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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 5, 2011 10:34:30 GMT -5
As the Dragon and the Scorpion went outside, the old ronin sat and enjoyed the meal. The Mistress of Secrets was a fantastic cook it seemed. As he finished the meal, he held the bowl in his lap, and scanned the tent. "Now, Shadow.... I would like to place my bowl somewhere, but I don't want you to accuse me of spying on the conversation taking place outside." The ronin scratched his stubbly chin. "You could help me out, and let me know where to place the bowl, or.... you could place it there yourself." With that, the Ronin's grin spread wide on his face.
"I truly hope that your just a fancy pants Scorpion and not a real shadow." The ronin mumbled under his breath.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Jul 5, 2011 19:19:53 GMT -5
The ronin wouldn't even be graced with an answer. But from where Haruka had left hers, he could guess that it didn't truly matter to her for the moment. Around the tent it was hardly much for decor or anything. It seemed to only serve as minor privacy and little else. The style was entirely in compliment to the Unicorn in simple build, unlike Scorpion tents which were often veiled with red silks and were far more decorated and elaborate.
For now it seemed like he had the space to himself. In the tent there was her daisho on a ceremonial stand, as well as a Scorpion mon now attached to it, though the design and origin was Unicorn. Particularly her Wakazashi had etchings of a horse that ran with the clouds at its feet.
Otherwise the words of the two women would be too low for him to make out. As Haruka still was looking right at Yuushahime.
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Post by Shoju2 on Jul 5, 2011 19:52:31 GMT -5
The Ronin sighed a little as he realized that the Shadow wasn't going to answer him. He sighed a little, stood, and cleaned the remnants of the dinner out of the bowl with a rag he had stowed in his armor.
He unfastened his Daisho from around his waist, and drew the katana, and admired the light reflecting off of it. "You know Shadow, the reason I hope you are truly a fancy pants scorpion and not a real shadow is my oath." The Ronin performed a small kata in the tent as he spoke. "You see, my father was the first casualty of the Lying Darkness after it stole the Emperor from the throne. The Shadow took my father from me, drove my mother to Seppuku in despair, cost me my chance at a life as a respected duelist. The real shadows have tasted death on this very blade. My father's blade. I will hunt down all the shadows. All those who lose themselves to the Shadow's sway. I will destroy them all." The ronin removed a different cloth from his armor, and began to clean the blade. "One day, I will find my son. And this blade will be his. Maybe he will be able to put it to better use than this old worthless Ronin ever did."
The ronin looked around the tent, sat down in the chair, sheathed his katana, laid the daisho across his lap, and began to doze.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
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Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 10, 2011 7:31:48 GMT -5
Yuushahime followed the Scorpion outside, her eyes scanning around the tent and briefly going over the ronin one last time before she stepped out.
Taking a half dozen few steps away from the tent but not ending up standing right next to Haruka, Yuushahime paused about a metre away. She'd always enjoyed the sight of horses and journeying on them and there was something majestic about Utaku steeds. Her attention turned back to Haruka as she was addressed.
She smiled back, nodding once "Yes, though I would not call them concerns. You are a capable woman, we merely have some questions. I am only interested to know the reasons why the honourable wife of the Scorpion Champion has put forward instructions to personally be made aware of, and then meet any ronin who are tainted enough to perhaps be Lost or vile blood magic practicioners. We Kitsuki had hoped to lead these investigations, and with Toturi's blessings, due to our experience in such matters...". She tapped her chin thoughtfully then continued "However, I do recall a report I read about an incident in the capital where you bravely defeated one abomination and assisted in the death of another and the capture of their Spider leader. Most praiseworthy of course. That suggests you do have some experience dealing with them that we are unaware of." She looked around her, taking in a long sigh as though to admire the view.
