Hiro and I both were asking ourselves what we would do next. I told him of our original plans, but I was not certain if they could work now. I was also thinking that I should find Niya and kill her. I was angry about her weakness in allowing herself to be used as she had.
Both Hiro and I thought about finding Akayama, Hashi and Niya, though for different reasons. It was a few days after the battle when we received word from the Northern Emperor. He wanted to see me, and Hiro, as well as Niya, or the bearer of the Tears of Morning as it was put in his letter. Hiro and I left to find Niya and the others. We were soon joined by Murusashi.
When Akayama had led Niya and Hashi from the battlefield he had taken them out of the way of danger, but he had not taken them far. They were on foot, and Hiro, Murusashi and I were on horseback. It did not take us long to find them again.
Initially our meeting was a little tense. We had fought on different sides of a battle, and that put a strain on our earlier relations. It was Akayama, as always, who eased the tensions between us. He spoke wise words, pointing out that we still had work to do.
Hiro and I told them about the Northern Emperor’s request. If we could convince Shuguto-sama of the importance of peace, he might be able to convince his brother. Or if we could convince Shuguto, then he might act, and people, as I had said in my words on the battlefield, might see him as the true Emperor as he was trying to save the Empire. Even the Lion would have to agree that the Empire’s safety and existence was more important than petty desires for power.
As we began towards the coast where a ship was waiting for us the companionship we had shared earlier began to return. I realised that I could not blame Niya for her choice, she was certainly not alone.
We picked up more horses along the way and it did not take us too long to reach the coast and the Mantis ship that was awaiting us. We boarded the ship and soon were sailing up the coast. It was a quiet trip, we had nothing to do. I spent much of my time on the deck, staring out at the ocean. What the others did, I’m not sure, though I’m fairly certain that Akayama pulled Hiro and Hashi into a few games of Go.
The ship put into a small village on the coast. There we were met by an escort, led by Doji Tejito. He was the son of Doji Kensekio, the new Emerald Champion. He welcomed us ashore, thanking us for coming so quickly. We were given fresh horses for the ride the Emerald Champion’s castle. Hiro of course stayed on his horse.
There was something odd that happened there. Earlier, Hiro had given a Unicorn riding horse to Niya so she might keep up with him. That horse had remained with her until she went into Matsu’s castle, at which point Murusashi had taken charge of it.
Murusashi climbed upon this horse as we gathered to ride.
I was a little busy at the time, trying to remember how to ride a horse in a kimono without wearing hakama so I almost missed it. Hiro let out a low whistle with an odd tune. I don’t know what it meant, but the horse Murusashi was climbing onto must have, for it began to buck, tossing the Dragon samurai into the dust on the road.
Hiro rode up and took the reins of the horse, saying that perhaps Murusashi should stick with a mount he was more used to.
If Murusashi knew what had happened he took it well enough, taking one of the smaller mounts that Tejito had brought with him for us.
All of us mounted, we began up the road, towards the castle.
Our pace was leisurely enough, giving us plenty of time to talk as we rode. I asked Tejito about the state of affairs in the court. Everything seemed well enough there. On the other hand, other news was not so good. From Tejito I learned that the Lions had retaken Shiro no Yojin, then, had marched on Shiro Sano Kakita. With the aid of strange magics, much like those we had recently seen, the Lion had taken that as well. Bad news indeed.
We reached the castle a little after the sun set. The air had grown chill with the winds of the approaching winter. We rode through the gates and dismounted. Our horses were taken away from us to be stabled. Hiro made sure the people handling the horses appreciated that his horses were not to be treated as other horses. The servant in charge of the stable assured Hiro that they knew how to care for the horses of his great clan.
As it was late we would not be seeing the Emperor that night. The next day an audience had been arranged for us, we would have plenty of time to rest and clean up before hand. As we were being led to the rooms that had been put aside to us I was waylaid, as it were, by an old servant named Chigen. I had known him during the time I had spent in court and was pleased to note that he was still alive after the events that had taken place in the capital.
