This chapter is dedicated to my sister, for all the help she's been with Era's Wind. That, and the fact she is the ultimate Jiang Wei fangirl. Muchos love, little sis!
Sequence and Stratagem
A lucid ghost, back to remind Zhao Yun…
Roaring softly over the rocky depths of foamy waters, the dancing waterfall fluttered its filmy sleeves. Damp mist floated, dream-like, sprinkling the ground below with crystalline droplets.
Hazy twilight wrapped itself around the fading rays of the setting sun, cloaking the setting an eerily surreal feel.
At ease, and at peace, he let his mind soar above the lofty peaks of Yizhou. Warm, welcoming darkness slid over malachite eyes; falling into the depths of sleep, relaxing.
Cool fingers toyed gently with dusky locks, a tingle running down his back. A caress, soft as a breeze, pulled him back from dusky dreams.
"Hua Li…?" He turned to the woman, her name barely above a whisper, a note of question in his voice.
Demure sienna pools caught emerald eyes, holding his gaze, reading reflected thoughts as only she could. Her gentle features, normally lit with a gentle smile, were uncharacteristically somber.
As he reached out to draw her closer, she backed away, slowly shaking her head.
"Little Dragon…"
Whether by the sound of her voice, silenced forever in the mortal world, or by magic, he froze.
Unblinking orbs pierced into his, drawing a promise made to her years ago into his mind. Guilt washed over him, a light blush of embarrassment spreading. How silly of me to forget about the promise I made to her…
"Brother Zhao, for such a hot general, you are forgetful."
Surprise flitted across his features, as the petite form of Lady Mi appeared in front of him and tweaked his nose with force unlikely from such a small woman.
Flicking the side of Zhao Yun's head, Lady Mi continued in a more solemn tone
"She can't leave yet; bound to the world by desire for revenge."
Continuing in mock anger, she prodded him in the chest, "So go kill him already!"
"Wha…!"
Snapping up from his bed, Zhao Yun contemplated the meaning of Hua Li's dream visit. Faint beams of weak sunlight shone patterns on the foot of his bed, alerting the general of sunrise.
The problem is, I don't know whom I was dueling. I don't know who killed her. I'm sorry, Hua Li.
Falling back onto the bed, sleep refused to close his eyes. Well, no sleep for the weary. To the training field, for some weapon practice!
A cynical grin turned up the corners of his mouth, as he prepared for several rounds of sparring.
The afternoon sun shone down, throwing long shadows. White-feathered fan moving placidly, Zhuge Liang paced slowly, speaking softly to Zhao Yun.
Finished explaining the general's instructions, he returned to his desk. Withdrawing one of many wooden tags from his desk, Zhuge Liang handed it to Zhao Yun.
"Here are your instructions, Zhao jiang jun. Please bring in the captive on your way out."
Saluting, he left the prime minister's tent.
An ambush, huh? Tianshui will surely fall to us.
"Xiahou Mao is besieged in Nanan."
Worry creased the brow of Ma Zun, pacing in anxiety. He waved his hand to the messenger to continue.
Bowing his head, "He requires assistance immediately."
Glancing upwards, the messenger waited for the governer's reply. Please… Send the reinforcements…
"Very well. We shall assist him," turning to one of his officers, he bid, "Prepare the army."
A laugh, mocking the governor's folly, followed his words.
"You are the sport of one of Zhuge Liang's schemes, Governor Ma." Shadows fell across the face of the speaker, obscuring him
In surprise, Ma Zun turned to face him, "How is that so, General Jiang?"
Walking to and fro, Jiang Wei explained, to the puzzled governor.
"Nanan is besieged from all sides by Zhuge Liang and his army. Tell me, how would an unescorted messenger have gotten away? Obviously, this is a plan, to force you to leave Tianshui, so that it may be easily captured."
Jiang Wei shot a glance over to the Ma Zun, realization dawning on his face.
"But I have a scheme, one that will ensure our victory…"
A/N: Yes, I know. This is a short chapter, but I'll make it up in later chapters.Finally, Jiang Wei is here. Thank you for all your reviews! Ah… The next chapters might be on the short side, so I apologize in advance. Until next time, then...