She gestured behind and around her to all the red and other signs of the Scorpion. She dipped her head once, respectfully to the woman, her smile larger than before "Congratulations again on your wedding. You have obviously adapted quickly to your new Clan. Utaku Haruka is a well known name to anyone in the Empire. You have led many successful attacks against the yobanjin and done other impressive acts of note. Now you are the wife of a Clan Champion and still you continue to make your changed name famous, even being here in such a potentially dangerous place under your present circumstances. Do you wish to bring further individual glory to your name with these actions? Please..." her expression became concerned, as though she spoke to a friend, her voice kind. She had done her best to gauge some of the feelings that likely drove the woman and Haruka's own sense of pride and did her best to speak to these "tell me what interests you about the Lost so much that you would risk danger to yourself by responding to their presence without the cooperation of the other Clans, including us your allies, or the official approval of our rightful Emperor?". Underlying the kind tone was a serious concern that Yuushahime wanted addressed. Her smile, never disappearing, continued to show to the woman she now watched steadily. Only her eyes may have momentarily gave away her wariness but they were not clearly visible as she stood with her back to the tent in silhouette.
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
OOC Cleanup Crew
Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
Posts: 1,054
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Jul 10, 2011 13:33:47 GMT -5
Haruka's eyes never left her. And as Yuushahime spoke, Haruka seemed to tilt her head slightly. It was hard to draw much more information with her mask back in place now.
"I can understand your concern Yuushahime..", suddenly dropping the tone to a much more personal and intimate level. Her voice seemed to reflect this as it lowered to a faint and delicate tone. "However this ronin would never have been allowed to approach had he carried the taint. He seems to be one poor soul who is brought to me by the kami...
But I digress.." Redirecting the conversation and stepping closer to Yuushahime to gain her level gaze again. She silently was absolutely grateful to the Kitsuki's praises, but now preferred to move past that.
"I have come across some very dark rumors in my travels to this camp, and I have heard of much increased activity from such individuals." She seemed to flinch and avert her gaze a moment as she considered her conversation with Shoju. "Such rumors also suggest that the tainted have already been heading towards Toshi Ranbo... It was nearly enough of a likelihood in such shifting times in the empire for me to abandon the quarrels of the ascendancy to assess the threat. However, as you are the one Kitsuki I know and have come to respect, I wish to confide in you..."
She stood half a meter away from her now, rubbing her hands. "There are others who are already investigating these rumors at my request. For now I wish to focus on what threatens us here and now." Haruka seemed to avoid mentioning the Shogun by name for now. But just then a glint in her eye from a masked emotion came up. "I would be willing to collaborate on this investigation if you would honor me with your expertise on the matter of such dark individuals." Bowing slightly in respect, as her next words shined with an honest but humble pride. "I do not seek out the Lost and things of the Shadowlands for my own personal glory. I do so out of the need to expel the evil from the empire."
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 12, 2011 11:59:23 GMT -5
Her answers were acceptable but they were not direct answers to the questions Yuushahime had asked. This puzzled her for a moment. Had she really been expecting an honest and direct reply? Or was she perhaps amused that an Utaku had taken on board a Scorpion trait of skirting around an issue. True, the Dragon often spoke in riddles and indirectly but... often the Scorpion just spoke and revealed nothing. Nonetheless, an offer to cooperate had been forthcoming. That had been her primary goal. It would allow her to better monitor the other woman and investigate her reasons in time. Any risks would also be better contained this way.
Yuushahime listened attentatively, doing her best to gauge the feelings of the other woman from her tone and word choice. The mask made it harder as the woman's facial expressions were hidden but her eyes were still visible and the camplight was bright enough that she could still make out details. She noted that Haruka acted quite familiar and preferred to be close. She had likely not experienced many unpleasantries in the courts. They taught one to be more guarded. Still, this was beneficial to Yuushahime as long as the Scorpion wasn't taking especially effective acting lessons on the side.