He asked me if I would like to be housed with my friends from court, many of them were there. I hid a smile at that, for few of those people had truly been friends. That was the nature of court after all. Still, we hid it well from those who served us. Or perhaps he was just being polite. Either way, I was indeed interested in spending time with those I had known at court. It would be nice to see them again, and it would help to sharpen my slightly dulled court wits.
Fighting Oni and beasts of the Shadowlands is one skill, surviving the myriad snares of court was another. I had a feeling that I would have to work to cover for my companions.
So I once again entered a world I had been absent from for a little more than a year. I have to admit that it was pleasing to be back. As I expected the slightly barbed comments were launched at me. Concern over my travel worn garments, my rather dishevelled appearance, it sounded pleasant enough, but it was a subtle way of saying I looked like a mess.
I suppose some would have offered apologies for their look, but that was a sign of weakness, and once in a position of weakness, it was hard to get out. I smiled at them. "Oh?" I said, turning slightly so they might appreciated the totality of my look. "This is quite a popular look in the Lion lands right now," I said, smiling. "None of you have been in the lands of our Lion cousins lately have you?"
And that took care of it. Oh, they all knew that I was lying, at least I hope they knew. I suppose a few of the younger ladies may have been just naive enough to believe me, but naiveté like that did not stand one well in the politics of court. That is not important though. What is is that I was once again part of that group, a respected member.
So the initial battle of words over, we got down to the serious business of talking. In some ways it was like I had never left, one of the ladies asked me immediately to help her with a poem she was having trouble with. Another wanted to hear one of my more recent poems, they were in desperate need of entertainment. I was told of interesting happenings, including news of a dance they would be performing for the Emperor in a few days.
I enjoyed it thoroughly, and it did sharpen my court instincts. I was a little surprised when I was asked about Hiro-sama. At first I thought to smile politely and tell them they should not make such jokes. Then I realised the question, as well as the respectful prefix, were serious.
I told them what I knew of Hiro, which was not a lot, but far more than they knew. Many listened intently and I began to wonder just what people were saying about Hiro that was causing so much interest.
While I told them of Hiro, they told me many things I needed or was glad to know. There was an envoy from the Scorpion in the castle, led by a man named Shosuro Ginsho. They were there to talk of a separate alliance with Emperor Shuguto. I wondered if the Ginsho was a member of the Black Circle or if he represented the Scorpion proper.
During a quiet time a friend, Kakita Ritsuko, told me that I best be careful. Doji Hanime was in court and he had probably not forgiven me. Hanime-san had, for some reason, blamed me for an unflattering poem and rumours that had gone around the court. These had cost him a position of Emerald Magistrate.
I did not give Hanime-san much credit to be a threat, but I was also told that Doji Saeko and he had been seen talking to each other. That was a little worrisome. Saeko-san was a bit more dangerous. She I would worry about a little.
We talked until late, and then many of the ladies began heading off to their rooms. It was going to be a busy day in the morning.
As for the others, I suspect Akayama found someone, perhaps Hiro, to play Go with. Who knows what Murusashi might have done, though one can always hope he just slept. Hashi was shown to an out of the way room, which was fine with him. He’d later claim to be feeling unwell and so avoided everything that went on.
As I wandered the shadowy halls of the castle, looking out at gardens, made mostly bare by the approaching winter, I realised I probably should have invited Niya with me, just out of politeness. Then again, the ladies would have torn her apart I’m afraid, so perhaps its it best that she went off by herself.
When morning came we all prepared for the audience that had been arranged for the afternoon. I took my time getting ready, making sure that I was properly attired. Akayama sent his armour out to be cleaned and mended and it came back trimmed with precious metals, and a little colour added that made it almost proper court wear. Fortunate as he wore his armour.
