The Moon Is Down [Part Deux]

[Liu Zhang]

Eat Shit and Die

Jiyu entered his audience chamber, greeted by the sounds of panic and heated discussion; no surprise there. The discussion was so intense that the retainers had not even noticed their liege enter until has was seated upon the dais for a full minute or so. Jiyu did not bother to interrupt them, perhaps they could come up with an idea worth implementing. Jiyu knew all too well that he currently did not have one. He rubbed his temples and sighed as he was finally beginning to be noticed by the others.

There were several apologies and "my lord"s issued and a hushed silence fell upon them. I suppose it's my turn to speak then? If only it weren't. Jiyu's hand fell from his temples; he fought the urge to rub his eyes, to show just how tired he truly was. But he knew that they were tired too. Surprisingly, it is hard to feel rested with a pack of wolves outside of your home.

He fought back another sigh, putting on a strong a front as he could muster at the time. They were all regarding him, worry and anger playing upon their faces. Many of those here had told me not to trust Liu Bei; they are bitter now, angry. And it is my fault. Jiyu shook his head slowly and cleared his dry throat. "I see that our friends outside have decided to make their presence known this evening." He paused his speech, looking over the men present once again. "And I see that many of you are angry at me. Well, I cannot bl-"

"My lord! We have been besieged for sometime now and the enemy now moves to overrun us. How can we hope to hold them off forever? Where is General Zhang? His gallivanting about the countryside dose us no good here! I have served you truly and I have given you honest advice; please my lord, you did not heed my words when Liu Bei sought to enter Yizhou, but heed them now. Surrender is our best recourse now. Liu Bei is a snake of a man, a traitor of the highest degree, but not even he would put to the sword the city of Chengdu if we yield it to him."

Jiyu's eyes narrowed as he regarded the man speaking before him now. It was Huang Quan. The man's words incensed Jiyu a great deal and the fact that Huang Quan was a wise and good man only made his suggestion even more enraging to Jiyu. "Gongheng, you presume too much. Do not move to take advantage of my kindness as so many others have. I am in no mood to be interrupted this eve. And that goes for the rest of you as well." His scowl met each face present, the anger in is eyes daring of them to speak out of turn.

Huang Quan moved to speak once again, likely in apology, but Jiyu halted him with the raising of his hand. He face softened, but his face still held a stern expression. "Your words are not necessary right now, Gongheng; there will be plenty of time for you to speak yet." As the words left his mouth, Jiyu could not help but wonder if he was lying. As much as he hated it, he felt as though he may have been. He pushed past the thoughts plaguing him; there was no time for such worrying.

"I am well aware of my mistakes. I am well aware of my shortcomings and the accusing glares I have seen in this room more than inform me that you all are as well. That may be, but I see that you are all still here; you have all come running for my decision, leadership. And if that is the case then I would dare say that I am still the liege here."

His speech paused once again, and he dared any of those present to break the silence he had created. When he was convinced that they had all been cowed sufficiently, Jiyu began anew. "Now, I realize that many here other than Gongheng advocate that I surrender myself and my city to my traitorous kinsman and I say to you all that I-will-do-no-such-thing. My father brought this land to heel, and I have governed kindly and well for twenty-one years. If you think that I will sink so low as to become some poor creature begging for life from a man such a Liu Bei then you know me not at all."

Jiyu's anger was rising again, and he did his best to keep it in check, to not lash out at those who had not abandoned him like all the rest. Why must this all be so difficult? Why must I feel all of this rage? Damn Liu Bei, and damn all of these coward before me. It was then that realized that there were several persons of interest absent from his emergency council. He liked that not at all. Where is Guozhi Heng? Where are the Po's? He knew that they would not advocate surrender; he knew that they would not abandon him.

"I will have no more talk of surrender, in my presence or otherwise. And that is understood; there is no question of that. Now that this foolishness has been put to rest, where is advisor Guozhi? Where is my valiant Po clan? I require them all to be present." It was Qin Mi that spoke up in response this time.

"Advisor Guozhi is atop the walls, my lord. He has taken charge of the defense there. As for the Po clan, they were last reported to be headed to the barracks to rally their troops."

Jiyu smiled at the news. Good, at least a few of my men are capable of showing bravery and an ability to think for themselves. But that is not where I need any of them at the moment. "I see. I require them here. Huang Quan, you will take over the defense of the walls in advisor Guozhi's stead, send him here with all haste." Jiyu then turned his gaze upon Dong He, one of his favorites. "Youzai, find the Po's and summon them here with all haste. There is much to be done, and very little time for us to work with. You two are dismissed. As for the rest of you, give me your ideas for defense." Heaven knows that I need you all to be good for something.