Yuushahime picked up on the woman's flinch but only nodded. She'd inquire further in time. "I can confirm your intelligence on Lost movements in and around the capital. They have sought an audience with Hantei. Unfortunately I do not yet know what decisions have been made and how those currently in the Imperial Courts will react. It still saddens me that the scum weren't annihilated on sight... the whole capital will need to be purified since they set foot in its streets and courts". She shook her head, actual anger and annoyance showing on her face for once - her seemingly eternal smile replaced with a stern glare that lingered on the horizon towards the roads that led to the capital.
Yuushahime refocussed, bringing her thoughts back to the conversation. She smiled at the compliment and then listened as Haruka talked about the more immediate threats and made her suggestion. It was too good to pass up.
"I and the Kitsuki, along with the Dragon, would of course be willing to collaborate and share the work of an investigation. We are allies afterall and I am tasked as the Ambassador to your Clan. I could not let loose such an opportunity to combine our talents for the betterment of the Empire. Those tainted beyond hope must all be purged..." She smiled ruefully, as though enjoying picturing the justice that would be brought to the Empire's enemies.
She reminded herself to carefully probe for intelligence and to see what was on offer. She realised that the details of the cooperation would be important. She would respond to the other woman's initial suggestions but she had to make sure one thing was agreed? "What do you propose? I would, at the least, suggest that small units are created with individuals from both our Clans so that they may learn from each other and deepen our friendship". This would make it easier for her retainers to follow events
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Jul 12, 2011 17:07:13 GMT -5
"For now, I would prefer to continue on as I have done so far..." As Haruka effectively locked gazes with Yuushahime. "Our search has been broad and yielded nothing as of yet. The minute I or those that are involved in these searches come up with any potential information, we will not hesitate to let you know. Discreetly of course."
She bowed politely to add a physical sense of sincerity. When she rose though she seemed to relax somewhat as her posture shifted to reflect as such. Naturally her first instinct to begin searching them out stemmed from something unseen, but beyond her desire to protect Toturi and the clansmen, it seemed she was about as straightforward as a Scorpion ever was. The evening was growing late around them however as they spoke, and Haruka noted it with a soft shift in her gaze towards the heavens.
"I would prefer to have anyone believe that we might be working against each other, if only to give the ones we seek the false sense of security to lower their guard just that much more..."
Her gaze fell gently back on Yuushahime as she seemed pacified, "I've already informed my agents that the other clans might give us problems. But they already know how to act in the event of any situation. You can tell your investigators to do as they must."
She gave a slight tilt to her head as her eyes seemed slightly heavier, as out of sight she smiled, "Unless you have another suggestion, Yuushahime-sama?" Bayushi Haruka seemed to at least understand the workings of tact and facade. She silently hoped however that this would quell the Dragon for now and allow their search to continue, largely unhindered. For there were those she'd assign that were meant to be seen, and many more still who were not.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 12, 2011 17:48:14 GMT -5
Yuushahime quietly waited for the other woman to finish.
"I am sure we would all enjoy being able to continue as we are yet life and fruitful cooperation rarely allow that. You have stated your preferences and I can understand that but I believe I have already made my suggestion - that our agents and retainers work together. Of course, if you wish to have others believe that we are at odds and our alliance is weakening I can see the benefits of such a misunderstanding... but is it not far better to show strength and unity - raising our morale and intimidating our enemies? You have asked for my expertise and this is, I believe, the best course of action. These are not momentary enemies that can be confused by signs of weakness or tricked into attacking us openly. They hardly ever move openly. The tainted plot and will only respond to strength. Hopefully the strength that leaves them dying before the bonds of brotherhood that tie us together - not to mention our greater numbers and diverse skill sets... why allow for a delay in the spread of information when we can move as one?"
She appealed to notions that she knew the Unicorn were generally supportive of. She hoped it worked. So what if the Scorpion believed they needed to hide all their talents so their enemies underestimated them? There was no need for such deceit in this case, when the enemy could easily be crushed if found and was not actively watching them and thus not even able to fall into the trap Haruka seemed to prefer. Perhaps the woman was trying too hard to follow the ideals of her new Clan?
