A Higher Cause
Western Hub Village was full to bursting. The town when they had departed had been bustling, filled with merchants selling their wares, monks chanting praises to the fortunes, farmers bringing their crops to market, and travelers moving from one side of the Empire to the other with energy and purpose. That had all changed. The refugees that lined to roads leading up to the town sat listlessly atop piles of their meager belongings, lacking any safe refuge, too tired and lost to walk further. Merchants hawked their wares still, but fights broke out for some overpriced necessities while other merchants shouted their calls with rising desperation in their voices. Farmers carried empty baskets, trying to avoid the eyes of beggars pleading for rice. And on at least two street corners on the way into the village, self-acclaimed holy men cried out about how the time had come and the end of the world was nigh. Rokugan was being punished for her faults...though each preacher decried different failings.
Looking around them, the magistrates could almost feel these holy men might be right. From the lowliest burakumin to the mightiest samurai they passed, there was an air of hopelessness. They were relieved to reach the House of the Dawn Lotus, where at least a façade of calm and beauty remained.
A beautifully dressed maiko met the group of magistrates at the door, bowing and welcoming them most graciously. "Please, come with me,” she offered. “And please allow your blades to be polished by our expert Kakita-trained craftsmen.” The bushi surrendered their blades, but Ayame refused, claiming that the sword she bore was a holy artifact that she may never allow another to touch until it was returned to its true resting place. Her sincerity, her family name, and clear lack of weapons training, convinced the guards to allow the weapon to pass, especially since it was convincingly well-bound. Ayame did, of course, draw some eyes.
The maiko led them into an interior room where other servants of the house, brought them food and sake and water to wash away the dust of the road. Around them, from other rooms, came the sound of music and laughter, where other wealthy patrons were being entertained. After a short period fo time, the oka-san of the geisha house came to them and knelt before them.
“Welcome once again, samarai-sama’s, to the House of the Dawn Lotus. What service can we do for you?”
Mirumoto Kenuchio took the lead. “Thank you for your gracious welcome. We were told that Lord Toshimoko, the Emerald Champion, might either be here or we might direct a message to him from here.” Moto Tsolmon pulled out their travel papers, and laid them out before her.
The old woman’s eyes twinkled. “I remember you, and I thank you for showing me your travel papers. You are fortunate that we have met before, for I am forced to be more suspicious now than once I was. However, I must humbly inquire after the fate of your obi, Mirumoto Kenuchio-sama. Lord Toshimoko was quite concerned.”
Ayame hid a smile with her fan as Kenuchio answered stiffly, “After Toshimoko-sama cut it at the Test of the Emerald Champion, it could not be repaired. I put it away for safe-keeping and trust that it will be at the heart of an interesting tale to tell my grandchildren.”
The oka-san smiled broadly, demonstrating a sad lack of teeth. “Lord Toshimoko is behind a good many tales that I remember. And he has not forgotten you either. He is not here, and it has been a month or more since he passed this way. You may leave a message and I can try to get it to him. In addition…” she glanced over her shoulder towards the back room she had come from. “He has left something for you also. I beg a moment to retrieve it.”
She stood, gracefully bowed, and retreated into the back room. The magistrates could just hear the sound of whispering, but decided to wait patiently for the oka-san’s return.
A few minutes later, she did come back, carrying a letter on a black lacquered tray. She lay it before the assembled magistrates and left. Kenuchio broke the seal’s green wax. The letter read:
“To my gate guardians,
Do not return to Otosan Uchi. I have learned what I needed to know and I know what I must do. The Emperor has decided his own protection. Now the Empire itself must be protected also. This old duelist must try to wield an army, I suppose.
Wait here. Keep the peace of Western Hub Village if you can.
In time, there will come a man, an ashigaru, wearing a green cloak and hood. He will greet you in my name. Ask him for an invitation. He will provide you with proof of his identity. If he provides proof you can accept, then my orders are to follow him. Do as he bids, and help him where you can. He speaks for me to you in all things. He will not bring you dishonor.
Kakita Toshimoko”
Kenuchio silently passed the letter to Ayame who looked at it carefully. “It is from him,” she said after he had read it. “You can see by the lower cross stroke.” She passed it to Eiko, and it was passed on until each magistrate had read the letter silently in turn. Izuko returned it to Kenuchio.
“How long are we supposed to wait here, guarding this town, while the Empire falls apart around us?” a frustrated Hiruma Izuko asked aloud.
The shoji screen opened again. A tall, middle-aged man, dressed in simple, but well-made clothing, entered. Over his shoulders and head was a hood of dark green fabric.
“Not long, I imagine,” the stranger replied.