Hiro and Murusashi were given fine clothing in their clan colours for the audience and had little trouble. Niya on the other hand was to fall prey to some rather inappropriate games. First she was offered kimonos in Crane colours, unmarked by any mon. And then there was, so I have been told, a beautiful garment in the vibrant colours of her clan. It was marked with the Crane mon though.
I remember some of the ladies laughing softly in private over her behaviour, her anger about it. Poor Niya, she just did not understand the rules. She gave the women involved reason to laugh at her, and she would show up for the audience in travel worn, though very clean, kimono. She took it all as an insult, which it was meant to be, but she could have turned it into a compliment.
Ah well, Niya had other strengths, which is what we should remember and what is important.
The audience hall was quite busy when I entered. I took note of some of the familiar faces there. I noted that Doji Hanime was wearing the armband of an Emerald Magistrate, as well as his swords. Well, it seemed as if he had finally received the position he wanted. Perhaps he would stop being angry at me. Unlikely.
I saw Kenshin enter the audience hall, and he got a rather cool reception from those gathered there. After loosing Shiro no Yojin, and then because of that the loss of Shiro Sano Kakita. I was more than a little surprised to see that he was still alive.
Shosuro Ginsho entered the hall with three other men in Scorpion colours. I noticed that Ginsho wore a beautiful, jewelled necklace. Perhaps it was part of his mask, look at the necklace and not his face. I promised myself to ignore the necklace if I had any dealings with the man.
When Hiro entered I could see he was well respected and a number of people moved towards him, obviously wishing to speak with him.
Niya on the other hand was off by herself, being ignored for the most part. Oh, there were a few snide remarks and looks, but Niya ignored them, as if they did not matter. That or she just did not realise what was happening.
Akayama was treated well for the most part, though not overly friendly. Perhaps it was the armour he wore.
No one seemed to know what to make of Murusashi, but that was okay. None of us did.
We had all been in the audience room for a short time when it was announced the Emperor was present. We all bowed as Shuguto-sama entered the hall. He moved to a raised dais at the end of the room and knelt down on the cushion there, his guard moving around him.
Shuguto-sama had always been a handsome young man, friendly, and very charismatic. It was hard not to like him, even if you did not know him. The position of Emperor seemed to suit him, though I guess we always knew it would.
He welcomed us and made us feel welcome, well, he made me feel welcomed.
He smiled when I came forward and told me that my poetry as well as my presence had been missed in the court. I was a little surprised since I did not think he had even known who I was. I thanked him. Of course this would lead to problems later. For an attractive young woman, having an unmarried Emperor notice you can be troublesome.
Niya was welcomed as the bearer of the Tears of Morning, and a representative of her clan. Shuguto-sama said he hoped that her presence was a sign of better relation between himself and the Lions.
Murusashi was welcomed as a representative of the Dragon. Shuguto-sama said that he hoped that the Dragon would come to help the Empire soon. I thought Murusashi might say something inappropriate at that moment, but he was very polite, telling the Emperor that he could not presently speak for his people.
Shuguto-sama called Akayama the respected general from the Crab clan. That Akayama was in disgrace because of the actions of his student seemed not to matter. Or perhaps the actions of his student were considered a good thing for the Northern Emperor’s faction.
While all of us were treated with respect, it was Hiro who received the greatest honour that day.
Shuguto-sama looked at him as he came before the dais. "Shinjo Hiro-san," he said, his voice carrying loudly. "In support of my Empire, you have fought my enemies, and your presence on the battle field has been of great help. You have boosted morale, and you have destroyed my enemies."
I noticed a few eyes going to Niya, whose clan had felt Hiro’s power more than most.
"The Unicorn Clan has also suffered greatly for this, and we will not let their suffering be forgotten, nor go unpunished." He did not raise his voice, but somehow conveyed the sense that he was yelling in anger. "For your actions, and those of your most noble clan, I offer you three gifts this day. The first," he nodded towards a boy who brought forth a box. "A tessen, given by several Emperors to Imperial Generals in the past." He opened the box and removed the ancient, and beautiful war fan. He held it out so that Hiro could take it.