She pushed these thoughts out of her head as she quickly finished "I will tell my agents to do what they must then. I am sure the members of our Clans will get along on this matter from tomorrow onwards". She dipped her head, her smile kind and open before she looked around her once more "but it is getting late now, is it not? I could not be so rude as to keep you from your meal any longer..." She stepped back half a foot, motioning as if to leave
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Bayushi Haruka
Scorpion Clan
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Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry? Paragon of Courage? Friend of the Lion
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Post by Bayushi Haruka on Jul 12, 2011 18:00:39 GMT -5
Haruka bowed gently to the Dragon woman, "The evening is late, and you've only just arrived. I hope that you find rest this night and I will seek you out again should something arise."
She took a few paces on her way to her tent again as she brushed by her gently, "And of course should you wish to speak to me about anything else, your company is always most welcome."
If she said nothing more, Haruka would contently return to her tent quietly to have some more of her stew. She was eating for more than just herself now after all.
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 12, 2011 18:29:39 GMT -5
"Good evening Bayushi Haruka-sama"
Yuushahime bowed once to the woman and waited for her to return to her tent. With that she inspected the area around her one last time. No doubt there were specially trained samurai lurking around. She could at least feel them continuing to watch her. She had nothing to hide. Stretching once in the night air to show she was relaxed, she then made her way around the tent and taking one last look at the fine Utaku steed. Rejoining her companions who were still patiently waiting at the entrance, she silently gestured for them to depart for their own tents. There matters could be discussed further and details for the day ahead planned, in full, with personnel being reassigned to work with some prominent Scorpion magistrates who were at the camp as well as others known to assist with investigations. Of course there would be more that were not known to them, but a few of her own patrols and look outs would see that anyone else patrolling who was not part of the normal guard would soon be accompanied. To make sure that she could not be accused of acting too independently, she had one scribe put the majority of the personnel assignments into a message that would be delivered to Haruka's tent int the morning... after a reasonable amount of time for breakfast of course. And to allow her agents to begin to perform their instructions before any attempts could easily be made to hinder such efforts. If the wife of the Scorpion Champion was so interested interested in these individuals then Yuushahime wanted to know why. Her interest had been perked with the report of the incident in the capital. She would get to the bottom of this and any data gained in the process would also assist in achieving her overall agenda.
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Post by Mirumoto Shigekazu on Jul 14, 2011 13:40:08 GMT -5
When Yuushahime was about to enter her tent she heard someone was approaching very loudly. She looked in his direction and saw drunk Mirumoto bushi who was reeling toward her and shouting „Heeey, preeetty ladyyy, do you waaant to drink with meee?”. His clothes were untidy and he carried open bottle. Before Kitsuki can react he quickly approached and jogged her hand. He stank of digested sake and puke, so Yuushahime pushed him away. „Ooooh, I’m sooo sorrrry, prettyyy lady. I’m goooing now, sorry, reeealy sorry.” When he vanished in the darkness of the camp Kitsuki noticed that she has a note glued to her sleeve. „If you still trust me, meet me alone at the Fukurokujin’s shrine outside the Keep at Togashi hour. Mirumoto Shigekazu.”
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 14, 2011 14:37:40 GMT -5
That was a novel method, she thought. Trust Shigekazu to have fun like that. If it was a samurai from any other Clan her retainers would have obstructed him. As it was a Dragon samurai though, the group had been a little unsure how to react. She had a slight urge to have the Mirumoto messenger punished but knew he was acting on Shigekazu's orders. Still, if she didn't, it would arose suspicion. Hastily she instructed one of her courtiers to find the man in the morning and see he made a public apology for his actions. With that, she finally made it to her tent to begin her briefing.