[Po Ang]

~The Horselord~

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The spurs of the horses were at full gallop. The hooves struck into the dirt and mud on the ground below and grabbed a handful, then with another gallop of their mighty steed, flung the dirt into the air. The two stallions drew closer and closer, each movement they made causing the field-of-beige banners that rose from their saddles whip violently in the wind. The two horses were upon each other, and their riders hacked forcefully with dull iron swords.

Two bouts, three, before one gained the advantage. He swung low, catching the other rider’s defense off guard as he moved low to counter. The sword hit a weak, unprepared defense, causing the rider to lose grip of his sword and send it flying to the earth a horse-length below, while a dull sword struck his ribs.

Po Ang screamed in pain. He rode a few trots forward and looked over to his father. Po Jin sat brilliant and mighty atop his dusty brown warrior-horse, and his eyes were not on the victor, who was Ang’s elder brother Ling, but on him. No good will come of this. He tried to look away, but as if his father had the command of his mind, he was drawn back, and Po Jin was motioning for him to come over.

Kicking his horse to trot, he approached his father, stopping when they were ten paces away. “A poor display, my son.” He said, his voice thick with determination splashing with disappointment. “Ling is strong with a sword, but not strong enough to disarm one of Po blood.”

“I – I know,” He replied, lowering his head to look at the front of his saddle, and rubbing his hands along his horse’s mane. “He struck low. If that was true steel, Black Autumn would have been struck. He would have died."

“Which is another reason why your sword must be as much a part of your arm as the fingers on your hand. A hand without fingers cannot write a poem, much like an arm without a sword cannot win a battle.” His father spoke carefully, “And your horse would have died; he whom was given to you the day of your birth, he who is your warrior brother. What other stallion would you trust with your life but the one who was bred to carry you into battle?”

“I know,” He wanted to say more, but his tongue was twisted, despite feeling like it was glued to the roof of his mouth.

“Much like an arm with no sword is no warrior, a Po without his birth-steed is no Po.” His father sounded angry when he said that. “There is a draught of time, Ang, you must not fail.”

“I would have bested Ling with a bow and arrow. You know that.” His eyes shot up. His father knew that Ang was far more skilled with a bow, on horse or foot, than his brother Po Ling.

“You would have shot him as he charged you and you would have killed him. Then one of the hundreds of soldiers beside him would have cut you down before you could lift your spear or draw your sword. I do not doubt the importance of the ability to hit a mark, especially from the back of your horse, but unless that mark is Liu Bei, you will not end a battle off one arrow. That is why wars are fought with with masses, and swords.”

Po Ang could say nothing but, “You’re right, father. I’m sorry. I’ll do better. I’ll train harder. I’ll—“ Po Ling, righteously propped up high in his steed and gallant as the rest of the Po Clan, cut him off as he rode into the conversation, “You’ll live up to your family’s reputation? You must. You are of the Po Clan.”

Po Ang scowled his elder brother’s way. Po Ling was only a year Ang’s elder, and they had a close brotherly rivalry since they were kids, but that rivalry became harder and harder to maintain when Po Ling excelled at so much and Po Ang so little. “Don’t worry, brother,” Po Ling smiled and whipped the flat end of his spear’s blade at Ang’s back, “You will be great, I’m sure of it. Until then, well,” He smiled from ear to ear, “At least you’ll be one rider among hundreds of the greatest. Nobody will see your shortcomings amongst the glorious Po charge beneath the Field-of-Beige.”

Po Ang spat, and with a wild laughter he kicked his horse toward his brother, who turned and sped away. Po Jin couldn’t help but smile watching his sons play in merriment when there was war on the morrow. Po Shuang rode up beside him on his giant grey stallion, his black beard flowing wildly in the wind in unison with the fabled three-plumed dragon helm of the mighty Po Clan.

“Brother Jin, first horse into the ranks!” He announced loudly, saluting Po Jin, the head of the clan, in a routine formality. Po Jin returned, “Brother Shuang, who shall be one gallop behind!” Po Jin had been head of the Po Clan since the passing of his father Po Zhang, and as everyone expected, he chose his talented brother Po Shuang as his Second Rider, which was a military adviser and second-in-command to the clan’s head. It was an honorable position, usually held by the closest of kin.

