-
master, with a brutal training regimen.

The daily unit of Wrestling was on, and Numu was
clearly losing to the superior Preamu.

"I will get you ! "

Numu tried to spin out of the tight hold, but it
didn´t worked. Preamu pinned him down and Yahzeer
clapped in his hands, ordering the boys to seperate.

"Good work Preamu. Numu, work on you strenght. Go to
the lifting stone. "

Numu was about to complain, but Yahzeer cut him off
with a deadly gaze. Sighing he walked towards the
heavy, round stone. Preamu clapped him on the shoulder.

"Good fight. You nearly got me in the beginning. "

"You are a good winner, Preamu. I just disrespected you
with my weak performance."

"No, you really gave your all."

Numu slightly smiled, hanging his head in sadness.
He was the closest friend Preamu got, they spent all their
time together. Numu admired Preamu, and Preamu loved him
for his loyality.

The other boys were Cammuru, a strong and quick Wrestler,
clearly better than the rest of them. Rudur, a fast learner
who had great understanding for script and language. Utruru,
the best horseman of the lot. Zarwu, the most intelligent one,
with an affinity for logistics and tactics.

They all were bound together like no one else.
This close kinship should be tested often in their lifes.

"But teacher, why do we not just invade the Wei headon,
if we are so superior to them ? "

"Well, Cammuru, your thick head again forgets the importance
of strategy and logistics. The Wei have a clear advantage,
as we are no adapt at taking their cities, yet. Our advantage
is our swiftness, and for that to take in effect we need our
free steppes. Their close and disgusting cities limit their
and our movements. "

"But we can just wrestle them down ! "

"Haha, now you are just stubborn. You won´t wrestle a man
down if behind him is one waiting to kill you. Overthink
this."

"Yes, master."

"I have another question ! "

Tarqu sighed. The young utruru was maybe a great rider,
especially for his age, but he had a maleviolent strain,
that would make any professional killer proud.

"Why do we not just torture them ? That would force them
to subjugation ! "

"Young Utruru, who has taught you anything about torture ?!"

"No one, I just thought it would be a...."

The other boys laughed as he got a light clap with the Bards
route.

"That´s not what we do. Overthink your foul words, young man !"

"Yes, master."

Utruru looked down with a angered grimasse.

"Master."

Preamu stood up. The small learning circle was situated on
a small hill just at the mighty Hwang Ho. The old Bard loved
this place, and saw it as the right place to teach.

"Why do we not just set out to the west ? There are far greater
riches than in the east. The Wei are weak and poor, but the people
in the Taklamakan and beyond are riches. We always hear tales
about the riches of Kashgar and this mighty Bactria, but no
one tried to reach those places yet !"

"Thats because we are mouffons !"

Preamu was one of Tarqus favourite students. The future Khan
was bright and expandive, a strain every great leader had.

"We already control the entrance to China, why don´t we tighten
this grip ? We could take all of the silk rout, but we are
Mouffons, and thats why we are content with our little Gansu
Valley and Qilian Mountains. In my opinion, we Liu are destined
for greatness, we just have to grab it !"

Preamu loved these lessons. Tarqu was not a typical Bard. He
was far more open to the rest of the world, and saw beyond
the great steppes. He had a vision of greatness, just like
Preamu.

"But always remember : One single man is easily corrupted.
One single leader will fell all the greatness he has experienced."

"Why is that ?"

"Because might has the habit to devour men. Great success goes
hand in hand with ones downfall."

[Marvzilla]

Okay, so I want to hear some feedback on the font. Is it readable ? Is it comfortable to read ?

If not I am going to change it.

Also, here is a map so you can orientate a tad better as the story progresses. It shows the
position of the Liu and their neighbours.

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

Ignore some of the northern Tuyuhun borders, as the Liu were far more widespread south, occupying almost all of the Qilian Mountains.

[Tigellinus]

Hey. A good story you have here! The font is readable, but as Radzeer has told me sometimes Italics can make a font hard to read!