Fortunately, since those days at Kenshin’s court, Hiro has learned much of etiquette and politely refused the gift twice as was proper. On the third offer he took the tessen from Shuguto-sama’s hand and thanked him for such a wonderful item.
Of course there was more going on here, and everyone knew it. Few times have Imperial Generals come from any clan other than the Lion. For Shuguto-sama to give Hiro that tessen was a great compliment to him, and his clan, and an insult to the Lion.
"The second gift I offer, and one I hope you can put to great use, is a bow." He again nodded, and again the boy carried the item to Shuguto. "This bow was used by Hantei the sixteenth for hunting. May it serve you well Hiro-san."
Once again, Hiro was proper in his acceptance of the beautiful weapon. It was made of some strange wood, highly polished. There were deep reds and oranges in that wood, and as Hiro held it looked as if he was holding liquid fire.
"For my final gift I give you the means to help rebuild the losses your clan has suffered, and to tie the Unicorn closer to the Emperor. You will marry a princess of the Imperial line."
This caused some surprise among many of the court, though I noted that many of the ladies seemed to be expecting it.
Hiro refused the gift twice, as was proper. For a moment I thought that he would refuse it third time. He accepted the gift though, fortunately.
"You will chose one of these three. Kakita Daijine-dono," he announced. Daijine walked to the front of the hall and bowed deeply to Hiro. I knew Daijine well, she was a true friend actually. Beautiful, and graceful. Her grandmother had been the daughter of an Emperor.
"Kakita Iyuko," he said. Iyuko-san I did not know very well. She was beautiful of course.
"Doji Saeko," the Emperor announced, much to my surprise. Saeko-san walked to the front of the hall, the centre of attention. She had a certain presence that seemed to take away from the other two.
"I will give you time to make your decision Hiro-san," Shuguto-sama told him. And then the audience ended.
We all bowed as the Emperor made his exit, then once he was gone a relaxed attitude became prevalent. Hiro was soon the centre of attention as people wanted to get to know him. He stood there, with his tessen and bow, looking a little lost. Saeko-san, always ready, moved in and offered to take care of the items for him. It was a wifely thing to do, which is why she did it.
Hiro began to relax and was able to deal with the people around him admirably enough. I found myself set upon by various people of the court, wanting to know why the Emperor signalled me out as he had. I answered questions with more questions and told them nothing. Maybe they though me clever. I wonder if any knew the truth, which was that I was not sure.
Akayama handled himself well, and impressed many with his knowledge of the court, mixed with knowledge of everything else. We drifted close at times and I could hear him telling a few people about the perils the Shadowlands offered. He never actually said that he had been there, which he had. A wise course I think, no one is comfortable about those that might carry the taint of that place.
Murusashi was left alone for the most part, though some did go to talk to him. I suspect he answered in riddles and gave no one what they wanted.
Niya was also left alone, more so than Murusashi. She might have been invited their by the Emperor, but she was still a Lion.
The Scorpion ambassador, Ginsho-san, managed to speak with us all. I do not know what he said to the others, but to me he commented on my poetry, and asked if I might look at some of his less than perfect work and tell him what I thought. I hid my face with my fan, making it a mask of my own. I told him that if there was time, I would be happy to do so. He thanked me, then went off to talk to others.
He made my skin crawl.
People began to drift off, breaking up into small groups and leaving the hall. I joined with several of the ladies and went off to watch them practice the dance they had been talking about earlier.
As for Hiro, he had three women who were interested in him. The next day, Iyuko-san went out with him into the forests around the castle, to learn of the ways of his Clan she said. When she came back later in the day she looked somewhat unwell. I do not know what happened, though a rumour, spread by Saeko-san no doubt, was that Iyuko-san did not take well to the diet of the Unicorn.
The day after that Hiro and Akayama went out of the castle to spar with one another. Daijine-san went out to watch them, and expressed interest in the training. Hiro invited her to join, and, after a few polite refusals, she did so. Daijine-san always wanted to be a warrior.
