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Post by tadakasan on Jan 30, 2011 21:33:13 GMT -5
Tadaka listens intently. He had heard the story of The Swan Lord's Goblet, but certainly not in so much detail; in the Isawa libraries the story was merely a legend and what there was had never mentioned the Crab. Leave it to the Sparrow to have a better knowledge of the story... the Kuni certainly knew what he was doing. Even after Kaymar finished he sat thinking for a moment, mulling over the news and the ramifications.
Finally he spoke up, "Halt the caravan!" Tadaka's voice seemed to come from more than one place and the caravan quickly stopped. Turning, he looked at Kaymar, "You may stay here if you wish while I go talk to the caravan master and hop out when they stop moving again or, if you need to, you can always go talk to your servant. Either way I shall meet you after I am done letting them know what to do and what to expect."
Tadaka hopped out of the wagon into the rain; he had certainly not expected this on this particular trip. It was true he had run into bloodspeakers on the caravan between Dragon lands and Phoenix lands, but that it had spread so far... Either way there was nothing thinking about it would do; all he could do is get the caravan on it's way and see what to make of this Swan Lord...
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Jan 31, 2011 9:37:26 GMT -5
It wasn't long until Kaymar followed Tadaka out, while calling for his servant who wasn't in sight. Wandering over to his pony the witch hunter selected a few items and added a few scrolls to his satchel. He looked wistfully at his Naginata - but realised the wide swinging techniques he frequently used with the weapon would be of little use in the network of caverns.
"My Lord?" queried Junti as he appeared behind his master. "I will get getting off the wagon shortly, and be accompanied by Isawa Tadaka. You however, will remain on the wagon, and report my findings, advising that if I have not arrived within half a week of the wagon that the clan send additional forces to investigate. You know which scroll and chops to present, and whom to." As Kaymar turned away, back to the pony, he heard the former farmer give a simple prayer, before nodding.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 31, 2011 11:36:06 GMT -5
Tadaka waited for Kaymar on the edge of the road; therain had let up for a moment and streaks of sun could be seen to the north. It was a relief but it did makethe stormclouds to the south and east look all the more dark. He watched Kaymar talk to Junti and the servant bow and close is eyes as if praying before Junti went to the wagon master. Tadaka adjusted his pack as Kaymar walked over, the caravan starting to move behind the Crab as the two met up. One of the mercenary ronin followed closely behind Kaymar quietly, walking over towards his and Tadaka's meeting spot.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Jan 31, 2011 19:14:11 GMT -5
The meaningful stride of the Kuni stopped sharply as he moved beside Tadaka. The Crab still looked in a state of disarray, sodden robes and streaked facepaint matching with the dripping black hair plastered to his face and neck, but anyone watching closely would have seen a hint of a smile as the rain briefly faded.
"Well friend Isawa, let us...." the witch hunter abruptly cut off, feeling something wasn't right, and turned his head to look at the approaching Ronin.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 31, 2011 19:38:41 GMT -5
The ronin stops beside Kaymar and kneels down next to him, looking at Tadaka, "Tadaka-sama, are you sure none of us should join you? If it was known that we let the Master of Void walk off without a bod~"
Tadaka cut him off by raising his hand, "First off, the rest of the Council knows I am known to wander on my own from time to time, so I would not concern yourself with that Mokujo-san. Second off, I think it is not a good idea to question the ability of the Crab to protect me in their own lands..."
He looks up at Kaymar and bows a little before turning back to the Ronin, "Go back to the caravan; they need more protection than the two of us do. I shall hold you responsible for organizing the rest of your troop and making sure the supplies are delivered."
The man nods and runs off, Tadaka turning back to Kaymar, "So Kaymar-san, shall we beon our way as long as the weather is looking up?"
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Jan 31, 2011 19:55:05 GMT -5
Kaymar's eyes blinked and he cocked his head to the side slightly. As if remembering himself, the Kuni suddenly bowed sharply and looked down at the muddy gravel. "Please forgive me honourable Master, I should have realised who you were when we met. And especially so when you gave me your name. I.. I must also offer my apology for being as direct as I was within the wagon."
Thoughts tumbled through the Crabs head, before he stopped himself and tried to order his mind. He didn't want to bring such a high ranking individual into danger, and yet he could not now ask the Isawa to not join him - that would be a grave insult. By the Kami, things were never simple, and Kaymar both cursed his lack of refined courtier skills yet also was glad he did not excell in such circumstances - he would just end up in more of them if he got sent to court regularly. A sudden chill ran through the Kuni...couldn't the Master of the Void read minds? Kaymar's eyes widened as he kept his gaze on the ground and once again his left hand subconciously reached for his jade pendant.
