We argued with Kuno for some time about our strategy after the battle, for he wanted to chase after Satsume's army and finish them off, not giving them a chance to fortify and regroup. A good strategy, if we weren't already exhausted and lacking troops. Fortunately, we were summoned back into the Emperor's Palace by an insistent messenger, which made our decision for us.
The Emperor is dead.
My heart fell as I heard the news. Bayushi Shoju asked all daimyos remaining to join him in court in the castle, and requested our presence. We didn't even take time to clean up from the battle, so blood soaked and tired, we entered the castle. Court was held in a small room, and I noticed how very few Daimyos were actually there. All others had been killed in the incident with the ship. I often regret not being there to help. Nearly being cut down by Satsume's minions in the castle did not help our situation at all, and my efforts to bring Satsume and Furi together were a waste. Maybe I could have done something to help stop the explosion, or perhaps save a few lives from the freezing cold water... but it is too late for regrets. The emperor is dead, and we stood in court to determine the future for the Empire.
Shinjo Yokatsu stepped forward, and swore to send soldiers to assist in defeating Doji Satsume. Following his oath, Togashi Yokuni came forward as well, and promised soldiers. I was in complete awe to see this man, a man who never shows himself to anyone, and he was here the whole time. I wonder if Jekusu saw him on the cruise...
The Great Bear, Hida Kisada, was lost in the waves and cannon fire on the cruise. The news brought concern to Bayushi Shoju. He looked up at Fuji, and said, "That leaves you in charge of the Hida family, doesn't it?" We were all taken aback, most of all Fujizaka. I tugged on Fuji's sleeve, to get him to say something. Fuji merely stood and gaped at the Scorpion. Bayushi explained that Hida Yakamo is unavailable to take his place at this time, and the duty falls to Fujizaka. Has something happened to Hida Kisada's youngest son? This is a great burden for Fuji to bear, but it is a great honor as well. I'm sure he will do a wonderful job.
The Phoenix Daimyo did not choose sides, and neither did Bayushi Shoju. All others present swore to assist us. I am certain that the Scorpion will not choose a side, until the outcome is inevitable. It would be typical of them, to make every effort possible to ensure they are on the winning side Kuno took the opportunity to make it known that he would take over the Matsu lands, and join them with the Kitsu lands, all under his rule, due to the death of Matsu Tsuke. It was foolish timing, and even I was not impressed. Bayushi brushed him off, saying that such things would wait, and the future would tell us whether it's feasible. If Kuno's first commander is still alive, she is heir to the Matsu daimyoship. Matsu Shuriko. But she is being held within the walls of Satsume's castle with Asami and Kimi.
Kakita Mizake had her prisoner of war in tow during court. Doji Hoturi. She captured him in battle, and agreed to let Bayushi Shoju keep him until she comes back to claim him. Mizake was very clear that she didn't want the man killed, but it would be fair enough to make him suffer for his crimes until she returns for him. This pleased Shoju very much. It is well known that he despises the Crane Daimyo greatly. And as Satsume's son, Hoturi will be held accountable for many deaths.
After court was dismissed, we made plans to use the bath houses immediately. I was most impressed with the craft that created this bath. It was obviously built by great engineers, and aided by shugenja. It looked like a natural hot spring, with foliage surrounding it's steamy edge. It was open to the cold night air, and snow glistened near the edges of the water. I had my gaijin sake brought forth, and we all partook of it's sweet fire as we soaked in the hot water. I know it was improper for all of us to bathe together, but who was going to argue with four bloodied samurai and a shugenja? Fuji even did me the favor of rubbing my sore muscles in my shoulders and back. I nearly melted in the water, it felt so good.
When we were all sufficiently clean, we decided to go talk to the Phoenix Daimyo, and find out where he stands with this turmoil. I will not go into detail about everything that was said, but the Daimyo embarrassed my cousin, which angered me. I calmly explained why he shouldn't side with Satsume, and tried to reason with him, and get him to join us. I wasn't hopeful of being successful of that, but was satisfied that he agreed not to hinder our movements against Satsume.
Once convinced of the Phoenix Clan's neutrality in this matter, I decided to visit the library, to find some scrolls on spell craft. I am certain that soon I will find something to aid me in fixing Fujizaka's ancestral katana. As I was walking down the hall, I thought I saw Kakita Mizake speaking with Bayushi Kachiko. I wonder what that was about? I continued walking, and Fuji caught up with me.