Personally I don't mind the Italics. It's your story

Keep it up! +rep

[wumpus]

Great story--you got me interested. I'm with Tigelinus: italics are not really what I'm used to reading, but like him I say it's your story--it's your choice of font. Italics aren't really that uncomfortable to read--just not usual, that's all. Keep up the great work, friend. Hawooh.

[Marvzilla]

Great story--you got me interested. I'm with Tigelinus: italics are not really what I'm used to reading, but like him I say it's your story--it's your choice of font. Italics aren't really that uncomfortable to read--just not usual, that's all. Keep up the great work, friend. Hawooh.

Thanks, and I am glad I got some readers early on. Yeah, it´s my story, but the readers should be
comfortable reading it. If someone has problems I am more than willing to fix things, so it is as pleasant
as possible.

Hey. A good story you have here! The font is readable, but as Radzeer has told me sometimes Italics can make a font hard to read!

Personally I don't mind the Italics. It's your story

Keep it up! +rep

Thank you very much.

Expect a update today, if nothing comes inbetween. I was busy the last days, Christmas and
all.

Thanks for the kind comments.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 4: Shadow of the Steppes



It was Spring, the season of the migration from the
winter quarters to the summer quarters. The Khagan
and his Tribe were already on the move. Hundreds of
riders, Wagons and herdes. Whistles and cries of the
young Warriors filled the mild air of the lower reaches
of the Qilian Mountains, steep and rocky.

Preamu was 12 years old now. Only a few years and he
would be officialy made Yagbu, second ruler of the Liu.
He was now fully part of the Bhur, his day being made up
of training, learning and the occasional herding, as even
the sons of royality and aristocracy of the Liu were not
excempt from lower work.

Preamu was a lively boy, a good observer, intelligent and
physical strong. He already showed signs of a clever leader.
Numu was as strong, and he was the best friend of Preamu.
No one was as bound together as this two. They already discussed
who will get what part of Preamus Empire when he would be
Khagan and Numu his Yagbu. Some of the older women where
suspicious that this two spent so much time together, but
these thoughts were written off as typical gossip.

The other boys of Preamus Bhur exceded in their favourite
disciplines. Preamu knew already that he could count on
them when he would be Khagan, as everyone was loyal to him.

The trek of the Khagan was moving slowly, but steady, to it´s
location at the lower Hwang Ho. A bard sung a song about the
divine horses, which were said to roam the plains of the Gansu,
one of the typical myths of the Liu. He also played on a little
instrument, similar to a Dombra. The chirping sounds made of it
were harmonical with his deep voice.

Some warriors guided the herds to another grazing ground, where
all the goats and yaks could fill their bellies with hard grass.
The warriors looked rather disinterested, sitting on their small
steeds. Bow and quiver at their sides, with a sword or a mace
hanging at their belt, they were more than ready to route any
predator, the four legged or two legged one, either.

The Khagan rode ahead of the trek, with a small band of guards
and his advisors. Usually it was the task of some other tribe
members to scout the area, but Bramu rarely missed an opportunity
to ride out and flee the ceremonies of the shamans or to listen to
women.

Preamu would have liked to follow his father, but the Khagan didn´t
wanted him at his side. He ordered him and the other boys of the
Bhur to herd the goats. Preamu was already used to the dismissal of
his father, but it did hurt everytime regardless.

"This is sooo boring !"

Utruru was easily bored. If he didn´t raced with another member of
the Tribe every five minutes he would let out a sigh and complain
about everything. He was the most energetic of all the boys of the
Bhur.

"Does anyone want to do a race ?"

His eyes filled with excitement.

"I promise, I won´t make fun of the loser !"

The other boys just rolled their eyes.

"You might be the best rider of us, but you won´t accept
my challenge to a wrestling match to this day !" Cammuru
said in a amused voice.

"Oh really ? How about this: First we all do a race, and then
we two do our little match. Anyways, I am not that keen on
touching another man all over his body." He smirked.

"Deal."

Preamu, Numu, Rudur and Zarwu just sighed, but they knew there
was no other way around this.

