|
Post by sprinkles on Sept 19, 2011 20:02:32 GMT -5
Sprinkles drew his onyx dagger. He was never a samurai and never held a katana. With a wave of his hand the dagger lit on fire. It was shorter than Kenpachi's ono but no less deadly. He threw a few short feigns to test his opponent's defense. Kenpachi was unfazed. Rumors of Kenpachi's skill said he was a master but rumors usually exaggerated, this time they did not. Sprinkles threw a black egg at Kenpachi to blind him. The swordmaster stepped aside, but the distraction was enough. Sprinkles lunged and thrusted his dagger for Kenpachi's heart. Kenpachi read his opponent's move perfectly and deflected his dagger down while leaving him open for a counter. Simultaneously Kenpachi's ono plunged into Sprinkles chest, and Sprinkles dagger stabbed Kenpachi in the leg. Both howled in pain. The Monkey troops let out a victory cry. Sprinkles fell to the ground. Kenpachi was about to deliver the death blow when another black egg hit him in the face. The sheer act of dishonor caught him off guard. Quickly the Spider recover Sprinkles and retreated back toward the Iron Citadel.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 19, 2011 20:58:33 GMT -5
Run. Hide. Perhaps then you will escape justice for a moment longer.
Kenpachi limped back to his men. He wiped his eyes, whatever this stuff was it stung his eyes. He managed to almost kill him, to the death indeed. Kenpachi wrapped his leg, and Juta began to pray, closing the wound. It might heal off though, the Shadowlands was a poor place to heal. He wrapped a finger of jade near the wound. He'd fought this long, taint was the last thing he wanted.
|
|
|
Post by sprinkles on Sept 19, 2011 21:32:08 GMT -5
Upon returning to the Iron Citadel Sprinkles took at his wound. A long went right threw his chest, several of his ribs were broken. Sprinkles was not like the other khadi, he still had his heart and he still felt pain. But he was nearly impossible to kill and in time even this wound would heal. In time. Sprinkles had always been a patient man, but as his goals were now in reach he was acting more and more reckless. The Snake were and even greater danger now. And the only reason they survived was because of Toku Kenpachi. "Kenpachi, I will see you suffer at my hands even if it takes me a life time to do it."
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 20, 2011 8:27:51 GMT -5
Unong rushed to the Monkey and summoned the Shugenja who traveled with him. The Shugenja was a young an inexperienced child. Unong looked him into the eyes. "You will use all that you have been shown to keep the taint from this man, even if it means drawing it into yourself."
The child nodded, and looked at Kenpachi. "Toku-sama. I fear that for now, I must ask you to ride in the cart with me, so I may keep your wound safe until we are past the gates."
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 20, 2011 10:16:23 GMT -5
With Shoju, and the Majority of the Snake Clan
They could hear the lapping of the tide against the beach. They were closing on the beach. It had been, by all measurements, a safe trip through the Shadowlands. The scouts had steered them away from the few oni that they saw, while the Bakemono watched with eerie fascination. There was an air about the man in charge of these people that seemed familiar to them, though he didn't look familiar. It puzzled them enough to keep them at bay.
The only trouble that they did have, was an Ogre who had thought he had found easy prey. When he realized the scope and size of his 'prey', he vanished quickly. As the crested the final hill, and the slope down to the beach, and the sea were in sight, Shoju exhaled. Finally.
Starting some 100 yards from shore, the rocky outcroppings known as the Isles of Candas began. This place was said to be cursed, Guarded by the Ningyo, as some sacred land held under the sea. Shoju had assumed that it was nothing but rumors, but now that he was here, and seeing the isles for himself, He was beginning to believe there was something to it.
Shoju scanned the surroundings from this high vantage point. In the distance to the south, he could see the ruins of a fortress that time had withered. It was a fortress last used some fifty plus years ago by the mad man Junzo's forces. Shoju wasn't sure if anything still inhabited the fortress, and he surely didn't want to find out. While He and Junzo shared similar histories, one thing rang true. Junzo lost himself to the mark of the shadowlands. Shoju was seemingly fighting to free himself of it.
Slowly, the Snake clan had come to rest along the crest of the slope. Bonfei, and several others rode to where Shoju and Tenshi sat atop their steeds. Bonfei bowed as best he could "What would you have us do Shoju-dono?"
