The small group of riders sped down the Imperial road through the edge of the Crab lands, bearing no mon only their blue and silver livery gave any hint to their origin. As the sun descended towards the distant mountains, a lone guard post appeared on the horizon and the lead rider spurred an extra burst of speed from his steed.

Reaching the building, it could be seen that it had not be used in some time, the slatted floors were starting to warp and the few of the shoji screens were intact. The lead rider dismounted and turned to the others. His eyes were hardened by the recent conflicts, his charges young and inexperienced but forced into service beyond their years in these trying times.

"Wait here, I will not be long." commanded Daidoji Marako.

The two yojimbo dismounted and one took the proffered reins from his lord, a look of concern passed over her face. "Are you sure you can trust him?"

Marako smiled broadly at the question, "No, I am certain that I cannot. But we need the information and I can trust that he has it."

"But will he give it to you?", the young Crane continued.

"Perhaps," mused Marako turning to walk to the building, "there is no-one else to give it to after all."

-=-=-

The room was shrouded in darkness, cobwebs strung across the doorway that had not be disturbed. Lichen grew on the exposed woodwork and in the corner the shadow appeared to be darker than it should be. Footsteps sounded on the ground outside and the entire room seemed to watch the entrance with interest. The faint silhouette of a man formed along one wall and moved slowly across the room. Suddenly it turned to look behind and saw a lone figure standing in the doorway near the back of the small hut.

Marako opened his hand and light enveloped the room, produced by a small crystal charm in his palm. The figure shied away towards the safety of the shadows, cursing under his breath at not anticipating this course of action.

"Coming in the back door, not exactly the honourable thing to do." chided the shadowy figure.

The Crane stood still, facing the other man while he carefully swept his gaze around the dimly lit room. "You cannot be too careful nowadays."

"Indeed. I was expecting you earlier."

"I was... delayed. Are the reports true, are they returning as expected."

"Yes. My Lady comes back to us, but perhaps not as expected."

Concern creased the delicate features of the samurai, he disliked the unknown and that was one of the reasons he had risked this long journey. "Explain."

The shadowy figure stepped forward slightly and the light caught him, covered in a dark shroud little could be made out but beneath the cowl the faint outlines of a dark mask could be seen. The Bayushi's voice took on a slightly threatening tone, "They bring a few surprises with them, for those that would have seen us destroyed. More than this I cannot say."

"Cannot, or will not?"

The figure smiled beneath the cowl. "You learn fast, Daidoji-san."

"Those that do not, die. The palace is ready, but what of Ryoko Owari?"

"The Unicorn will soon have more to concern them than holding our city from us."

The shadowy figure held out a hand from beneath his robe, in it was a small black figurine.

"Take this, it will expedite your passage to our Lady."

The Crane stepped forward to take the object and noticed strange lines running up the arm of his informant. The hand quickly disappeared back into the billowing robes before any detail could be made however.

"What, no refusal?" sniped the Scorpion.

"There is no time for pleasantries, and besides this is hardly a gift."

-=-=-

As night brought it's threatening pall to Rokugan, the two samurai stood near the horses intently watching the surroundings. Although no man or beast could be seen, they remained attentive for other threats. At a sound they turned as one and looked to the abandoned building. In the doorway stood Marako, framed briefly in a warm yellow light that died in an instant as his closed his fist.

Walking quickly over to the horses, he mounted without word and took the reins. Turning his head briefly back to the building, he waited as his companions prepared themselves.

"Where now, Daidoji-sama?" asked the samurai-ko.

"North."

The two yojimbo shared a puzzled look. "I thought we were to return to the Asahina fields. What is north?"

Marako turned his horse sharply and with a kick set in motion down the road.

"The future. The future..."