“He who opposed me is dead; you others need not be afraid,” cried Guan Yu. “Be quick and prepare me a boat.”

The boat was soon at the landing, and the two women stepped on board, followed by Guan Yu. They crossed and were then in the country of Yuan Shao. In the course of his journey to this point, Guan Yu had forced five passes and slain six generals.

His seal hung up, the treasury locked, his

courtly mansion left,

He journeyed toward his brother dear, too long

from his side left.

The horse he rode was famed for speed as for

endurance great,

His good sword made a way for him and

opened every gate.

His loyalty and truth forth stand, a pattern

unto all,

His valor would frighten rushing streams and

make high mountains fall.

Alone he traveled lustily, this was death to meet

his blade,

He has been themed by myriads, his glory never

will fade.

“I did not willingly slay a single one of them,” mused Guan Yu as he rode along. “There was no help for it. Nevertheless when Cao Cao hears of it, he will regard me as ungrateful for his bounty.”

Before long he saw a rider on the road who soon hailed him and proved to be Sun Qian.

“I have never heard a word from you since we lost sight of each other at Runan; how have you fared?” said Guan Yu.

“After your departure Liu Pi and Gong Du retook the city. I was sent by them to Yuan Shao to try to make peace with him and succeeded, so that Yuan Shao invited Liu Bei to go to him and share in the deliberations for a concerted attack on Cao Cao. But to my disgust the leaders of Yuan Shao's army showed great jealousy of each other so that Tian Feng got into gaol, Ju Shou was degraded, and others quarreled. Then Yuan Shao vacillated and hesitated, so that your brother and I consulted how we might get away from them all. Now the Uncle is at Runan with Liu Pi and, thinking you could not know that and might suffer some harm if you unwillingly went to Yuan Shao, I have come to warn you. It is good fortune to find you like this. Now we can hasten to Runan, and you will meet your brother.”

Guan Yu took Sun Qian to make his bow to the ladies, who asked after his adventures, and Sun Qian said, “Uncle Liu Bei were nearly executed due to Yuan Shao's sudden bursts of anger after the deaths of Yan Liang and Wen Chou. Now, however, he is out of his way and safe at Runan, and you will meet him soon.”

The ladies covered their faces and wept at the recital of his dangers. Then the party no longer traveled north but took the road toward Runan. Not long after a great cloud of dust was noticed behind them, and that presently made out a hundred of horsemen. These were led by Xiahou Dun, who shouted out to Guan Yu to stop.

One by one the pass commanders stopped his

progress and were slain,

The river crossed, another army comes and he

must fight again.

How finally Guan Yu escaped death will appear in the succeeding chapter.

CHAPTER 28. Putting Cai Yang To Death, The Brothers' Doubts Disappear; Meeting At Gucheng, Lord and Liege Fortify Each Other

Sun Qian had joined Guan Yu in escorting the two ladies, and they were on the road to Runan when Xiahou Dun suddenly determined to pursue. So with a couple of hundred horse, Xiahou Dun set out. When Xiahou Dun was seen approaching, Guan Yu bade Sun Qian go ahead with the carriage while he remained to deal with the pursuers.

When they were near enough, Guan Yu said, “In coming after me thus you do not reinforce the magnanimity of your master!”

Replied Xiahou Dun, “The Prime Minister has sent no definite instructions. You have caused the death of several people, among them one of my commanders, and so I have come to capture you! You have behaved most grossly. The Prime Minister will decide.”

Thereupon Xiahou Dun dashed forward with his spear ready to thrust. But at that moment a rider came up behind him at full gallop, crying, “You must not fight with Guan Yu!”

Guan Yu stayed his steed at once and waited. The messenger came up, drew from his bosom an official letter, and said to Xiahou Dun, “The Prime Minister loves General Guan Yu for his loyalty and honor, and fearing lest Guan Yu might be stopped at the various passes, he sent me with this letter to show when necessary at any point on the road.”