He told me he doesn't know anything about courtly manners or etiquette, or even if now was the right time or place... he was very nervous, I see that now. Anyway, he continued to babble for a few minutes about his timing, and how bad he is at this sort of thing, then he said, and I'll never forget these word, "Would you be my wife?" I don't know why I was so surprised, especially after all I have done to ensure this part of my future. I stood dumbfounded for a few moments while he explained how much he loved me, and how much he wanted us to be together. I guess I didn't expect it to happen so soon. He knelt down on the ground before me and held my hand to his cheek. He said he didn't think there was any place for love in his life before he met me, but I make him feel things that he's never felt before. It was poetic, the way he said that. I gazed down into his warm brown eyes... those eyes that looked at me with such emotion and strength. My heart was racing when I finally spoke, telling him that I would be honored to be his wife, if my father gives his permission. Fuji looked crestfallen. I smiled lamely, explaining that were it up to me, I would have married him long ago. That being his wife is what I want most in this life, but it is not up to me. I am certain, however, that my family will support this arrangement. Fuji doubts that, but I reminded him that he is now the Hida Daimyo, for the time being, and that is far more than my father could ever have hoped for me.
Fuji asked me to join him for dinner, privately in his room... he even blushed and said our rooms were adjoined, asking if that was permissible. I found this terribly amusing. I agreed to meet him for dinner, and continued to the library where I spent several hours looking through the scrolls. They had nothing I was looking for. I quickly got over my disappointment, remembering my dinner arrangement with Fuji. I was so certain he would be off drinking with Kuno this evening, and now my plans were looking positive.
Dinner was lovely. We had spiced tsu fish, just like our first dinner together. Fujizaka had it specially made, and he is getting better at handling the spices. He was very quiet through the meal though. I asked him why, and he said he felt guilty, for he beat up Kuno this afternoon. I nearly choked on my fish as he said this. I asked him why he fought Kuno. Fuji explained that Kuno was planning to get drunk with Jekusu, and wanted him to leave, so he could be alone with my cousin. Apparently, he hinted at something more than drinking with Jekusu... Fuji decided to defend Jekusu's honor, as she will soon be his cousin. Fuji took Kuno down and explained that he shouldn't be planning to marry Asami and go drinking with Jekusu. It's not right. Fuji thinks he broke Kuno's nose. He says Kuno hit him, but he isn't sure about that. He didn't really feel it. I tried not to laugh. I assured Fuji that if Kuno tried to do anything unwanted to Jekusu, he would certainly find out how painful a Unicorn's horn can be. Fuji just shrugged. I told him I appreciated how much he cared. It was a truly honorable thing to do. Dare I say he blushed at my comment?
Fuji then went off on a tangent about how all the women like Kuno, and he had to help the situation. How Asami likes Kuno, and so does Jekusu and Mizake. I didn't know Fuji was so jealous of Kuno. I looked at Fuji in the eyes, and said, "But I don't like Kuno. I'm marrying you." That seemed to cheer him up a bit. Then he started saying that he would never let any Scorpion Clan members stay with us, since they are well known for seducing the lady of the house. I assured him that if anyone tried to do that, they would regret it. A fireball to the face is sure to stop most untoward actions. And the burnt hair and clothing would make them easy to spot for Fuji to do as he wishes. He finally smiled, and laughed. We retired for the evening in his room.We were awakened by the sound of Kakita Ryugi, Jekusu's first commander in her cavalry, shouting battle cries. Fuji and I leapt out of bed, grabbing our nearby weapons as his door slid open. Two men charged into the room. Fuji took one man's head with is no-dachi, and I took the other's head with Fuji's ancestral wakazashi. Just then, two more entered the door way. I could see now that they were Seppun guardsmen. I cast a spell, a ball of fire that split in two, and hit both men. Simultaneously, Fuji threw his no-dachi, and it planted itself into the taller man's chest as he burst into flames.
I grabbed a kimono and threw it on as Fuji pulled his sword from the guard's body. I could hear Jekusu crying out for me down the hall. apparently I didn't move fast enough, as she tore into Fuji's room via the door connecting to my room. She practically dragged me down to her room, where Kakita Ryugi's body lie on the floor. She demanded I heal him. I am not a god, and do not have the power to bring people back to life. I didn't want to refuse to my cousin though. She seemed more than a bit upset. I humored her, and bent over and examined the body. He had undergone a major battle, but when two swords sliced through his chest, his life was spent. I apologized to Jekusu, for there was nothing I could do. She openly mourns the loss of her first commander. I feel for her. Ryugi was a wonderful soldier. Kuno and Mizake rounded the corner, and we set strategy to break into two groups and work our way to the bottom floor, as we could hear fighting going on on other levels of the castle. Mizake had managed to question one of the attackers. The poor fools sided with Satsume and attempted to rid the castle of any opposers. They paid with their lives. Otosan Uchi is now under Bayushi Shujo's watchful eye until we claim victory over Satsume and return with the rightful heir to the Sun Throne. A task much easier said than done, as it has been revealed through Jekusu's ancestor, that Doji Satsume is in actuality an oni. A powerful oni that can only be slain by one particular sword. I pray fervently that we may find this blade soon.Upon sunrise, our group of warriors broke into several groups. Kakita Mizake headed for Tsuma, to gain what little Crane support there might be left, while Kuno left for the Lion Lands. We learned by messenger that his mother was killed by the Matsus. They cut off her feet and drug her behind horses until she finally died. If Matsu Tsuke weren't already dead, I know that Kuno would have loved to torture her as she did to his mother. Jekusu, Fuji and I went to the Unicorn Lands. Before we left, we were told that Bayushi Shoju would have a general for us to use with our troops. A man who we would need. He will meet us at Kyuden Shinjo in one month.