The boys lined up with their young horses, everyone awaiting
the whistle which would start the race.

"Ayyyyyyy !"

All of them forced their horses forward, the stout animals giving
their all. Grass and earth fly high behind them, whirled out by
the hooves of the horses. The slightly steep landside around them
flew by, their wild hair flying in the air. The finish was set at
a little wooded area, just out of sight of the trek. Utruru leaded
the race, but Preamu was just behind him. The young boy looked
behind, smirking and getting out the rest of his horse. Preamu
ducked a load of earth flying at him just in time.

"Chaka !"

Utruru was whistling and laughing, winning as expected. Suddenly,
he was thrown off his horse.

"Take that !"

Cammuru threw him to the ground. Whistling and chanting the other
boys rounded up.

While the others were enjoying the spanking Utruru received, Preamu
was distracted. Something gained his attention, just behind some
of the trees. He walked to the little forest, where a little stream
cleared it´s way through. It ended in a small pool. Grass grew around
it, and the sound of birds filled the air, a rather rare sound to
a boy of the steppes. And then, Preamu saw something unbelievable:
A young horse, black, drinking out of the pool. It was strong, that
he could see. The muscles defined under it´s fine hairs.

Preamu carefully came nearer to the animal, carefully setting step
after step. The atmosphere was electrising, the air seemed hot.
Suddenly, the horse looked up, bothered by the young mans presence.

"Don´t worry," Preamu whispered,"I won´t do any harm to you. My name
is Preamu, son of Bramu. How may I call you ?"

The young horse looked anxious, watching every move of Preamu, ready
to gallop away. He now stood next to it, slowly carassing it´s
fur.

"I will call you Shanyu, the ruling one."

The horse became calmer. Preamu got a hold on it, swinging himself
on the horses back.

"Let us ride Shanyu, towards the sun, let us ride out of this world !"

Shanyu galloped forwards, out of the clearance, on to the wide
plains. The other boys of the Bhur looked up at once, suprised
to see their friend on such a majestic horse. They whistled and
called his name.

"Now Shanyu, give all you got !"

Shanyu became even faster, racing over the wide plains. Sunbeams
shined over the hills and mountains, making them appear like
a Shadow of the Steppes.

He rode towards a small groupd of people, his father and his
retinue.

"Look father ! I am the victor over the sun !"

The warriors were amazed, and even Bramu had a proud smile on his
lips.

"We have escaped our world Shanyu, we made it !"

This was the happiest day Preamu would ever remember.

[Rex Anglorvm]

Nice story, like the others I don't mind the Italics, perhaps a little nore time could have been spent building the supplementary characters, but this has a lot of potential.

Rex

Rep+

[Marvzilla]

Nice story, like the others I don't mind the Italics, perhaps a little nore time could have been spent building the supplementary characters, but this has a lot of potential.

Rex

Rep+

Thanks for the kind comment.

Well, there will be some more chapters on the younger Preamu, so you might expect
a more deep view on his compagnions.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 5: Preamu and Numu



"But I don´t want to rule over this strange place !"

Numu was angered.

"I always loved Persia, and Babylon with it´s riches.
The golden and blue monuments and halls, the people."

"So you like the pomp of these lands ?" Preamu was
curious.

"Not only that."

Preamu and Numu laid on the hard grass, over them
the dark sky, the stars shining like small diamonds,
reachable for both these ambitious young men.

"There are so many different people. They have their
own, strange beliefs, they have their own dress. I
want to experience all of this. At your side."

"So do I." The air was mild.

"So Persia for you, but who will get India ?"

"It doesn´t matter, as long as we can be together
at one place."

Preamu smiled. They always fantasized about how
Preamu would rule his empire, about the strange
lands they only knew because of the tales and
scripts they learned in the Bhur. Preamu was
fascinated by every single one of them.

And he was sure that he and Numu would never
split ways.

Numu drove his hand through his thick, black hair
that hung straight to his shoulders. He and Preamu
were now 16 years old. It was time for Preamu to
become Yabghu, official second ruler.

