the forests of Elm trees, an impenetrable wooden fortress where Mongol arrows and sabers could do them no
harm. Zhao rushed for the entrance into the forest to regroup with the rest of the men. The defeated soldiers,
battered and beaten had lost the stomach to fight and were currently dressing their wounds or talking of retreat.
Yu rushed up to Zhao and saluted to him, even in such hard times discipline and respect was still required. “The
mongols caught us off guard and overwhelmed us. Glad to see you made it out Zhao, did the Sergeant make it
out too?” Yu asked, already dreading Zhao’s answer. “No, I’m afraid he walks with the spirits of our dead
comrades.” Zhao mumbled miserably. “Then all is lost.” Yu said hanging his head down. “He handed command
of this unit to me, we’re going to take back the Pass.” Zhao told him. “But the men are spent! We’ve lost! We
must retreat!” Yu explained, and to his dismay many of the men nodded in agreement. “Have you all forgotten
the oaths we took as recruits? Have you forgotten the fact that this god-forsaken wall is, but a stone throw away
from our families? To the Mongolians, your life and the lives of those you love mean nothing to them! Look all
around you! That wall is the only thing between the Golden Horde and the capital! Everyone knows that we are
ruled by a dying emperor and unreliable heir! Do you think they will lift a finger in defense of our homeland!
Not a chance! They’ll hand over our glorious country to the Kahn on a silver platter! You can either flee to the
capital like a coward, and face a delayed death or fight and die here with me!” Zhao was breathing hard by the
time he had concluded his speech. There was a long lasting silence that followed Zhao’s speech as all the men
hung their heads down in shame and embarrassment, even Yu had developed a sudden interest in his Iron
combat boots. After what seemed like an eternity a roar of new-found confidence erupted from the defeated
garrison, until Zhao raised his hand for silence. “If we take back the wall today, our friend the Kahn will think
twice next time before attempting to conquer this magnificent country! Now what do you say men, shall we go
take back the wall?”
He asked his men, who replied with cheers and the clashing of sword against shield. From the forests
they came charging in waves of the colors of the emperor, the swift-flying Mongolian arrows struck only a few
down. With unwavering courage and determination they broke the Golden Monster’s ranks and by dawn’s
bright dim gloom, the banner of the emperor stood proudly flying above the mountains upon mountains of dead
Mongolian footmen. Zhao observed his bloody victory with pride and joy, sighing as dawn’s bright light
appeared from the heavens.
* * *