Author's note: This chapter is a bit logner than the other and perhaps a great deal more complicated. I have proof-read it once and it appeared to make sense. Please tell me if it does not make sense to you, as sometimes my stories can make perfect sense to me and very little to an actual reader!
Disclaimer: I don't own Dynasty Warriors. This is merely a fanfic.
Chapter 2: An unlikely friend, and a new enemy.
Imperial Uncle Liu Bei sat eagerly on his throne as he awaited the arrival of his top generals. Today was an important day. After the feast, strategy would be discussed, and Liu knew that the future of the empire rested in his hands. It was an unnerving thought that so many people now relied on him. Liu Bei had always thought himself unworthy, luckily he depended deeply on Director general Zhuge Liang, a man of excellent ability. However, considering the size of Cao's approaching army, Liu Bei could not dispel doubt from his mind. He rubbed his hands together nervously.
"Are you cold my Lord?" a voice said. Liu Bei looked up, a familiar man was kneeling before him. Liu got to his feet and descended the steps to address the man.
"No, Director Liang. Please do not worry about me. I only rub my hands in anticipation." Liu said, as he paced across the room. He picked up his twin swords, which were hung on the wall. "My blade shall cleave the back of Cao's neck, that traitor!"
Zhuge Liang laughed. "Indeed, my Lord. Finally we will achieve what we worked so hard for. The unification of the empire, under Shu. Cao Cao has walked right into the Tiger's lair. I predict we will have him captured within the month!"
This boast pleased Liu Bi immensely. "Why then, Director. You must have a plan of some sort!" he exclaimed.
Zhuge Liang only smiled. "Well, lets just say I know the exact man who is right for the task of catching Cao Cao."
"Who?" enquired Liu.
"With the absence of Guan Yu. Wei Yan is the man for the job!" Zhuge Liang yelled.
Liu Bei clapped his hands together. "That would be a great boon if Wei Yan were able to capture Cao. Let's discuss this in detail after the feast. The generals have arrived and preparations are all ready. Let us join them in the Hall of Virtue!" Liu left his throne room eagerly, with long strides, Zhuge Liang followed close behind. Unseen to both of them however, a dark figure was hidden outside the room, behind a stone statue of the emperor was Huang Zhong himself. Walking past the room, he had unwillingly heard part of the conversation. Huang was angry at Zhuge Liang's choice of Wei Yan to defend the city. After the king and his director had passed him, Huang Zhong cautiously stepped out from behind the statue. Quietly he recalled the events leading up to the conquest of Chengdu – a feat that Wei Yan was accredited with.
That was a lie.
Huang Zhong knew the truth about Wei Yan. The man was full of treachery. Was he the only one who could see this?
Thumping his fist against the wall, Huang Zhong decided to plead his case at the feast. Without further thought he made his way to the hall of virtue.
The hall of virtue was ordered to be built by the previous owner of Chengdu. Originally, . Liu Zhang's men erected the temple two years prior to Liu Bei's invasion. It was meant to be a symbol of filial love and family honour.
A short man with a scruffy beard stared up at the structure in despair. He thought to himself; "How ironic that Lord Liu Zhang's tribute to the Liu lineage was built right before the invasion of Chendgu – by his OWN kinsman!" The thought enraged the man. "I cannot believe they have the nerve to feed their greedy faces inside this very building." The man thought. He was actually invited to the feast himself, as an honoured guest, he was attending it, but for only one reason;
To assassinate the Lord of Shu.
The short man took a deep breath as he approached the gate, the jewelled knife pressed tightly against his thigh. It seemed to weigh one thousand pounds. Reaching the gate, the guards saluted, and smiled to him as he passed. He was inside now.
"The fools, they have no idea."
Inside the hall of virtue, the feast was about to begin. Liu Bei stood at the head of a large wooden table in the middle of an impressive looking room. The walls were dressed with red curtains and portraits to previous governors. Around the table sat dozens of top generals and guests, seated by age and rank. To Liu Bei's right was Director Zhuge Liang, to his stood Liu's third brother, Zhang Fei, a top general. Next to him – Wei Yan, the hero of Shu. Opposite him, Ma Teng, a man who Liu deeply respected despite his creepy appearance.
Ma Teng was seated as a guest because he used to serve Liu Zhang, the original governor of Chengdu. However he was stationed in Chang'an when Chengdu fell, and, hearing of the death of his Lord, surrendered his forces, Liu Bei then sent him back to guard Chang'an. This was his first visit back to Chengdu since then.
Further down the left side of the table was Huang Zhong, the veteren general, renowned for his bravery and experience in battle. Alas, his best years were behind him and Liu Bei was worried about Huang's health. However, he was glad to see the man finally attending a feast.
Liu spoke up; "Thank you all for joining me on this day. Since entering this land we have done a lot for the public, improving outputs of grain and fodder, improving military defenses, education, and now the commoners sing in joy every day. Chengdu is now full of capable men of learning. Today we reward ourselves with this meal."
There was applause, and then Liu Bei took his seat, swiftly followed by everyone else. Every attendant began on their meal and soon enough the hall was alive with the sound of friendly talking. Liu Bei had wine passed round to his comrades, and then began to feast.
Huang Zhong sat stiffly in his chair and despaired. Liu Bei was so far down the table he was barely distinguishable among the other generals. "So, I see no my Lord rates me quite lowly." He thought. Huang noticed something strange though, an empty chair to the right of Zhuge Liang.
Lord Guan's seat, perhaps? The man had long been absent, looking after the far away district of Jingzhou. To Huang's surprise, the general to the left of him was speaking. He was a very young warrior, but had a deep and calm voice.
"That empty seat is where my Father used to sit before he went away. Lord Liu Bei kindly keeps it vacant as a sign of respect." The boy explained. Huang Smiled, "Guan Yu is a truly a magnificent man. You must be his son, Ping?"
"Not quite, sir. Guan Xing is my name, I am a second son. My elder brother, Ping, is in Jingzhou with my father. Pleased to meet you, sir. I have long been waiting to meet you. My father speaks most highly of you!"
Huang Zhong, shocked at the boys politeness, said; "Pleased to meet you too, young lad." They both bowed slightly to show friendship and they continued talking heartily throughout the feast. Huang Zhong had made a friend in this young lad, who must have been about a third his age.
"I have never actually heard how you met my father, would you please explain to me? I would love to hear the tale." Said Guan Xing, swallowing a mouthful of grain.
"Certainly, it's an interesting tale. We were enemies at first, I –" Huang stopped talking, something else had grabbed his attention. A man, seated next to Lord Guan's empty chair, was slowly rising to his feet, his hand seemed to slip underneath his formal gown and he pulled out what could only be a knife!
"NO - !" Huang screamed, as he shot to his feet. There wasn't long to act.
Ma Teng smirked. Zhuge Liang and Liu Bei were in deep conversation. This was the perfect time. The perfect time for vengeance and satisfaction. Whatever happened after this wouldn't matter. His duty would be done. Just one accurate throw of the knife, and it would be in Liu Bei's forehead. He was only a few feet away. Ma Teng reached for the knife, he felt the cold metal in his palm and smiled.
It was impossible to miss.