"And when we have visited all these places, we will
have our women. Dozens of them." Preamu was already
very interested in women, but wasn´t allowed to
come near any in his own tribe, as only his father
was allowed to find him a suiting lady, and only when his
father was dead, he would be able to take one that he chose.

Numu hadn´t the same feelings. He was never interested
in women, looked after them or shared bed with one.
The only thing that was of interest to him was Preamu.

"Regardless, in the end we bot will always stand together."

Preamu meant what he said. He loved Numu like a brother,
he was the single most important person to him.

"Yes."

"And if one of us dies in battle, a glorious death, the other
will follow him."

"That is certain, Preamu, I would give my life for you."

"And I would give mine for you, dearest friend."

Preamu suddenly sprang to his feet, making a wide gesture.

"But that is of no concern, as we will conquer and unite the
people, from the Hwang Ho to the mysterious Tigris and Euphrat !"

Numu laughed, and Preamus face became as hard as a stone.

"Don´t you believe in me ?"

"Ha Ha ! I believe in you, how could anyone NOT believe in you,
my euphoric Preamu !"

Preamu began to smile and slowly realized how awkward he must look
right now, his arms widespread, proclaiming himself as king of the
world.

But his dream was there. And no one would take it. He knew that
Numu would be the last to be with him. He shared his dream.

Numu stood up. He was as tall as Preamu, a young man in good
physical condition, already respected as warrior and rider.

But silent voices told dirty rumours behind their backs, about
a forbidden love. Preamu never bothered with those rumours.

He saw Numu as his brother, his own blood, the best friend
one could have. He loved him.

Numu loved Preamu, but he saw him not only as a brother, his
own blood, the best friend one could have. He saw him as the
center of the world, his world. He loved him.

And his love was forbidden indeed.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 6: The Tiger of Gansu



It was a dark evening and a cold wind
grazed over the steppe.

The royal camp of Khagan Bramu was situated
on a hill, near the mighty Hwang Ho. Those
were the summer quarters of the Khagan and
his retinue and tribe.

The camp was arranged in a circular set up,
the yurts of the most important people placed
more central, and the yurt of the Khagan in
the center of the camp. Poles holding banners
were placed at the entrance of this yurt, the
banner depicting a stylized tiger on a red
background.

The yurt itself was majestic, finest carpets
hung at the wooden walls, adorned with gold
and jade. In the middle was a fireplace,
the smoke produced by it disappearing through
a hole in the center of the yurt.

With some distance to the fireplace a highend
throne like stool was placed, made out of finest
wood, ornamented with gold, jade and rugs made
out of tiger skin placed over it. On it sat the
mighiest man of the Hexi Corridor, the man who
controlled the Wei and forced tribute of them.
The man who has beat any incursion of the Rouran
Mongols, who subjugated and vassalized the
City-States of the Tarim.

But he was a broken man.

Bramu gazed disinterested into the round that gathered
in his royal yurt. Many men who he knew from his earliest
days, some he has never seen before. They gathered for a
feast, something that Bramu never could find a liking for.
But he was Khagan, and as every other member of the Liu
he had his obligations.

Slowly he sipped some of the fermented mare milk, the
typical alcoholic drink of most nomads. He used a simple
cup, made out of bronze, adorned with silver. He barerly
could hold back a sigh and stood up.

"My dearest friends", he began, opening his arms in a welcoming
gesture,"welcome to this feast. Let us all enjoy this rich
meal, brought by my most loyal friends, killed in a glorious
hunt."

The whole yurt was listening. Bramu smiled, but his eyes only
showed distain and boredom.

"I am more than pleased to see all of you here and I am eager
to hear your stories of the happenings in our realm."

Some men whistled, others shouted his name. It was their form
of appreciation. Bramu sat down, sipping on his mare milk again.