“You will be your brother’s Second Rider, Ang.” Po Jin often told him, “As your uncle is mine. When I am gone and returned to our ancestors, your brother shall charge first into the ranks, and you one gallop behind.” Better cousin Po An Ding, Ang often thought, I shall never be as mighty as my cousin An Ding.

Po Shuang continued, “The cavalry is ready, brother. Three thousand strong, one of which that flies the Beige above their ranks. I’d be impressed to see the thief-king’s armies withstand our charge.” Po Jin smiled and roared, as did Shuang. Jin, dressed in the black leather armor with the dark steel breastplate with two golden horses painted on in full sprint, reached and placed the dragon helm with the three-plumes upon his head. Po Ang often thought that no man looked more like a warrior of legend than his father when wearing the armor of the Po Clan.

“We have been summoned,” Shuang informed him. “All of us. Our sons as well.”

“And your daughter?” Po Jin looked saddened to think of her. Daughters were a poor thing to be born into the rugged warrior clan of the Po, but Lady Ai was a flower amongst sand in a desert. She was better off in courts, winning the hearts of their enemies, or anything sitting on the back of a horse. “She is not needed for a meeting such as this. She’s been sent to the holdfast, in case we do not win the day. Liu Bei would sooner marry her than hurt her.”

“Good if he does.” Po Jin said softly, riding off to gain the attention of his sons.

When he did, they both strapped the black leathers and the horseman’s plate and donned the three-plumed helm. Even Po Ang, who was far from a mighty warrior, looked fierce. Po An Ding arrived with a small escort and Dong He from Liu Zhang’s courts, and the company made off.

It felt strange when they approached the palace. When convening for war, those of the Po Clan did so in the open field where they could sit a horse, but those of the Chinese Dynasties had told them that planning for war is to be done under a closed roof in a room with little shadows and nobody to hear. Against their heritage and culture, the riders of the Po Clan dismounted and entered the palace. Dong He led them to Liu Zhang, where they each knelt in unison. Little use kneeling, Po Ang thought, but there is little harm in doing so. So few still kneel to this man.

“My lord Liu Zhang,” Po Jin spoke, “You have summoned us, so have we come. Our horses are ready and our spears are set. If it is battle Liu Bei wishes, we Po will lead the charge.”

[Guozhi Heng]

All Is Well, It's Only Blood

Damn them! This treacherous lot deserves a death that no mortal man is capable of giving another. Yet it would seem as though the gods are always on their side!

Guozhi Heng, a man of many years and battles both on the field and in the courts, cursed loudly as he drew his bowstring taught and released a well-aimed arrow into the throat of one of Liu Bei's soldiers. I can only hope that he was one of the bastards that betrayed our lord. The fools, all of them, convinced of the magnanimity of the most treacherous man of the times. The aging man knocked another arrow and let it fly, again it found its mark. It was dark, yes, but Heng's eyes had not given out on him yet. There were several efforts by the enemy to set up ladders and so far such advances had been turned back. However, there was a sea of dark figures expanding before the gates of Chengdu.

"Damn it all! Bowmen, direct your fire to the left of the ram, there are men massing there!" We have more men than I am sure the enemy would prefer, but they have many and more than that. Guozhi Heng scowled, scanning the dark horizon, a mass of shadows all he could see. Not only that... we are outclassed by the great men of Liu Bei's following. I have seen many battles and there are many men worthy of respect still within Chengdu, but Fa Zheng has a cunning I care not to ponder upon and he knows this city well. Guozhi Heng spat in disgust, knocked another arrow and felled another man. A single fellow among countless more -- meaningless.

We will fall. If not this night then upon the morn, or the next night.

There was shouting from his left, right of the ram. A ladder had been set up and another was being placed into position. We are too few! Where are the rest? Damn! Guozhi Heng unsheathed his jian, he knew the dance much better than any of the peasants scaling the walls, and he would slay them all in utter rage and contempt -- no quarter for traitors. His age impeded his speed more than he would have preferred, but Guozhi Heng still launched forward, his bow on the wall behind him, forgotten. He parried a poorly placed blow from one of the soldiers, riposted and pierced through the man's belly. With a frightening roar, Heng did not withdraw his blade, instead he pressed with all his weight to the left, gutting the man as he screamed a most terrible scream.

The man's entrails steamed upon the wall and the stench they emitted was gruesome, just as Guozhi Heng had desired. The men making their way up upon the wall seemed to be more than distracted by the sight and the veteran soldier took advantage of such fear. He picked up the paltry weapon of the disemboweled man and launed it at the man nearest him, missing a direct hit but catching the man's ear. He screeched in pain as others rushed Heng. He allowed them to come to him, sidestepping and allowing one of the many to slip on the entrails and blood and bile and shit of the dead man lying before Heng. He slashed the man's throat and did not bother to finish him, he had others to deal with; the man's own blood would end him soon enough.

