Post by Liu Biao on Jun 16, 2010 17:51:09 GMT
The sky was blue and filled with warm rays of the sun which pierced the cloudless sky like spears of light to shine down on Cheng Liu. A cool breeze refreshed him as it was blown over the ship driven by their own momentum down the river. It felt good to have a day off just for once from training the army, killing bandits or defending his lands against other unspeakable evils. One day where he could keep his sword sheaved and his armour packed in his bag. He was a guest on a large merchant ship of out Xiang Yang. The captain was heading to Jiang Xia to sell his wears and had offered to take him there for free so he could holiday there for a while. All the merchant captains felt they owed him one after saving them from the pirates they used to haunt the river banks.
“We’re coming into port now my lord.” Captain Xia called from the bridge. It was not necessary he could see the city himself from his position on deck. He was lying in a comfy bed on deck drinking juice. This he thought was the life, it almost made up for the torture he had endured to get rid of those pirates. His nose which had twice been broken still pained him a little.
“Well its been a please captain.” He said standing to thank the captain for the ride as he walked down the gang plank into the city. The crew waved him off as he left.
“It was the least we could do to thank you my lord, have a good time.” Captain Xia said waving his guest off. He would soon be busy unloading his cargo of spices and looking for someone to sell to. So long deprived of river trade it should not take him long. Cheng Liu in the meantime decided to hit a tavern for a few morning drinks. He was planning to enjoy himself here for a few days the only way he knew how.
It was about two hours later that he found himself walking down the streets of Jiang Xia. He had found a few taverns already and paid for a few drinks. Now he was thinking of maybe getting a horse and going riding in the hills. Assuming the locals did not have a bandit problem that was the last thing he needed. There was a pleasant aroma in the air like burning incense and spices that blocked out the nastier smell of the city and docks. Unfortunately he soon found out what was making the smell. Down a nearby ally a large cloud of smoke was rising looking down it he was a burning cart filled with spices. A few thugs had surrounded it and were beating the merchants who owed it. Captain Xia was on his knees blood welling around his arm which looked broken.
“We told you already. You cant sell in Jiang Xia without our say so. We own this dock and everything on it. Don’t think you can cheat us out of our cut.” One of the thugs said kicking the captain in the guts and doubling him over. The others laughed and they threw more blazing brands into the cart.
“Your just crocks I don’t have to give you anything, I’m not afraid of you.” Captain Xia said weakly getting another kick for his words. He was a Xiang Yang man used to a state of firm laws and public order. It seemed Jiang Xia was a very different city.
“Watch your mouth, everyone is afraid of us. Were the black tooth gang and we don’t take crap from merchants like you to watch it.” The thug that seemed to be in charge said before punching captain Xia in the face flooring him this time. He stayed down either to hurt to get up again or not wanting to. Cheng Liu had seen more than enough. He drew a small dagger from his boot and started to sneak up on these criminals from behind. If there was one thing he knew it was stealth. He was careful where he put his feet moving slowly and silently until he was behind the first of what seemed to be 3 thugs.
He struck out with his knife catching the man across the neck with a shallow blow which cut his ceratoid artery spraying blood. He was already past the man and stuck his knife into the lower back of the next man. From the way he screamed his must have pierced his kidneys it would be a painful and quick death. The last man turned to face him and raised a club high as he rushed him. Cheng pulled his knife free and slung it across the distance between them. It struck the leader the last man left in the chest taking him down quickly as the point lanced into his heart.
“Are you alright?” He asked pulling the good captain to his feet. He could tell his nose and arm were broken. It was something that Cheng could sympathise with.
“I’ve been better to tell the truth. My spice is all burned too, damn expensive stuff too.” He cursed ever the merchant more worried about his wealth than his state of health.
“Don’t worry I assure you it will be the last time that happens to a Xiang Yang merchant in this city. If the city watch won’t do something about it I will.” Cheng Liu said his eyes burning with a fierce rage that promised that someone was about to get hurt, a lot. Without a further word he turned and walking into the street. He grabbed the nearest beggar and pulled him into the alley screaming. It was another testament to the city watch that no one tried to stop him. Good then he would probably get away with the other things he was planning.
“Tell me where i can find the black tooth gang.” He asked his voice low and menacing there was no need to add ‘or else’ his tone of voice said it already. The beggar shifted was not strong enough to get free. Even if he was not working with the gang he was probably a pick pocked and would know something. He looked like he was considering asking for a bribe but Cheng’s expression convinced him otherwise.
“Big warehouse too streets south of here can’t miss it.” He said his tone pleading with Cheng to let him go. He dropped the man and tossed a coin down at his feet before walking off, a man on a mission. The beggar utter his thanks but they went unheard. Cheng paced purposefully back down to the docks until he came to the warehouse the beggar had mentioned. He could see instantly the information was good it was surrounded by at least 15 big men with clubs and daggers. A head on attack all on his own would be madness but it would be his kind of madness. He walked right up to the door.