"What has my life come to ?" He silently grumbled to himself.
He was now 43 years old, a high age, and his days were numbered.
His beard was still brown, but the first hairs became grey, as did
some on his head. He wore a long, majestic Kaftan, in the turkic
style. Depictions of tigers fighting dragons were on it, and feel
was placed around the neck. Jewelry, tributes of the Wei court, hung
around his neck and at his forearms. All this pomp was not his world.

He just wanted to conquer, like in the old days, when he subjugated
the Wei and forced them to pay him tribute. When he slaughtered men
and pillaged villages and towns alike. When he took what he wanted,
when he could talk to his men like a man, without any formalities.

He just wanted to do one more campaign, one last thrust into enemy
territory. He wanted to cement his legacy and his dynasty. He already
started the first reforms, beginning with a central camp at the
Hwang Ho, the Yellow River, a centralized seat of might. Then he
changed the military, imported better weapons and smiths out of China.
The bows of the Liu were of the hunnic type, the best avaible. But
he wanted better armour and armoury for his men, who he organized
in the decimal system. All this gained him many foes, but they didn´t
dare to contest his rule, as he was still the ferocious Khagan, who
decapitated the Rouran Khagan, who severed his head and has drunken
finest wine out of the this head. He was still a able tactician,
with competent men on his side.

He also was certain that his dynasty was safe, as his son Preamu was
a able warrior and a bright head. He had the highest expectations of
him. He has never shown his only son any kind of love, but he loved
him as much as father could love his child. But he wanted to harden
Preamu, to prepare for the path of the Khagan.

He already had plans for him and for the Liu in general. In spring
of the next year, he would march on the Tuyuhun, tribal scum,
offspring of the old Xioung Nu. His son would march south, fighting
the Turfan, a tibetan Tribe. This would be his first real test as
Yabghu. Then, in summer, father and son would annex the Tarim. The
Hepthalites already claimed some of the desert, but they would beat
them out for good. He would rule over the newly won territories as
Khagan, further reforming the nation into a real state, while his
son would rule as Yabghu in Gansu, ensuring the security of the
borders. This would be the end of the nomadic Liu and the beginning
of the Bramu Dynasty, one that would outshine those in China. He would
cultivate the land and the people, building big cities. He never shared
the silly ideas of conquest into the west like his son, who was clearly
influenced by the tales of Alexander the Great, which were brought in
from India via Chinese pilgrims.

He also was in the process of marrying another women, seen fit and
beautiful enough for him. Preamu took this as a great insult, as his
father never mourned the death or acknowledged his mother.

He looked around, searching for his son. He sat at the right of the
Khagan, with his friends. Bramu understood that brotherhood was the
key to the heart of his men, but he felt that Preamu got too close
to his retinue, especially Numu.

"Preamu !" Bramu ordered him to his side.

Preamu stood up immediately, striding to his fathers throne.

"Father ?" He looked him straight in the eyes.

'Brave boy' thought Bramu.

"Listen. You, apart from my generals, are the first to hear of this.
I plan one last campaign, which would give us control of the Tarim.
You are going to subjugate the Turfan, south of us, to pacificate
this border. We will rule as Khagan and Yabghu, my son." He told
him in a lowered tone. "I will instruct the Shads soon."

It was one of the few times Bramu slightly smiled in the presence
of his son.

"But father, if we really get so close to the Hindukush, why not pass
it." Preamu had fire in his eyes.

"We could subjugate and annex the Hephtalites entirely, and then...."

Suddenly, Bramu sprang up and slapped his son with his backhand.
It was not the first time Preamu questioned his father and undermined
his authority, even if it was not intended as such.

"You disloyal bastard ! I tell you of my plans, and you think you
are in a position to tell me another strategy ?! Know your place !"

Preamu held his cheek, the fire in his eyes now murderous.

"Father, the time would be right ! Look farther than the ambitions
of our ancestors, look farther than this ! Please, let us conquer
the world, together !"

"You will do as I say !" He raised his hand again, and Preamu was
more than willing to take another shot. He had courage.

"Unruly boy, do I have to exile you ?!"

"Bramu please, the alcohol speaks out of you", Gazu said, one of
his best generals and oldest friends.