Heng's vision was tunneled, his rage was as deep as the seas. He was no longer the officer in charge of defense, he was a soldier, a warriors set to kill any threat that moved his way. His ears were ringing as he tore into more human flesh, his blade snaking into the right eye of one of his enemies. He could hear them scream, the dying, but it was muffled by the ringing of his ears. He cut across the next man's face and then swung low on his next slash, catching the man from left him to right nipple. He kicked him into the man behind him and stabbed them both, pressing with all of his might. The second man the one with the maimed ear.

This left him open, though and he was cut across his right flank by another enemy. Heng had no time to remove his sword from the two corpses, so he backed away from the man's follow-through. He stepped forward after the blade had passed, the man's speed now working against him; he could not recover in time. Heng caught the man with the back of his right fist; he felt the man's teeth rearrange themselves inside his mouth. As the man spat blood and more than a few teeth, Heng followed through with a left hook that sent the man sprawling. Damn, I am tiring too quickly. If only I were younger. And this fucking wound his helping not at all! Heng took a step backward, and allied troops took the remaining men that had made it atop the walls, including the man Heng had just bested with fisticuffs. It took them long enough.

Heng went to retrieve his sword, panting, his bones and joints screaming in defiance and complaint as he moved, his wound burning and stinging wildly. His adrenaline was still pumping, but it was fading and he was distracted by his wound more than he wished. He set his foot upon the topmost corpse and pulled with both hands. The wet suction noise that the blade made when it came forth from their flesh was sickening. He slung it forcefully with his right hand, bits of matter and blood flinging off of it. His men were taking care of the ladders and it seemed to be going well on the portion of the wall that he was on. However, things were still going sour to his right. He had concentrated fire on that side, but still there were men pouring onto the walls from the ladders set up there. Cursing once again, he began to move toward the melee ensuing when drums began to beat and a troop came rushing up the stairs to reinforce. Heng hoped that they had been reserves and that they were not leaving other parts of the walls undefended. Either way, he was relieved for the moment.

It took a moment, but his eyes finally spotted the banner of the man leading the reinforcements -- Huang Quan. Heng couldn't help but laugh in relief that Liu Zhang had sent him one of his better men to man the defense alongside him. "Left flank! Hold the enemy off here, our brothers have arrived to bolster the defense!" Heng saw Huang Quan give calm orders to his men, surveying the situation as he did so. A good man, he. Heng thought as he saw the man begin to move toward him. Heng moved to meet him, his gait swift, but less so than had he not been injured.

"Hail Huang Quan! Your arrival is most welcome. I do not know how long we can defend, but it is certainly a greater amount of time now." Huang Quan smiled and grasped Guozhi Heng's hand in greeting. "You're wounded, venerable Heng." He noted. He did not allow the older man to respond, though, continuing on quickly. "Unfortunately, our liege has deemed that you return to him at the palace with all haste." Quan noted the anger that flashed upon the man's face, but he pressed on quickly; it was often difficult to get a word in when Guozhi Heng was incensed. "Before you assume something untrue, I should inform you that he seems to have a special task in mind for you. What it is, I have no knowledge of, however."

Heng was still angry, he had killed man and been wounded on these ramparts, he was going to give his life upon the walls of Chengdu, and none would call him a coward nor find him dishonorable. He realized that this was him simply being prideful and selfish, but he did not understand why Liu Zhang would deny his most experienced officer command of the defense. "I do not agree with this, Huang Quan . . . But if our liege deems me necessary for some other thing, then I cannot deny him in his time of direst need. You are one of the best men of the Riverlands, I trust that you will do well. Do not let them overrun us here, Gongheng." He had winced more than a few times as he spoke, the pain of his wound nagging at him with much gusto. Huang Quan smiled a sad smile and nodded, sending Heng off toward the palace.

Huang Quan turned back to the matter at hand and tried his best to remain composed. He should have listened to me, to all of us. Liu Bei should never have been allowed this far. And now he refuses surrender. Liu Zhang, your heart is kind, and your courage respectable, but will you be the death of us all? No matter, I am a man of honor; I will hold out for as long as I can. There is no other way. He then unsheathed his blade, pressing into the fray.

