Chapter Two-Revelations

Xiahou Dun, wounded and weary, stumbled into a dirty white tent after his venerated Cousin, half a kilometre from the battlefield, in a smaller jungle clearing, in the army's camp. his sword sheathed upon his back. He was glad when he felt the cool of the inside of the command tent, in comparison to the humidity and insane heat outside. He smoothed his brow, wiping clear a bead of sweat. He briefly took in the inside of the tent, the small square wooden table and two chairs, one of which usually remained unoccupied, a bland, functional affair, with a more ornate chair serving as Cao Cao's own seat. He did a double take, nearly stumbling in alarm on the uneven dirt floor. The seat was occupied by a figure he did not recognise. A western Barbarian by the looks of things, wearing a white robe that appeared to be immaculate despite his no doubt arduous trip through the jungle. His olive skin was covered in a fine sheen due to the humidity, and his head was bald. His eyes were a piercing blue, and for a moment Xiahou Dun fancied the man could see straight through him with those terrible eyes. The man's face wore an expression of unerring scorn, and Dun developed an instant dislike for the man.

Anger rose in Dun at the disrespect of this unlikeable westerner, and he drew his blade, pressing the tip to the man's fleshy throat. The scornful expression never left the man's face, angering Dun still further.

"You dare disrespect my Lord by taking his place of precedence?" he growled, "I should strike you down where you sit!"

"Be at peace, Cousin Dun. He is here at my intent. A most honoured guest." Cao Cao muttered from behind Dun, and placed a calming hand upon his shoulder. The soothing tone of Cousin Cao's voice coaxed the anger from Dun, and steadily, he sheathed the blade.

"I apologise. I am come from the battle, and still my emotions run wild, like the winds. My name is Xiahou Dun, and any friend of Cousin Cao is a friend of mine." Dun muttered, hoping he had been able to put something like a truthful air to his words. He inclined his head slightly, never taking his eyes off of the unwelcome guest. The westerner's face switched expressions to one of good grace and understanding, as though the entire conversation had been pre-rehearsed. The eyes never changed though-still scornful, and sharp as arrowheads. Xiahou Dun resolved to watch the man.

"Think nothing of it, Xiahou Dun. Battle is a loathed but necessary affair, and having been an observer of it for some time now, I realise how it must heighten the emotions of a man. The fault is all mine." but he did not move from the chair. He obviously enjoyed the power he held in this situation, whatever its source. But it worried Dun. It worried him greatly.

"Cousin Dun, this man is an emissary of a western empire, a great empire, ever expanding, much like our own smaller empire here in China. He and his venerable people are Romans, and mighty indeed are their armies. They hold in their grasp many countries and protectorates, ensuring that they are currently in control of a large portion of the world. And they have made Wei an offer, a very reasonable offer. Sit, and I will explain." Cao Cao said, walking around to the side of the square wooden table. Xiahou Dun sat heavily in the chair opposite this Roman, never taking his eyes off of him. Anxiety rose in Dun's chest. He quelled it quickly. It did not do to show anxiety in such company, and besides, he had no business doubting his worthy cousin. He would make the right decision. He always had, leading the unifying power of Wei to victory after victory-just recently, had he not led Wei troops to victory over the Shu in several key battles, completely destroying their kingdom, and reaching the rich, defensible provinces of the Nanman by cutting a swathe through their armies. Xiahou Dun could not yet see the merit of such a plan, but was confident in Cao Cao's tactical and strategic integrity. Heartened by such thoughts, Dun sat up a little straighter in his chair.

"Rome are eager to expand their empire, and they are fine, honourable men. They aspire to unify the world, a noble purpose very similar once again to our own. Their armies are currently committed fighting in the West, securing further expansion. While they fight in the West, they have seen the plight of our great country and it goes against their sought-after ambitions for unity, to see our country in such terrible plight, and to this end, they wish to help Wei, the kingdom which they see as the most promising at this time."

Cao Cao finished, and there was a very pregnant pause. Dun glanced at the Roman again, and saw he was smiling what he obviously thought was a reassuring smile. Dun would have plainly assured him that it was not. Looking back at Cao Cao, he saw an odd look in his eyes, fleetingly. Perhaps, regret? But then it was replaced with the odd exaggerated graciousness.