“I’m here to join up.” He stated glaring at the man standing in front of the door as it challenging him to doubt his words. He was a very menacing man when this black mood came on him. Still with so many of his friends at his back the tug dared to talk back.
“Is that so, I don’t know you stranger.” He said glaring back at Cheng Liu. Clearly a very stupid man he thought. He decided to just try and threaten his way in.
“Lucky for you really. I just got into town and I’m looking for work, so either get out of my way or i might get to work on your face.” He raised and fist and shook it at the guard. He could see the man was taken a back. The sheer confidence that Cheng Liu was displaying facing down 15 large men was enough to make anyone think twice. He seemed to decide in the end this was a problem he did not need. He moved out of the way of the doors. Ignoring him now Cheng Liu pushed past him into the warehouse. It was mostly empty inside with a few crates of goods likely stolen there was also another 3 men in the middle chatting. One was clearly the leader of this group by his rich clothing the way the others seem to defer to him. They turned to face him clearly not recognising him as a member of there gang.
“Hey who are you?” He asked stepping forward and pointing rudely at Cheng’s face. It was his one and only mistake. He recognised the murderous intention in the Cheng’s eyes fractions of a second too late. Cheng drew his sword slashing upward the tip caught his finger and cut it off at the knuckled. His scream turned to a gurgle as he cut his throat with a slash and he stepped past him. The second man did not have time to draw his sword caught off guard by this sudden attack. He died with Cheng’s sword threw his chest. The last man got his sword out just in time to block a trust to his chest. He was unskilful however and Cheng’s follow up blow split him right down the middle like a ripe piece of fruit.
“What the hell!” A man yelled behind him. Cheng turned to face the guards from outside who had entered hearing the first scream. They were confronted by the site of their gangs leaders hacked to pieces on the floor by a single man. He could see anger and fear written on their faces.
“Come on do it attack me i want you too so i kill you scum as well. Just remember the first man that reaches me will certainly die, the second and third as well. I would not make any long term plans if you’re the fourth or fifth either. Now come and get it!” He said smiling as he wiped blood over his mouth form where it had spattered over his hands in the fight. He could see the fear was winning in there hearts now. There leaders were dead they had nothing to fight for and they were confronted with a clearly deadly and insane killer. There response was predicable they dropped their weapons and ran for it.
“HAHAHA.” Cheng Liu laughed loudly sitting down on top of one of the bodies. He had gambled there and it had paid off. If they had taken him up on his offer it might have gone badly for him. It just proved that those that prayed on the defenceless and extorted gold from the weak where themselves cowards. At least now the men of Xiang Yang would face no trouble here and could finally set up a trade route down the river. He decided to get out of here now just in case the city watch finally decided they did care about crime for once.
The end
“We’re coming into port now my lord.” Captain Xia called from the bridge. It was not necessary he could see the city himself from his position on deck. He was lying in a comfy bed on deck drinking juice. This he thought was the life, it almost made up for the torture he had endured to get rid of those pirates. His nose which had twice been broken still pained him a little.
“Well its been a please captain.” He said standing to thank the captain for the ride as he walked down the gang plank into the city. The crew waved him off as he left.
“It was the least we could do to thank you my lord, have a good time.” Captain Xia said waving his guest off. He would soon be busy unloading his cargo of spices and looking for someone to sell to. So long deprived of river trade it should not take him long. Cheng Liu in the meantime decided to hit a tavern for a few morning drinks. He was planning to enjoy himself here for a few days the only way he knew how.
It was about two hours later that he found himself walking down the streets of Jiang Xia. He had found a few taverns already and paid for a few drinks. Now he was thinking of maybe getting a horse and going riding in the hills. Assuming the locals did not have a bandit problem that was the last thing he needed. There was a pleasant aroma in the air like burning incense and spices that blocked out the nastier smell of the city and docks. Unfortunately he soon found out what was making the smell. Down a nearby ally a large cloud of smoke was rising looking down it he was a burning cart filled with spices. A few thugs had surrounded it and were beating the merchants who owed it. Captain Xia was on his knees blood welling around his arm which looked broken.
“We told you already. You cant sell in Jiang Xia without our say so. We own this dock and everything on it. Don’t think you can cheat us out of our cut.” One of the thugs said kicking the captain in the guts and doubling him over. The others laughed and they threw more blazing brands into the cart.
“Your just crocks I don’t have to give you anything, I’m not afraid of you.” Captain Xia said weakly getting another kick for his words. He was a Xiang Yang man used to a state of firm laws and public order. It seemed Jiang Xia was a very different city.
“Watch your mouth, everyone is afraid of us. Were the black tooth gang and we don’t take crap from merchants like you to watch it.” The thug that seemed to be in charge said before punching captain Xia in the face flooring him this time. He stayed down either to hurt to get up again or not wanting to. Cheng Liu had seen more than enough. He drew a small dagger from his boot and started to sneak up on these criminals from behind. If there was one thing he knew it was stealth. He was careful where he put his feet moving slowly and silently until he was behind the first of what seemed to be 3 thugs.