How quickly this man had captured their loyalty! It was surprising to Moto Koshi, but, perhaps, simply having a direction, any direction, that would seem to help resolve a world gone wrong, was enough. Koshi might not even know his name, but he had certainty of purpose and a clear vision. That, and Toshimoko’s assurances, were enough for Koshi.
The others took a little longer to trust.
The group of magistrates turned quickly to the hooded man who approached them. The stranger smiled and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Never fear me. I come in the name of Kakita Toshimoko, the Emerald Champion and a dear friend. He told me that you would be coming eventually, and I see I have arrived right at the correct moment."
Hiruma Izuko cocked her head suspiciously. "I have seen no invitation for you to be here."
The ronin reached into his obi and pulled out a piece of paper. It was clear that the paper was fine, but older, and somewhat worn with the passage of time. He passed it to the Dragon bushi that stood before him. "I understand, Mirumoto Kenuchio. But I do have one. See?"
Kenuchio opened the paper slowly and glanced down. "An invitation to participate in the tournament for the Emerald Championship. These were returned to Seppun Ishikawa following the tournament. Only Ishikawa or Toshimoko would have had access to them, and only Lord Toshimoko would know of their significance."
Izuko was still unsatisfied and turned to Ayame. "What do you say?"
The shugenja smiled softly. "I don't know him. But the kami do. He is not shugenja, but he is much beloved. I don't know why."
The stranger smiled at that. "That, I hadn't known. Don't be concerned, Hiruma-san. You are Hiruma Izuko, yes? While I appreciate that Toshimoko-sama has entrusted me to your care, I will not ask you to do anything that you would not wish to do yourselves, if you had learned what I had. It would make the Doji-kami weep to see a blade born by an Asahina, and it is vital that it be returned. I will take you to its true owner."
Izuko's eyes narrowed. "And who would that be?"
The ronin frowned, the first expression of anger they had seen on his face yet. "Not the monster who wears Doji Hoturi's face now, if that is what you are asking."
Ayame sighed softly, then asked with hesitation, "I believe that you will do this. I am willing to go with you to return the sword. But you know our names, and we do not know yours. If we are to go with you, what should we call you?"
"Ayame-san...your faith gives me heart. I am sorry. I cannot give you my name, because there are many forces, of this realm and Jigoku itself, that are dearly searching for its mention in order to use it to find me. But I am a teacher of sorts. You may call me Sensei."
The preparations took a few days. The proprietress of the geisha house had seen that they were provisioned. The bushis' swords were returned well-polished and their armor was cleaned and re-laced. At Sensei's direction they were given traveling clothes that were well-enough made and appropriate to their clan, but less distinguished than the uniforms of magistrates of Otosan Uchi that they had previously worn. The ronin seemed to desire anonymity for the next stage of their travels.
It was for the best. The Empire was growing increasingly dangerous. Moto Koshi asked the news of every Unicorn that rode through the city, for news rarely carried faster than Unicorn steeds. He received word that Shiba Tsukune had reached Kuyden Kakita, finally, joining Daidoji Uji and reclaiming the land the keep had stood upon. But she had found the place destroyed, that the army of madmen that had captured it had disappeared into the hills once more and left at best a token force behind. The Lion army that had rebelled against Matsu Tsuko's suicide orders had ridden deeper into Crane Lands after Uji had withdrawn to retake Kuyden Kakita. Even now, the Lion were laying seige to Kuyden Doji, where Doji Kuwanan was standing a solid defense. As soon as Uji had secured Kuyden Kakita, he set out with his fastest troops to try to break the siege, leaving Shiba Tsukune in charge of the defense of Kakita lands. But, unlike Matsu Agetoki, Daidoji Uji lacked cavalry. It would take more troops to break a Lion siege.
News from the West was equally dire. Plague so afflicted the Imperial Capital that, now, the orders the Emperor had made that the Lion must not enter the city in order to defend it almost seemed prescient. None entered or left the city save a few Imperial Heralds, carrying new orders from the Empress. Winter Court had been cancelled due to risk of spreading disease. Koshi had overheard a few Lion samurai drinking sake at one of lesser sake houses; they were discussing how long it would take Ikoma Tsanuri, commander of the Lion army defending Otosan Uchi, to recall Agetoki to drive off the Crab assaults on Otosan Uchi. Kisada would...must...fall soon.
Four days after meeting the man they called Sensei, the group of magistrates, now to all appearances, a misfit collection of low-ranked samurai forgotten by their clan leadership, left Western Hub Village, traveling north towards Northern Hub Village, the borders of Phoenix lands, and the boat that awaited them.