During their sparring Hiro knocked her to the ground with one of his blows. Saeko-san and some others who were watching this were very amused by this. I’m sure that Saeko-san thought that her rivals were embarrassing themselves out of the running, as it were.
I was told when Hiro offered to help Daijine-san up she got angry at him, as if his offer was saying she was weak.
While Hiro was dealing with his three potential brides, the rest of us were involved in quieter goings on. So quiet in fact that I can’t really say what the others did. I saw them in the halls every now and then as I was rushing off with a group of ladies to take care of one thing or another.
Three days after we had arrived a dance, as well as other entertainments were to take place for the Emperor’s entertainment. There was talk that at the end of the evening the Emperor would ask Hiro which of the women he would marry. As a result, almost everyone one who could attend did.
I was looking forward to the coming entertainments, it would be nice to simply relax and enjoy things. I could see others were of a similar feelings. I was just as curious as the rest about who Hiro might choose. Perhaps I might have even been asked to read one of my poems.
Shuguto-sama came into the hall and seated himself on the dais and then gave a signal for everything to begin. The ladies who had been practising their dance earlier glided into the hall, clothing and movements perfect. Having seen them practice, I was a little surprised when they did not move into their places. Instead Saeko walked forward and bowed low to the Emperor.
"With the Emperor’s permission and blessing I’d like to be able to ask that his Emperor’s most honoured guest, Doji Natsumi, dance the lead," she said.
There was some surprise in many faces, but not all of them. I looked around and saw Hanime standing with Kenshin, neither looked surprised.
Shuguto-sama thought about that for a moment, then nodded. "Natsumi-san," he said. "How do you feel about this?"
I bowed low before speaking. "I would of course do whatever pleased the Emperor, but I would not want to take such an honour away from Doji Emiko-san who has been practising for this day."
"If it would make the Emperor happy, then I would happily allow Natsumi-sama to take my place," Emiko said.
At that point it was all up to me. I could have refused, with little loss of face, but a challenge of sorts had been offered, and I was not about to back down. "Then I will do so."
With that said I was hurried out of the room by two other ladies to a room close by where I could change. Things had been prepared before hand I could see. I suspected that this was being done to embarrass me, to make me look foolish in front of the Court, and more importantly the Emperor. I smiled as I let the ladies help me dress. I might not have practised for this dance, and may not have danced at all for some time, but it did not matter.
Not long after I had left I swept into the hall, moving to the centre of the floor, the other dancers falling in behind me. I snapped my fan open and waited for the music to start.
It’s a rather difficult, the dance, made up of three parts. The transition from one part to another is very difficult, a test of a dancer’s skills. I was ready for it though. The music began, soft at first, but picking up speed as we moved into the complex steps and spins.
The first part was ending, and I was more than satisfied with my performance. Then the musicians began to play the music for the third part. I had less than a moment to consider what was happening and make a decision. I moved into the third part, the transition even more difficult. Even as I moved smoothly into the third movement, I could see the other dancers doing the same.
The musicians and the dancers, together on it. Saeko had been busy.
The third part ended and the second began, again requiring a more difficult than usual transition. Again I was successful, doing my best not to smile at the feeling of triumph I felt. And soon it was over, the music stopping, and all the dancers holding themselves perfectly still for several moments.
I was congratulated afterwards, as were all the dancers. I suspected some knew what happened there, but my companions did not. As Akayama offered his praises for a flawless performance I hid an amused smile behind my fan. I was beginning to again appreciate the usefulness of a fan.
Saeko hid any upset she might feel well, though I noticed Kenshin was not so successful. The Emperor offered me his congratulations for my performance.
It was at that moment that the happiness in the hall was dashed. A guard came in and went to Kensekio-san and whispered something to the Emerald Champion. The Emerald Champion went to the Emperor and in quiet tones that did not carry informed him of something.
