To Zhao Yun he had seen better days. The unstable peace treaty they had built with the Nanman was crumbling to dust and Shui had nothing to do with it. At first King Meng Huo was adamant about an alliance. For their allegiance they could guard the countries southern borders against attack and in return the Nanman would inherit the Jing Province. It seemed however someone else had something in mind. His queen Zhu Rong the so-called Daughter of Fire had changed her husbands' thoughts on the plan and instead focussed him on conquest instead. Zhao Yun had been sent as a new peace liason in hopes of quelling this. Instead he was met with a rain of arrows and was forced to make a retreat back to the Capital. Zhao Yun was deeply angered and his Liuetentant wasn't to pleased either.

"I say we go back and kick their butts," Gan Ning replied. Zhao Yun looked at him flabbergasted.

"With only you, me and 200 hundred men?" Zhao Yun asked. Gan Ning under his commanders' roguish stare was forced to surrender to the logic. They were good granted that and together they were a force but to fight an entire army was another thing entirely. Zhao Yun was right; they would have to withdraw for now.

"At least we're not being pursued," Zhao Yun replied bringing his horse to a slow trot. At that moment Gan Ning heard some commotion at their flank. Looking back he sighed in weariness.

"You jinxed us thanks a lot," the ex-pirate snorted. Zhao Yun looked back to see an entire unit being led by King Dousi converging on them. It was going to be a long day.

Liu Bie had not heard from Cao Cao in recent days mainly because of the problems they were having in Luo Yang. The once Wei ruler simply said that somekind of uprising was causing some problems and it was nothing to worry about. However it had been nearly a week now with no word from Overlord Cao Cao. When he asked Zhang Liao he simply stated that he did worry of the man at times but knew he was a more than a capable warrior and strategist if it ever came down to it. Taking his answer with a nod Liu Bie returned to the castle to find Sima Yi there.

"Greetings Councilman Sima Yi," Liu Bie announced. He had been waved his fan to his face to fight off the ghastly heat of the noonday sun when he looked to the Overlord and nodded.

"Lord Liu Bie," he replied and said nothing more, his brow furrowed in thought. It had been nearly a year since the alliance and to say the least him and Sima Yi were good friends despite their past. He knew when something was troubling him.

"Penny for your thoughts," the Overlord replied. Sima Yi only shook his head, a sour look crossing his face.

"It's nothing but I sense something afoot in Nanman," Sima Yi replied, "and to these troubles in Luo Yang."

"Like what?" Liu Bie asked. Sima Yi didn't answer as another voice joined in.

"The same as I have felt," said a young femine voice. Liu Bie and Sima Yi turned to see Rayne, as usual holding Blue Dragon as her guide. Liu Bie smiled and approached her as she graced him with a hug.

"I had hoped that my business in Jing would be delayed to once again see the Jewel of Guan Du," Liu Bie remarked, "and if Zhao Yun is present as well."

"Not as late," Rayne said, "Zhuge sent him as a liason to the Nanman people."

"Yes that's what troubles me," Sima Yi replied, "we have not heard from them in some time."

"I share your apprehension councilman," Rayne said, "he…is to be my husband after all. However I onced heard that the men go to slay the dragons and the women stay home and pray. I believe that phrase is just at this point. I have full confidence in my fiancee's abilities."

"Yes indeed," Sima Yi replied, "and what of these troubles to the north?"

"Xu Huang and Zhang Fei are with Cao Cao," Liu Bie said, "and my brother has proven to be as stalwart a warrior as any man. As for Cao Cao he has proven himself quite resourceful in the past. I believe we will see them again soon." Sima Yi nodded with a sigh.

"Your right," he replied, "well if you two will excuse me I have matters of state to attend to." With a deep bow the councilman departed the Overlord and Rayne alone in the castle halls. Liu Bie turned his attention to the blind girl. He never would have dreamed that this woman with no eyes gave birth to a new nation.

"How have you been Lord Liu Bie?" Rayne asked.

"Quite well thank you," he said, "how long has been?"

"Almost a year as you said," Rayne replied turning to take a brisk walk along the hallways. Liu Bie hurried to her side and walked with her. For a moment he found himself staring at Blue Dragon, its honed finish shining brightly in the sun. A twinge of saddness quaked in his throat as he thought about his brother Guan Yu and how he missed him. He had wished he could've kept that oath a bit longer.

"You miss your brother," Rayne said. First she devised some of the most brilliant strategies and now she reads minds, he thought.

"I do," Liu Bie answered meekly. She stopped and offered Blue Dragon to him.

"If you wish I will return it," she said. Liu Bie was at first perplexed then immediately shook his head.

"No," he spoke suddenly, "I…I gave you his spear in hopes of forgetting. However now it has become your guide. I like to think his spirit is guiding you." She smiled and nodded.

"Thank you," she said.

"No thank you," Liu Bie prompted, "you brought some peace to our lives. It is you that deserves the thanks."

"I only helped along," she said. Liu Bie waved a hand in indignation.

"Nonsense," he said, "you're as modest with your brains as with your stunning beauty." At that she blushed deep.

"Lord you're embarrassing me," she said with a giggle. Liu Bie enjoyed watching the flush deepen a moment as he then took note of a soldier approaching them. Raynes embarrassment faded as she listened.

"Lord Liu Bie," the corporal stated, then resitated when he said Rayne, "we ….have a report from General Zhao Yuns troop….the..uh…the news isn't good."

Liu Bie layed a reassuring hand on her shoulders as he reported his orders to them. Zhu Rong had captured Zhao Yun.