Western Hub Village was full to bursting. The town when they had departed had been bustling, filled with merchants selling their wares, monks chanting praises to the fortunes, farmers bringing their crops to market, and travelers moving from one side of the Empire to the other with energy and purpose. That had all changed. The refugees that lined to roads leading up to the town sat listlessly atop piles of their meager belongings, lacking any safe refuge, too tired and lost to walk further. Merchants hawked their wares still, but fights broke out for some overpriced necessities while other merchants shouted their calls with rising desperation in their voices. Farmers carried empty baskets, trying to avoid the eyes of beggars pleading for rice. And on at least two street corners on the way into the village, self-acclaimed holy men cried out about how the time had come and the end of the world was nigh. Rokugan was being punished for her faults...though each preacher decried different failings.
Looking around them, the magistrates could almost feel these holy men might be right. From the lowliest burakumin to the mightiest samurai they passed, there was an air of hopelessness. They were relieved to reach the House of the Dawn Lotus, where at least a façade of calm and beauty remained.
A beautifully dressed maiko met the group of magistrates at the door, bowing and welcoming them most graciously. "Please, come with me,” she offered. “And please allow your blades to be polished by our expert Kakita-trained craftsmen.” The bushi surrendered their blades, but Ayame refused, claiming that the sword she bore was a holy artifact that she may never allow another to touch until it was returned to its true resting place. Her sincerity, her family name, and clear lack of weapons training, convinced the guards to allow the weapon to pass, especially since it was convincingly well-bound. Ayame did, of course, draw some eyes.
The maiko led them into an interior room where other servants of the house, brought them food and sake and water to wash away the dust of the road. Around them, from other rooms, came the sound of music and laughter, where other wealthy patrons were being entertained. After a short period fo time, the oka-san of the geisha house came to them and knelt before them.
“Welcome once again, samarai-sama’s, to the House of the Dawn Lotus. What service can we do for you?”
Mirumoto Kenuchio took the lead. “Thank you for your gracious welcome. We were told that Lord Toshimoko, the Emerald Champion, might either be here or we might direct a message to him from here.” Moto Tsolmon pulled out their travel papers, and laid them out before her.
The old woman’s eyes twinkled. “I remember you, and I thank you for showing me your travel papers. You are fortunate that we have met before, for I am forced to be more suspicious now than once I was. However, I must humbly inquire after the fate of your obi, Mirumoto Kenuchio-sama. Lord Toshimoko was quite concerned.”
Ayame hid a smile with her fan as Kenuchio answered stiffly, “After Toshimoko-sama cut it at the Test of the Emerald Champion, it could not be repaired. I put it away for safe-keeping and trust that it will be at the heart of an interesting tale to tell my grandchildren.”
The oka-san smiled broadly, demonstrating a sad lack of teeth. “Lord Toshimoko is behind a good many tales that I remember. And he has not forgotten you either. He is not here, and it has been a month or more since he passed this way. You may leave a message and I can try to get it to him. In addition…” she glanced over her shoulder towards the back room she had come from. “He has left something for you also. I beg a moment to retrieve it.”
She stood, gracefully bowed, and retreated into the back room. The magistrates could just hear the sound of whispering, but decided to wait patiently for the oka-san’s return.
A few minutes later, she did come back, carrying a letter on a black lacquered tray. She lay it before the assembled magistrates and left. Kenuchio broke the seal’s green wax. The letter read:
“To my gate guardians,
Do not return to Otosan Uchi. I have learned what I needed to know and I know what I must do. The Emperor has decided his own protection. Now the Empire itself must be protected also. This old duelist must try to wield an army, I suppose.
Wait here. Keep the peace of Western Hub Village if you can.
In time, there will come a man, an ashigaru, wearing a green cloak and hood. He will greet you in my name. Ask him for an invitation. He will provide you with proof of his identity. If he provides proof you can accept, then my orders are to follow him. Do as he bids, and help him where you can. He speaks for me to you in all things. He will not bring you dishonor.
Kakita Toshimoko”
Kenuchio silently passed the letter to Ayame who looked at it carefully. “It is from him,” she said after he had read it. “You can see by the lower cross stroke.” She passed it to Eiko, and it was passed on until each magistrate had read the letter silently in turn. Izuko returned it to Kenuchio.
“How long are we supposed to wait here, guarding this town, while the Empire falls apart around us?” a frustrated Hiruma Izuko asked aloud.
The shoji screen opened again. A tall, middle-aged man, dressed in simple, but well-made clothing, entered. Over his shoulders and head was a hood of dark green fabric.
“Not long, I imagine,” the stranger replied.