Mother and Father met Fujizaka with open arms. They were thrilled to announce our engagement. My father was very proud of me. I wish he would be as proud of my accomplishments as he is of me finding a husband. He makes me feel like such a child. I have a feeling that if we succeed in our mission, we may have an Imperial Wedding at Winter Court.
Shinjo Yokatsu presented me with a gift of a new Unicorn Steed, one of his mares. She is beautiful, and I have named her Kiseki. I will not be foolish with my sister as I was with my brother, Silverwind. I spent several weeks in the temple, studying with the Shugenja where I grew up, and learning new spells. I remembered that Megumi told me to visit the dojo where I first began schooling, and set off to visit there one afternoon. On my way there, I spotted a young man wearing a white kimono with blue collared cranes on the sleeves. I bowed deeply to him, and said it was an honor to be in his presence.
He looked confused and asked me who I am. I told him my name, and he looked surprised. "I don't know if it's your honor or mine," he said to me. He then pulled out a lacquered mahogany box and handed it to me, saying he was told in a dream to come here and give this to me. His name is Hamorei, and says he was a shugenja of the Crane Clan, but recent events leave him without a clan. I feel badly for him, being from a clan who's leaders are so corrupted. He asked if he could meet my comrades, and I agreed to introduce him to those that were with me. As we were walking back home, Kuno showed up on horseback with an army of fifty shugenja. I was astounded, needless to say. I introduced Kuno and Hamorei to one another. Hamorei stated that an army of shugenja would be better led by another shugenja. I agreed and looked to Hamorei, thinking he should take the position. He refused, saying he didn't come here to lead an army. He doesn't know what he has come here for, but that's not it. Both Hamorei and Kuno looked at me, as if I were the only shugenja on the face of the planet that might lead this small army. My idea of placing this young man in a position of glory, to win back some of the honor lost by being a Crane had back lashed. I took my time considering, then accepted. I know what these people are capable of, and may better utilize their abilities. However, I am nervous, for I know nothing of leading others.The General that Bayushi Shoju sent arrived at dinner that night.. He was insistent that we leave first thing in the morning, taking only Jekusu, Kuno, Fuji, Mizake, myself and him. We convinced him to allow Hamorei to come as well. I vouched for his honor, and Fuji backed me up, saying that if I trust him, so does he. Later I warned Hamorei not to fail my trust.
We are to leave, and infiltrate the castle, get Asami, Kimi and Shuriko out, then have our armies take the castle down after we are out. The man is obviously trained as an assassin. I don't care. If it helps us get Asami out, I'll dress in silly black clothes too.
In the morning, we met outside. The crisp winter air chilled me as we waited for everyone to arrive. The Scorpion General was wearing black. I can't say I was surprised. Hamorei offered an alternate way to travel, so that no one would know we were coming. No one would see us, and it would be much faster. He said it was a spell he knew... a gateway through the void. I have heard of such spells, and agreed with him that it would be a better way to travel. I convinced Fuji and Jekusu to back me up on this. The Scorpion was very hesitant, saying he didn't like to do anything new, but we finally got him to agree. We spent three hours casting the spell. I assisted Hamorei. Finally, some sort of gateway opened, with a glowing white path leading into darkness. I was the first to ride my horse in.
I don't know how long we rode. There was no sense of time, nor was there any fatigue. We rode and rode, and finally, a opening led us from the glowing white path, to the grounds of Satsume's castle. Snow blanketed the ground, and a chill went through my bones. Jekusu insists that she will never, ever, travel that way again. I tried to convince her that it was the best way in the given circumstances, but gave up.
Now, all we must do is get into the castle, and get the three women out without getting ourselves killed in the meantime. Much easier said than done.