The hall went quiet as the Emperor returned to his dais and knelt upon it. Into that quiet Kensekio-san announced that a messenger had come from the Lions, and from the Emperor’s brother Genji.
A short time later a Lion Bushi was shown into the room. His name was Akodo Banui and he swaggered, as if being in a roomful of his enemies did not matter. I saw him look at Niya for a moment, but only a moment.
He walked up to the dais and announced, without preamble, that the true Emperor was ordering his brother to give up his foolish actions and allow the Empire to fight as one. His words were rude and I could see anger on many faces. I myself was angry at this Lion. Whether he accepted Shuguto-sama as his Emperor or not, he was a Hantei, and therefore, deserving of respect.
I almost called out a challenge to the Lion, but realised I was not dressed for it, and I would have to run and fetch my sword. I was not sure of the duelling etiquette when one was no longer carrying the daisho either.
Then Tejito, Kensekio’s son, called out. "Lion, your words are as grating and rude as your entire Clan. I suggest you apologise and beg for a quick death from the Emperor."
Banui turned on Tejito. "I have repeated my message, as ordered by my daimyo and my Emperor. I will not allow a Crane to insult my Clan’s honour as well my own. Do you have the bravery to face me?"
Tejito smiled, it was the only answer needed.
The two men left the hall, moving outside where they could duel. People filed out to watch. It appeared as if the night’s entertainment had taken a darker tone.
Banui and Tejito faced off against one another, dropping into their stances. I could see by the faces of some around me that they saw what I did. They were too evenly matched for their to be any other ending but one. For a moment I looked towards Kensekio who was watching his son. If he felt any concern he hid it well, as was proper.
For what seemed the longest time the two stared at each other, then Banui was moving first, giving the advantage to Tejito. Somehow, impossibly, it seemed that Tejito’s hand slipped on the hilt of his sword. And then there was a spray of blood and Tejito fell to the ground.
Banui cleaned his blade, then sheathed it. He turned to look at the Emperor.
Shuguto-sama looked sad for a moment, but then that was gone and he was stern. "Tell my brother that I will send my answer in several days. Now go."
Banui turned and left. Right after that the Emperor went into seclusion with only his closest advisors.
Immediately there was talk of avenging Tejito’s death, and his relatives were already demanding the right to do so. Tejito had been well liked in the court and many were not taking his death well. In the middle of all this Hiro approached me and told me he had a problem. After everything else I wondered what he might tell me.
What he told me almost made me laugh, but I did not as I did not want Hiro to think I thought light of his problem. Somehow Saeko had arranged it so Hiro invited her to his quarters. She had picked up a kimono he had had made in the city and was bringing it to his room. Hiro was worried about what might happen.
I suggested he invite Akayama to his room to play Go. I was certain that Crab General would make an excellent chaperone. I am not sure how well it worked since the next day Hiro looked a little upset and I saw Akayama and Saeko in the bare gardens playing Go and talking like they were old friends.
A few days after Tejito’s death Shosuro Ginsho asked if he could speak with me. I had no wish to speak with the Scorpion, but I was constrained by the demands of politeness. We met in my room, with the doors thrown open, looking out into the garden, and ensuring that we could be seen. I would not have any false rumours about myself and this man starting.
He thanked me for seeing him, and asked if I might do him a favour. I told him that I was sure that I could be of little assistance to an ambassador from the Scorpion clan. He told me that I underestimated my position in the court. He was of the opinion that I had the Emperor’s ear, as it were, and that there was information he wanted to give the Emperor but though it might be better if it were to come from me.
For a time I said nothing. I was wondering just what game the Scorpion was up to. They say that when it comes the Scorpion plots, no matter what you do, it is what they wanted. I wondered if I cut him down that might be part of his plan or if it might take him by surprise.
Instead I asked him what it was he wanted me to give the Emperor. He pulled out a folded piece of paper, sealed with a ribbon and wax. It was just a simple note, he told me, but he hoped that if it came from me that it might be more well received.