How quickly this man had captured their loyalty! It was surprising to Moto Koshi, but, perhaps, simply having a direction, any direction, that would seem to help resolve a world gone wrong, was enough. Koshi might not even know his name, but he had certainty of purpose and a clear vision. That, and Toshimoko’s assurances, were enough for Koshi.
The others took a little longer to trust.
The group of magistrates turned quickly to the hooded man who approached them. The stranger smiled and raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Never fear me. I come in the name of Kakita Toshimoko, the Emerald Champion and a dear friend. He told me that you would be coming eventually, and I see I have arrived right at the correct moment."
Hiruma Izuko cocked her head suspiciously. "I have seen no invitation for you to be here."
The ronin reached into his obi and pulled out a piece of paper. It was clear that the paper was fine, but older, and somewhat worn with the passage of time. He passed it to the Dragon bushi that stood before him. "I understand, Mirumoto Kenuchio. But I do have one. See?"
Kenuchio opened the paper slowly and glanced down. "An invitation to participate in the tournament for the Emerald Championship. These were returned to Seppun Ishikawa following the tournament. Only Ishikawa or Toshimoko would have had access to them, and only Lord Toshimoko would know of their significance."
Izuko was still unsatisfied and turned to Ayame. "What do you say?"
The shugenja smiled softly. "I don't know him. But the kami do. He is not shugenja, but he is much beloved. I don't know why."
The stranger smiled at that. "That, I hadn't known. Don't be concerned, Hiruma-san. You are Hiruma Izuko, yes? While I appreciate that Toshimoko-sama has entrusted me to your care, I will not ask you to do anything that you would not wish to do yourselves, if you had learned what I had. It would make the Doji-kami weep to see a blade born by an Asahina, and it is vital that it be returned. I will take you to its true owner."
Izuko's eyes narrowed. "And who would that be?"
The ronin frowned, the first expression of anger they had seen on his face yet. "Not the monster who wears Doji Hoturi's face now, if that is what you are asking."
Ayame sighed softly, then asked with hesitation, "I believe that you will do this. I am willing to go with you to return the sword. But you know our names, and we do not know yours. If we are to go with you, what should we call you?"
"Ayame-san...your faith gives me heart. I am sorry. I cannot give you my name, because there are many forces, of this realm and Jigoku itself, that are dearly searching for its mention in order to use it to find me. But I am a teacher of sorts. You may call me Sensei."
The preparations took a few days. The proprietress of the geisha house had seen that they were provisioned. The bushis' swords were returned well-polished and their armor was cleaned and re-laced. At Sensei's direction they were given traveling clothes that were well-enough made and appropriate to their clan, but less distinguished than the uniforms of magistrates of Otosan Uchi that they had previously worn. The ronin seemed to desire anonymity for the next stage of their travels.
It was for the best. The Empire was growing increasingly dangerous. Moto Koshi asked the news of every Unicorn that rode through the city, for news rarely carried faster than Unicorn steeds. He received word that Shiba Tsukune had reached Kuyden Kakita, finally, joining Daidoji Uji and reclaiming the land the keep had stood upon. But she had found the place destroyed, that the army of madmen that had captured it had disappeared into the hills once more and left at best a token force behind. The Lion army that had rebelled against Matsu Tsuko's suicide orders had ridden deeper into Crane Lands after Uji had withdrawn to retake Kuyden Kakita. Even now, the Lion were laying seige to Kuyden Doji, where Doji Kuwanan was standing a solid defense. As soon as Uji had secured Kuyden Kakita, he set out with his fastest troops to try to break the siege, leaving Shiba Tsukune in charge of the defense of Kakita lands. But, unlike Matsu Agetoki, Daidoji Uji lacked cavalry. It would take more troops to break a Lion siege.
News from the West was equally dire. Plague so afflicted the Imperial Capital that, now, the orders the Emperor had made that the Lion must not enter the city in order to defend it almost seemed prescient. None entered or left the city save a few Imperial Heralds, carrying new orders from the Empress. Winter Court had been cancelled due to risk of spreading disease. Koshi had overheard a few Lion samurai drinking sake at one of lesser sake houses; they were discussing how long it would take Ikoma Tsanuri, commander of the Lion army defending Otosan Uchi, to recall Agetoki to drive off the Crab assaults on Otosan Uchi. Kisada would...must...fall soon.
Four days after meeting the man they called Sensei, the group of magistrates, now to all appearances, a misfit collection of low-ranked samurai forgotten by their clan leadership, left Western Hub Village, traveling north towards Northern Hub Village, the borders of Phoenix lands, and the boat that awaited them.