Shoju looked accross the beach. It was wide and flat, and in this area, the large hill sloped up and out towards the shadowlands. Make camp for all at the base of the hill on the beach. We know not how high the tide will run. Sentries should be posted along this slope, and on the beach. Shoju thought back to the letter he had received from Unong. Spider forces had attacked them, looking for the Snake. I want no one getting the jump on us. Bonfei, I want two of your best, most trusted scouts to head south, and find what they can about that abandoned fortress.
Shoju turned and looked at Tenshi. He knew she could read his thoughts. and he hadn't tried to hide them from her on the journey. His affection for her was the strongest he had felt towards anyone since he said goodbye to the Shosuro woman. He felt stronger with her by his side. He felt more... Human. In the morning, I need to discern if the Ningyo truly reside here. If they do, making peace with them will be the only way off this beach, either to the isles, or to the ships when they arrive. Have you any experience with them?
|
|
Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
|
Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Sept 20, 2011 13:36:34 GMT -5
The relatively shallow waters between the isle of Candas and the mainland fairly teemed with life. Fish of all sorts darted in and out of coral reefs, hunting tiny game (or each other). The sea floor was littered with spiny creatures and wriggling animals, all constantly competing for the abundant resources the sea had to offer. Even with the forbidding Shadowlands nearby, the life here was still pure. Vibrant. Untainted.
Isoroku found it all quite revolting.
A colorful little clownfish darted too close, and Isoroku's blade shot toward it. The water slowed his strike, however, and the little fish managed to dart away unscathed. Frustration mounted in him, nearly unbearable when coupled with the agony of waiting. Thrakhath's minion Yurishi had come to him not two days ago with orders to ambush the Snake Clan, and to do it as quickly as possible. He'd done as he was ordered, and Isoroku had felt particularly clever when he'd concocted his plan to wait beneath the water and assault the Snake as they crossed from the mainland to the islands. He'd even been careful to consider the nearby Ningyo, and he'd made sure to deploy his troops outside the area patrolled by the fiercely territorial creatures.
Isoroku turned to view his troops arrayed around him. There were only a couple hundred of them; all he'd had time to muster in the short window Thrakhath had given him. He was counting on the element of surprise being the winning factor in the upcoming engagement. Under normal circumstances, time would not be a factor for his undying warriors; they had no need to sleep, eat, or perform any of the other daily maintenance tasks their living counterparts required. Down here, however, the water tended to wreak havoc with bodies that were already ravaged by death and rot. Sometimes it felt as if the maho that kept their bodies animated was the only thing holding them together. Isoroku wanted to get his troops out of this environment as quickly as possible, and that only added to his anxiety.
He sensed a disturbance in the water nearby, and when Isoroku turned to look he made out a vaguely humanoid shape. He recognized the creature as one of his scouts even it motioned for him to surface. Blade in hand just in case, he kicked off of the sea floor and swam upward. The two undead broke the surface quietly, and Isoroku turned to face his scout. "You have something to report?" he whispered.
The scout nodded, and Isoroku could see the eagerness in his expression even through his undead features. "The Snake Clan moves, Irosoku-chui," he hissed. "They began arriving on the shore less than a day ago."
"And you left immediately, as ordered?" Isoroku said.
"Yes, Isoroku-chui," the scout responded. "I cannot guess exactly how much time has passed since I started this way, but when the Snake began to file onto the beach there were yet no ships waiting for them."
"Then they could be here any moment," Isoroku said. He surveyed the area around him, noting that the sea was fairly calm and visibility was good for now. "Stay here and watch for sails on the horizon," he ordered the scout. "Find a higher vantage point if you can, a piece of driftwood or something similar," he said. "At the first sign of their approach, signal us; I don't want to miss our chance."
"Yes, Isoroku-chui," the scout said. The two undead saluted each other, and Isoroku dove to rejoin his troops on the sea floor. In that instant, all of his frustrations and worries disappeared.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 21, 2011 11:29:48 GMT -5
At the ruined fortress Mizu and Fudo had been scouts together for what seemed to be forever. They were closer than brothers. They both were raised in the same village by farmers. They excelled at hunting, and their families let them hunt together to put food on their tables. By the time they were 15, the Unicorn Clan had taken an active interest in the boys. They could track and scout game better than some of the most trusted scouts in the Khan's forces.
They were elated to become scouts for the Khan. They served the khan, and honored their humble beginnings as Ashigaru. When the war with the Yobanjin began, they again were charged to scout together.