"These fine, honourable men have promised several of their best legions to supplement our own forces, in the interests of our mutual peace and unity." Cao Cao finished. His face flickered once again…Xiahou Dun was not a stupid man. Something here was badly wrong. The repetition of fine and honourable…like Cousin Cao was trying to convince himself more than anybody else.

The Roman was smiling a terrible smile.

"The Great Roman Empire will gladly provide vast reserves of Gold to aid you in your endeavour to control your wayward-"

"Unify."

Cao, whom had lapsed into silence, jerked his head in Xiahou Dun's direction. The man was on his feet, eyes smouldering with anger.

"Unify our country. Not control."

"Of course, my apologies," the Roman attempted to pacify, "I meant no offence."

"What would your Roman Empire gain from this alliance?" Dun sat down, slowly, his eyes boring into the eyes of the emissary. All pretence of politeness the Roman now abandoned, and anger touched his voice when he spoke.

Dun could see where this was going.

"We would gain the right to utilise your country's military forces if necessary, we would of course gain trade rights, and be a strong influence within the Wei court. Of course, we would continue to pay a tribute for these rights. We would also gain certain rights over your country's resources, within reasonable extent."

"Tribute or bribe?" Dun asked sharply.

"Cousin Dun, you forget your place! This man is an honoured guest!" Cao Cao was once again on his feet , his hands resting on the wooden tabletop.

"No Cousin Cao, it is you, I think, that have forgotten yours! Are you honestly suggesting that we should sell ourselves like a nation of whores to these barbarians?"

Dun could see it now. The hidden inferences, the subtext beneath the well-thought out half truths. This was no alliance. As Cao had said, the Romans were fully committed in the West, leaving few troops to send Eastwards. These expansionists had not the strength in the East to take China by force, and therefore they sought to pacify her, to buy the loyalty of her government and her fighting men. To become the dominant force in China. And, Xiahou Dun thought wryly, they would see how long this bribing lasted-he guessed it would be as long as it took to increase Roman strength enough to be a deterrent to whichever weak puppet they put in place to rule China. These legions sent to 'reinforce' the Wei army would in fact be more like a Garrison. And the country he and thousands of others had spilt their life's blood for in campaign after campaign, skirmish after skirmish, would be simply one more protectorate beneath these Western dogs. Submissive to their barbarian overlords, like dogs themselves. And Cousin Cao was prepared to let this travesty take place. It made his blood boil more than all else in this situation that the man he had sworn an oath on his lost eye to, the man he had vowed to serve until his own death, would sell his country and his soul to these warmongers. And following the anger came the bitter-sweet taste of betrayal.

"Cousin Dun, can you not see the merit of this alliance for our country?"

"Call it what it is, Cao. There is nothing noble about these barbarians, they wish only for us to submit to their will! How long do you believe the Gold they have promised you will last once they finish fighting in the West-long enough for them to reinforce the legions they intend to garrison here and make themselves total overlords of China. The country you have spilt blood for will be their domain. Don't try and make this an honourable choice Cousin Cao-you have sold your soul for simple coin to these westerners, these Romans!" Xiahou Dun spat. Guilt was plain on Cao's face.

"I am trying to…" Cao tried to respond to Dun's accusation, but his voice failed him. The Roman stepped in. Dun considered striking him down.

"Think, Lord Dun, of the situation. Our military might far surpasses yours. We have endless funds to throw into a war with your country. We can come to this more peaceful arrangement now, and save many lives and your country from harm. Or we can invade later with our full strength and destroy China utterly. There is nothing you can do to prevent our eventual conquest of this place, Dun. The legions that remain uncommitted in the West are but a fraction of our strength, but still they would outmatch your own forces." The Roman paused, and repeated himself, "There is nothing that you can do."

Xiahou Dun struck him down. In one smooth motion, the scimitar was unsheathed and slicing through the air. The emissary tried to draw a short sword from his robes, but was too slow. With horror in his eyes he pitched backwards over the wooden table, dying in a pool of his own blood.

"Go, Dun." came a voice from behind Xiahou Dun as he sheathed his blade. Cao stood behind him, blade drawn.

"Go. You are still my cousin. You have a days' grace, and then even the Great Dragons will not save you. Goodbye."

Dun nodded, and went for the tent entrance. He turned back briefly at the flap.

"I will fight this, Cousin, even if you will not."

And then he was gone, past startled guards and weary soldiers, through the humid air and the screams of the wounded.

"Goodbye, Cousin Dun."