This of course was the way the court works, and why anyone who becomes an Emperor’s favourite, or is even just presumed to be so, is in a such a useful position. The Scorpion looked smug. I was wondering how that look might change if I pinned his hand to the tatami with the tanto I had in my kimono. Alas, I never found out.
He then offered me a gift to thank me for what I was going to do. It was a beautiful, large broach made of jade, in the image of a humming bird. Perhaps a perfect match for the humming bird tattoo on the small of my back. That was also a gift. Scorpion know too much.
I refused the gift twice, and was almost willing to go on refusing it, but was too much my mother’s daughter to do that. I accepted the gift, it really is a beautiful piece of work, and we parted.
Five days after Tejito’s death I was called to meet the Emperor in one of the private audience chambers. Well, private is a relative term. The Emperor was there, as well as his personal guards, and a number of his advisors including the Emerald Champion.
I was told that Shuguto-sama would be sending his brother a reply to his message and that he wished me to carry it for him. I of course said that I would. As if there was any doubt. I had little doubt what the answer would be. I did not see Shuguto-sama stepping down. He did suggest that he might have made an unpopular decision. One of his advisors told him he had to pursue his rights. Most agreed. I kneeled there, my head higher than all those assembled there, except for the Emperor, who was seated on the dais, and his guards who were standing.
The Shuguto-sama did something odd. He sent all of his advisors out of the room, leaving he and I alone, but for his guards. He got to his feet and walked over to look out at the garden, made nearly bare by the coming winter.
"What would you say if I said I thought about stepping down, as my brother requested?"
"What could I say?"
"Would you think it the right thing to do? If it saved the Empire?"
For a time I said nothing. "If a man were to do so, to make such a sacrifice, he would always be remembered. Another man might sit on the throne, but all would know it was not truly his. In history, he would be poorly remembered, but the one who stepped down, no one would ever forget him."
He seemed very sad as he looked out at the garden, then he turned to face me. "Beyond the wall a great army is gathering, one of the sort that has not been seen for more than a thousand years. The Shadow Banner, and whoever it represents, is active in the West. An unknown. The Scorpion are hurt by this war, and split by internal pressures. This Black Circle you spoke of. Ginsho claims that these problems have been alleviated, but I don’t believe him. This Black Circle is aiding the Lions, with the knowledge taken from the black scrolls."
He said all this, a list of problems facing the Empire. A list of his problems. What could I have said to him? What answer could I give? I had already given them. He knew what I thought. Who held the throne did not matter. That the Empire survived did. What I did not tell him, because I felt it was not my place, was that I felt that it was better than he sat on the throne than his brother.
Instead I took out the message given to me by Ginsho and presented it to him.
When he read it he smiled and looked at me. "Ginsho-san has kindly promised me that if I choose to take My armies to fight the encroaching Shadowlands that we will have safe passage through the lands of the Scorpion." He shook his head. "You may go now," he told me, still smiling.
I stood, bowed low, and left. As I left his advisors were called back into the room.
The next day we were gathered to leave. I was going of course, to deliver Shuguto’s message that I carried in a sealed, wooden box. All of my companions were going with me, along with two other cranes. Cousins of Tejito, going to avenge his death. Two were going in case something happened on the road.
Before we left Hiro came forward, bowed to the Emperor and told him he had, as ordered, made his choice. It was the Daijine-hime.
Furthermore, Hiro said as he had been presented with three gifts, he would give three gifts of his own. Then he walked to Daijine. His first gift was a beautiful kimono, the one he had had made. Then he presented her with his wakizashi. I wonder why he did that. Perhaps one of the swords presented to him by his family tied her to his family as well. And the final gift was perhaps one of the greatest he could give. The riding horse, the beautiful unicorn steed.
His actions were well received by the court, and by Daijine.
Then Hiro told her that he could not promise that he would not leave her, but like Shinjo, he could promise that he would always return.
We rode from the castle, down the road towards the Imperial City. We could only hope that things might go as well as they had in the court of the Northern Emperor.