One night, they had scouted a peculiar army that had camped far away from the rest of the forces. They witnessed the Yobanjin ambush, and the routing of the Yobanjin. As dawn came, they realized the truth about the army. The Shadowlands had come to fight in the war.
They rushed off as soon as they could to try and make it back to the Command tent of the Allied forces near Mountain Watch Keep, but the Bakemono pack was too fast, and more cunning than they had anticipated. They were captured, and taken before the man leading the force of the Shadowlands.
His proposition was hard to resist. Serve willingly, and remain alive, and untainted, scouting the way they always had. Resist, and both would die, and serve as undead. The proposition had worked for what seemed forever. Their master had given them everything needed to aid in staying taint free, and they had scouted to keep him safe.
This time, they had been given specific orders. Scout out the ruined fortress. Don't get too close. Don't stay too long. They had scouted out everything between the Snake Clan and the fortress, and were now moving towards the wall of the fortress.
As they crested the wall of the fortress, they saw very nothing. The grounds looked abandoned, as if unused in quite a long time. By the time they heard the noise behind them, it was too late. They spun, and narrowly avoided being pinned by the gruesome claws of the monster behind them. It was tall, and stood like a man, but it's posture and number of limbs were the only things that resembled a man. Mizu lept to his left, and out of range of the monster. Fudo attempted to leap to his right, but the monster's barbed tail caught him in the air, straight through the chest. The beast flicked Fudo's lifeless corpse to the side, and turned to where Mizu had landed. Mizu was gone, running down the beach towards the water. He was unsure why, but the water looked safe.
The beast lumbered after him, running on all fours. Mizu drove his legs harder into the sand, reaching the water and dove in. The beast continued to chase. When he was able to see, He wasn't sure if the water was such a safe place after all.
|
|
Toku Hirotomo
Monkey Clan
Bushi Paragon of Compassion Clan Champion Toturi's Army
Posts: 793
|
Post by Toku Hirotomo on Sept 21, 2011 13:13:07 GMT -5
Kenpachi nodded. He liped to the cart and allowed the Snake to help his wound. He almost wanted to laugh at the irony, but Duty thirst was slaked for the moment. He'd managed to keep the Snake alive. He let himself drift into sleep, Juta would be able to command until he awoke.
|
|
Daigotsu Thrakhath
Spider Clan
Through strength, I gain power. Through power, I gain victory. Through victory, my chains are broken
Posts: 600
|
Post by Daigotsu Thrakhath on Sept 22, 2011 10:56:19 GMT -5
A scout must be able to traverse a multitude of terrains in order to be effective, and water was no exception. Mizu was a strong swimmer, and he drove himself forward as hard as his arms and legs could carry him, not daring to look back in case the monster would catch him. He didn't know how far he'd gone when his lungs finally gave out, and, sputtering for air, he came to a stop and finally looked behind him. The surface of the water showed no signs of being disturbed, and when he dove to look under, he saw no signs of pursuit in the surprisingly clear water. Looks like my luck managed to hold out after all, he thought with an involuntary grin. He kicked for the surface and floated on his back, his eyes squinting in the bright sky as he allowed the current to carry him.
The last image of his lifelong friend impaled on the tail of a Shadowlands monster came unbidden to his mind, and he fought back tears as he bobbed gently in the water. It was not the way Fudo would have wanted to leave this world, but at least he left it untainted. His soul would remain free, even if his body were to reanimate and walk again. He closed his eyes and said a silent prayer for his friend.
"This is not your day, samurai." Mizu's eyes flew open and he splashed frantically as he turned this way and that, looking for the source of the voice he'd just heard. Am I going mad? he thought. Just then, an arm grabbed him around the chest and he felt the coldness of a blade pressed against his throat. The stench of decay filled his nostrils. "Why are you here," the same voice hissed in his ear.
"Kill me, if you are going to," Mizu said defiantly, too exhausted to be truly frightened. "I will tell you nothing."
"You will," the voice whispered with a hint of amusement, "perhaps not yet, but you will." Mizu stared off into the distance, and time seemed to slow around him. Fudo, he thought to himself, will we explore the Heavens together? There was a sharp pain as the blade bit into his neck.