"No, he has to learn it. Kneel down !"

Preamu just stood there, not moving an inch.

"Kneel !" Bramu was furious, hitting his son again.
Blood came out of Preamus mouth.

Both men looked each other in the eyes. The whole yurt was silent,
all eyes directed at the son and the father.

"You always think in your limitations, you never wanted something
great."

"I made this people greater than they ever were !" Both men shouted.

"You are just a traitor !" Bramu had a curious smile on his face,
shocked. He opened his arms, turning around and looking around
the yurt.

"You are about to take another woman, acting like my mother never
existed ! When did you mourn her death, or praised her ? Never !"

"You are just like her, upstart and unruly. Thats why I don´t praise her.
Yes I do take another woman, and I do as I please. Your mother is
no more. Either you come along with this, or perish. Now, kneel !"

Tears were burning in Preamus eyes. He knew that if his father would
have children with his new wife, he would get serious contenders on
his title as Khagan. And he would not break down infront of the
assembled Shads and Nobles of the Liu.

"Go sleep with your new wife and dream in your limitations.
When I become Khagan, I will invite you to my marriage, and you will
tremble before my Empire, as it wouldn´t fit into your wildest dreams."

Bramu was fully enraged now, he drew his sword but before he could
land a strike Preamu took a step back, shocked, and his father missed
him. He fell down, unable to stand up, influenced by the strong alcohol.

Preamu now shed tears.

"Look at this man, he wants to unit our known world but he can´t
even make one step after another."

"OUT ! I will exile you, you unruly bastard, you dirty fruit
of your damned mothers womb !"

Preamu turned away and walked out, his friends following him.

There he was, the mighiest man of the Hexi Corridor, the warrior
of the warriors, the Khagan of the known world.

The Tiger of Gansu, drunk and mentaly broken, laying on the ground.

[Rex Anglorvm]

A fantastic last chapter, very well written indeed.

Rep+

[Marvzilla]

A fantastic last chapter, very well written indeed.

Rep+

Thanks, your support is very welcome.

[Marvzilla]

Chapter 7: Exile



"It get´s colder, every night."

"I know." The face of Cammuru was hard as a stone.

"We could be hunting some fine ladies right now, but
instead we are here."

"I know."

"Shame on Preamu for being so stubborn !"

"Don´t say such things !" Suddenly Cammuru showed emotions.

"He might have been stubborn, but he had every right to be
so !"

"Yeah, maybe. But we haven´t done anything, why do we have...."

"Shh."

Cammuru interrupted Utruru.

Preamu had a sympathetic look on his face. He knew it was because
of him that his compagnions had to suffer. He wished no ill for
them, but he also admired their loyality.

"No worries, brothers. We will be at home again, sooner than you
might think."

"When ?" Utruru made no attempt to hide his disliking of the
situation.

"Soon. We just have to hold out one, maybe two weeks !"

"We have almost no food left. The ground will be frozen in due
time. What are we going to do ? Preamu, as your friend, I advise
you to plead to your father. Meet him on even ground." Zarwu
suggested.

"No, that would only show my weakness."

"But you have no other choice. You know your father best.
He wouldn´t hesistate to let you starve out in the mountains." Utruru
said with a concerned look in his eyes.

"No, he won´t do that." Rudur sat down on his saddle, which he
used as a temporary stool. They sat around a small fire, protected
of the wind by a larger rock formation.

"He has no heirs and even if he would beget a heir in this moment,
at the moment of his death it wouldn´t be old enough to continue
his dynasty. Thats the one trumph Preamu has right now: His own
bloodline. Bramu won´t let him die in fear of dangering his legacy."

Zarwu made good points, and even Utruru had to agree. Preamu knew
it was essential to have people of Zarwus intelligence and logic
close to secure ones prolonged success. And apart from that, he was
a good and loyal commander.

"Zarwu is right. And exiling the sons of multiple shads and noble
families has already created a dangerous situation for Bramu. If he
lets us die out here, rebellion is imminent." Rudur said. The young
man maybe was a little fragile, but just as Zarwu he was intelligent
and had an affinity for scripture and foreign tongues.

