Light and Shadow

Chapter 15 - A Near-Death Experience

"Yu, can you explain what's going on? Why did you drag me back to your home?" Xiahou Dun asked as the two stepped into the building.

Xun Yu closed the door behind them as they stepped into the home. He paced back and forth in front of Xiahou Dun a few times, who watched him with an expression full of confusion and concern, before he walked over to the table in the living area and beckoned for Xiahou Dun to come over and join him. Xiahou Dun removed his shoes and walked over to the table, taking a seat and looking at Xun Yu, who appeared to be concerned and anxious. He fidgeted with his hands and met the General's gaze with a stoic expression.

"Please, don't tell our Lord about any of this. He is already aware of everything else, except for the stone. I don't want him to get involved; I can handle it." Xun Yu stated.

Xiahou Dun gave him a dubious look but nodded his head in agreement anyway. Xun Yu then told him about the strange passage that led to the long-forgotten room, the deceased nobleman, and the strange man who captured him and cut open his stomach to insert the stone talisman into it. Xiahou Dun now understood why he didn't want their Lord to know about the part involving the stone. He would be deeply angered and stop at nothing to ensure that the man was either harmed or killed, which would, in turn, make it more difficult to find and search for information.

"I need to go back to that strange room. I have to find out if that man died from one of these stone talismans." Xun Yu said with an air of determination about him as he stood up from the table.

"Wait, I refuse to let you go alone. What if something happened to you? I'm coming with you." Xiahou Dun stated as he also stood up from the table.

"I never said that I was going on my own," Xun Yu replied. "I planned on asking you to join me, but I'm glad that you have already offered to help."

Xiahou Dun frowned.

"I'm that predictable, am I?" Xiahou Dun asked with a somewhat bitter tone in his voice. Xun Yu gave him a compassionate look. "Once we finish this, would you mind teaching me a little bit about politics?"

Xun Yu was surprised by the man's question. He never thought that Xiahou Dun would ask him for instruction on such things, especially not when he found training troops and outdoor activities to be more enjoyable than reading.

"I would be happy to, but what has made you interested in them?" Xun Yu inquired.

"I want to be able to assist you and Guo Jia more." Xiahou Dun answered sincerely.

"That's very kind of you, General," Xun Yu said with a soft smile. "I think Guo Jia would like that."

Xiahou Dun was filled with embarrassment and blushed ever so slightly upon hearing the man's words. Does he know how I feel about Guo Jia? That must be why he said that. Or is he just saying that Guo Jia would appreciate the help? Either way, an opportunity to help Guo Jia is not something that I would pass up. The two walked over to the front door of the home and left to find the strange location that Xun Yu described.

Xun Yu walked with Xiahou Dun through the woods near Xu for several meters before they arrived at their destination. The sight of the large iron door in the center of the earthen mound once again filled him with awe, and he glanced to his right, noticing that Xiahou Dun was visibly impressed by the structure. They cautiously approached the door, one of them stood on either side of it, and Xiahou Dun grabbed the handle, pulling it open. Cold air rushed out and blew across his face, sending chills down his spine and instilling him with an air of fear. He gripped the hilt of his sword and motioned for Xun Yu to follow close behind him.

The two entered the dimly lit passage, gingerly taking each step forward down the long flight of stairs. As they neared the end of the stairs, Xiahou Dun stopped and looked around the room for signs that someone was present; however, he did not see any, and he walked forward into the room. The room had the stench of must and decay, and Xun Yu recalled how he was captured by a man cloaked in black who reeked immensely of death. Recounting the experience sent chills down his spine. I hope that he doesn't show up here again, especially not while Xiahou Dun is here with me. I don't want him to get hurt.