***
Isoroku rummaged through the dead samurai's clothing; a difficult task in the water, where the lifeless corpse constantly threatened to sink. His hands found a lump in the man's coat, but when he reached into the pocket to examine it, he withdrew it quickly, hissing angrily at the burn the finger of jade had caused. His obvious lack of taint (and the precautions to keep it away), and his similar lack of anything that might identify him as a Crab, meant that the man could only have come from Shoju's Snake clan. It was the only explanation that made sense. Isoroku let the man go, allowing the waters to finally claim him, and dove under to meet his troops again. He had a feeling his own scouts would be reporting back sooner rather than later.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 26, 2011 9:14:31 GMT -5
IN the Snake Camp on the beach
Camp had been set up, sentries were posted. Shoju sat uneasily in his tent with Tenshi. His mind was racing. No ships yet. He was sure that there would be ships coming, but he secretly had hoped that they would be waiting on the Snake when they reached the shore and not the other way around. He knew this was folly even as he thought it. It had only been a several day journey for the Snake from Saisei to the coast, While the fight with the Gaijin and healing the Monkey would have slowed down what was already a fairly daunting journey. Shoju's mind raced. Wondering where the scouts were and why they hadn't returned, wondering if his men in the Empire were safe.
Shoju had fallen down a dark path a long time ago. His actions had brought shame and dishonor to his former clan. he had been stripped of the chance to enter the next life and pay for his trangressions. He used that shame as fuel on a bloody campaign. He had so believed in what Daigotsu and the Sinister Woman had told him. He believed that they had the power to shape the Empire for the better.
He had died a second, more violent time for this idea, only to be tethered to this realm by his heart. Now, in this body, he had set out to change things. He had won control of his actions from the Sinister Woman while he was a tormented spirit. He now had a body again, and had the companionship of Tenshi. He had the blessing of his lord to attempt to seek recognition.
But even then, his Lord had underminded the effort of legitimacy. He had sent Shoju and a legion and presented a good face to the Hantei, but then had also sent a constituency to the Court of the Usurper. Daigotsu had played him for a fool. He had played him, and left him to die. Shoju knew the only reason that Daigotsu had let him leave the Spider was because he was ultimately no longer a threat, and he was no longer of any use.
Always searching for a place to fit in. He had never truly fit in with his original clansman. He was too brutal in his efforts. He had the face of a scorpion, but the brutality of a Crab Berserker. He hadn't fit in with the Spider, because he had goals far more scorpion like in their size and scope. He didn't want to weaken the empire to crush it. He wanted to weaken the empire to rebuild it, in the image he thought he shared with his contemporaries.
He doesn't even fit in with his "clan" he now tries to create and save. They all live, many untainted. They came to the Spider out of desperation, and see the Snake as their repentance and Salvation. Shoju hopes he can give it to them.
As his mind races, he watches, almost unflinching at Tenshi. Even as his mind races through the memories, and thoughts, and fears, he watches her.
|
|
Tenshi
Ronin
? 'Reborn' Samurai? Battle Maiden? Cavalry
Posts: 62
|
Post by Tenshi on Sept 26, 2011 16:36:34 GMT -5
Tenshi had watched Shoju throughout their travels, the hustle and the hustle playing havoc on her newly revived physical form, now burdened with the life of another even though it was nothing of her own creation. She had watched over his thoughts, learning everything he'd experienced and felt before their meeting, but at the same time she found herself running over her own conflicted memories. Though in truth they were of a much shorter and less detailed timeline compared to Shoju's.
From her days training extra hours under the scrutiny of her mother, being groomed to perform at a near perfect level. Then being sent off for some strange delivery which even she did not know the true origin of, only to fall so far from the sight of others for so long. The darkness, the pain, the struggle of it all as the visions haunted her mind then and still now.
She seemed to shift uneasily, the silence of that time not being something she wished to repeat as she broke the quiet. "I know that the years have been weathering on your soul Shoju. But you do what you must with what's good in your spirit, you reach out from the darkness to uphold the light."
As they were apart, Shoju could feel it now in return, that same warmth and appreciation he extended to her. She could feel it in her mind as though all other eyes might be enemies to steal them apart, but her words and her kinder gazes she kept hidden away, only for him.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 27, 2011 10:38:25 GMT -5
As they sat, ashes began to fall in front of Shoju. He extended his hand, and caught them. After the fell, he closed his hand around it, and as he opened it, the letter was hole again. It was from Unong. They had found a much larger fleet of smaller ships, than the small fleet of Sengokobune they had hoped for. It was enough to move the clan from the Ilses of Candas in one swoop.