Preamu just nodded. He knew their situation was grave regardless.
Bramu held true to his word and exiled him and his friends of the
Bhur. Here, in the outer fringes of the Qilian Mountains, near to
Tangut territory, survival was an every day fight, even for such
hardened nomads. Winter was coming, food was spare. They were not
equipped with much, so occasional raiding was a great risk, too.

"We won´t die out here, anyway." Numu just came to the little round.
He tended to his horse, as an injured horse would have meant death.

"We are Liu. These are our mountains and steppes. And we have us, led
by Preamu. In my opinion, we are more than comfortable." Numu said
with a smile. He was more lighthearted than the others, though a
little shy and only opened up to Preamu.

The men just went silent for a moment, overthinking their options.

"Tomorrow we have to get food. In any way possible." Cammuru was
right. Their last proviant was nearing it´s end.

"You´re right, my dear Cammuru. Go to sleep men, as I want you fresh
and ready." Preamu said.

The next day the small band of Liu royality stood up early. They were
exiled for a month now, and with no food and nothing huntable in sight,
they had to change their strategies. Every man saddled his horse, took
some of the last proviant and then they rode out in different
directions. They wanted to scout out a wider range and meet at the same
place at night. They searched for anything: Deer, birds, wild horses,
caravans, camps. Everything hunt and lootable. If one gets in danger
and is pursued, he would have to try to lose the pursuers. If this was
not possible, he had to die a hero, as Preamu said.

Preamu followed a small stream which flew through the rocky terrain.
Hard grass and no trees were in sight, typical for the this range.
Preamu could barely see, it was still dark. He could hear the stream
and the occasional bird, the wind but not much else. He knew that this
would be a long, hard search. After hours of riding along the small
stream in hope some caravan or nomads have temporarly settled there,
he reached a slope, where on the left side a big hill stood high.
The sun was now high at the sky, though clouds concealed it, and after
a heavy rainfall fog disguised the landscape in it´s white screen.

Preamu heard something. The heavy steps of horses, the rattling of
scabbards, talking ! He got off his horse Shanyu, and led it behind
the hill. It stood still and made no sound, seemingly understanding
the situation. Preamu himself got low and crawled along the hill,
hoping the strangers wouldn´t spot him. He quiet couldn´t categorize
the tongue of those people, but they spoke no turkic language like the
Liu. He finally got to a got spot, where he was hidden behind some
bush and the fog hid him aswell. He now could see a small camp of seven
or so people, rudimentary set up along the stream. A small pit was
in the process of making and small tents were erected. Those people
were no nomads. Their clothing was richly adorned and their style of
hair and facial hair was different of the nomadic people. He saw their
weapons, swords in scabbards and could identify them as chinese ones.
Those were people of the Wei ! Preamu was euphoric and almost stormed
into the camp, which would have been his certain death. He held himself
back and got back to Shanyu. He would ride back to their meeting point
in a hurry. Seven people, only one carrying armour with him. Richly
adorned clothing, everyone armed. A diplomatic mission ? Who knew.
Preamu just knew that they had most likely proviant and loot, things
he and his compagnions desired the most at the moment.

He got back to their more rocky meeting point. Everyone got back, the
last being Numu. Preamu was almost sick of worry.

When they finally gathered, he told them of his find and everyone was
excited. Apart from some decent hunting grounds which would be obsolete
in a few weeks they found nothing. But with loot they could buy them-
selves proviant from caravans, and the weapons would have use, too.

Preamu ordered his friends that they would ride out immediatley, and
if possible would camp nearby the Wei. After a long exhausting ride
they came to the slope. It was dark already and everyone tried to be
as silent as possible. They bounded their horses to flocks and followed
Preamu the green hill. What they saw filled them with joy, because
this has Preamu not seen: The men were just company to some sort of
noble woman, most likely a diplomatic present from the Wei to soothe
some Khan.