Heng acquired a horse as soon as he was off the stair to the top of the walls. He dug his heels in and he made his way as swiftly to the palace. Ironic, that Jiyu's competent management of this city is now a bane, curse Chengdu for being so large. The thought caused a bitter grin to play upon his face, though it was quickly replaced by a grimace from his wound. This will have to be looked at immediately. I should have not been so foolish up there, I am too old to commit the feats I once could. "Regrettable." He muttered to himself as he flew by buildings and side alleys.

Upon reaching the palace, Heng did not dismount, nor did he slow for the guards. He called out for them to make way and plunged passed them, plowing over one of them. The man would have to be fine, there was no time for any one of them to be hurt, not even himself. Unfortunately, the blood running down my side says otherwise, such a blunder. He rushed through the halls of the palace, his horse slathered and tired, he sweating and bleeding, panting in pain. He burst into the audience chamber in what was likely the most overly dramatic thing ever. He dismounted clumsily, his horse collapsing in exhaustion behind him. He moved passed the Po's, finding it ironic that he was the one to enter mounted.

"My lord! I have come as you have commanded. The enemy is large and our northern gate remains under threat of their ram. There are more of them moving to launch attacks on the west and east gates as well. And who knows who might approach from the south! This city is well positioned, on high ground, hard to besiege, but I fear we have not the men to hold out against their seemingly endless horde. Why do you call me back at such a pivotal moment?!" Heng did not bother with courtesy, with bowing, there was no time for such, and he was unsure that he would be able to rise afterward. Why bow to a man whom he obviously served loyally anyway?

He noted the stares of the others present, many honorable men gazed upon him, some of them unfortunately cowards. He despised them openly. "Master Guozhi," Qin Mi spoke up, "you are wounded." Heng turned and glared at the man. He acknowledged that Qin Mi was a wise man, but he did not care for his stance on surrendering. That coupled with the pain he was in served to irritate him more than a bit. ". . . Yes, I am. How astute an observation, Minister Qin. Perhaps you would like to replace me on the wall and gain a few battle scars of your own? I'm sure that pretty flesh of yours was scar quite well." Heng disregarded the man after that, uninterested in the man's response. He turned back to his lord, impatiently awaiting his word. His body ached, and he had to employ all of his will to not shake as visibly as he would prefer to.

"My lord, what say you? What would you require of this old man that he could not accomplish upon the walls of this endangered city?"

[Liu Zhang]

None Shall Sleep

Jiyu sat upon his dais, angry, bitter, tired, scared. His advisors continued to bicker and offer up random bits of advice. "We must hold them at the gates!" One cried out, and Jiyu had to stifle a groan at the idiocy surrounding him. He was beginning to lost patience when Dong He returned with the Po clan. His face brightened then as they entered. As they fell upon the ground in respect, Jiyu rose and ushered them up quickly. "Come now, rise, there is little need for such a display now. Your presence is sign enough of your fealty."

Jiyu regarded them each, studied their faces in silence for a few moments. There are the last of my true warriors. And I must use them as effectively as I can; though I am remiss to send them to their potential deaths. Jiyu fought with his facial muscles, trying not to show the sadness that he suddenly felt. He composed himself quickly enough, fighting the urge to start pacing. "It is indeed battle that my dear kinsman wishes, mighty Po Jin. And it is battle that he shall be given."

Jiyu's mind was racing, and he was trying his best to not allow his voice to waiver. This was not his first military experience, but it was certainly the first time that he faced a nearly certain defeat, no matter what he did. He would send these brave men of Po outside his walls, he would have their famed horses crash through their ranks, he would kill many men with his order, but still it would mean little. Damn Liu Bei, his supposed compassion, where is it now?

Jiyu moved to speak once again, to give his command to his valiant warriors when the aged Advisor Guozhi burst into the hall, bleeding. He had little time to react, as the headstrong Guozhi Heng never let anyone get a word in when he felt he needed to speak. He listened quietly, his stomach turning in knots as he received the venerable statesman's report. So three gates were now being attacked. I must act swiftly -- no hesitation.

"I have called you back, Advisor Guozhi because I have need of you for a far more important task. However, I shall see to it that your wounds are treated before I continue on with such. I have orders for the Po clan first." Jiyu motioned to Dong He, "Youzai, see to it that Advisor Guozhi's wounds are treated sufficiently. Time is of the essence, so do not take overlong." "As you command, Lord Liu." Dong He moved to assist Guozhi Heng move to a side room where he could examine the wound and do whatever he could in the short term for it. The ornery Heng argued and complained about being led away without being told anything, but he went all the same.

