Light and Shadow

36 - The Abandoned Village, Pt. 2

The memory faded away and Xun Yu felt coldness wash over him. He knew that he was laying down, but the coolness that he felt contrasted with something warm. Where am I? Am I awake? Xun Yu opened his eyes and sunlight filtered into his eyes with a fierce intensity. How long was I out? As his eyes adjusted, he could see the faint outline of a person hovering over him. The figure slowly came into focus and he was slightly startled. He tried to sink further back away from the man, but only found himself surrounded by warmth.

"My Lord, what are you doing?" Xun Yu inquired as he realized that he was laying on the man's lap.

"Ah, I apologize Wenruo, but you passed out and Sima Yi suggested that we elevate you, so I decided to sit here with you." Cao Cao said.

"No, no. My Lord, I cannot possibly take the credit. It was you who suggested that it would be best to prop him up in your lap." Sima Yi replied with a slight nod.

Xun Yu sat up. His back was propped up against Cao Cao's left leg, and he quickly took in his surroundings. I recognize this area. We are close to the village.

"Ah, a sweet-talking horse. Do not be so humble, Sima Yi. You feign a lack of ambition to divert attention away from yourself, so that you may exist among the shadows, learning and bidding your time until an opportunity presents itself. I see through you. Immense dreams linger behind your eyes, it is only a matter of time." Cao Cao stated coldly, causing Sima Yi to look at him with a surprised expression.

He gulped nervously. He can see through me so easily. How does he know? That cold look in his eyes, it was a threat. Well, he does not have to worry about anything so long as he and Cao Pi are around.

"My Lord, please don't be so harsh on Sima Yi. He is loyal to you and Master Cao Pi." Xun Yu whispered.

Cao Cao looked at him and his cold expression softened.

"You're right, Wenruo, but fear can be a powerful tool for keeping ambitious guys in check when used properly." Cao Cao whispered back.

What are they talking about? Sima Yi thought quietly to himself. He watched as a disapproving look crossed Xun Yu's face, and he decided that it was probably best if he didn't know what they were talking about.

"I know what happened to the village," Xun Yu said softly, trying to ease the tension of the group and switch topics. "I was here when it happened. I think I know why the woman in my nightmares is haunting me now."

Cao Cao and Sima Yi were surprised, and neither one understood how he managed to forget something like that. The two listened as Xun Yu told them everything. As he explained everything to them, he remembered where he had recently seen the strange engraving that was on the sword of Mei Hua's husband. He had seen it carved into the flesh of the monster that they fought at Puyang several months ago. Does this mean that Mei Hua's husband and his lover were involved with the Cultivators of Yin? Are either of them still alive? If they are, then they might have answers. I will have to look into their current whereabouts when we return to Xu. Xun Yu stood up and the others stood up with him.

"Let's push on. We are close to our destination." Xun Yu stated.

He began walking and the two followed close behind him. After walking for several minutes, they arrived at the main part of the village. Many homes were destroyed, a few weapons and farming tools lay scattered about on the ground, and plants were growing through the walls and floors of some of the houses. A few of the houses appeared to be burned and some suffered from water damage.

It is serene here despite the tragedy that took place. Xun Yu thought as his feet carried him in the direction of the house where Mei Hua was killed many years ago. He arrived at the decrepit house's front door and froze. An overwhelming sense of gloom and despair filled his senses, and images from his nightmares and dreams flashed in his mind. He took in a deep breath as he took a step closer to the house and its unwelcoming exterior.