They laid down and slept, as it everyone was exhausted. They would get
up before the first sunbeams would shine on the plateau and then they
would strike.

It was Preamu who would awaken as first. He woke up the others, ensured
that the Wei were still there and sleeping and after that instructed
his friends.

"We will attack from three sides: Cammuru and Utruru will go around
the hills and the steep range to attack from the left. Rudur and Zarwu
will cross the small stream and then attack from the right. Meanwhile
Numu and me will attack from the hill, gaining their attention. Only
attack when you hear our yells and whistles. Understand ?"

Everyone nodded. They were eager to fight. This would be their first
fight that could end deadly. The Bhur prepared them, and they saw raids
and people dying, but now they would be on their own. Every single one
of them was equipped with a composite bow and a sword, the latter in
the chinese design. They had no armour, only their furs and clothing,
their riderboots and hoses.

Preamu and Numu slowly led their horses up the hill, no one saying
anything. Finally they were at the top, ready to attack. The enemy was
sleeping, they were mounted. But it was still a scary situation.

Preamu looked over to Numu who stood some metres apart. No words, just
a endless moment and a look that said "don´t die".

"Ayyyy !"

They both rushed down the hill which was considerably less steep on
this side than the one they came up. With an insane speed they rode
toward the pit, with the small tents around it. Just now the men came
out of them, scared and confused.

Preamu took an arrow out of the quiver. He placed it on the bow, drawed
it, felt the might of the simple construct, of the elegant arrow. The
force of the senew.

"Shhwww". The arrow glided out of the bow, everything seemed to be in
slow motion. It made it´s way through the cold morning air, it´s
feathers swaying. The small iron tip hit first, forcing the way through
fabric, then skin, finding the target. Blood sprinkled on the mans
finely decorated tunic, painting it in dark red. A expression of horror
on his face, he slowly fell backwards, giving his last breath.

Preamu hit perfectly. He felt cold, but the adrenaline rushed in his
ears. It was his first kill. He just erased a life. He felt no remorse,
just emptieness. Cold and empty.

He felt no different after shooting the next arrow, delivering another
fatal strike to the next man. Other than the first he struggled, his
hands firmly grasped around the arrow in his chest, to no effect. He
collapsed, and just like the first man his face was filled with horror.

Numu killed one too, and Preamu didn´t even thought about to look to
his long life friend.

By then, they rode through the camp and were about to turn. But they
just halted. Behind them the yells and whistles of the others filled
the air. Preamu looked on the ground, slowly realising what he did.
He feared he would fell remorse, sadness, anything. But he felt....
nothing.

Numu looked at him, his mouth wide open and heavily breathing. Preamu
just nodded and they turned around, slowly trotting back to the camp.
The others had finished of the rest of the retinue, and it was only
Utruru who was still yelling and whistling.

Forming a circle they nodded at each other and got of their horses,
while Utruru made one last round.

"AYYYY ! Chaka !"

Finally he came back.

"We have done it ! We are warriors !"

The others just slightly smiled. Utruru got off his horse.
He had a very strict walk and knew where to go.

"Utruru !" Cammuru suddenly hauled after him. The other immediatley
followed.

"There we have it." Utruru had a big, cold smile on his lips.

He turned around, his hand pointing at the small, frightened something.

"Our present back home."

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

I haven't read it yet, but maybe the text could come across the whole page (or is that just me? ) and whilst I can read the italics it might be easier if they weren't...

It looks like a great start, and I can't wait to catch up with it.

[Marvzilla]

I haven't read it yet, but maybe the text could come across the whole page (or is that just me? ) and whilst I can read the italics it might be easier if they weren't...

It looks like a great start, and I can't wait to catch up with it.

Thanks man.

Yeah, I think I am going to change it to non-italics, it just seems to be too unusual, and I have
no actual need for them, just thought it looked more elegant.

I can´t use MS Word (dont have it) so I have to use a simple text editor. Thats were the
formation issue stems from.

[Shankbot de Bodemloze]

Ah I see, no worries - although you could always type it up on TWC?