Later that evening, with Lady Moon hanging in the sky and shining over the whole camp, Yuushahime departed her personal tent to meet Shigekazu at the Fukurokujin shrine. She only took 2 bodyguards with her so the group could move quickly. She was tired now but did her best to remain alert. She had changed into a more plain looking kimono with light armour over the top and carried a naginata as well. Her intention was, rather than stealthily approaching to avoid unwelcome eyes - she thought stealth was too unrefined for herself - to appear as a guard patrol. Her two allies carried yari and wore heavy armour. To the few samurai still awake at this hour, the group almost certainly appeared to be a Dragon bushi patrol. The nagainta felt a little odd in her hands, as she had not recently used one but unlike the yari, she was reasonably well trainted in its use. Not exceptionally proficient but she knew how to carry it naturally.
Arriving outside the shrine and thankfully not encountering any more unruly samurai or people who may interfere, she directed her Mirumoto trained bodyguards to stay close and be alert while she cautiously approached the shrine. It had a number of trees surrounding it that would make an ambush not too difficult to arrange. She trusted that the message was from Shigekazu though, for it was his style to be supremely discreet if unconventional. She thought she could make out at least one figure's shape by the side of the shrine.
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Post by Mirumoto Shigekazu on Jul 14, 2011 17:39:11 GMT -5
When Yuushahime went closer to the shrine little man in straw cloak and wide-brimmed straw hat rose from the stone. He leaned back his hat and Kitsuki saw smiled face of Shigekazu. He approached to his superior and bowed deeply.
- Nice to see you, Yuushahime-sama. I hope my messenger haven’t damaged your cloth, this glue is very weak and should wash off easily. - Shigekazu was still smiling. – If you allow me, I will remain under pulled hat. For potential observers I will still look like a simple traveller and it would be better for both of us. Although ambassador has his immunity he can still has an accident like falling from a horse and breaking neck, choking to death with a sake or falling gravely ill. I have very valuable information for you and Kaneka and I could not rely it on anybody else than myself; otherwise I would not risk arriving at Mount Watch Keep in actual situation.
- We can speak freely, there are no people in the vicinity and if they come we will be warned by my guards. Please, do not look for them in the trees. - Shigekazu caught Yuushahime’s peek - I do not know why people always look at the trees, you cannot abandon them quickly when necessary or take good position to shoot. To appease your curiosity I can reveal that one who delivered my message disguised as a drunk bushi is hidden on a hillside and watch the area, shugenja who ensure magic secrecy is with the horses by the abandoned hut behind a grove and my yojimbo is right behind your bodyguards, inside the bush, wearing camouflaging robes.
Shigekazu had waited until Yuushahime turned back to him again after spotting hidden yojimbo, then spoke again.
- Do you want to know better my current position on Hantei-Toturi conflict first or you trust me enough to hear what information I bring without delay?
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Kitsuki Yuushahime
Dragon Clan
This person sometimes posts things that are tl;dr
Courtier Magistrate Ambassador Daimyo
Posts: 1,140
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Post by Kitsuki Yuushahime on Jul 14, 2011 18:27:26 GMT -5
She bowed to the Mirumoto. Once again she was thankful Shigekazu was gathering intelligence for her. He was officially a karo to herself and more importantly to their Champion, Mirumoto Takezo, working as the intelligence chief of the Dragon. In effect, his modus operandi was more that of a spy master. Nonetheless, she was very glad that he had prepared the meeting with such thought, even if he had to use stealth. After finally spotting the camoflauged yojimbo, not easy with the lack of light, she turned back to Shigekazu. She did her best to not show any interest in spotting where the other Dragon guards were, trying to remain content that she could order them out of hiding at any point.
Responding at first with a sincere smile, as she was amused by the man's antics, she replied "Thank you for coming in person Shigekazu-san. I do trust you but we have time enough. I would like to hear both"
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Post by Mirumoto Shigekazu on Jul 14, 2011 21:10:28 GMT -5
As you wish, Yuushahime-sama, I will describe everything widely. - Shigekazu responded and started to talk.
