Zhou Yu looks on with intensity as he sees figures hastily retreating from the harbor. With the distance too great to make out any notable features, the strategist can only assume it is Wei soldiers flee from the battle. Suspicion tells him that it may be someone important, but the sudden whoosh of a mast to slamming atop another ship immediately averts attention.
Motioning for the soldier who holds his horse reins, Zhou Yu mounts again. The only point of this is for a height advantage. What happens in the field below? The strategist is dying to know. The battle is obviously won, but how fairs The Little Dragon? This is what Zhou Yu truly wants to see and know.
*)*(*
Zhao Yun feels the heat of pain sear into his back. The throbbing of muscles clamping tightly as he attempts to stand, is almost overwhelming. The force behind Dian Wei's blow was undeniably formidable. And as stumbles to his feet, The Little Dragon feels the world begin to spin around him, threatening to become blurry.
Shaking his head desperately, Zhao Yun leans over to grab his spear. Using this for support, he saunters away from the combat as quickly as he can manage. Around him Shu warriors part to allow him easy passage.
Once out of the skirmish, Zhao Yun leans heavily against one of the small buildings most likely used for ship supplies or something of the sort. The Little Dragon knows he will be able to return to the fight, but it will be a matter of waiting a few moments to regain. The exhaustion from fighting at the brunt of the force and dueling Dian Wei has draining him. There is no adrenaline left, it seems, to numb some of the pain.
Somewhat dismayed, but still determined, Zhao Yun watches Shu troops fight on with soaring moral. It brings pride to the warrior to see such prowess among the men, and to see Wu fight along side them as though they are brothers.
As he watches the red standard of Wu, The Little Dragon is reminded of Zhou Yu. The thought of the strategist drives a strong sense back into the warrior. He was surely here waiting for the battle's close. After all it would be within reason to also say the strategist is probably worrying himself over not knowing of Zhao Yun's whereabouts. Whipping away annoying droplets of sweat, The Little Dragon feels the pinch of guilt set in on him.
Groping over the sensation of having a lover waiting for him, Zhao Yun decides it is strange, but very welcomed. He'd not had someone wait for him in the way Zhou Yu does. Grimacing, The Little Dragon dearly hopes the battle will end soon so he can see if the strategist waits for him.
*)*(*
Zhou Yu is half tempted to dismount again when the cheers of victory finally sing out from the harbor below. Wei's navy lies in utter disaster and only very few soldiers have managed to escape. The sullenness of the battle-weary worry shed off the strategist slightly, but he is still very much aware that Zhao Yun could be down in the field… injured or worse. But to clarify, Zhou Yu is not even certain if The Little Dragon is even present for the attack. His appearance and worry could all be for not.
Eyeing the fields closely, Zhou Yu can see Wu and Shu searching about for survivors on either sides, but generally set about in celebration. Some of the forces are moving out of the harbors to make their way up the hill. They are undoubtedly coming to get medical assistance to move onto the field and to report of the victory.
Reining his horse, Zhou Yu prepares to meet them. He must know of Zhao Yun's whereabouts. The soldiers look to be of both Wu and Shu. Perhaps there is a chance the Little Dragon is among them?
Chapter 14... Thank you for your support everyone! Don't worry things are about to get very interesting!