Jiyu turned back to the Po clan assembled before him and nodded. "The time is now, Po Jin. You will take your forces through the south gate, the enemy has not yet reached there. You will then split your forces and smash into the flanks of the enemies at our east and west gates. Once you have begun slaughtering the enemy and gaining their attention, the forces at the respective gates will sortie in conjunction with your movements. It will be dangerous and many will die, but we must not be cowed by these traitors and thieves. These are my orders and you may leave to gather your men. Lead them to glory." Jiyu purposefully did not say "victory", because he knew that prospect was small enough. But glory they certainly would have. Liu Bei would never forget the price that he paid to get this city -- never.

He turned to look at Li Miao, a man of strong conviction and firm loyalty. "Hannan, you will take command of the defense of the east gate. When the Po cavalry sends the enemy into disarray, you will open the gate and sortie with all of the strength at your disposal." "Understood my lord! I would gladly shed the blood of the coward Liu Bei and his men. I take my leave to see to your wishes." He bowed swiftly and strode with a hurried gait out of the hall. Jiyu then turned to Gong Lu.

The man was young, but Jiyu knew he was of a good heart and steady head. And that aside, he was the only one Jiyu could could rely on at the moment. "Dexu, you must take command of the western gate's defense. I know that you are young, but there is no time for fear or uncertainty. You will do what you must to keep the enemy at bay until the Po clan can bring you relief from outside the walls. I will be sending Youzai along to assist you after he has seen to advisor Guozhi." The young Gong Lu bowed deeply and spoke proudly. "You honor me, my liege. I shall do all that I can to keep out the treacherous fools that seek entrance." And he too left.

Jiyu looked around, the hall was suddenly a lot emptier than it had been. There were a few men left, but he might as well have been alone. He turned to one of the guards present and beckoned him closer. "You, go ready the swiftest horse in my stables for riding, and gather adequate supplies for man and horse for at least a week. Have this ready at the back entrance of the palace as quickly as possible. Wait there until Guozhi Heng arrives. Let no one else take the horse." The guard spoke his expected respects and ran off to do as he was told.

After what felt like an eternity, Guozhi Heng and Dong He emerged from the side room, the injured party properly bandaged and looking better than when he had arrived. Jiyu was glad of his return. "Youzai, you have done me a great service in this matter, and I thank you. Now, I need for you to make your way to the western ramparts and assist Dexu in the defense there. He is young and I fear he may need your wisdom and experience to hold the enemy at bay until the Po clan can charge their flank. Go now, teach those that would assail us that they have made a grievous mistake." Dong He said nothing. He simply bowed low and made his way out; every moment counted against them.

It was finally time then to give Guozhi Heng his assignment. This man, who was like a second father to him, it was time to say farewell to him. This is not easy; this is harder than all the rest. He moved forward and clasped the aged veteran on the shoulder, a sad smile upon his face. "You have been steadfast in loyalty to my family for so long, Guozhi Heng, and you are the only one that I trust with this task."

Jiyu reached into a pocket in his robes and pulled out his seal. He held it forward and waited for the man before him to take it. "Take my seal and then travel to the rear entrance of the palace. There a horse and supplies await you. You make your way around the enemy's lines and make your way north. The last I had heard from Zhang Ren, he was near Zitong. find him, show him my seal. You know as well as I do that I cannot last forever here, but I will not abandon my people, nor the brave few that remain loyal here.

"Show my seal to Zhang Ren, inform him of what has happened. If the heavens are good, perhaps you and he can catch Liu Bei at his weakest from behind. It matters not; I need someone -- you -- to reach him and let him know what has happened. You must then advise him as you have advised me and my father before." Jiyu paused, emotion in his eyes. He closed them to compose himself and opened them once more after he had done so. "If, if my son is still well, please, take care of him Guozhi Heng. And if he has been lost in the war effort . . . then mourn his loss for me. Jiyu then released his grasp on the older man's shoulder and took a step back. "Now go," he said in his most lordly and commanding voice, " go and complete this last task that I give you."

After his most trusted man had departed, Jiyu sighed heaviest sigh he had ever mustered. He wanted nothing more than to just collapse and weep until he was no more. Why must it be so? Why? His despair was strong, but Jiyu resolved to turn it into anger, and angry he was. He straightened his posture let out another brief sigh and began walking toward out of the audience hall. "Wang Lei, Qin Mi, with me." The two men in question fell in behind him. "Where is it that we go, my lord?" Qin Mi asked.

"To the walls."