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Post by tadakasan on Jan 31, 2011 20:29:00 GMT -5
Tadaka waved his hand, "Come now Kaymar-san, I have no desire for such formalities at the moment. If I desired such... attentions I would not be travelling with a Caravan through the Wall Above the Ocean Mountains.
He looks over to the west at the departing caravan. "Let us simply take care of this issue before they can finish their plan Kaymar-san; is that not what is important in the end? Oh and you're wrong by the way." He smiles at Kaymar, "I cannot read minds. After you?" He motions for Kaymar to lead the way.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Feb 1, 2011 12:29:24 GMT -5
Kaymar winced, knowing he had asked for that. Straightening up, he nodded while repremanding himself. Before entering into conflict with bloodspeakers he always made sure to run through his meditations - to strengthen his mental resistances. This was an acute lesson, and one he would remember.
"Thank you Tadaka-sama." smiled Kaymar, as the pair set off.
-- As darkness crept into the lands, the rain returned. An hour of cross-country travel may have been some peoples idea of fun, but not Kaymar. This was duty. This was important.
Eventually the Kuni indicated the pair should stop. The cavern system was just out of sight, obscured by course, rough, bushes and how boulders had fallen from above. "Just down there. If you did not know it was here, it would be very hard to find." whispered the Crab. "And I don't believe we are being watched." A savage grin split across the Kuni's face, and his eyes seemed to light with fire at the thought of what was to come.
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 1, 2011 18:43:05 GMT -5
Tadaka follows Kaymar quietly, using a walking stick to better travel the rough terrain quickly. As they get near the cavern, Kaymar motions them to stop. Tadaka nods in reply after Kaymar speaks, "I would not have known of it, no. I cannot even see it now. And even if I could I would expect such an... out of the way place to be inhabited by bakemono, not cultists."
He pauses, listening and trying to sense anything, he shakes his head, "I am most grateful for your research and hard work that lead us here Kaymar-san. Now, did you have any sort of plan in mind, or were you waiting until you had more information about what is inside the cavern?"
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Feb 1, 2011 19:08:51 GMT -5
Reaching inside his satchel, Kaymar pulls out a waxed container. Grumbling about the rain the Kuni scans around for the nearest overhang and heads towards it. Once there, he opens up the container, and turning his body to protect the parchment from the worst of the weather, he shows it to the Isawa.
Kaymar was glad he had asked Junti to map what they had already seen previously - which to be fair was not much of the caverns. However, the captive cultist had been most forthcoming...eventually... Kaymar just hoped that Tadaka didn't look too closely at some of the dark splattered stains on the parchment.
"From what my research revealed, the honour guard were found here." Kaymar pointed on the map. "There was a rockfall close by, and my guess would be that the guard gave the Kaiu Lord enough time to collapse the tunnel - partly - behind him. Had I been aware of either at the time I captured the cultist, things may have worked out differently." Kaymar grunted. The saving grace in his mind would be the time it would take to dig through that rubble.
"This area here is the largest natural cavern, with enough space for 12 men to stand in a circle, and I believe the most practical area for any rite to be conducted. I was convinced in the answer I got that the cell had 7 other members, led by a female, who has previously enacted maho rites. As such I would not be surprised if we faced skeletal versions of my former clan mates, if any were in enough condition to be used."
The Kuni looked at Tadaka and paused. "If nothing else, I am thorough." Steping slightly to the side, and back into the rain, the witch hunter gave more space to the Master of Void to examine the map and grinned.
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 1, 2011 23:57:48 GMT -5
He listened intently, looking at the sketch. He waited for Kaymar to finish what he knew before he started asking any questions. As Kaymar moved aside, Tadaka stared at the map intently then looked up, nodding. "I see. Hm.
Reaching into his back he pulled out a mempo that looked like it was made out of volcanic dark rock. Tying it on he turned to Kaymar, speaking quietly, "A few questions then; one, beyond the rockslide is map you gleaned from your captive correct? That might prove to be a problem, though I do not doubt you got him to tell what he knew... but considering the interupption they already had and their missing member, the group may have set up... well unconventionally in order to trap anyone who came in. A second question is do you know approximate numbers of cultists and zombies in the caverns? I don't believe I ever heard any numbers of what we'd be going up against. Thirdly..."
Tadaka seemed to staring through the rocks at this point, not so much at them. It was hard to tell his facial expression with the mempo, but he did seem to be... lost in thought. But he finished the sentance, "Thirdly, what magic are you skilled in? I the Kuni focus on Earth magic because it's connection the the land and to the purity of Jade. But just how skilled of are you Kaymar-san. I am hoping greatly, because I have a plan." He turned to look at Kaymar once more, his eyes curious and with a hint of mischief, but also most insistant.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Feb 2, 2011 11:45:34 GMT -5
Kaymar's jaw clenched. He had expected questions, although silently scolded himself for being too enthusiastic and not being more detailed when providing details. If nothing else it proved that the Master of the Void was indeed as wise as it was rumoured.