He struck out with his knife catching the man across the neck with a shallow blow which cut his ceratoid artery spraying blood. He was already past the man and stuck his knife into the lower back of the next man. From the way he screamed his must have pierced his kidneys it would be a painful and quick death. The last man turned to face him and raised a club high as he rushed him. Cheng pulled his knife free and slung it across the distance between them. It struck the leader the last man left in the chest taking him down quickly as the point lanced into his heart.
“Are you alright?” He asked pulling the good captain to his feet. He could tell his nose and arm were broken. It was something that Cheng could sympathise with.
“I’ve been better to tell the truth. My spice is all burned too, damn expensive stuff too.” He cursed ever the merchant more worried about his wealth than his state of health.
“Don’t worry I assure you it will be the last time that happens to a Xiang Yang merchant in this city. If the city watch won’t do something about it I will.” Cheng Liu said his eyes burning with a fierce rage that promised that someone was about to get hurt, a lot. Without a further word he turned and walking into the street. He grabbed the nearest beggar and pulled him into the alley screaming. It was another testament to the city watch that no one tried to stop him. Good then he would probably get away with the other things he was planning.
“Tell me where i can find the black tooth gang.” He asked his voice low and menacing there was no need to add ‘or else’ his tone of voice said it already. The beggar shifted was not strong enough to get free. Even if he was not working with the gang he was probably a pick pocked and would know something. He looked like he was considering asking for a bribe but Cheng’s expression convinced him otherwise.
“Big warehouse too streets south of here can’t miss it.” He said his tone pleading with Cheng to let him go. He dropped the man and tossed a coin down at his feet before walking off, a man on a mission. The beggar utter his thanks but they went unheard. Cheng paced purposefully back down to the docks until he came to the warehouse the beggar had mentioned. He could see instantly the information was good it was surrounded by at least 15 big men with clubs and daggers. A head on attack all on his own would be madness but it would be his kind of madness. He walked right up to the door.
“I’m here to join up.” He stated glaring at the man standing in front of the door as it challenging him to doubt his words. He was a very menacing man when this black mood came on him. Still with so many of his friends at his back the tug dared to talk back.
“Is that so, I don’t know you stranger.” He said glaring back at Cheng Liu. Clearly a very stupid man he thought. He decided to just try and threaten his way in.
“Lucky for you really. I just got into town and I’m looking for work, so either get out of my way or i might get to work on your face.” He raised and fist and shook it at the guard. He could see the man was taken a back. The sheer confidence that Cheng Liu was displaying facing down 15 large men was enough to make anyone think twice. He seemed to decide in the end this was a problem he did not need. He moved out of the way of the doors. Ignoring him now Cheng Liu pushed past him into the warehouse. It was mostly empty inside with a few crates of goods likely stolen there was also another 3 men in the middle chatting. One was clearly the leader of this group by his rich clothing the way the others seem to defer to him. They turned to face him clearly not recognising him as a member of there gang.
“Hey who are you?” He asked stepping forward and pointing rudely at Cheng’s face. It was his one and only mistake. He recognised the murderous intention in the Cheng’s eyes fractions of a second too late. Cheng drew his sword slashing upward the tip caught his finger and cut it off at the knuckled. His scream turned to a gurgle as he cut his throat with a slash and he stepped past him. The second man did not have time to draw his sword caught off guard by this sudden attack. He died with Cheng’s sword threw his chest. The last man got his sword out just in time to block a trust to his chest. He was unskilful however and Cheng’s follow up blow split him right down the middle like a ripe piece of fruit.
“What the hell!” A man yelled behind him. Cheng turned to face the guards from outside who had entered hearing the first scream. They were confronted by the site of their gangs leaders hacked to pieces on the floor by a single man. He could see anger and fear written on their faces.
“Come on do it attack me i want you too so i kill you scum as well. Just remember the first man that reaches me will certainly die, the second and third as well. I would not make any long term plans if you’re the fourth or fifth either. Now come and get it!” He said smiling as he wiped blood over his mouth form where it had spattered over his hands in the fight. He could see the fear was winning in there hearts now. There leaders were dead they had nothing to fight for and they were confronted with a clearly deadly and insane killer. There response was predicable they dropped their weapons and ran for it.
“HAHAHA.” Cheng Liu laughed loudly sitting down on top of one of the bodies. He had gambled there and it had paid off. If they had taken him up on his offer it might have gone badly for him. It just proved that those that prayed on the defenceless and extorted gold from the weak where themselves cowards. At least now the men of Xiang Yang would face no trouble here and could finally set up a trade route down the river. He decided to get out of here now just in case the city watch finally decided they did care about crime for once.
The end