The fortunes smile upon us. From Tortoise Lands to here, we should be leaving in a few days. Shoju smiled as he looked at Tenshi. He was relieved to that the plan had indeed come to fruition. At first light I must attempt to make contact with the Ningyo. Without their blessing, this could be treacherous.
Shoju eyed Tenshi and then eyed the opening to the tent. I wonder what became of the scouts? They surely should have been back by now. Shoju said aloud as he stood and walked to the tent opening. Dusk was setlling in, and he didn't want scouts out that late. The Shadowlands was no place to get lost at night.
Bonfei! Shoju called out into the air.
Obediently Bonfei rushed to the tent. Yes Shoju-dono?
We sent scouts south to check on the ruined fortress. I haven't seen them return yet with a report. Have you seen them?
No Shoju-dono. I have been mulling over sending a scout to check on them, but I fear it could compound any bad situation by adding another to those missing.
Shoju nodded. He didn't like that they were missing. With the Denizens of the Shadowlands, and the Spider chasing, the chances of foul play were great. He just wasn't sure which choice he preferred.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 29, 2011 9:24:22 GMT -5
Shoju thought for a moment. We will go together. He turned walked into his tent, and prepared his No-Dachi. As they left the camp, the light was beginning to fade. They would have so little time to discern the situation.
It wouldn't take long for them to find the gore on the beach. The dead scout. The tracks towards the water. Shoju put the body of the scout to flame. The wound had been awful. And both men had shared a glance. They both knew it wasn't a Spider who made that wound.
They began to follow the tracks towards the water. As they reached the shore, they did end at the water. The other scout had sought the safety of the water, but he was no where to be seen. Shoju waded into the water up to his waist, and reached out through the elements, looking for signs of the scout. He found none. Though, the water kami revolted a little against him. It was slight, and subtle, and it left Shoju wondering if the beast had entered the water after him.
We must return to camp. We will have a short wait for the ships to arrive, and in the morning I plan to meet with the Ningyo.
|
|
|
Post by Shoju on Sept 30, 2011 15:36:36 GMT -5
Morning, On the beach
It was a beautiful sunrise. Shoju had watched its glory over the water as he prepared to meet with the Ningyo. He felt weak this morning. While his soul needed no rest, his body did, and he had been pushing it the past few days.
He stood, entered the tent and dressed himself. Simple, to not seem ostentatious to the Ningyo, but regal enough to show he was of high station. He knew oh so little about the Ningyo, but had hoped he could draw them into a peaceful conversation.
He exited the tent as his honor guard began approaching. I'm sorry Bonfei-san. I'm afraid the journey this morning will be a solitary one. Shoju said while shaking his head. I want to prove to them that we are here because we have no other option, and wish to respect them. I fear the presence of an armed escort will only serve to make the meeting tense. You may watch from the short. I will surely be visible from there.
Shoju placed his No-Dachi on his back, and began walking towards the water. As he reached the shoreline, he closed his eyes, and rose in the air slightly. He hovered in the air just above the height of the waves. If anything happens, You will guard Tenshi as you have guarded me. Shoju turned, and began to move out towards the islands.
What most didn't understand about the grouping of islands around Candas, is that some of them weren't truly "islands". Candas was a holy site to the Naga, and some of these islands were the tops of their temples which lay under the water. While they slumber, the Ningyo guard them, ever watchful of threats to either of them. Several times throughout recorded history, the Ningyo have befriended and allied with Rokugani. Shoju hoped today for tolerance.
As he reached the first outcropping of the Isles, he could see the Ningyo swirling under the water. They watched Shoju, and Shoju watched them. The first outcropping seemed to be a building, so he moved to the second, roughly the size of a small home in size. it was a pillar. A true island. Shoju released the Air Kami that held him aloft, and a the Ningyo burst out of the water, Anxious to slay what stood before them. They could feel the taint hidden deep in his soul.
Shoju bowed low to the one who looked to be the leader, and held his hands to the side in an effort to look peaceful. The slender male, bobbed to the left of Shoju was flanked by a male and female on each side. Your kind are not welcome here, MONSTER Your peaceful position will only be tolerated for a short time. What is it you come for?