"Taking your questions, Tadaka-sama. The map is as accurate as it could be in the circumstances. I had the truth from the cultist, there were no lies and the research methodical, although I can understand why those not as familiar would question the validity of anything such a non-person would confess. Beyond this point " the Kuni indicated towards the map "is where the information came from the cultist rather than was seen directly by myself or my servant.
As to numbers, the cultist reported the cell consisted of 8 members, including himself. There have been no reports of anyone missing within the area, peasant or samurai, until at least two days ago - however I cannot guarantee over the last few days. If the cell leader is a cautious woman, I would expect her to have hired a few more swords - however I doubt this. She obviously does not wish to draw attention to herself given the lack of activities in the area." Kaymar stopped for a second and opened up another scroll. "Six, " he reported after having a glance at the scroll. "The Kaiu honour guard consisted of six members within that time period. While it is hard to judge what condition they would be in, it is probably safest to assume all are usable - and the Lord himself, making seven undead." The Kuni was glad he had become set in his ways in forcing Junti to write everything down.
"I cannot guarantee there is no trap." continued the witch hunter "Indeed, I fully expect there to be so, more than likely using the undead in the first instance." Kaymar pushed his wet hair out of his eyes again and slowly returned the most recently opened scroll into it's holder. "Your supposition is correct friend Isawa, I am indeed skilled in communing with the earth kami. I am no Master of Earth" Kaymar grinned, "but I have an affinity and understanding with the kami of earth - and they will do as I command." the witch hunter tucked the scroll away and looked the Isawa in the eye. "Tell me your plan Master of Void " he demanded "and the earth shall heed your call!"
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 3, 2011 1:24:02 GMT -5
Tadaka listened and nodded, ignoring the comment about not knowing the methods of extracting truths from someone. But as you finished talking, you could tell he was smiling, even behind his mask, "It shall indeed my Kuni friend. I am fairly advanced in the ways of the Earth kami myself, which is why I wanted to make sure you were as well; my plan depended on both of us being so."
Taking out a scroll he showed it to Kaymar, "I trust you know this basic spell well, the Embrace of Kenro-ji-jin?" his smile turned into a grin, obvious in the older man's eyes. "It is my intention to use this spell to removes and shadows of a doubt about the situation, and to set up our own trap hopefully. We will be limited in what we will be able to do, and will need to hurry in our work all the more so. But I think the reconnaissance will be our cutting edge in this battle Kaymar-san. After all..." He looks out from the overhang, looking meaningfully at the tall dark storm clouds rushing near, "We are priests of the kami, not bushi; we should use our advantages to protect the Empire how we can, or should we not?"
He looks back down at Kaymar, awaiting his input on the all be it simple plan.
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Kuni Kaymar
Crab Clan
Crab Clan * Damiyo * Shugenja * Witch Hunter * Jade * Earth *
Posts: 162
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Post by Kuni Kaymar on Feb 3, 2011 16:10:51 GMT -5
The Embrace of Kenro-ji-jin. Now that brought back memories. He remembered being told to 'Trust in the kami' when he asked how someone could breath while walking through the earth. He also remembered the punishment for asking for further clarification. So many years ago, the Kuni mused.
"Yes Tadaka-sama, I am very familiar with that spell. I approve of your logic, and the less complicated the plan, the less that can go wrong. If I make a suggestion that we make for the rockfall in the first instance. That way we can determine if they have broken through." the Kuni replied.
"As a last resort, Master of Void, I can beseach the earth to collapse onto the caverns. I say last resort as it would leave too many unanswered questions in my mind." stated Kaymar as he readied himself. "I am ready when you are. If nothing else it will be a blessing to be out of the rain."
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Post by tadakasan on Feb 3, 2011 23:45:50 GMT -5
Tadaka nods, Rockslide first, agreed Kaymar-san. I would also agree with collapsing the cave as a last resort, for it would make retrieving the artifact for Seturo quite difficult I think."
He chuckles slightly and stretches, "We won't be able to talk under the earth of course, but we should beable to see each other most of the time for coordination. I shall follow your lead based on what you see and will try my best to follow the spirit of your suggestions, though I will not be able to hear them in any way. With that said, we should probably hurry; Bloodspeakers wait for no one, and neither do storms."
Finishing speaking, Tadaka chants the Embrace of Kenro-ji-jin, pebbles lifting from the ground around him and swirling before he clasps his hands together in the symbol for earth, falling into the ground in a blink.
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