[Suggested song for this chapter – Zombie, The Cranberries]
"Faster, faster," urged Lieutenant Ju, driving the stragglers onwards as Arughtai's soldiers kept pouring out through the fortress gates. "Come on men, into the crevasse, let's go! Carry your friends if you have to!"
A great roar could be heard behind them, as their enemies chased them down, getting ever closer, until arrows started to fly within range of the Emperor's men, striking men in their backs as they ran.
"Those that are not injured, form up!" shouted Ju Rong, and a wall of men gradually took shape at the rear of the retreating forces. "Shoulder-to-shoulder! Shields up!" he roared.
The men formed a small but bristling wall of shields and spears, protecting those who kept on running for the valley behind them.
"Shoot over them!" shouted Arughtai to his Sergeant, and the Mongol archers aimed their arrows up and over the defensive row of shields.