- Currently I am recognized as a Hantei supporter and that is the reason why I cannot safely enter Kaneka’s camp. Unusual path had led me to this position and unfortunate words of one of my associates played main part in this. To made long story short, Hantei claimed that I support him, Toturi automatically banned me from their actions and I was seriously considering committing seppuku. But when I was meditating, new idea came to me. I decided to engage in Hantei’s actions in hope to penetrate their structures and making as much damage as it is possible. Currently I have advised Hantei to march immediately before Kaneka make peace with Yobanjin and gather more strength. It should be deadly to Hantei, who is well known for his indolence, to act quickly, separate from Hachi’s army stationing in the Valley of the Two Generals and march through Lion’s lands from which Kaneka’s family descends. I also have lobbied to welcome Spider emissary and I have done it for two reasons. Firstly, if Hantei recognizes the Tainted Clan it would clearly show his true colors as a false Emperor and an enemy of the Empire. Secondly, I am an ambassador after all and I should make friends whenever and wherever possible. Thirdly, having good relations with the Spider would allow me to gather intelligence on them much easier. And last but not least I provided Hantei’s commanders with reports on Kaneka’s forces. You may see it as a treason and in other circumstances it would clearly be but not this time. Yes, this reports were mostly true and complete but gave them nothing more than they previously gathered from other samurai who had fought against Yobanjin and defected to Toshi Ranbo. And when they received invaluable but confidential information they trusted me enough to reveal their anti-Kaneka plot.
Shigekazu paused for a while, gulped water from bottle took out from under his cloak and continued.
- Now I am waiting for occasion to officially change my colors. My informers reveals that it could be possible soon if majority of the Dragon Clan supports Toturi. Then I will bring complete information about Hantei’s forces, supporters and spies to the Kaneka. I will bring him on a plate all his opponents and he could easily judge who stood against him because of foolishness and impossibility to reveal true nature of the Hantei and who stood against him because of evil nature and inclination to cause havoc. But now I must act delicately. Here – Shigekazu took out a scroll and passed it to the Yuushahime – is the list of enemy agents inside Mountain Watch Keep camp. Of course this list is probably incomplete, as I cannot reach every single agent, but contains names and agent descriptions both from Hantei’s and Spider’s side. Use it wisely and do not let anyone know that you obtained such intelligence. I’m also working on determine how Spiders shift their agents from Shadowlands to Unicorn lands and there are three possible routes. First leads through Plains Above Evil, Shinomen Mori to White Shore Plain and it is surely the shortest way but it is not safe to travel through the Naga’s forest. Second leads through Plains Above Evil, steppes outside Empire’s west border to Outsider Keep and it is the fastest and easiest way if they are able to provide agents with travel papers. Third leads through steppes, mountain passes and burning sands outside Empire’s west border to Yobanjin lands and from there to the Mountain Watch Keep and Shiro Ichiro and it is clearly the safest way if we assume that Spiders cooperate with Yobanjin tribes. And intelligence I gathered leads to that conclusion, otherwise how the Yobanjin could invade Empire so easily? Moreover...
Silent sound of the flute interrupted Shigekazu’s speech.
- I must go, this is signal that larger group is coming from the camp. - Shigekazu started to speak hastily - I will provide more info in the future, especially on the Spider infiltration of the Empire, as you recently focus on this topic. Please, pass this agent list to the Kaneka and say to him good word of me. This loose stone in path to the shrine – Shigekazu pointed before his right foot - will be our contact box, check it weekly under a pretence of prayer to Fukurokujin, there always will be some message; if not that means something happened. Use cipher, I will provide you with a copy of Niten which will serve as our key; if you would lose it or have suspicion that someone could obtain our key, sent me message by courier, we will cope with that. Now farewell, Yuushahime-sama.
Shigekazu bowed and quickly walked away into the grove and vanished between the trees. His yojimbo did it even quicker. Yuushahime was left alone with her two bodyguards and scroll in hand.
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