Shoju stood slowly. Honorable Ningyo. Thank you for allowing me to speak. I am Tamihei Shoju, Champion to the people who make camp on the beach. We have come here to meet with those who will save us from the vile lands and forces that we flee. I seek nothing but to use this land for a brief moment. Men with Ships are coming, to rescue us. We only ask that you allow us to board their ships, and depart.
The Ningyo bobbed in the water for a moment, and then replied What of the ones who lie in the water?
One of them killed men of mine last night. We seek no quarrel with you or their kind. We only seek to leave this place. Shoju replied, thinking the Ningyo spoke of the beast who killed the scouts.
The Ningyo shook its head. They have tasted your blood, and they have killed 2 of your men. They will not rest until they have killed the rest of you.
Shoju nodded. We are many, and we are more cunning. We will not fall to the likes of them. Shoju stood tall, confident that the army of the Snake could kill a few denizens of the Shadowlands hiding in the water.
The Ningyo looked back at him, his eyes holding Shoju's gaze. Foolish monster you underestimate the situation. The Ningyo shook its head, and looked at its party. Keep your petty war away from Candas. If you live to see your rescue, we will not interfere. IF you live to see it.
The Ningyo bobbed on the surface a moment while Shoju bowed deeply to them. As he rose and began to speak, they were gone. Shoju was taken back by the last sentence spoken by the Ningyo. IF? How many beasts could possibly be hiding in the waters around here? Surely the Ningyo lived here, so there couldn't be many.
Shoju called an air kami again, and made his way back to the beach.
Morning, on the Ships
Unong stared out on the Horizon. The captain spoke of a favorable wind through the night pushing them further than expected. The Yasuki Peninsula was coming into view off the side of the ships. It appeared they had made good time after all, and he could surprise Shoju with a few hours. Unong turned and looked at the helmsman. Have you ever sailed off the coast of the Shadowlands?
|
|
Kasuga Shinobu
Tortoise Clan
Tortoise Clan ? Courtier ? Smuggler ? (S)he ? Taihan Boss
Posts: 250
|
Post by Kasuga Shinobu on Sept 30, 2011 17:51:10 GMT -5
The helmsman of the Ill Wind looked over at the Snake samurai and opened his mouth, gurgling. One of his eyes appeared to be made of glass, his skin wrinkled and dark from sunburn.
A moment later the captain, whom Unong had learned went by the name Michi, walked up to the helm from the main deck, giving a quiet laugh. "You will have to pardon Izu Samurai-sama. He lost his tongue in a battle with a Mantis ship 20 years ago, back when they were still called pirates to their faces, not just behind their backs. I can answer your question for him though; no, the Ill Wind has never sailed along the coast of the Shadowlands."
Michi leaned back against a ship's railing, keeping his eyes on Unong. "If you are worried about experience being a factor in what transpires, that makes two of us. There is no profit in going into those waters, there only being an exception because of your grand generosity Samurai-sama. I have certainly heard the tales of what the shadowlands has done to the waters around it. As far as I am concerned, it is in and out as soon as all men are aboard."
--------------------------------- A mile behind, aboard the Fallow Field
The captain was a small man, wearing a plain, weather worn kimono. His skin was sun kissed, though not as much as many sailors, and his hair was white. He couldn't have been any less than 50, if not 60. Next to him stood a small sailor in a very similar brown kimono with no markings on it, hair wrapped up in a bandana, though it was clearly long. The sailor's face was the only thing showing, and it was clearly quite pale.
The captain spoke up a moment later, rubbing the butt of his pants. "Not too much longer. I got signals from the Ill Wind that our guests are being well treated, though they seem more eager to get to where we are going that talking and making merry."
The sailor's head shook slowly, a small cough accompanying the action. "What the Tamihei do with their time is none of my concern. You made sure that Captain Michi knows what is expected of him?" Another small cough, causing the short sailor's body to tremble slightly.
The captain shook his head. "Not what you except of him in the end, but yes, he knows that he is not to let a single samurai onto his boat without having every weapon confiscated besides their wakizashi. He is supposed to have told the other pirate captains, but I made sure our associates knew as well." The man grinned. "You worry too much Maneshi. We have far more to gain from this than lose. Besides, in the end, what is a loss to those such as us?"
The sailor had gripped the railing until the shaking had stopped. A small, weak smirk crawled onto the sailor known as Maneshi's lips. "That is what we seek to change Kaien. The Empire loses much right now. Let us turn that situation around, shall we?"
|
|